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Cheers 2 Wine News -January 2007 Issue
January 26, 2007
Happy New Year from Steve and Kathy Howe


Wine Quote

"A bottle of good wine, like a good act, shines ever in the retrospect."
Robert Louis Stevenson








Wine of the Month

Rosenblum Cellars
WINE OF THE MONTH

Our latest wine of the month is Rosenblum 2004 Eagle Point Vineyard Zinfandel - Mendocino County. This wine is characterized with layers of ripe luscious berry flavors with hints of blueberry and spice. It ends with a delicious chocolate finish.

Rosenblum Cellars produces renowned wines from vineyards throughout California. They are especially known for their world class vineyard designated Zinfandel. However, Rosenblum also offers a wide range of other award winning wines. The main tasting room is at their winery in Alameda at 2900 Main St., Su. 1100. They also have a tasting room in Healdsburg at 250 Center Street.


Be sure to check back each month for our wine of the month.



Plan a Sonoma Wine Tasting Trip to Russian Valley Wineries The Russian River Valley of Sonoma County is a wonderful area to relax and spend a day or two tasting the world class wines of this region. Many of the best Pinot Noir comes from the Russian River Valley, but you will find great wines of other varietals as well.

This is beautiful country complete with uncrowded tasting rooms, scenic hills, rural roads, and fantastic wines.


Best Amador County Restaurant The opening of Taste,a small restaurant in downtown Plymouth, was eagerly welcomed by local residents and visitors to the area. You will be delighted by the fine dining available at this popular restaurant.




Plan a Winter Wine Tasting Trip to Southern California This is the perfect time to enjoy a wine tasting trip in Southern California. You can visit close to 30 wineries in the charming town of Temecula. This is a rapidly growing wine region that many are calling the "New Napa".

Further south you can explore the small wineries of San Diego County. Many are located in the northern section of the county near Escondido with others around the historic town of Julian, also known for its many bed and breakfast inns and its famous apple pies.


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Mark Your Calendars!

February 3rd: 15th Annual Share Your Heart - San Diego
Sample foods and wines and enjoy a silent and live auction as well as casino night fun at Balboa Park's Hall of Champions. The proceeds from this popular event benefits the Burn Institute. The cost is $75 if purchased in advance and $85 at the door. Call (858) 541-2277 for information. More Details

February 8th: Truffles, Tidbits, & Wine Tasting - Livermore Wine Country
Enjoy an evening of fine wines, hors d'oeuvres, and desserts in beautiful downtown Pleasanton. Pick up your glass and map at the Rose Hotel, 807 Main St., Pleasanton, CA. Stroll from one business to another from 6-9 PM sampling the treats. Cost is $25 in advance and this event is usually a sell out! Call (925) 484-2199 for information. More Details

February 10th & 11th: Wine & Chocolate Weekend - Lodi Wine Country
Enjoy a weekend of wine and chocolate. Travel from winery to winery tasting great wines, delicious chocolates, and listening to a medley of music. Discover the Golden Ticket to win a wine country getaway or other prize. Call (209) 365-0621 information. More Details

February 16th-18th: Passport Weekend 2007- Monterey Wine Country
Explore the wineries of Monterey County with a passport entitling you to wine tastings, entertainments, special offers, and great prizes. The cost is $45 if purchased before February 1 and $50 after that date. Call (831) 375-9400 for information. More Details

February 17th-18th: Presidents Day Weekend - Calaveras County
Enjoy special barrel tastings, new wine releases, snacks, live music, and more. Free. 11 AM - 5 PM each day. More Details

February 24th and 25th: Olive Festival Finale Passport Weekend - Sonoma Wine Country
Enjoy local olives, olive oils, food, wine and entertainment at various locations in Sonoma County. The events are from 11 AM - 4 PM each day. More Details

Easy Wine Recipes Cooking With Wine

"I cook with wine; sometimes I even add it to the food."

W.C. Fields



Zinfandel Minestrone
Serve with French bread


1 pound hot Italian sausage
1 pound mild Italian sausage
1 chopped onion
3 carrots, chopped
1 zucchini, sliced
4 cloves garlic, chopped
3 quarts chicken broth
2 cans diced tomatoes
2 cans cannelloni beans, rinsed and drained
1 tablespoon dried basil
� cup Zinfandel
2 cups large shell-shaped pasta
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup fresh grated parmesan cheese

1. Squeeze sausages from casings into a large pan. Cook until brown and crumbly, approximately 10 minutes. Discard fat.
2. Add carrots, onion, zucchini, and garlic. Cook for about 6 minutes until onions are soft.
3. Add chicken broth, tomatoes, beans, basil, and Zinfandel. Bring to a boil.
4. Add pasta. Reduce heat and simmer, covered, for about 10 minutes until pasta is tender.
5. Add salt and pepper. Serve into bowls and top with parmesan cheese.

This will make 12 servings.






Cabernet Stew

2 pounds stew meat
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
3 tablespoons olive oil
4 medium carrots, sliced
1 large onion, diced
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 (14 1/2-ounce) cans chicken broth
2 cups Cabernet Sauvignon
1 cup canned crushed tomatoes
3 sprigs fresh rosemary
2 medium russet potatoes, cubed
2 handfuls fresh green beans

1. Saute onions in olive oil in a 6-quart pot over medium heat until soft.

2. Add stew meat, flour, salt, and pepper. Brown the meat on all sides.

3. Add carrots, chicken broth, wine, tomatoes, and rosemary. Bring to a boil.

4. Reduce heat and simmer for 50 minutes on low heat. Stir occasionally.

5. Add potatoes. Cover and cook another 45 minutes. Stir occasionally.

6. Add beans and cook for 5 minutes longer.

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