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Fun Things to do in Temecula Valley This Summer

Devin Parr — Wed, 06 Jul 2022 08:00:36 +0000

Temecula Valley is an exciting and rapidly growing wine region in the heart of Southern California. Located just an hour outside of San Diego, Orange County, Riverside, and Palm Springs, and about 90 minutes from Los Angeles, this wine- and sunshine-soaked destination was named one of Wine Enthusiast Magazine’s Top Ten Wine Destinations in the World in 2019.

While Temecula Valley is a must-visit destination year-round, offering a warm Mediterranean climate and plenty to do, it’s a particularly popular place in the summer months. From wine tasting to golf, we’ve rounded up a few of our favorite fun things to do in this SoCal hot spot.

Go Wine Tasting

As Southern California’s premier wine destination, a visit to Temecula wouldn’t be complete without at least a day touring the 50 or so wineries that dot the region. From small, family-owned to lavish and amenities-driven, wineries of all shapes and sizes populate three main wine trails in Temecula. Each is easy to access, and promises delicious wines produced from a dizzying number of different grape varieties, immersive tasting experiences, and warm, welcoming, and knowledgeable staff who can take you on the wine journey of your choosing.

Fazeli Cellars, Courtesy of Fazeli Cellars

Swirl bright and aromatic whites and funky red blends on the stunning tasting room patio of the Persian-themed Fazeli Cellars. Sip a wide range of expertly-crafted méthode Champenoise sparkling wines and still bottlings at Thornton Winery, or enjoy the wines of South Coast Winery, recently named the Golden State Winery of the Year by the California State Fair for the fifth time – more than any other winery in the history of the competition. Become winemaker for a day at Bottaia Winery’s blending lab, where you can create your own custom wine, from blend to bottle (and label design!) to take home, and then relax with a glass of your creation by their on-site sparkling pool after all your hard work. Lastly, cool off while you sip wine in The Cave at Oak Mountain Winery, Southern California’s first and only subterranean mined wine cave that sits 104 feet below ground.

Grab a Bite Among the Vines

Soak up those sips at one of the many winery restaurants in the region. Nosh on rustic Italian fare over delicious wines made from classic Italian grape varieties on the patio at Mama Rosa’s Trattoria at Robert Renzoni Vineyards, and take in views of the rolling Temecula hills that make you feel like you could very well be in Tuscany.

Robert Renzoni Vineyards, Courtesy of Visit Temecula Valley

For an upscale dining experience, book at table at Leoness Cellars, offering seasonally-driven California cuisine paired with elegant wines that speak to the immense potential of Temecula terroir, in a stylish, contemporary setting. Prefer something more casual? Grab a delicious Italian or meatball sub, pizza, or salad at Sangio’s Deli at Cougar Winery, or head to Maurice Car’rie Winery for their world-famous sourdough brie – oozy, gooey, molten cheese served in a crusty, garlicky sourdough bread bowl.

Get Active

Work off all that wine with a few rounds of golf. Temecula offers several premier golf courses that feature meticulously maintained greens, water features, elevation changes, creeks, and landscaped grounds perfectly integrated with Temecula’s beautiful natural setting. Check out the secluded Cross Creek Golf Club, designed by the legendary Arthur Hills, or Temecula Creek Golf Club, surrounded by more than 300 acres of Southern California hills, valleys, and mountain views for the perfect day on the links.

Temecula Creek Golf, Courtesy of Temecula Creek Golf

Animal lovers will want to take advantage of Temecula’s miles and miles of horseback-riding trails. For guided trail rides through Wine Country, check out Susie Q Ranch. Beginners can also opt for horseback riding lessons at several local stables or simply take in a range of horse-themed spectator events such as horse shows, dressage, races, and more at the sprawling Galway Downs Equestrian Center.

Go On an Adventure

Feeling more adventurous? Be sure to book an early morning hot air balloon ride with one of the hot air balloon companies in the region, like A Grape Escape Hot Air Balloon Adventure or California Dreamin’, so you can take in dreamy vineyard views from the sky. If you prefer a faster pace, zip through Wine Country on ultra-hip tandem motorcycle sidecars chauffeured by stylishly dressed gentlemen riders through Sidecar Tours.

Sidecar Tours, Courtesy of Facebook: Sidecar Tours

Enjoy Some Live Music

Evenings in Temecula Wine Country come alive during the summer months, with live music happening virtually every night of the week at the local wineries. Doffo Winery’s Late Nights, Live Music event series happens all summer long, featuring local and regional bands performing in their vintage-motorcycle-lined MotoBarrel Room. Peltzer Winery has a packed calendar of musical acts performing in their Crush House, while food trucks line up outside for hungry concert goers.

Peltzer Winery, Courtesy of Peltzer Winery

Old Town Temecula also offers great live entertainment options. Do a little two-stepping at the Temecula Stampede, the West Coast’s largest country music venue, or groove to some blues over a glass of wine or an ice cold beer at the Old Town Blues Club.

Spend the Day – and Evening – in Old Town Temecula

Summer is the perfect time to stroll through the historic Old Town Temecula. Pick up unique and handcrafted gifts and provisions at the many independent shops along Old Town’s Front Street, like Old Town Spice & Tea Merchants, the Temecula Olive Oil Company, and Citrus and Moss, or sit at one of the open-air, misted patios for a quick bite or craft cocktail at one of the great restaurants downtown.

Old Town Community Theater, Courtesy of Shawna Sarnowski Photography

History buffs will love uncovering the unique story of Temecula at the Temecula Valley Museum, featuring interactive exhibits, as well as family-friendly activities. Afterward, treat yourself to some penny candy or a piece of homemade fudge at the fantastically-retro Old Town Sweet Shop or take in a performance at Old Town Temecula Community Theater.

Relax and Recharge

A long day of wine tasting, adventuring, dining, and shopping calls for a bit of rest and relaxation. Fortunately, Temecula offers plenty of opportunities to recharge your batteries. Take one of several wellness classes at Akash Winery, offering yoga and Pilates among the vines, followed, of course, by a glass or three of delicious Temecula Valley wine.

Grapeseed Spa, Courtesy of Visit Temecula Valley

Book a luxurious treatment at one of the many spa facilities in Temecula, like Grapeseed Spa at South Coast Winery Resort & Spa, or head to The Cove, Pechanga Resort Casino’s 4.5-acre sparkling oasis, featuring four pools, two waterslides, cabanas, whirlpools, a swim-up bar, and more. Feeling lucky? Head to the Casino for some slots or a few rounds of poker once you’re fully recharged.

– First-Time Visitor’s Guide to Temecula Wine Country –

– The Perfect Weekend Getaway to Old Town Temecula –

The post Fun Things to do in Temecula Valley This Summer first appeared on WineCountry.com.

The 9 Best Temecula Winery Restaurants

Devin Parr — Tue, 12 Apr 2022 08:00:22 +0000

Known as Southern California’s Wine Country, Temecula Valley offers world-class wines produced from classic wine grapes like cabernet sauvignon and chardonnay, as well as Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, and Rhône varieties which thrive in the Mediterranean-like climate. It also beguiles with rolling hills reminiscent of parts of Tuscany, and a warm, welcoming vibe synonymous with California living.

While generally known for wine, Temecula Valley is emerging as an exciting culinary destination, with many restaurants tucked among the vines at the wineries themselves. We’ve compiled a list of some of our favorites, from casual to upscale, for the foodie and wine enthusiast alike.

Gaspar’s Restaurant at Altísima Winery

Courtesy of Altisima Winery

Wine Country views don’t get much better than at this Spanish-inspired spot, brand new to Temecula Valley. With breathtaking architecture, modern yet timeless design elements, indoor dining as well as an outdoor patio overlooking the vineyards, Gaspar’s is the perfect place for Wine Country dining. Enjoy small, tapas-style bites, Spanish favorites, and elevated California fare alongside regular live music and Altisima’s lineup of wines made from a range of Spanish, Italian, and classic international grapes.

Insider Tip: If you love a good burger, Gaspar’s is among the best we’ve ever had. Made with a blend of ribeye and brisket, and topped with all of the fixings, including caramelized onions, bacon, and house-made sauce, it will have you licking your wrists and wishing they would serve these at late-night drive throughs after a day of wine tasting.

37440 De Portola Road, Temecula, CA 92592, (951) 422-2525

The Restaurant at Leoness Cellars

Courtesy of Jimmy Fu Photography

This upscale restaurant with numerous accolades – including being named Best Winery Restaurant by USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards – features a creative fusion of classic French cooking techniques with fresh, unmistakably Californian flair. Open Friday through Sunday for lunch and early dinner, the Restaurant at Leoness can also create exceptional chef-curated private dinners, featuring thoughtful pairings with the winery’s portfolio of estate and vineyard-designate wines made by the ultra-talented winemaker and native Southern Californian Tim Kramer.

Insider Tip: For an out-of-body experience in deliciousness, order up a round of Leoness’ hand-cut, duck-fat fries. They come dressed in a range of flavor options, including bacon-parm, cajun, truffle, gorgonzola, and au natural, and are accompanied by a selection of house-made sauces.

38311 De Portola Road, Temecula, CA 92592, (951) 302-7601

Bolero Restaurante at Europa Village

Courtesy of Bolero Restaurante

Close your eyes and you are in Barcelona at this Spanish-themed winery restaurant. Bolero offers true Spanish-style tapas like patatas bravas, pan de cristal, and boquerones, various types of jamón, as well as heartier dishes like paella, and creative plates like the “Organized Caesar” – perfectly-dressed Caesar salad wrapped in paper-thin jicama and served with parmesan and sea salt croutons.

Insider Tip: Bolero Restaurante offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner seven days a week, not to mention a lavish prix fixe weekend brunch with pastries, cheese and charcuterie, shellfish, and a pancake and Spanish toast station among other culinary delights.

41150 Via Europa, Temecula, CA 92591, (951) 414-3802

Mama Rosa’s Trattoria at Robert Renzoni Vineyards

Courtesy of Visit Temecula Valley

Sip expertly crafted wines made from wunderkind winemaker Oliva Bue and dig into brick oven pizzas, sandwiches, salads, antipasto plates, and more at this casual yet dreamy terrace restaurant. With a full belly, head to the bocce court to work off your lunch over some healthy competition.

Insider Tip: Owner Robert Renzoni originally hails from Buffalo so be sure to kick off your meal with an order of the Buffalo wings, which he swears are just like the real thing.

37350 De Portola Road, Temecula, CA 92592, (951) 302-8466

Avensole Winery Restaurant

Courtesy of Jimmy Fu Photography

The outdoor dining patio at Avensole Winery is an enchanting spot to take in spectacular Southern California weather while sipping and savoring wines made from the winery’s 16 acres of estate vineyards, including cabernet sauvignon, muscat canelli, old vine and heritage zinfandel, and gewurztraminer. It’s also the perfect Wine Country lunch spot. Nosh on classic yet elevated California cuisine while looking out onto the winery’s sparkling pond and lush vineyards.

Insider Tip: Wine not your thing? Avensole also offers a selection of craft beer and cocktails to sip while you dine.

34567 Rancho California Road, Temecula, CA 92592, (951) 252-2003

Creekside Grille at Wilson Creek Winery

Courtesy of Visit Temecula Valley

We love the happening vibe at this well-known Temecula Valley hotspot, tucked among the vines along Rancho California Road. With a seasonally changing menu designed to pair with Wilson Creek’s selection of still and sparkling wines made in the hands of expert winemaker Gus Vizgirda, Creekside Grille is the perfect spot to enjoy a meal seven days a week, including dinner on weekends. Reservations are strongly encouraged.

Insider Tip: Can’t snag a table at the restaurant? Hit up the more casual Courtyard Bar and Grill, which is first come, first served for a glass of wine and a smaller menu of Wilson Creek’s most popular bites.

5960 Rancho California Road, Temecula, CA 92591, (951) 699-9463

Baba Joon’s Kitchen at Fazeli Cellars

Courtesy of Fazeli Cellars

For casual dining in one of Temecula Valley’s most dramatic settings, head to Baba Joon’s at the Persian-inspired Fazeli Cellars, featuring an exciting menu of Mediterranean-Persian fusion dishes, each with a suggested wine pairing. Relax in the dazzling tasting room or out on the welcoming patio while you nosh on tasty creations like rice and herb-stuffed dolma, mezze platters, award-winning Persian tacos, and tasty sandwiches.

Insider Tip: The unusual but mouth-watering Walnut Panar – a decadent walnut and cream cheese spread with pomegranate reduction – is one of owner BJ Fazeli’s signature creations and is an absolute must-try, especially alongside a glass of Boland Rooz, the winery’s bright and citrusy sauvignon blanc.

37320 De Portola Road, Temecula, CA 92592, (951) 303-3366

The Restaurant at Ponte Winery

Courtesy of Ponte Winery

Nestled in a lush garden courtyard setting, the Restaurant at Ponte Winery offers al fresco Wine Country dining at its finest. Sip Ponte’s selection of small-lot, single-varietal wines and blends alongside a seasonal menu that features locally-sourced produce, hormone-free meats, and wild-caught or sustainably-farmed fish. Dishes range from bright salads, to eye-and-palate-catching cheese and charcuterie spreads, to hearty mains and wood-fired pizzas.

Insider Tip: Keep an eye out for Ponte’s special, seasonal holiday menus, which are generally accompanied by a fun schedule of musical performances for a lively Southern California Wine Country dining experience.

35053 Rancho California Road, Temecula, CA 92591, (951) 252-1770

Vineyard Rose at South Coast Winery

Courtesy of South Coast Winery Resort & Spa

Enter the dramatic Tuscan-inspired dining room featuring a cozy wine bar and outdoor terrace and you are instantly transported to the classic Temecula Valley Wine Country dining experience. Enjoy contemporary California cuisine for breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner, and “intermezzo,” created by Executive Chef José Esparza and his talented culinary team, using fresh, local ingredients. Exciting wine pairings abound thanks to South Coast Winery’s award-winning portfolio of wine selections, most of which you will not find elsewhere.

Insider Tip: Winemakers Jon McPherson and Javier Flores are among the hardest working in Temecula Valley and are almost always on the property overseeing the winery’s robust production. If you’re lucky, one of them will happily stop by your table to chat about what you are sipping and offer a taste of something new while you dine.

34843 Rancho California Road, Temecula, CA 92591, (951) 566-4622

– First-Time Visitor’s Guide to Temecula Wine Country –

– Temecula Valley Hotels Sure to Impress –

The post The 9 Best Temecula Winery Restaurants first appeared on WineCountry.com.

How To Pair Wine With Summer BBQ

WineCountry Staff — Fri, 12 May 2017 08:00:17 +0000

Barbecuing is a year-round event in California, however, nothing says summertime more than firing up the grill, donning your canvas apron, and whipping up a full menu of food fit for outdoor dining. Due to the bold flavors and myriad options of meat, dressings and side dishes, choosing that perfect wine can elevate your simple yard-based culinary skills to a whole new level. Here is our essential guide to pairing wine with all of your favorite BBQ elements.

The Meats

Let’s go ahead and assume all of your favorite carnivorous options are going on the grill or served in a way that’s fit for an outdoor party; potentially strong-flavored and ready to be devoured as soon as possible.

•Beef: As the quintessential red meat BBQ, you’re going to want to stick to wine with higher tannins. This compliments the fattiness of the protein and balances the heavy richness. If you’re preparing steak, definitely stick to a full-flavored red like a Napa Cabernet, but for something like a hamburger you can play more with what pairs well depending on your toppings and fixings.

Insider’s Tip: Napa’s own Louis M. Martini’s silky smooth Cabernet Sauvignon is what we would pick up for a perfectly cooked steak or even a slow-cooked shredded beef sandwich.

•Pork: This is a meat that tends to get a lot of seasoning, especially on the spicy side, which will balance nicely with a drier red. On the flip side, some chefs tend to flavor pork with a sweeter palate in mind to highlight the natural sugars in the meat. If this is the case, steer towards a low-tannin red or white wine with a punch of fruit and acidity to match.

Insider’s Tip: Inglenook’s 2015 Blancaneaux offers a palate of crisp flavors of tropical fruits. Notes of pineapple, guava, and passion fruit always go well with pork.

•Chicken: For the most part, the leaner the meat you’re barbecuing the lighter the wine can be. Since chicken is the go-to lean meat, you’re going to want a white wine. Nothing beats Chardonnay with perfectly cooked chicken from the grill. If you’re thinking about fried chicken then pick up a rose which will complement the greasier, but more savory style.

Insider’s Tip: With hints of vanilla oak and stone fruit, you’ll find that Bennett Lane’s Los Carneros San Giacomo Vineyard Reserve Chardonnay will bring out the herbal side of your chicken dish.

•Lamb: This is a more intricate tasting meat and should definitely be thought of in terms of sauce (see below). For the most part, because of this profile, it can be fairly versatile with pairing. A medium-bodied red is a safe bet if you’re leaning heavily into spices, like a Syrah or Malbec. Or you can pick up a classic California Cabernet Sauvignon for a perfect compliment to big flavors.

Insider’s Tip: With layers of mint and raspberry, a Cabernet Sauvignon is a bright selection for the complex subtleties of an elevated lamb dish.

•Fish: Enjoying a warm summer day, or sticking to dietary restrictions, fish is a fabulous option for the grill. For snapper and salmon, Pinot Noir is a fantastic option for grilled fish. Hints of oak work fabulously with the taste of fresh fish, so if you’re going to go white, lean towards a California Chardonnay. Other seafood (oysters or grilled shrimp anyone?) pairs very well with a Riesling or a Sauvignon Blanc.

Insider’s Tip: A nice medium-bodied Pinot from Domaine Carneros will add a delicate savory finish to grilled fish and be a light addition to an intentionally un-heavy meal.

The Sauce

The meat is a great place to start pairing, but it can end up in the spit bucket if you haven’t thought through to the end product on the plate. Knowing what you’re dipping those proteins in is a major factor in choosing the perfect wine for the meal.

•Spicy BBQ: Some of the hottest barbecue sauces, even though they’re delicious, can make choosing a wine hard. In this case, choose a semidry California Riesling or a chilled white Zinfandel. Plus it might take the bite off those five-alarm chicken wings.

•Tangy Sauces: If the base of your sauce has molasses, brown sugar, or Asian influences like Hoisin or Korean BBQ, then be sure to pair with fruity wines like a jam-packed Shiraz or a Sonoma Syrah.

•Green Sauces: More of the Middle Eastern and Mediterranean spices, sauces that feature mint, garlic rosemary or chimichurri can be a treat on BBQ favorites like kebabs or steak. Aim for a medium-tannin red with a smooth, fruity finish like a Malbec or other Spanish varietals.

The post How To Pair Wine With Summer BBQ first appeared on WineCountry.com.

10 Best Steakhouse Wine Lists Across the Country

blogger — Fri, 20 Jan 2017 09:00:03 +0000

For carnivores, nothing beats a sizzling steak and full-bodied cabernet sauvignon dining experience. Whether you crave your red meat well-charred, aged-to-perfection, melt-in-your-mouth tender, fatty as a rib-eye, as a plate of steak frites, or just a juicy hunk of hamburger, the most important element to elevate the experience is what’s in your glass.

Contrary to popular belief, a Stag’s Leap Cabernet Sauvignon isn’t the only full-bodied varietal to select with steak. Keep in mind options of Cabernet Franc, Rioja, Malbec, Old-Vine Zinfandel and Bordeaux. Choose a wine pairing based on details such as cut of beef, aging technique, and sauce.

It helps to look at a wine menu of varied New World and Old World selections, but you may end up confused about what pairs best with what menu item. In many steakhouses, you can summon an in-house sommelier to assist in the wine-pairing selection. With or without a sommelier, you can navigate the menu on your own at these ten steakhouses across the country that offer wine lists as robust and diversified as a cut of beef and its preparation.

Press Napa Valley
587 St Helena Hwy
St. Helena, CA 94574

Because Press is located in the heart of the Napa Valley, the menu was created exclusively to highlight the area’s wines. As Press said, “Our goal is to create a repository of knowledge on Napa Valley wines from the 1950s going forward, and we enjoy learning, together with our guests, how these older vintages mature.”

Insider Tip: Begin your meal with a Domaine Carneros Rosé and end with a Grgich Hills ‘Violetta’ Late Harvest (Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Gewurztraminer).

Alexander’s Steak House
448 Brannan Street
San Francisco, CA 94107

With locations in San Francisco, Cupertino, Pasadena, Taipei and Tokyo, the wine list at Alexander’s Steakhouse includes New World and Old World wines by the glass, half bottle and large formats. Their wine philosophy is to provide exciting and interesting wines while holding true to the idea of a classic American steakhouse. They search out artisan wineries that they feel offer the very best quality for the guests.

Insider Tip: Order by the glass or by half-bottles so you can select and share what works best for each course. You can’t go wrong with a 100-point Hall Cabernet Sauvignon, but you may also want to sip a Spanish Tempranillo.

The Capital Grille
Multiple locations

Wherever you are within the United States, there’s a good chance you’re in the vicinity of a Capital Grille restaurant. With over 350 wines, representing nearly every wine-growing region on earth, there are some beautiful selections. There are Old World and New World gems,as well as little-known labels on the brink of stardom. Their acclaimed dry aged steaks and fresh seafood deserve nothing less than an award-winning wine list. Before steaks meet the grill, they are meticulously dry aged on premises for more than 18 days. Then, each is hand-carved by their in-house butchers to exacting standards.

Insider Tip: A beautiful starter is their fresh, hours old mozzarella and tomato salad with an 18 yr age balsamic drizzle. Look for a Sancerre, Soave Classico or Sauvignon Blanc to pair.

Chicago Cut SteakHouse
300 N. LaSalle
Chicago IL 60654

Take two steak-house veterans, a dazzling space along the Chicago River, add a butcher and dry-aging room and you begin to see what Chicago Cut is about. This modern steak house with a unique menu has full throttle wine menu including the famous Miraval Rosé, a Brangelina label with more stability than the Pitt marriage. Try it with the foie gras starter.

Insider Tip: This restaurant is known to attract Fortune 500 CEO’s as well as celebrities from Woody Allen to Jay-Z.

Bern’s Steakhouse
1208 S Howard Ave
Tampa, FL 33606

Perfectly aged steaks. One of the largest wine collections in the world. An internationally famous dessert room. These elements have combined since 1956 to provide their guests with a unique culinary experience. Founder Bern Laxer had an incredible eye for wine buying. The cellar contains more than 6,800 different selections with more than half a million bottles. Bern’s Wine Cellar is the perennial recipient of the Wine Spectator Grand Award.

Insider Tip: While the lobby is something to be seen, the dessert room is something to be experienced. Here guests can enjoy a leisurely and intimate end to their dining evening by choosing from nearly 50 dessert choices to more than 1,000 dessert wines and spirits.

Forbes Mill Steak House
206 N. Santa Cruz Ave
Los Gatos, CA 95030
200 Sycamore Valley Road West
Danville, CA 94526

In its two locations: Los Gatos and Danville, California, the wine menu focuses on local boutique wineries of small production, as well as an emphasis on Brunello di Montalcino and Châteauneuf-du-Pape. There’s a price range for everyone to enjoy wines by the glass, Coravin or bottle.

Insider Tip: Seek help from the sommelier/wine director to hear the story behind each boutique wine label.

Aureole Las Vegas By Charlie Palmer
3655 Las Vegas Boulevard South
Las Vegas , NV 89109

What happens at Charlie Palmer’s Aureole restaurant stays in…your memory. Wine and dine your way around their tasting table experience with Chef Charlie Palmer and Executive Chef John Church’s menu focused around food’s three natural foundations: Root, Surf, and Ranch. The menu positions eight dishes covering all categories, listed from light to robust, with a strong emphasis on sharing, tasting and connecting. Go big and bet on a fantastic dining and wine experience here.

Insider Tip: The restaurant’s 3,000-selection list has been lauded with Wine Spectator’s Grand Award every year since 2000. The “wine angels” will fetch your chosen wine via a three story pulley and cable system.

The Angus Barn
9401 Glenwood Ave.
Raleigh, N.C.

The Angus Barn is an American steakhouse restaurant serving in-house aged steaks, fresh NC seafood, local grown vegetables and homemade desserts prepared by Iron Chef America winner, Walter J. Royal, and his staff. The Barn hosts an award winning wine cellar, the famous Wild Turkey Lounge, Meat Locker smoking lounge. The restaurant’s wine list features 1,600 selections with stand outs from California, Bordeaux and Burgundy, and has earned the Wine Spectator Grand Award every year since 1989.

Insider Tip: The wine cellar boasts its’ own private staff, kitchen, two large dining rooms each with its own full service bar and surrounded by one of the most amazing wine collections in the United States.

Pappas Brothers SteakHouse
3 Texas locations

With 2 locations in Houston and one in Dallas, its dry aged steaks make Pappas Brothers stand out among some of the best Texas steakhouses. All of their sommeliers are certified, and at least half of them have earned either Master or Advanced Certificates.

Insider Tip: With 3,900 world wine selections from top producers, this is another chance to use a sommelier to your advantage. You’ll even get help with the proper wine glass, as there are 10 stemware designs to match with your wine selection.

Ringside Steakhouse
2165 W. Burnside
Portland, OR 97210

Dining at RingSide Steakhouse is an experience, offering beef believers the very best in Northwest USDA Prime and Certified Angus Natural Beef. Steaks are aged a minimum of four weeks, hand carved on the premises, seasoned and grilled to perfection. They house one of Portland’s only on-site dry-aging rooms, and guests can select from an array of beef choices, chops, chicken and Pacific Northwest seafood.

Insider Tip: Their extensive wine list of more than 700 labels, including some of Northwest’s finest regional wines. Our wine list has been recognized with the “Best of Award of Excellence” Wine Spectator since 2001.

Charlene Peters is an influential world explorer and culinary/wine scholar who left her East Coast roots for the western pleasures of life in the Napa Valley. She can be reached by email: siptripper@gmail.com.

The post 10 Best Steakhouse Wine Lists Across the Country first appeared on WineCountry.com.

Winecountry Thanksgiving Food and Wine Pairing

WineCountry Staff — Thu, 10 Nov 2016 09:00:51 +0000

Thanksgiving is the best time of year for gathering together with family and friends to make some of the most fun and unforgettable memories. Everyone looks forward to a table of warm, delectable foods, tantalizing sweet treats, and more football than one day can handle. Since we’re in the business of sharing with you the best of wine country we thought we’d put together some of our favorite wine pairings!

Appetizer

Mumm Napa
8445 Silverado Trail
Rutherford, CA 94573
(707) 967-7700

Start your gathering off by greeting your guests with a delicious bubbly. Mumm Napa’s Brut Prestige Extended Tirage is a rich and lively sparkler with flavors of honey and fig, green apples and bread dough that are sure to please the palate. Ferrari Carano’s Apple, Mango and Crab Meat “Salsa” with Tortilla Chips is a perfect plate to set out while guests mingle before sitting down for dinner. Create a festive spread in the kitchen, pour a flute of bubbles and enjoy the sweetness of the fruits and the bubbles mix with the saltiness of the crabs and tortilla chips! Impress your guests with this themed, easy-to-make treat.

Insider Tip: Sparkling wine should be well chilled―30 minutes in ice water or 3 hours in the refrigerator should do the trick―and served in slender, flute-shaped glasses.

The First Course

Hall Wines
401 St Helena Hwy,
St Helena, CA 94574
(707) 967-2626

Pumpkin soup is always a traditional favorite to welcome the holiday meal. It is creamy, slightly sweet and aromatic. Hall Wine’s Coconut Curry Pumpkin Soup adds a special touch to a cherished recipe. Pair with a medium-bodied dry or off-dry white. Hall Wine’s 2006 Late Harvest Sauvignon Blanc is a great option to complement the soup’s sweetness, but also round out its spicy elements.

Insider Tip: Sauvignon Blanc is an incredibly food-friendly wine: The bright acidity refreshes the palate, the citrus flavors can accompany a vast range of foods, it’s not overly heavy and has a varied though distinctive flavor profile. Because of its green flavors Sauvignon Blanc is also great match with green vegetables such as asparagus, artichoke, spinach and bell peppers, the likes of which are difficult to match with most other wines.

The Main Course and Sides

What is Thanksgiving without a delicious, juicy turkey to carve into? Who can serve turkey without cornbread dressing? And no holiday meal is complete without a flavorful green bean casserole and mashed potatoes to round out the table. Let’s start off with our the big guns. Thanks to our friends, the Temecula Winegrowers in Temecula Valley have shared with us a delicious Honey-Brined Tuscan Herb Turkey Paired with Chardonnay.

Robert Mondavi Winery
7801 St. Helena Highway
Oakville, CA, 94562
(888) 766-6328

An oaky Chardonnay is a popular option for holiday tables and it can be a great addition to rich and creamy dishes or fish. However, an unoaked Chardonnay would be a better bet for your turkey day cuisine, as each dish presents its own character of flavor and charm. The absence of oak will help to elevate your food, rather than overpower it. Robert Mondavi Winery’s 2014 Unoaked Chardonnay has festive aromas of orange peel and Anjou pear, with hints of white grapefruit, lemon zest and almonds on the palate.

Insider Tip: The most fundamental characteristic of chardonnay is that it should be served COLD! Chardonnay served at room temperature, while palatable, is far too bold.

Sides To Consider:
Cornbread Stuffing with Corn, Bacon and Herbs

Green Bean Casserole

Three Ways To Reinvent Your Mashed Potatoes Recipe

Chateau St. Jean
8555 Sonoma Highway
Kenwood CA. 95452
(707) 257-5784

Pair your main course with options that work well with the flavors in your food. Dinner tables are usually stocked with a red and white wine for guests to choose from. Pinot Noir is a great go-to red wine. It has great acidity, yet is low in tannins, making it a great match for the seasonings in your meats and side dishes. The cool climate 2014 Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir from Chateau St. Jean suits well with cherry, strawberry and black tea flavors.

Insider Tip: Other great pairings for Pinot Noir- Salmon, duck, pork, mushrooms, artisanal cheese.

The Dessert

Spicy Vines
441 Healdsburg Ave,
Healdsburg, CA 95448
(707) 927-1065

From cakes and pies to cookies and cupcakes, Thanksgiving is one of the best times of the year to indulge in your sweet tooth desires. No time like the present to whip up a piping hot pumpkin pie. Pumpkin Panna Cotta is a great spin on a classic favorite. A classic Zinfandel will make a fun pairing with this treat, try Spicy Vines Zin Master, 2013 Russian River Valley Zinfandel. This wine offers flavors of boysenberries, raspberries and blackberries and finishes with light pepper, chocolate and natural oak spices and is a perfect paring for this fantastic dessert.

Insider Tip: Know your crowd, tailor your wine selections to suit the preferences of your guests. Keep a bottle or two of those crowd favorites on hand and you’ll be sure to satisfy every guest.

Shundria Reed is the blogger of Southern Girl in a Wine World. She spends most of her time exploring the ins and outs of California wine life.

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Upcoming Winter Events in Mendocino

admin — Wed, 01 Dec 2010 16:58:52 +0000

DECEMBER

December 9 – 12 — Annual Mendocino Coast Candlelight Inn Tour
Holiday: You are invited to enjoy evening tours of Mendocino area bed and breakfast inns and lodges while you help benefit Mendocino Coast Children through Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Mendocino and Mendocino Unified School Enrichment (MUSE). December 9 Inns of Mendocino, December 10 Inns & Lodges of Fort Bragg, December 11 Inns of Little River and Albion, December 12, Inns of Elk.
Fee: $30 all 4 nightsTime: 4 p.m. – 7 p.m. Phone Number: (707) 964.1228

December 25 — Christmas Dinner at the Mendocino Hotel
Holiday, Dining: Starter:Duck confit strudel, Roasted Pumpkin soup, OR Parsnip,apple and pear salad Entree: Herb roasted cornish hen, certified angus prime rib, OR grilled fresh sea bass Dessert: warm ginger cake, warm apple pudding cake, OR pumpkin mousse. 45080 Main St, Mendocino, CA
Fee: adults $69/child (12&under) $24.00Time: 3 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. Phone Number: (800) 548.0513

JANUARY

January 21 – 30 — Crab & Wine Days
Wine & Food Education: Listed as one of the Top 10 Seafood & Wine Festivals in Coastal Living Magazine, this fun FUNdraiser features two of Mendocino County’s most highly prized commodities: Dungeness Crab and Premier Wines! Arrive in time for the family-style, all you can eat Cioppino Dinner on Friday night & stay for the marathon Crab Cake Cook-Off & Wine Tasting Competition Saturday afternoon.
Fee: Varies Time: Varies Phone Number: (707) 961.3463

January 21 – 30 — 50th Anniversary of Gualala Arts
Celebration, Exhibition: What started out as a few works of art nailed to some redwood trees has grown into 15,000 sq. ft. filled with art exhibits, theater, dance, and music events, lectures, workshops and Festivals. Stop in during Crab & Wine Days to view our exhibits or attend a presentation. 46501 Gualala Rd, Gualala, CA
Fee: Free Time: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Phone Number: (707) 884.1138

January 22 — Dennen’s Crabulious Navarro Wine Tasting
Celebration: Mendocino County’s Annual Crab & Wine Days, at Dennen’s Victorian Farmhouse, Little River. Pull out the stops Crab Hors d’oeuvres paired with Navarro Vineyards Wines…MMMMM! No extra charge to our guests. If you are not lucky enough to stay with us please call ahead to reserve yourself a space.
Fee: $20 pp or free when staying at the InnTime: 5 p.m. – 8 p.m. Phone Number: (707)937.0697 or (800)264.4723

FEBRUARY

February 12 — International Alsace Festival Grand Tasting
Festival, Wine Education: Come join us in Anderson Valley to celebrate your favorite aromatic white wines!This event highlights Gewurztraminer, Riesling, Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc and Muscat, made by the world’s finest producers of Alsace-style wines. Mendocino County Fairgrounds, Boonville, CA
Fee: $65.00Time: 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. Phone Number: (707) 895.WINE

February 12 — International Alsace Festival Tech Conference
Wine Education: Listen to and interact with winemakers and wine experts from around the globe as they discuss winemaking and grape growing specifically for Alsace varietals. Breakfast is included.Mendocino County Fairgrounds, Boonville, CA
Fee: $45.00 Time: 9 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Phone Number: (707) 895.WINE

February 12 — International Alsace Festival Winemakers Dinner
Wine & Food Education: Enjoy dinner with the winemakers and learn about their wines in the elegant dining room at Scharffenberger Cellars. This sumptuous, sit-down dinner will be prepared by a renowned local chef and each course will be perfectly paired with wines featured at the festival. Scharffenberger, Philo, CA
Fee: $125.00 Time: 6:30 p.m. Phone Number: (707) 895.WINE

February 13 — Crab & Tri Tip Feast and Auction
Benefit, Auction: Dinner to include Crab, Barbecued Tri Tip, Spaghetti, Salad and Garlic Bread. All proceeds to benefit our community. Live and Silent Auctions and Drawings. Advanced $30.00 Child under 10 $15.00. $5.00 more at the door if available. Limited number of Reserved Tables For 8-10 . Carl Purdy Hall at the Ukiah Fairgrounds.
Fee: Adult $30. Child/10 $15. $5.more at door Time: open 12:00 pm Serving 12:30 to 2:30 pm Phone Number: (707)-463.2238 Marge tickets

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Top 3 Holiday Places to Eat

admin — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 08:11:15 +0000

Napa Valley & Sonoma County

by Robert Farmer

1. Farm at the Carneros Inn
During winter months the grounds of the Carneros Inn resort, situated at the southern end of the Napa Valley, is slower paced, more sparsely populated, and graciously beautiful. It’s the kind of place where the family can decamp for a few days and retreat from the hustle and bustle of citified holiday madness. The property’s signature restaurant, Farm, is the ideal spot for a festive holiday repast. The expansive dining room and adjacent large covered patio centered by a huge fire pit, are the sort of environments that seem to invite spirited social gathering. The mood is casual, unfussy, but nevertheless very chic. And it doesn’t hurt that there are simply no misses on the seasonal farm-driven menu of American Wine Country dishes. Throw in a wine list that solidly reminds one of the location, and the makings of a great winter evening are all in place.

*Open for dinner 5:30-10pm Wed-Sun

FARM at Carneros Inn
4048 Sonoma Highway, Napa
(707) 299.4880
www.thecarnerosinn.com

2. Dry Creek Kitchen at the Hotel Healdsburg
Just because it seems like everybody knows each other at this always-jammed, always buzzing Wine Country outpost from chef Charlie Palmer, doesn’t necessarily mean they do. But the neighborhood feel and congeniality of the staff have a tendency to make every guest feel like a regular. My guess is that one visit won’t be enough for you anyway. Because this is the place to be in Healdsburg, and its gravitational pull only increases during the holidays. Whether you visit during one of the planned special Winter Winemaker Dinner series in December, or you make your stop a special event of your own, it’s hard to beat Palmer’s inventiveness and eagerness to please. The dining room offers many large-group options as well as intimate tables for two–all with views to the open kitchen and action at the bar up front. Tables outside are available, too, and the winter chill can be easily offset with the right vintage.

*Open for lunch Fri-Sun noon-2:30pm;  Dinner Sun-Thurs 5:30-9:30pm, Fri-Sat 5:30- 10pm

Hotel Healdsburg 
317 Healdsburg Ave.,  Healdsburg
707-431-0330
www.hotelhealdsburg.com

3. EDK at the El Dorado Hotel
Anchoring one corner of Sonoma Plaza, this lively, friendly Sonoma spot quickly became one of my Wine Country favorites after its opening a few years ago. The large sophisticated-looking room is typically buzzing with visitors and locals alike, who stream in for executive chef Justin Everett’s “farm driven” menu. My wife and I, however, returned again and again simply for the amazing black truffle-dusted French fries. There are of course several other tempting treats on the seasonally changing menu. But the food is just part of the story. The dining room–in terms of both location and atmosphere–is the perfect spot for a festive holiday celebration. With indoor and outdoor seating options and an exhibition kitchen, it’s the sort of place where there always seems to be some kind of party taking place, no matter the season. And if you and 20 of your best friends can secure the 21-foot-long wood table in the center of the room, yours will no doubt soon be the party everyone wants to join.

EDK at the El Dorado Hotel
405 First Street West, Sonoma
707-996-3030
www.eldoradosonoma.com

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