by Christina Waters | Mar 27, 2012 | Home, Wine |
Applying some spin to his perennially avant garde branding instincts, Doon-meister Randall Grahm has brought in a new chef, and ushered in a new name for his tasting room restaurant.
Gone is the fairly tame “Cellar Door” and in comes the dashing “Le Cigare Volant” named for the winery’s celebrated flagship Rhônesque creation. The culinary team at Le Cigare Volant will be headed up by chef Ryan Shelton, who joins Bonny Doon from the two star Michelin ranked Baumé Restaurant in Palo Alto. The new name, according to Grahm, represents “a commitment to a more refined…level of cuisine and service.” (more…)
by Christina Waters | Feb 13, 2012 | Wine |
Should you need another reason to swing by the Cellar Door and feast upon biodynamic vibes, Bonny Doon Vineyard wine and glamorous food, now there’s David Taylor, from San Francisco’s sizzling A16, who will take over the kitchen for a Winemaker Dinner, Sunday Feb. 26 at 7pm.
Need tempting? The multi-course menu ($80 per person, wine pairings included) begins with an amuse of rabbit terrine with roasted alba mushrooms. Antipasto of wild arugula (more…)
by Christina Waters | Dec 7, 2011 | Home, Wine |
A packed house of friends, family and wine club members greeted the unveiling of the chic, friendly new tasting room showcase for Vine Hill Winery varietals. Finger food catered by Kelly’s—divine wood-fired pizza topped with sweet caramelized onions and olives, plus cheese, chevre-stuffed red potatoes and charcuterie platters—was joined by a very long list of wines created by Sal Godinez and his team.
Architect Mark Primack and designer Lore James (also Vine Hill’s marketing director) shared the spotlight, and kudos, for their clever interior (more…)
by Christina Waters | Dec 6, 2011 | Home, Wine |
If you need any further proof of John (Soif) Locke’s unerring wine sense, here it is. Last weekend Soif hosted former UCSC student-turned wine grower Kenny Likitprakong of Hobo Wines. Two days later I find that the SF Chronicle has named Likiprakong’s 2009 Ghostwriter Woodruff Family Vineyard Santa Cruz Mountains Pinot Noir one of the top 24 pinot noirs of 2011.
Grown from old vines from the Corralitos corridor, this earthy, spicy pinot is currently available for $45 in the Soif retail shop. I’m getting mine today. After I occupy a few banks.
by Christina Waters | Dec 1, 2011 | Home, Wine |
From Birichino comes this wide open bouquet of spices, pepper and black cherries, Grenache Vielles Vignes 2010, Central Coast. At 13.5% alc. it moves all those bright fruit flavors deep into the center of your palate.
The brilliant cherry red wine spreads out horizontally and persists all the way to the end—to the end of that pork loin roast, or pizza, or cheese platter.
Retailing in the $15-$16 ballpark, this lovely wine (perfect for the holidays) is loaded with character and immediate appeal. Look for it at Soif, New Leaf and other enlightened wine shops.
by Christina Waters | Nov 23, 2011 | Wine |
Saratoga by Candlelight — that’s what’s in store for you if you walk off your Thanksgiving feast at the 2nd Annual Holiday Wine Stroll, Friday, Nov. 25, 4pm til 7pm.
You can walk through charming Saratoga, enjoying strolling carolers, take a carriage ride, hear live music by The Ones, take in some vintage tree lighting and sample the wares of 18 local wineries at stores and restaurants.
Bring a non-perishable food donation for 2nd Harvest Food Bank, and don’t orget to purchase your $5 raffle ticket for special dining and shopping offers.
Raise a glass to the holidays in Saratoga, a California surrogate of Santa’s own village. Christmas Village in the Valley!
Tickets are $40 til Nov 23; $45 thereafter; 408-867-0753.
