December 08, 2010
Cheers from Steve & Kathy Howe
"The best of all gifts around any Christmas tree is the presence of a happy family all wrapped up in each other.
Burton Hillis
What's in this issue?
TOP Gifts for Wine Lovers
Vinturi Wine Aerator instantly improves the bouquet, flavor, and finish of a wine. This amazing gadget aerates your wine quickly and easily. Simply hold the Venturi over your glass. Pour the wine into the aerator and into your glass. We've done blind testings of the Venturi Wine Aerator and it really does work! A unique wine related gift!
BUYING INFORMATION
These Wine Stixare a practical way to hold a bottle of wine and 2 glasses. They're perfect for picnics, the beach, or outdoor concerts. Simply insert the stix into the ground and you're ready to relax and enjoy your wine. No more spills!
BUYING INFORMATION
Wine Decanters
Decanting wine is important. Old wines need a few moments of decanting before serving to ensure that the wines clarity and brillance are not obscured by any deposits that might have developed over time. Decanting gives younger wines the oxygen they need to soften before serving. This would be one of the top gifts for wine lovers.
BUYING INFORMATION
Wine For Dummies These are great books for learning about wine. They are written for beginners, but even wine buffs can learn a thing or two.
Learn how to under the different types of wine, navigate a wine list, pair food with wine, how to buy, store, and serve wine. Explore wine regions around the world with this practical series of wine books.
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Wine Spectator Subscription
This high quality publication will keep you up-to-date on wine from around the world. Learn about the latest wine ratings and recommended wine selections. Each issue is packed full of information on wine, but also includes advice on restaurants, travel and entertaining that you absolutely do not want to miss. This magazine is a wonderful gift for wine lovers.
BUYING INFORMATION
Wine Openers
Removing the cork from a bottle of wine should be a simple and enjoyable task. There are a large number of corkscrews to choose from. Wine openers make the perfect wine related gift to give yourself or someone else. Learn about the top wine openers currently on the market by clicking on the link above. Choose useful wine related gifts for wine lovers. BUYING INFORMATION
Wine Stemware
Did you know that you can enhance the flavor of your wine by serving it in glasses especially designed for that type of wine? There are many wine glasses available to fit anyone's budget. Buy wine glasses for the wine lover on your list who will appreciate beautiful glasses in which to enjoy his or her favorite wine. A highly recommended wine related gift!
BUYING INFORMATION
Christmas Fun in the Wine Country
Get ready for Christmas fun in the California Wine Country. The wineries are all decked out for the holidays. Celebrate the holidays at one of these fun events in the gorgeous of the wine country.
Bracebridge Dinner at Yosemite
Celebrated annually since 1927, the Bracebridge Dinner transforms The Ahwahnee into a 17th century English manor for a feast of food, song and mirth. The Bracebridge Dinner is an elegant and artistic four-hour pageant of classic carols, Renaissance rituals and entertainment of the Middle Ages. Over 100 players create the roles of the Squire and his family, their servants, the Lord of Misrule, minstrels and other performers. Make reservations as soon as possible - December 13-25.
Carols in the Caves
Enjoy Christmas carols in the unique setting of various Napa Valley wine caves during the month of December. For more information call (707) 224-4222.
Dickens Christmas Carol at Briar Rose Winery in Temecula - December 11
Briar Rose is being transformed into 19th century London. Be a living part of a Victorian Christmas. Wander Olde London as the glow of twilight settles upon Temecula. The sound of Victorian carolers and holiday merrymakers accompany your stroll. Price of $70 includes dinner and performance.
Gingerbread Winery Contest - Sonoma County
Each winery creates a gingerbread house that resembles their winery. Visitors to each winery receive a map of participating wineries and a ballot. You vote for the winery that you think built the best gingerbread house. Ballots will be entered into a drawing to win a free case of Sonoma wine. Larson Family Winery was the Grand Prize winner in 2009. Contest continues through December 31.
Holiday in the Vineyards - Livermore: December 4-5th
Holidays in the Vineyards is an annual Livermore wine country tradition where wineries showcase their tasting rooms with arts and craft vendors, holiday music, special wines, and activities. Tasting fees vary by winery.
A capella choir echoes beautifully amongst nearly 1200 oak barrels, with a holiday wine tasting and gift reception following in the eloquently decorated Great Hall.
Holiday Bell Ringers at Lucas Winery in Lodi - December 4th & 11th
The merry sounds in the Grand Chai of 14 symphony quality bell ringers and zillions of bells. Enjoy the magical beauty of �ringing� in the holiday season.
Holidays in the Hills on the Placer County Wine Trail - December 11-12th
Enjoy Christmas fun including wine tasting, wine tours, local crafts, and food. Admission is Free with toy donation. Bring a new, unwrapped, child's toy to donate for the Shriners Toy Drive and wine tasting is free for the day.
Holiday Nights at the Bernardo Winery in San Diego - December 16-19th
Step back in time and celebrate the joy of the holiday season among the old world style buildings, olive trees and old fashioned hospitality of the Bernardo Winery. Santa and Mrs. Claus will also be making appearances. Enjoy live music, strolling carolers, and a carriage ride through the vineyard.
Sail the Bay & Go Wine Tasting in San Francisco
Sail San Francisco Bay with Golden Gate Sailing Tours and enjoy Wine Tasting at San Francisco's Winery on the waterfront, The Winery SF. Cost is $75 in advance ($99 at the door). Make reservations for any Saturday or Sunday in December.
Santa Cruz Holiday Lights Train
Ride vintage excursion cars, adorned with thousands of colorful lights, as they roll through city streets past homes of Santa Cruz. Sing along to seasonal carols while sipping hot-spiced cider, listen to musical entertainment, and enjoy a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus. This one hour train ride departs and returns to the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk in downtown Santa Cruz.
Santa Trains - Napa
During the month of December the Napa Valley Wine Train turns into the Santa Express for special 90 minute train rides. It's a magical experience for the young and the young at heart. Ride the express train a special guest, Santa Claus who is going to bring some friends and carolers on board. This is a fabulous holiday experience for the whole family. Price ranges from $20-$40 per adult. These trains sell out so get your tickets as soon as possible by calling 800-427-4124.
If you have an upcoming wine event, you'd like us to list, please contact us.
Ring in the New Year
Celebrate with New Years Eve events in the Wine Country. Create special New Years Day traditions in one of California's scenic wine regions.
You'll find lots of fun things happening in California's Wine Country.
Print Free Wine Tasting Coupons
The password for these pages is:
cheers2wine2006
Check out Cheers 2 Wine to print free wine tasting coupons for a variety of California wineries.
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