Cheers 2 Wine News

August 16, 2009 – 2:02 pm

Cheers from Steve and Kathy Howe!

Wine Quote
“I think it is a great error to consider a heavy tax on wines as a tax on luxury. On the contrary, it is a tax on the health of our citizens. “Thomas Jefferson

Vino Con Brio WINE OF THE MONTH Our latest wine of the month is Vino Con Brio Estate Pinotage Lodi, 2006 This South African varietal is well suited to the climate of Lodi. Having recently won a Gold Medal at the Orange County Fair, this winery knows what they are doing.This is a dry red wine with enticing flavors of spice and berries. A rich, full-bodied wine that is truly luscious!Vino Con Brio has a wine tasting room and a wine country bed and breakfast called Amorosa Inn. Wines include Sangiovese, Zinfandel, Syrah, Viognier, Petite Sirah, Late Harvest Zinfandel, and Pinot Grigio. They have an award-winning Old Vine Zinfandel and are one of the few Lodi wineries to make Pinotage, a grape they imported from South Africa. This winery is a lovely place for a wedding. Stroll the beautiful grounds and enjoy wine tasting Thursday-Monday from Noon - 5 PM.Address: 7889 E. Harney Ln., Lodi, CA 95240
Telephone: (209) 368-5658

Treat Yourself to a Private Tour of the Wine Country

Sit back,relax, and leave the driving to a professional from Applause Limousine Service. Applause Limousine Service is a family owned and operated company that strives to meet the highest standards in reliability, punctuality, integrity, and unmatched customer service.Serving the greater San Francisco Bay Area, they specialize in Napa, Sonoma, and Livermore wine tours.Our experiences with Applause Limousine have been exceptional. They are friendly, professional, and eager to plan a memorable occasion for you.

Lake County Wine Adventure

Join the summer fun at beautiful Clear Lake just north of the Napa Valley. The 5th Annual Lake County Wine Adventure will take place at Lake County wineries on July 25 and 26.

Sample award winning wines from more 20 wineries spread out around the lake. Enjoy food, special barrel tastings, live entertainment, and winery tours. The price of $30 includes a logo glass and two days of wine tasting. For more information call 800-595-9463.

If you visit Lake County for wine tasting, consider a guided tour with the friendly folks at Lake County Wine Tours. You’ll be in the experienced hands of someone who is familar with Lake County and can provide an insider’s knowledge.

Save Money on Wine Purchases with 1 Cent Shipping

Cooking With Wine Recipes

Grilled ShrimpLooking for a delicious grilled shrimp recipe that is easy to make? This is the recipe you are looking for. Grilled shrimp is perfect for summer barbecues. Serve with rice, bread, and your favorite vegetable.Wine Pairing for this Grilled Shrimp Recipe: An oaky California Chardonnay such as Au Bon Climat Santa Barbara Chardonnay would be the ideal complement to this dish. The rich butteriness and tropical flavors of this Chardonnay will bring out the flavors of the grilled shrimp.Ingredients:
2 lbs. fresh shrimp, cleaned and deveined
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
4 cloves garlic, chopped
1/2 cup chopped Italian parsley
1/2 cup dry white wine
salt and pepper to tasteInstructions:
1. Combine olive oil, garlic, parsley, wine, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Stir in shrimp.
2. Refrigerator for 2-4 hours.
3. Grill on the barbecue until done. This grill shrimp recipe will make 4 servings.

Extraordinary Hamburger Patties

These hamburgers really are extraordinary! Full of flavors and very juicy! Serve with lettuce, ripe tomatoes, pickles, cheese, avocado or whatever your favorite fixings are. Makes 6 hamburgers.

Ingredients:
4 tablespoons butter, softened
1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1 tablespoon Italian parsley, minced
3 pounds lean hamburger
Salt and pepper, to taste
1/4 cup Shiraz or Syrah wine

Directions:
1. Blend together the butter, mustard, garlic and parsley. Shape into a long rectangle. Refrigerate for 2 hours or longer.
2. Add wine to the hamburger. Separate hamburger into six sections. Shape into balls.
3. Open up each ball and place 1/6th of the butter mixture into the center. Press the ball into a pattie with the butter in the center.
4. Sprinkle both sides of patties with salt and pepper. Cook as desired.