August 26, 2006
Wine Quote
"A man will be eloquent if you give him good wine."
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Wine of the Month
Our latest wine of the month is Deaver Zinfandel Port. With intense flavors of ripe blackberry and plums with hints of cedar and smoke, this California Port is a real delight. Located near Plymouth, California in Amador County's famed Shenandoah Valley, Deaver Winery also produces Zinfandel, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Barbera, and Sangiovese. We do not visit Amador County without stopping at Deaver to sample their delicious ports, which are our favorites. In addition to the Zinfandel Port ($20), they also have a Barbera Port, an Orange Muscat Port, and a unique Golden Nectar Port. Wine tasting is complimentary and the winery is located at 12455 Steiner Road, Plymouth, CA. (209) 245-4099. The winery's expansive lawn area is the perfect place to enjoy a picnic lunch overlooking a small lake.
Explore the Livermore Wine Country
The Livermore Wine Country is located in San Francisco's East Bay Area approximately 30 miles east of San Francisco. It includes wineries in Livermore, Pleasanton, Sunol, and Castro Valley. The wineries are sure to delight you with the quality and variety of their wines.
Many of the Livermore wineries are located on or near Tesla Road, a main road south of the city that runs west to east. Driving along this road, be sure to stop at: Cedar Mountain Winery, a small winery well known for their wonderful Cabernet Sauvignon and Ports; Steven Kent, producer of world class Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon
In Pleasanton, stop by and visit the beautiful Mitchell Katz Winery which stands on the site where the Ruby Hill Winery was built in 1887.
A small winery located in a wooded area of Castro Valley, Chouinard Vineyards, is a fun winery to visit. On Sundays throughout the summer you can enjoy their "Music in the Vineyards" concert series. Chouinard has many varietals to sample, including a gold medal winning Port.
Sycamore Mineral Springs ResortPamper yourself with a romantic getaway to Sycamore Mineral Springs Resort south of San Luis Obispo at Avila Beach. This unique wine country accommodation has a private jacuzzi tub just outside each room at the resort. You get to choose between a hot mineral water or fresh water tub when you make your reservation. This full service resort has exercise and spa services including massages and facials as well as a fantastic restaurant for romantic dining.
Find the best deal, compare prices and read what other travelers have to say at TripAdvisor
California Caverns to ExploreWhile wine tasting in the foothills of California's Sierra Nevada Mountains, there are other activities to enjoy. Consider exploring some of the underground caverns scattered throughout this region of California. These caves have a variety of crystalline formations of fascinating sizes, textures, and shapes. You will be surprised at the beauty waiting just below the earth's surface. Learn more about these caves by going to the link above.
Gift Suggestions for Wine LoversWe are often asked for gift ideas to give to friends who are wine drinkers. So we developed this comprehensive list of gifts that we think wine lovers would like. Take a look...we bet you will find something for that special person you are trying to get a present for.
Browse Accessories
A bottle of wine makes a wonderful gift no matter what the ocassion. Take a look:
90+ wines under $20
Free Wine Tasting Coupons As a subscriber to Cheers 2 Wine News , you are able to access a page with direct links to free wine tasting coupons. New coupons are added each month.
After going to this page, simply click on the wineries you are interested in and you will be able to print free wine tasting coupons.
Mark Your Calendar
September 3-4: Harvest Wine Celebration - Livermore Wine CountrySample award winning wines and delicious food. Browse the arts and crafts displays and enjoy special activities at each winery. The cost is $35 for a two-day ticket and $30 for just Monday. A logo glass is incuded in the price. Call (925) 447-9463.
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September 2: Phantom in the Vineyard - Sonoma County
If you are a fan of Phantom of the Opera, you won't want to miss this! Franc D'Ambrosio, who performed the role of Phantom both in San Francisco and on tour, will be presenting a twilight concert on the veranda of Passalacqua Winery. Before the performance you will be treated to wine and hors d'oeuvres. During the reception following the concert you will have a chance to meet the artists while enjoying desserts. The cost is $145 and reservations are limited. For more information call (707) 433-5550.
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September 7 and 21: Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre - Napa Wine Train
Enjoy a 5 course gourmet dinner aboard the elegantly restored 1915 Pullman dining and lounge cars. Costumed actors dressed in 1915 era costumes will interact with the passengers as they dine and ride through Napa. You work in teams to determine the motive and to solve the murder. The cost is $85.50 per person. Boarding is at 6:00 PM and you return around 9:30 PM. For reservations call (800)427-4124.
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September 9: "24th Annual Wine on the Waterfront" - Downtown Stockton
Taste wine from wineries throughout Northern California. Enjoy live music, sample foods, and participate in a silent auction. Proceeds benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters. The cost is $40 per person. For more information call (209) 464-7644.
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September 9 or 16: Home Winemaking Workshop - Delicato Vineyards in Manteca
This is a wonderful resource for people interested in making wine at home. The workshop is being taught by Richard Foote, Delicato Winery's Tasting Room Manager. You can attend either of the two dates. The cost is free, but reservations are required. Call (831) 375-9400 for reservations.
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September 16 - Chumeia Vineyards Fall Cruise - Morro Bay
Board a 72 ft. yacht to spend an enchanting day cruising around Morro Bay while enjoying 5 appetizer courses paired with 5 wines from Chumeia Vineyards. Spend the afternoon with the winemaker and chef. The courses include: Chardonnay paired with Lobster Eclaire Drizzled with Creme Fraiche and Topped with Caviar; Merlot with Sliced Roasted Medium Rare Duck Breast Nestled with Pumpkin Creme Brulee; Barbera with Mini Pizzas with Sundried Tomatoes and Stilton Cheese; Cabernet Sauvignon paired with Stuffed Sirloin of Lamb with Fennel and Portabello Mushroom Duxelle; and ending with Zinfandel served with Decadent Desserts by Shelly Pollard, Chumeia's Pastry Chef. The cost is $70 plus tax per person. For reservations call (805) 226-0102.
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September 30-October1 -8th Annual Nevada Country Gold Harvest Wine Trail
Enjoy fine wines, barrel tasting, hors d'ouvres, live music, and the colorful scenery of the Sierra Nevada on a Fall day. Tickets are $30 in advance and $35 the day of the event. Fees include a commemorative glass. For reservations call (866) 355-9463.
Easy Wine Recipes Cooking with Wine
W.C. Fields
4 ounces semisweet chocolate
1/2 cup butter (plus more for buttering dishes)
1 Tablespoons Cabernet Sauvignon
1 Teaspoons vanilla
1 cups confectioners sugar
2 eggs
1 egg yolks
6 Tablespoons flour
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
powdered sugar
1. Butter 4 6oz. custard cups.
2. In a medium bowl combine the chocolate and the butter. Melt in microwave.
3. Blend in wine, vanilla, and sugar.
4. Whisk eggs and egg yolks and add to the chocolate mixture.
5. Stir in the flour, cinnamon, and ginger
6. Butter the 4 custard dishes and spoon mixture into dishes
7. Bake at 425 degrees for 15 minutes. The sides should be firm but centers soft.
8. Cool slightly for a few minutes.
9. Gently remove cakes from dishes. Set on serving plates. Sprinkle with powdered sugar and drizzle with thin lines of chocolate syrup.
6 tablespoons margarine or butter at room temperature
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1 1/2 pounds mushrooms (cleaned and stemmed)
1 1/2 cups Brut Champagne or sparkling wine
1 1/2 Tablespoons minced fresh parsley
salt and pepper to taste
1. Melt 3 tablespoons of the butter over medium heat in a frying pan.
2. Add garlic and cook until lightly browned.
3. Add mushrooms and cook for about 5 minutes to brown.
4. Pour in the champagne and bring to a boil.
5. Lower the heat and simmer for 10 minutes to reduce liquid.
6. Season with salt and pepper.
7. Remove from heat and stir in the rest of the butter which will slightly thicken sauce.
8. You can serve as an appetizer with toothpicks if desired.
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