I had a fantastic time at Bella Victorian Vineyard yesterday!
The vineyard is family owned and operated by Jerry and Kimberly Monahan. They have been growing vines for about 8 years and producing wine since about 2005.
The tasting room and bistro are located in adorable Old Town Camarillo. The building is made of a goldish brick, giving it a very old world feel. As I walked in I was completely charmed by the decor. Medium brown wood cabinets along the walls, Victorian type lamps, black wrought iron tables and chairs with deep burgundy tablecloths, ornate mirrors and family photos on the walls. Capacity is about 32 inside and 12 on the sidewalk patio.
The bistro was pretty lively at 11:20, considering they don't open until 11:30! Chef Gael Lecolley and Shanen knew every single person that walked into the bistro. The wine tasting bar is arranged at the kitchen. Just like a home kitchen with a counter. I sat at the bar so I could chat with Chef Gael and Shanen while they worked. I ordered the "Luxury Tasting Flight" and Shanen poured the following:
2008 Brooklyn Pinot Noir - from the Santa Rita Hills of Santa Barbara County. The wine is named after the Monahan's daughter. It has a jammy flavor of strawberry and cherry. Chef Gael suggests pairing with quail, pheasant, and Ahi or any meaty fish.
2007 The Garage Syrah - Approximately 75% from their vineyard in Camarillo and 25% from Paso Robles. Very small production. Nice hint of black peppercorn. Chef Gael suggests pairing with lamb and buffalo.
2007 Kimberly Cabernet Sauvignon - from Napa Valley. Creamy chocolate and espresso flavors. Chef Gael suggests pairing with Rib eye, heavy, fatty meats.
After the tasting I decided that I wanted a glass of the Cab with lunch and Shanen suggested that I have the RnP pizza made with Chef Gael's very own pizza dough; Napolitano tomato sauce, filet mignon, scaloppini, and caramelized onion. The crust was crispy and the toppings melted right in my mouth. To top things off I savored Chef Gael's chocolate truffles with the 2006 Romeo Grenache (named after the family dog) - from Santa Ynez, Santa Barbara County. Yummy.
I highly recommend sitting at the bar so that you can chat with the chef and staff. I learned that Chef Gael is from Norway, has 24 years experience, trained in Norway and France, and has a brand new puppy. He is hoping to produce a T.V. show called "Toasted" sometime in the future. Shanen has been in the wine business for several years, just recently with Bella.
I want to thank Gael and Shanen for making me feel like a local!
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Herzog Wine Cellars, Oxnard
Herzog Wine Cellars has a fascinating history. The Herzog family started making wine a century ago in Slovakia for Emperor Franz-Josef. The emperor loved the wine so much that he made Philip Herzog a Baron. The Herzog family came to the USA in 1948.
I took a self-guided tour of the facility. Everything is there; the barrels, bottling machines, and the lab. There is something about a wine making lab that just gives me the giggles.
The wine tasting room is quite spacious and Laurie poured the following wines today:
Limited Pinot Noir, San Luis Obispo County - would go very well with grilled fish or chicken.
Cabermet Sauvignon, ALexander Valley - black cherry and earthy flavors make it a great pair with steak and red sauce pasta dishes.
A blend, Cabernet Sauvignon 62%, Zinfandel 28%, and Syrah 10% - has a jammy fruit flavor from the Cab and a smokey spice flavor from the Syrah. Bar-b-que something and enjoy!
Late Harvest Zinfandel, Lodi - a dessert wine best served chilled. Strawberry and cherry flavor pairs very well with chocolate cake.
The winery also has a restaurant called Tierra Sur, very intimate setting, maximum occupancy is 35. The decor is simple and warm; browns and golds, nice heavy drapes. I had the salmon with the Chardonnay from Russian River Valley, and the flour less chocolate cake with the Late Harvest Zinfandel. Megan, my table server and the rest of the wait staff were very friendly and the service was excellent. The food was fabulous!
On Monday nights the winery offers a wine and food pairing event at 6:00p.m., They just added a Cigar Dinner & Club Launch; a 3-course meal paired with Herzog wines, desserts, then whiskey and cigars immediately following on their Terrace.
I thoroughly enjoyed my time at the Herzog Winery today and I want to thank Laurie, Megan, and the wait staff at Herzog for making my visit memorable!
I took a self-guided tour of the facility. Everything is there; the barrels, bottling machines, and the lab. There is something about a wine making lab that just gives me the giggles.
The wine tasting room is quite spacious and Laurie poured the following wines today:
Limited Pinot Noir, San Luis Obispo County - would go very well with grilled fish or chicken.
Cabermet Sauvignon, ALexander Valley - black cherry and earthy flavors make it a great pair with steak and red sauce pasta dishes.
A blend, Cabernet Sauvignon 62%, Zinfandel 28%, and Syrah 10% - has a jammy fruit flavor from the Cab and a smokey spice flavor from the Syrah. Bar-b-que something and enjoy!
Late Harvest Zinfandel, Lodi - a dessert wine best served chilled. Strawberry and cherry flavor pairs very well with chocolate cake.
The winery also has a restaurant called Tierra Sur, very intimate setting, maximum occupancy is 35. The decor is simple and warm; browns and golds, nice heavy drapes. I had the salmon with the Chardonnay from Russian River Valley, and the flour less chocolate cake with the Late Harvest Zinfandel. Megan, my table server and the rest of the wait staff were very friendly and the service was excellent. The food was fabulous!
On Monday nights the winery offers a wine and food pairing event at 6:00p.m., They just added a Cigar Dinner & Club Launch; a 3-course meal paired with Herzog wines, desserts, then whiskey and cigars immediately following on their Terrace.
I thoroughly enjoyed my time at the Herzog Winery today and I want to thank Laurie, Megan, and the wait staff at Herzog for making my visit memorable!
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Baily Vineyard, Temecula
WOW, what a treat I had today!
Baily Vineyard, established in 1986, is the 3rd oldest winery in Temecula. As I approached the winery, I stood still for a moment to admire the vineyards that surround the facility. As I entered, I felt like I was in a castle. The design and decor is magnificent.
Baily Vineyard has quite the bounty of wines. Chuck Sacayan was pouring today and below are the wines that he suggested that I try:
2009 Montage - Double Gold Medal winner at the California State Fair and the Riverside International Wine Competition. A blend of 52% Sauvignon Blanc and 48% Semillon. Yummy with shellfish, chicken, fish, and pasta.
2008 Riesling Dry - This wine was made to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the town of Temecula. A local artist's painting was used to create the label. Makes for a nice gift!
2007 Sangiovese - Fresh aromas of berries and spice. Goes well with hamburgers, steaks, turkey, goose, duck, appetizers, cheese, and pasta.
2005 Cabernet Franc - rich berry aromas, very smooth.
2004 Meritage - A blend of 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Cabernet Franc, and 20% Merlot. Described as "superb".
2006 Vintage Port - Serve with bleu cheese, walnuts and sliced apples. I, of course, would have to have chocolate with this one!
While chatting with Chuck I learned that aside from wine pour he is also a musician. He can be found in Carol's Restaurant at the Vineyard playing his acoustic guitar on the weekends.
After tasting I wandered over to Carol's Restaurant for some lunch. Like the wine tasting room, the restaurant is breathtaking. A knight's armor is displayed in the center, a huge fireplace is located on the back wall. A fabulous view of the vineyard through some very nice picture windows, and the terrace is lovely with more vines just about at arms reach.
I ate indoors instead of the terrace simply because it was a warm day, and I am after all a woman turning 50. If you need more explanation than that, than you are too young to understand. Enjoy it while it lasts!
Once I finished my lunch I wandered out on the terrace to admire the vines and remarked to Marla, the server and the bus boy how I felt like I was witnessing a little miracle. There were oodles of grape clusters all over the vines, some still green but many looking ripe to me!
I must congratulate Phil and Carol Baily on the success of their vineyard, and thank them for creating such a beautiful setting for our enjoyment.
Baily Vineyard, established in 1986, is the 3rd oldest winery in Temecula. As I approached the winery, I stood still for a moment to admire the vineyards that surround the facility. As I entered, I felt like I was in a castle. The design and decor is magnificent.
Baily Vineyard has quite the bounty of wines. Chuck Sacayan was pouring today and below are the wines that he suggested that I try:
2009 Montage - Double Gold Medal winner at the California State Fair and the Riverside International Wine Competition. A blend of 52% Sauvignon Blanc and 48% Semillon. Yummy with shellfish, chicken, fish, and pasta.
2008 Riesling Dry - This wine was made to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the town of Temecula. A local artist's painting was used to create the label. Makes for a nice gift!
2007 Sangiovese - Fresh aromas of berries and spice. Goes well with hamburgers, steaks, turkey, goose, duck, appetizers, cheese, and pasta.
2005 Cabernet Franc - rich berry aromas, very smooth.
2004 Meritage - A blend of 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Cabernet Franc, and 20% Merlot. Described as "superb".
2006 Vintage Port - Serve with bleu cheese, walnuts and sliced apples. I, of course, would have to have chocolate with this one!
While chatting with Chuck I learned that aside from wine pour he is also a musician. He can be found in Carol's Restaurant at the Vineyard playing his acoustic guitar on the weekends.
After tasting I wandered over to Carol's Restaurant for some lunch. Like the wine tasting room, the restaurant is breathtaking. A knight's armor is displayed in the center, a huge fireplace is located on the back wall. A fabulous view of the vineyard through some very nice picture windows, and the terrace is lovely with more vines just about at arms reach.
I ate indoors instead of the terrace simply because it was a warm day, and I am after all a woman turning 50. If you need more explanation than that, than you are too young to understand. Enjoy it while it lasts!
Once I finished my lunch I wandered out on the terrace to admire the vines and remarked to Marla, the server and the bus boy how I felt like I was witnessing a little miracle. There were oodles of grape clusters all over the vines, some still green but many looking ripe to me!
I must congratulate Phil and Carol Baily on the success of their vineyard, and thank them for creating such a beautiful setting for our enjoyment.
Sunday, August 1, 2010
San Antonio Winery, Los Angeles
San Antonio Winery was established in 1917. It survived prohibition by supplying sacramental wine to the Catholic Church. If I was a new winery, I would want to grow up to be just like San Antonio Winery.
Not only do they have a wine tasting bar, but they also have the Maddalena restaurant which serves superb food. The menu boasts of items such as; Ahi salad, rack of lamb, salmon salad, etc. They also have banquet rooms where you can attend wine seminars, weddings, and other celebrations.
As I entered the winery today I couldn't help but pick up the scent of the wine barrels. Lovely! I, of course, headed straight for the wine tasting bar. I don't know about you but I like to find someone who is knowledgeable. As I made my way through the crowd searching for "the right guy" behind the bar, I found him. His name is Marshall, and he poured the following wines:
San Antonio Heritage Blanc - A blend of Viognier, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, and Pinot Gris. From the vineyards in Monterey and Paso Robles, CA. Marshall suggests that it be paired with something spicy!
Windstream Chardonnay 2007 - Santa Lucia Highlands, from the Samento Vineyard in Northern Monterey. You should be able to taste some pear and green apple, oak spice and honey. Marshall suggests that it be paired with a salmon salad. Throw in some mandarin oranges!
Windstream Pinot Noir 2008 - Santa Lucia Highlands. Black cherry and raspberry, aging brings in the oak spice and cedar. Marshall feels that this Pinot Noir must be paired with a great New York steak!
Opaque 2006 - 100% Petit Verdot. It is very rare to find a wine 100% Petit Verdot. The grape is usually blended with Bordeaux. Grown in Paso Robles; flavors of black plum, currant, vanilla, and dark chocolate. Marshall and I agree that chocolate, dark chocolate would be the best compliment to this wine.
After tasting wines, I wandered over to the restaurant for lunch and ordered the Ahi Salad, my personal favorite. The restaurant roof is shaped like a wine barrel. There are huge barrels that reach to the roof and smaller barrels stacked in the back of restaurant that have streams of white lights circling them. Very romantic.
On the weekends there are live musicians. Today I had the pleasure of being entertained by Jason Hemmens on the sax while I enjoyed my lunch. Very talented! Check him out on myspace, twitter, and facebook.
As I look around, I see families, couples, and large groups of friends. Dressed up and dressed down. I chatted with a young couple in the early stages of wine appreciation and a more mature couple who have been visiting San Antonio winery for 40 years!
Coming to San Antonio Winery is like taking a mini vacation, I hated to leave....
Not only do they have a wine tasting bar, but they also have the Maddalena restaurant which serves superb food. The menu boasts of items such as; Ahi salad, rack of lamb, salmon salad, etc. They also have banquet rooms where you can attend wine seminars, weddings, and other celebrations.
As I entered the winery today I couldn't help but pick up the scent of the wine barrels. Lovely! I, of course, headed straight for the wine tasting bar. I don't know about you but I like to find someone who is knowledgeable. As I made my way through the crowd searching for "the right guy" behind the bar, I found him. His name is Marshall, and he poured the following wines:
San Antonio Heritage Blanc - A blend of Viognier, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, and Pinot Gris. From the vineyards in Monterey and Paso Robles, CA. Marshall suggests that it be paired with something spicy!
Windstream Chardonnay 2007 - Santa Lucia Highlands, from the Samento Vineyard in Northern Monterey. You should be able to taste some pear and green apple, oak spice and honey. Marshall suggests that it be paired with a salmon salad. Throw in some mandarin oranges!
Windstream Pinot Noir 2008 - Santa Lucia Highlands. Black cherry and raspberry, aging brings in the oak spice and cedar. Marshall feels that this Pinot Noir must be paired with a great New York steak!
Opaque 2006 - 100% Petit Verdot. It is very rare to find a wine 100% Petit Verdot. The grape is usually blended with Bordeaux. Grown in Paso Robles; flavors of black plum, currant, vanilla, and dark chocolate. Marshall and I agree that chocolate, dark chocolate would be the best compliment to this wine.
After tasting wines, I wandered over to the restaurant for lunch and ordered the Ahi Salad, my personal favorite. The restaurant roof is shaped like a wine barrel. There are huge barrels that reach to the roof and smaller barrels stacked in the back of restaurant that have streams of white lights circling them. Very romantic.
On the weekends there are live musicians. Today I had the pleasure of being entertained by Jason Hemmens on the sax while I enjoyed my lunch. Very talented! Check him out on myspace, twitter, and facebook.
As I look around, I see families, couples, and large groups of friends. Dressed up and dressed down. I chatted with a young couple in the early stages of wine appreciation and a more mature couple who have been visiting San Antonio winery for 40 years!
Coming to San Antonio Winery is like taking a mini vacation, I hated to leave....
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