Restaurant week is here once again. Help out by Dining Out August 30 - September 5 th 2010

Date: Tue, Aug 24, 2010 Wine Tasting Winery Blogs Wine Business

Its that time of year again . A chance to give back while dining out at some pretty renowned restaurants.
Once again, Three Square will be partnering up with the finest restaurants in Las Vegas to bring you Restaurant Week.

This is a great chance to sample the cuisine of world-famous Chefs at a fixed price with the proceeds going to help Three Square end hunger in Southern Nevada.

Specially-designed Restaurant Week menus feature three-course meals at three price points - $20.10, $30.10 and $50.10 per person.

Below is a list of participating restaurants and their Restaurant Week menus that are sure to make your mouths water !

Each restaurant can elect to participate at one of the following sponsorship levels of their choice. This level determines the cover price per meal they will donate to Three Square during Restaurant Week.
· $4 Silver Spoon Participant
· $5 Gold Plate Participant
· $6 Platinum Platter Participant

We will be making the rounds that week and hope to see many of you out and about !

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Speech and Language Development Center in California holds a "cellar raid " at the home of Ilene and Jim Harker in Newport Beach to benefi

Date: Thu, Aug 12, 2010 Wine Tasting Winery Blogs Wine Business

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VINO LAS VEGAS visits the 26th Annual Central Coast Wine Classic along California's picturesque coast line

Date: Mon, Aug 9, 2010 Wine Tasting Winery Blogs Wine Business

For over 26 years the Central Coast Wine Classic has been supporting the arts of the Central Coast of California. With events being held all over the Central Coast guests are able to take a food and wine journey that will be remembered long after they have returned home.









Starting with a Dinner at Hearst Castle in San Simeon featuring Chef Emeril Lagassee and Tory McPhail of Commander's Palace and Susan Spicer of Bayona, with Michael Hutchings of Santa Barbara presenting the hors d'ouevres, coordinated by Chef James Sly's Team, six courses with matching wines from Vintner Dignitaries, including Champagne Deutz guests get started on their amazing Central Coast journey.























The Dolphin Bay Resort and Spa is a Hub of activity as the headquarters of this 4 day event. Legendary dinners like the Paulee/Bring-Your-Own Special Bottle and winery dinners all over the Central Coast delight guests with Food and Wine pairings that leave their senses wanting more.



For those who want an education over the weekend , The Central Coast Wine classic offers many Symposiums such as Champagne Deutz with Fabrice Rosset , Riedel Glass with none other than Georg Riedel himself and a journey through Italy with Christy Canterbury from Italian Wine Merchants in New York just to name a few.
















Of course this event is about giving back and the Rare & Fine Wine & Lifestyle Auction, Silent Auction and Luncheon is where the "big" items are . Guest can bid on Vintage wines , one of a kind art , jewelry and trips to exotic locations around the world. All of these wonderful items are auctioned to support the chosen organizations for the year.



This is a fantastic event that any foodie or wine enthusiasts would enjoy . We know that we certainly did and plan to be back next year.


Join Elaine and Scott from VINO LAS VEGAS and The Cuisineist as we take you on a 6 min journey into the 26th Annual Central Coast Wine Classic !

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A VINO LAS VEGAS focus on Archie McLaren Chairman and Founder of the Central Coast Wine Classic

Date: Sun, Aug 8, 2010 Wine Tasting Winery Blogs Wine Business

We have been very fortunate over the many years we have been covering food and wine events to meet many great people from all over the world.
Recently, we met Archie McLaren and attended the 26th Annual Central Coast Wine Classic at the Dolphin Bay Resort and Spa in Shell Beach , California.



This was an event like none other we have attended. Its focus on education was unparalleled and we were overwhelmed by the quality and diversity of the events held all over the Central Coast.

We have focused on events , Chefs and Winemakers over the years. We have never did a focus piece on one particular person that was not either of the above until now. Archie McLaren exemplifies the world of food and wine. He is a true Renaissance man in every sense of the word and was truly an honor to be in his presence.

He is no stranger to the world of fine cuisine and rare wine. He is the founding Bailli of the Central Coast Chapter of the Confrerie de la Chaine des Rotisseurs, a member of the Wine & Food Society of San Francisco, the San Francisco Chapter of the Confrerie des Chevaliers du Tastevin and the Marin County Chapter of the International Wine & Food Society. He is the former Cellarmaster of the Avila Bay Wine Society, and the former President of the Central Coast Wine Society.

He has served as Chairman/Executive Director of both the San Luis Obispo Vintners & Growers Association and the Paso Robles Westside Grand Crew. He is one of only two Americans inducted into the Austrian Wine Brotherhood, and one of the few Americans inducted into the Commanderie des Bontemps - Medoc et Graves & Sauternes et Barsac of Bordeaux in France. He has recently joined the Wine Committee of COPIA, the American Center for Wine Food & the Arts.

Archie has long been associated with charitable wine auctions. Not only did he serve for many years as the American Institute of Wine & Food's Rare & Fine Wine and Auction Consultant, he also served as a Director on its National Board. He is the Founder & Chairman of the Central Coast Wine Classic, a prestigious and comprehensive food and wine event, held each year in July and in its twenty-third year, which boasts Wine Spectator among its many significant sponsors. With auction proceeds often approaching or exceeding $1,000,000, the Central Coast Wine Classic is one of America's most successful charity wine auctions.

The Central Coast Wine Classic not only promotes the wine, culinary and hospitality industries, it also confers substantive proceeds upon a continually expanding number of healing, performing and studio arts organizations on the Central Coast of California.

Archie has assisted in launching charity auctions in Washington, D.C., Honolulu, Santa Monica, Los Angeles, Mendocino, San Diego, San Francisco, Santa Ynez and Santa Barbara. His partner in life, Carissa Chappellet, an owner of Chappellet Winery in the Napa Valley and the winery's ambassador, and he have served as Chairs of the WYES Public Television Auction in New Orleans and are frequent donors to charitable wine auctions throughout the United States.

Archie is frequently invited to attend tastings of rare and collectible wines throughout the country and has participated in comprehensive vertical tastings of Chateaux d'Yquem, Latour, Cos d'Estournel, Leoville Las Cases and Cheval Blanc, as well as La Tache, Hermitage La Chapelle, Penfolds Grange, Vega Sicilia Unico, and Beaulieu Vineyards Georges de Latour Private Reserve, among a number of others. A long-time Champagne aficionado who has attended many tastings of rare Champagnes, Archie was Founder and Director of the International Festival of Methode Champenoise.

On San Luis Obispo & Santa Barbara Public Radio KCBX, Archie has hosted a fine wine program, the Wine Drinker's Guide to Indulgence, for twenty-three years, and has been a writer on fine wine for Adventure's in Dining, the San Luis Obispo Telegram-Tribune, New Times and Santa Barbara Magazine.

His education includes a Bachelor of Arts degree from Vanderbilt University, a Juris Doctor of Law degree from the University of Memphis, and post-graduate studies in Humanities, English Literature and International Marketing at various universities.

Archie McLaren is involved in an array of civic activities, both in the arts and in the community in general. He has received the San Luis Obispo Visitors & Convention Bureau's Annual Tourism Award. He has twice served as the President of the Board of Directors of the San Luis Obispo Mozart Festival, and as a member of the Board of the San Luis Obispo County Arts Council. He was the Chairman of the Avila Beach Front Street Enhancement Committee that designed the promenade and park for the rejuvenation of the community of Avila Beach and is now the Chair of the committee that approves new projects for Avila Beach prior to their being approved at the county level.

His many accomplishments have resulted in his continuing inclusion in Who's Who in Media & Communications, Who's Who in the West, Who's Who in America and Who's Who in the World.

Archie McLaren and writer, painter, photographer, musician, adventurer, Carissa Chappellet, live in Avila Beach, Big Sur, and Napa, California, where they enjoy hiking, bicycling and a variety of water and court sports.

The Central Coast Wine event will be on our calendar for next year. If you are in the trade or even an enthusiast of food and wine , this event should not be missed .

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The Central Coast Wine Classic Rare & Fine Wine Lifestyle Auction in Avila Beach breaks previous record

Date: Sun, Aug 8, 2010 Wine Tasting Winery Blogs Wine Business

For 26 years The Central Coast Wine Classic Foundation's Board members, Stephanie Harkness of Santa Cruz, James Hathaway of San Luis Obispo, Alfred Griffith of San Luis Obispo, Carissa Chappellet of Big Sur and Archie McLaren of Avila Beach have done a tremendous service to the people of the Central Coast of California.










The Foundation awards monies from the Central Coast Wine Classic to fund grants on specific projects for non-profits from San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara counties whose purposes and missions involve the studio arts, the performing arts and the healing arts. Grants are awarded in the Fall following that year's Wine Classic. Beneficiaries are determined by early January preceding that year's Wine Classic.





From net proceeds from the Wine Classic, the Foundation funds specific projects for 501(c)3 non-profit corporations in San Luis Obispo County and Santa Barbara County whose missions are in the Healing, Performing or Studio Arts.





Over the past six years the Foundation has conferred grants totaling $1,370,025 to 62 such non-profits. Grants for 2010 will be conferred in early October in San Luis Obispo.

For 2010, the Board has chosen the following beneficiaries: Adelaida Historical Foundation, Paso Robles; Ballet Theatre San Luis Obispo; Cognitive Fitness & Innovative Therapies, Santa Barbara; Community Action Partnership of San Luis Obispo County Adult Day Services Program, San Luis Obispo; Court Appointed Special Advocates of San Luis Obispo County, San Luis Obispo; Food Bank Coalition of San Luis Obispo County, Paso Robles; God's Haven for Children, San Luis Obispo;


Maxine Lewis Memorial Shelter, San Luis Obispo; North County Dance & Performing Arts Foundation, Paso Robles; Pacific Wildlife Care, Morro Bay; San Luis Obispo County Historical Society, San Luis Obispo; Studios on the Park, Paso Robles; United Cerebral Palsy Work, Inc, Santa Barbara.


The Annual Fund-A-Need Auction Lot will inure to the benefit of the Senior Nutrition Program of San Luis Obispo County, San Luis Obispo.



The fog was lifting away revealing a beautiful day in Avila Beach. As we walked down the hill from the Avila Beach Golf club to the bright yellow and white tents we could not help but wonder at the beauty of this section of California's Central Coast.






We found our table and proceeded to the Silent Auction area. As guests walked up and down aisle after aisle of vintage wines one could not help but be caught up in all of the action. Several lots of vintage Margeaux wines was sure to catch your eye as well as individual German and Austrian wines that dated back to vintages from the 1970's.





The Silent auction was not just about fine wines but also included Diamond bracelets , one of a kind art pieces of every discipline imaginable . If those were not of interest there were trips , cruises and dinners to almost any destination in the world you could imagine. The live auction was "lively" to say the least with large winning bids for art , trips , wine and dinners which proceeds went to the very worthy causes chosen this year.





Guests would not go hungry as they were bidding on many magnificent lots of fine art , wine , world wide travel and even a Lexus. Chef Ian Mc Phee of Mc Phee's Grill at The Avila Beach Golf Resort created and presented us with a magnificent luncheon.

San Luis Opispo Antipasto :

Happy Acres Family Farm Warm Goat Chesse
Fresh Mozzarella
Grilled Peppers & Onion Agrodolce
Grilled Artichokes
Assorted Olives and Breads



Salmon Cake & Butter Lettuce Salad

Heirloom Tomatoes & Lemon Tarragon Dressing







Oak Grilled New York Steak

Italian Salsa Verde & White Bean Salad

Profiterole with Fresh Berries

Junes Honey & Ricotta Cheese












The Central Coast Rare and Fine Wine & Lifestyle Auction really impressed us in many ways. This auction really showed what the "food and wine lifestyle " is. It is about enjoying and sharing fine wines and food in wonderful venues as you make new acquaintances. In addition , by attending and bidding , you give back. And in our opinion that is the MOST important aspect of the whole "food and wine lifestyle".

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The "King of Crystal" Georg Riedel gives guests at the Central Coast Wine Classic an education on glass and wine at the Dolphin Bay Resort

Date: Sun, Aug 8, 2010 Wine Tasting Winery Blogs Wine Business

The Central Coast Wine Classic strives to educate the public on the symbiotic relationship between food and wine, by offering various wine education classes.

VINO LAS VEGAS attended a stemware class with the man that Wine Spectator addresses as, “The King of Crystal”, Georg Riedel. Mr. Riedel is the 10^th generation of the world’s most outstanding glassmakers. The name Riedel represents superb quality stemware producing some 5. 1 million lead-crystal wineglasses a year.

















Riedel produces glasses designed for specific wine types. With the correct stemware, one can find the true varietal expression. By designing glasses that enhance the palate, Mr. Riedel pinpoints that variations in the rim shape of his stemware can maximize or minimize the various zones of the palate that enhance sweetness, bitterness, sour, or saltiness.




If a wine is known for strong red fruit notes, a specific wine glass can bring forth the beauty and complexity of those characteristics while minimizing other qualities . The shape and rim of the various stemwares can aid in elevating the different flavors and aromas of a specific varietal. Robert Parker Jr in The Wine Advocate stated, after trying the Sommelier Series "that the effect of these glasses on fine wine is profound


I cannot emphasize enough what a difference they make.” We agreed with Mr. Parker as we had the rare privilege to partake in a tasting with Georg Riedel guiding us through the Vitis Series of stemware. Each participant was given a Chardonnay/Montrachet, a Riesling, Cabernet, Merlot, and a Pinot Noir glass on a piece of white paper that indicated where to place each one of the glasses.







We began with the Riesling a glass with an outstanding Riesling from Claiborne and Churchill. We tilted our glass and swirled the wine to release the esters, we put our nose into the center of the glass to smell the aromas and then took a sip, only when indicated by Mr. Riedel. After trying the wine in the specific Riesling glass we poured the wine into a plastic cup and then poured a bit of the wine into the Chardonnay glass.




The Chardonnay glass diminished some of the minerality and floral notes of the Claiborne and Churchill Riesling. We were sold on the fact that the using the correct stemware for the varietal makes an incredible difference in wine drinking and its experience.

Many people spend a great deal of time and money in purchasing excellent wines. Mr. Riedel ‘s mission is to also bring the understanding that the investment one makes in the purchase and care for the wine, should also be reciprocal in the stemware that the investment is poured into.

As we went through each carefully crafted stemware with the proper Central Coast and Napa Valley wines, we were amazed and delighted that the wine experience can be elevated to such an outstanding and enjoyable experience. We were honored to share time with a true wineglass legend. Georg Riedel’s passion to educate and produce the best stemware available to the public leaves us with a big salute to the man who is truly the “King of Crystal.”

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The Central Coast Wine Classic and Celebrity Chef Emeril Legasse team up for a mouth watering luncheon overlooking the Pacific Ocean

Date: Sun, Aug 1, 2010 Wine Tasting Winery Blogs Wine Business

Central Coast Wine Classic at the magnificent Dolphin Bay Resort and Spa in Shell Beach California is a 4 day culinary and wine journey that promotes education and the arts for the Central Coast of California. For over 20 years this event has raised funds for the arts and brings together food and wine lovers from across the country for the common good of many.

As the “sea smoke” rolled across the rolling hill overlooking the Pacific Ocean, we again were reminded of the special terrior that makes up this unique growing area for superb wines and agriculture
















For those visiting the area, a deep appreciation and love develops for the bounty that the Central Coast offers. Our four days of enjoying the pristine beauty and produce of this region began with culinary icon Emeril Lagasse. Being an advocate for the “farm to table” movement for years, Emeril shares an affinity with this region. We were privileged to enjoy a luncheon with this great American Chef and entrepreneur.


As the tables were set up under the white tents, the participants checked into the event to partake of the cuisine prepared by the premier chef.





Emeril came into the event with much fanfare and then explained the menu as one that would incorporate sustainable and organic ingredients. Hosting the event was Narsai David, who offered many interesting insights on the culinary culture of the Central Coast while assisting Emeril during the presentation. Au Bon Climat, Clendenen Family Vineyards, Jim Clendenen vintner provided the amazing wines that paired well with each dish.

Our first dish was that of seared diver scallops with oranges, olives, capers and fennel puree. This was paired this Au Bon Climat 2003 Bien Nacido Vineyard “Santa Barbara Historic” Vineyards Collection” Santa Maria Valley Chardonnay.

The main course was a roasted chicken with sorrel cream sauce. The sorrel blended a mustardy tanginess to the buttery cream sauce. The Au Bon Climat 2006 Pinot Noir was a good match for this hardy yet delicate dish of lovely roasted chicken and cream sauce.

Our third and final course was a Rustic Blackberry Cobbler that was prepared with locally grown organic blackberries. This dessert was sumptuous and slightly tart, pairing well with the Caro Lorenzo Aleatico.

For those who are not familiar with an Aleatico, it is an Italian red grape that creates wines that have a rich, well-rounded sweetness. When fortified as liquorices, Aleatico, can be served like a port.

After Chef Lagasse carefully explained how to prepare each dish for our much awaited luncheon, he then answered questions from the audience. One question that was asked is, “What preparation do you recommend for a young person who would like to become a chef.” Chef Emeril was quick to point out that the industry is one in which you will work long hours when others are not working. You must have passion and desire and discipline to succeed at this industry. Exposure to the restaurant industry is a must along with a great culinary education ,personal passion and focused discipline to be a successful chef .

Chef Emeril became a culinary icon by living what he believes. We were glad to catch up with Emeril again this lovely venue. His love for sustainable, organic , local food came across to the adoring foodie fans and we were glad to apart of this special educational and delicious luncheon.

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The Central Coast Wine Classic features a Champagne Deutz Symposium presented by Fabrice Rosset , Chairman and CEO

Date: Sat, Jul 31, 2010 Wine Tasting Winery Blogs Wine Business

The Central Coast Wine Classic provides many opportunities for its guests to increase their knowledge of food and wine from around the world by offering many Symposiums on a variety of topics.




The Champagne Deutz Symposium with Fabrice Rosset provide guests with a very special opportunity to sample some of the world's greatest Champagnes , one of which only 0.012% of the population will ever have the opportunity to taste. This is what we feel is one the many aspects the Central Coast Wine Classic has to offer.














Nestled into the slops of the famous vineyards of Aÿ, France are the picturesque stone buildings of Champagne Deutz, founded a century and a half ago by William Deutz and Pierre-Hubert Geldermann.


Today, Deutz upholds the traditions of fine champagne-making handed down through five generations. Owning a significant portion of its own vineyards, Deutz selects only top quality grapes from 275 acres of vineyards in the finest crus of Champagne. The wines are slowly and carefully aged in Deutz’ chalk-walled cellars far beneath the historic village of Aÿ.

One of the oldest members of Champagne’s prestigious association of Grands Marques houses, Champagne Deutz has been making distinctive champagnes characterized by finesse, elegant vinosity and complexity since 1838.




Fabrice Rosset came all the way from France to take us through these incredible Champagnes.
More than 20 years ago, Fabrice Rosset joined the House of Louis Roederer and worked alongside Jean-Claude Rouzaud (owner of the Company) as Export Director, International Sales & Marketing Director and Vice-President. Fabrice is now Chairman and CEO of Champage Deutz.




The history of Champagne Deutz is long and colorful to say the least. Champagne Deutz was founded in 1838 as Deutz & Geldermann. The two immigrants from Napoleonic Prussia — Geldermann, a Champagne salesman, and Deutz, a negociant — opened an office with no vineyards. The cuvées were bought sur lattes, already in the bottle, and were then disgorged, the dosage added and the wines labeled



When René Deutz and Alfred Geldermann inherited the business from their fathers in the late 1860s, sales of their Champagne had been consistently rising for years. Alfred Geldermann later married René's sister, Marie Deutz, strengthening the bonds of partnership.

Deutz took its place among the great Houses of Champagne when it became a founding member of the Syndicat des Grandes Marques.
















During the Great Depression, disaster was avoided when Marie Deutz reinvested a large part of her considerable personal wealth into the Company.

A new commercial director was chosen to replace Charles Van Cassel. Georges Kaminski soon had the House's sales in order, and by 1934, a normal rhythm returned to the financial affairs of Deutz: 132,530 bottles sold, two thirds on the French market. This upward curve continued through the second World War.

In 1938, just before WW II, René Lallier died, leaving the company to his son Jean Lallier. His first task was to get the winery through the war years.

These were difficult times because there was no money to buy grapes, no bottles, no horses to help work in the vineyards, and above all no men to make the wine. But paradoxically, the Third Reich did nothing to stem the flow of champagne production. In fact, the wineries of Champagne were forced to collectively produce between 15 million and 18 million bottles in five years, and obliged to supply the German Army with a set number of cases in proportion to annual production.

Up to the 1950s, Deutz & Geldermann survived on 200,000 bottles a year. Before regular commerce could be revived, the reconstitution of the champagne stocks had to be organized




André Lallier instituted modern methods of management to meet the challenges of the '80s and '90s. While maintaining many of the wine making techniques taught him by his father, André also asserted Champagne Deutz' modernity and implemented many technical upgrades in the winery - finer presses, a better tank room, and an improved disgorgement process.





"The primary materials in the making of champagne have evolved so much," he said. "The present-day grapes are healthier, better cared for, vinified in vats of stainless steel instead of wood, temperature controlled, and all oxidation is avoided."

André focused on improving Deutz' sales network in France, and production grew from 29,000 cases in 1965 to 85,000 cases in 1996.

In 1996, André retired. His son, Jean-Marc Lallier, remains as Export Director. The new President of Champagne Deutz is Fabrice Rosset, a 20-year sales and marketing veteran with Champagne Louis Roederer.

Today, the past and present live contentedly together at Aÿ, merging tradition and technology to create elegant champagnes in the timeless Deutz style.

After Fabrice told us the amazing story of Detuz is was now time to "taste" the history and he was with us every step of the way.

Brut Classic Non Vintage

Brut Classic represents the distinctive Champagne Deutz style of elegance and finesse, which has made Deutz one of the most respected of all Champagne houses. The non-vintage Champagne is matured according to traditional methods from a blend of several vintages from twenty of the best crus until it reaches a perfect balance of flavor.

Approximately 38% Pinot Noir, 32% Pinot Meunier and 30% Chardonnay

The color of the wine is an intense gold with fine effervescence that signifies long maturation on the lees. On the nose, the wine initially displays notes of hawthorn and white flowers, which are followed by aromas of toast, marzipan and ripe pears. On the palate, the wine is full bodied and elegant with the freshness of a Chardonnay and richness of a Pinot Noir. Overall, the wine is well rounded with a fruity finish

Brut Vintage 2004

Deutz Brut Vintage is created in only the best years when a vintage is declared and only 11 vintages have been released since 1974. The wines are blended from the finest crus and age at least three years on the lees, one year more than required, in order to develop a rich bouquet and flavor.

The grapes are harvested in Aÿ, Marne Valley, Côtes des Blancs, and Montagne de Reims. Of these vineyards, 40 percent of the grape supply is from Deutz vineyards that are rated 97 percent out of 100 on the Champagne classification scale.

The harvest takes place over a 10-day period, generally between Sept 15-Oct 15 and are hand-harvested using the utmost scrutiny. The grapes are then carefully transported to the grape press to be pressed using automatic and traditional Coquard basket presses. One-hundred percent malolactic fermentation is used. The wine is fermented in 3,000-gallon tanks at 62 degrees Fahrenheit for two weeks. The wines are then left to age and hand riddled in traditional riddling racks.

60% Pinot Noir, 30% Chardonnay, 10% Pinot Meunier

Blanc de Blancs 2004

The grapes are harvested exclusively from Le Mesnil sur Oger (40%), Avize (50%) and Villers Marmery (10%). Forty percent of the grape supply is from Deutz' own vineyards, which rate 98% on the Cham¬pagne scale.

Brut Rosé Vintage 2004

Made exclusively from Pinot Noir, 80% of these grapes come from the Montagne de Reims area, and the remaining 20% come from the Marne Valley. The specific style and color is obtained by the addition of 9% of red wine, whose Pinot Noir grapes come from two plots on the Aÿ hillside called “La Côte” and “Meurtet”, both that have perfect exposure. After 4 years ageing in our cellars, its aromas have perfectly blended, and the Brut Rosé has a very subtle nose and a palate that shows remarkable power.
A precise, full and ample flavor, complemented by the richness of full-bodied, ripe fruit, emulating a high class Pinot Noir.
• With a dense, tight texture, leaving in its wake lingering notes of great elegance.

Cuvée William Deutz 1998

Created in honor of the founder of Champagne Deutz, Cuvée William Deutz is only made in years when nature bestows on the Champagne region an exceptional harvest (on average, 1 year in 3).

Cuvée William Deutz is only made available to the discerning few - only 0.012% of the population will ever have the opportunity to taste this superb champagne. The cuvée is aged a minimum of 5 years in Deutz cellars buried 25 meters (82 feet) underground to ensure ideal conditions of humidity and temperature.
55 % Pinot Noir, 35 % Chardonnay, 10 % Pinot Meunier

Powerful nose, rich and complex, that shows aromas reminiscent of baked apples, together with light and pleasant hints of preserved ginger and nutmeg, amongst others.
The entry is crisp and the wine then develops considerable finesse, also revealing delicate flavors of sultanas that evoke the charms of a sunny place. showing a full range of secondary aromas that are usually found in Champagnes that have been aged for a longer period.



Since 1838 Champagne Deutz has provided the world with one of the finest Champagnes . Having Fabrice Rosset explain the history and take us on a tasting journey was an opportuinty that will be in our memory for a very long time. The Central Coast Wine Classic really went above and beyond to provide an opportunity like this very special Symposium.

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Edna Valley Vineyards teams up with The Central Coast Wine Classic and provides a winemaker dinner " Around the Word "

Date: Sat, Jul 31, 2010 Wine Tasting Winery Blogs Wine Business

The Central Coast Wine Classic is not just about wine but great food as well.






Celebrity Chefs and local Chefs alike spread out all over California's Central coast from The Hearst Castle , Private homes , San Luis Opispo and the Edna Valley to provide a wonderful culinary experience to the guests with some very picturesque settings.



We were picked up in our Chauffer driven coach and transported to the Edna Valley as the sun was setting over the vineyards . Our winery dinner was at the famous Edna Valley Vineyards.

Edna Valley was approved as an American Viticultural Area (AVA) in May 1982 because of its unique topographical setting and grape growing characteristics. This unique geographical location, cool climate and soil content all have an influence over the grapes grown in the valley and the wines made from those grapes.



The convergence of maritime climate, the marine sediment in the soil, and the volcanic influences of granite and tufa give Edna Valley wines a distinctive flavor. These are big, concentrated wines that maintain their balance. Edna Valley Vineyard sits in the heart of this appellation and benefits from these traits that combine to make this appellation unrivaled in may respects.












Edna Valley's Director of Winemakeing Harry Hansen met the guests as we sampled his Viognier , White Rhone " V " , Pinot Noir and Syrah and we enjoyed Pissaladiere , Grujeres of Compte cheese and Confit of Duck with Roasted Garlic.


Harry explained at the heart of his wine making is the idea that wine should be as pure an expression of the place and the grape as possible.They handle the fruit gently and treat the wine with respect, minimizing pumping, fining, and filtration.





His wines are aged mainly in French oak barrels selected for their complementary qualities. In short, he uses an artisan's approach to New World wine making. Edna Valley Vineyards focuses on estate-grown Chardonnay and produce Pinot Noir, Syrah, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon using new varietal clones. They craft a variety of limited production wines that are sold exclusively in their tasting room.














Paragon vineyard is planted to the following mix of varietals that thrive in this microclimate:

Chardonnay 63%
Pinot Noir 18%
Syrah 9%
Sauvignon Blanc 5%
Pinot Gris 3%
Miscellaneous 1%



After enjoying some French starters and taking in the view, it was time to move into the dinning room overlooking the vineyard. Harry Hansen delighted us when he explained that he will be taking us to France , Italy , Spain , Croatia and Germany all featuring wines from right outside our window !






Italian First Course
Black mussels , cockels & spot prawns with white wine tomato herb broth

2008 Pinot Gris







Spanish Second Course
Handmade sausages with Bloomsdale spinach & garlic cream finished with Bacon , date and chutney

Barrel Sample 2009 Grenache








Croatia Entree
Pork involtini stuffed with greens & wild mushrooms on a bed of white bean puree

2007 Zinfandel




German Dessert :
Chocolate & Vietnamese coffee tart with lemon whipped cream

2009 Sweet Edna





We could not help but reflect on our moonlit drive out of the Edna valley on the meal we had just had and the wonderful diversity of the Edna Valley and Edna Valley Vineyards. For more information on Edna Valley Vineyards or for a visit please visit ednavalleyvineyard.com.
Tell them VINO LAS VEGAS sent you and have fun .

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The Central Coast Wine Classic takes VINO LAS VEGAS on an early morning visit to Italy with Italian Wine Merchants and Christy Canterbury , DWS , CS

Date: Fri, Jul 30, 2010 Wine Tasting Winery Blogs Wine Business

Unlike some events we have attended over the years, The Central Coast Wine Classic pretty much covers the world of food and wine.

With the early morning fog still hovering over the Dolphin Bay resort we entered our tent and were transported to Italy and a seminar Italian Wine, Passion on the Vine hosted by Christy Canterbury, DWS, and CS

With more than 2,000 grape varieties and 27,000 producers, the Italian wine world is a challenge to professionals and enthusiasts as well.

Christy explained our Menu dell’ Assaggio which featured six amazing Italian wines and we began our early morning journey through Italy.

Murgo 2007 Brut Rose Sicilia – Nerello Mascalese

This Estate has been producing wines since 1850 , and is located very close to Mt Etna and its Volcanic sands which impact the minerality of the wine. This lovely metodo classico showed us delicate flowers and crisp apples providing us a great way to start the day.

Movia 2007 Lunar Friuli/Brda –Ribolla Gialla

Movia has been producing wine for more that three centuries. This wine is unfiltered and Bio Dynamic as well showing the Kristancic family’s non interventinalist approach to wine making . On the palate , the wine was clean with intense minerals and floral notes on the nose as well.

Gravner 2003 Ribolla Gialla Anfora Friuli –Ribolla Gialla

Josko Gravner is Friuli’s most profound and influential winemaker. The Ribolla Gravner is on of Friulu’s oldest indigenous vines and Gravner has plans to author a movement of reclamation of the varietal . Gravner himself stated “ This wine is best served decanted at room temperature and despite critic observations , is not a delicate wine”. We could not agree more. It was a real treat to have enjoyed this native Italian varietal.

Le Macchiole 2007 Bolgheri Rosso Toscana-

Merlot , Cabernet Franc , Sangiovese , Syrah

Bolgheri Rosso debuted with the 2004 vintage . This wine was a nice and mouth watering surprise to us with it’s French Blend and a touch of an Italian flair with Sangiovese in the forefront.

II Palazzone 2004 Brunello di Montalcino Toscana-Sangiovese Grosso

II Palazzone “ The Big Place “ is a small estate of only 20 acres ( 10 of which are under vine ). Under the right care , these wines exhibit an austere character and possess the ability to age very well. This wonderful Sangiovese adheres to the DOCG prescription of three years but extends the bottle ageing six to eight months longer than other estates. The II Palazzone 2004 was well structured and elegant.

Corte Sant’ Alda 2004 Amarone Veneto-Corvina , Rondinella , Corvina Grossa

Amarone is the flagship of Veneto and its shows in this wine that was perhaps are favorite of the morning. With the classic intense flavors of raisins , dried fig , spice, minerals and tar the Corte Sant’ Alde represents Veneto well. Gorgeous fruit and depth of flavor came through on the nose , palate and then a lovely long finish.

The Central Coast Wine Classic with its intimate , educational events moderated by experts in their field such as Christy Canterbury provide a wonderful way to learn , dine and sip while giving back to the arts .

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The Third Annual Carnival of Cuisine show off the Venetian and Palazzo's culinary all stars

Date: Thu, Jul 29, 2010 Wine Tasting Winery Blogs Wine Business

We have attended this wonderful event the last three years and it just keeps getting better . See you there !

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The 26th Annual Central Coast Wine Classic is expected to show their best in Avila Beach and all over California's Central Coast

Date: Tue, Jul 6, 2010 Wine Tasting Winery Blogs Wine Business

Twenty-Sixth Annual Central Coast Wine Classic
Thursday, July 8, through Sunday, July 11, 2010

San Luis Obispo County, located halfway between San Francisco and Los Angeles, has earned worldwide recognition and respect for the exceptional quality of wine grapes produced in this ideal viticultural area. The area includes the Edna Valley, the Arroyo Grande Valley, each a designated American Viticultural Area, the Avila Valley and Nipomo.

Join us and experience the beauty and diversity of California's Central Coast! Participate in the 2010 Twenty-Sixth Annual Central Coast Wine Classic. The lovely areas of Avila Beach, Shell Beach, San Simeon, Arroyo Grande, San Luis Obispo and Paso Robles will be the venues for this long running a very prestigious event.

With a schedule like this there is something for everyone !

Thursday,

Barrel Tasting —

Featuring yet-to-be-released wines from an array of California wineries,

Dinner at Hearst Castle in San Simeon — $1250.00 Per Person

Featuring New Orleans chefs Emeril Lagasse of Emeril's, Tory McPhail of Commander's Palace and Susan Spicer of Bayona, with Michael Hutchings of Santa Barbara presenting the hors d'ouevres, coordinated by Chef James Sly's Team, six courses with matching wines from Vintner Dignitaries, including Champagne Deutz

Fourth Annual Central Coast Wine Classic Paulee/Bring-Your-Own Special Bottle Dinner —

Presented by Dolphin Bay Executive Chef, Evan Treadwell, at Dolphin Bay Resort & Spa

Friday :
California Pinot Noir Terroir Symposium —

Featuring wines from Alma Rosa winery & Vineyards, Au Bon Climat, Carmody McKnight Estate Vineyards, Chamisal Vineyards, Chasseur Winery, Donum Estate Winery, Laetitia vineyard & Winery, Michaud Vineyards, Pisoni Vineyards, Sierra Madre Vineyard, Sinor-La Vallee Winery, Talbott Vineyards and Vine Hill Winery, at Dolphin Bay Resort & Spa

Unique Blend Symposium —

Including both white and red wines that are composed of very unusual blends and that are of exceptional quality, from the following wineries: Au Bon Climat, Castoro Cellars, Demetria Estate, Jada Winery, JK Wine Company, L'Aventure Winery, Lone Madrone Winery, Qupe Wine Cellars, Tablas Creek Vineyard and tangent Winery, at Dolphin Bay Resort & Spa

Emeril Lagasse Cooking Demonstration & Luncheon —

Hosted by Narsai David and featuring Celebrity Chef, Emeril Lagasse of New Orleans, with cuisine paired with the wines of Au Bon Climat, at Dolphin Bay Resort & Spa

Riedel Stemware Symposium with Georg Riedel —

Featuring special vintners on the panel whose wines will be presented by Georg in the Riedel "Vitis" Series of Stemware, Vitis Riesling, Vitis Montrachet Chardonnay, Vitis Pinot Noir & Vitis Cabernet Sauvignon, with the four specific glasses included for each person attending the Symposium. The retail value of such a set is $170.00. At Dolphin Bay Resort & Spa.

Champagne Deutz Symposium —

Hosted by Fabrice Rosset, Chairman of the Board of Champagne Deutz, and featuring the panoply of exceptional renderings of Champagne Deutz, at Dolphin Bay Resort & Spa.

Winery Dinners at Restaurants and Wineries throughout San Luis Obispo County —

Including Ancient Peaks Winery at McPhee's Grill in Avila Beach, Baileyana Winery & tangent Wines at Lido Restaurant at Dolphin Bay Resort & Spa, Claiborne & Churchill Vintners, Saucelito Canyon Vineyards and Tolosa Winery at the San Luis Obispo Country Club, Eberle Winery at the Winery, Edna Valley Vineyard at the Winery, Justin Vineyards & Winery at the Winery, Still Waters Vineyards at the Winery, and Windward Vineyard and L'Aventure Winery at Windward Vineyard. Transportation from & returning to the Dolphin Bay Resort & Spa is included.

Saturday : Rare & Fine Wine & Lifestyle Auction, Silent Auction and Luncheon —

All Auction activities are at the Official Host Auction Venue, the Avila Beach Resort, in Avila Beach. *Silent & Live Auctions, Luncheon & Live Auction Catalog are included in the Rare & Fine Wine & Lifestyle Auction attendance price. Transportation from & returning to the Dolphin Bay Resort & Spa is included.

"Italian Wine, Passion on the Vine," with renowned Italian Wine expert, Sergio Esposito, at Dolphin Bay Resort & Spa

Italian wine authority and recent Central Coast Wine Classic Fine Wine Honoree, Sergio Esposito, owner of Italian Wine Merchants in New York, will lead an exciting tasting of the wines and producers that led to the creation of his seminal book on the Italian wine culture, Passion on the Vine: A Memoir of Food, Wine and Family in the Heart of Italy (Broadway Books, April 2008), a colorful narrative and evocative memoir of his journey from Italy to America to become America's foremost authority on Italian wines.

Reserve Wine Tasting —

Featuring the most special wines of 75 California wineries, at Dolphin Bay Resort & Spa.

The net proceeds from the Wine Classic, the Foundation funds specific projects for 501(c)3 non-profit corporations in San Luis Obispo County and Santa Barbara County whose missions are in the Healing, Performing or Studio Arts. Over the past six years the Foundation has conferred grants totaling $1,370,025 to 62 such non-profits. Grants for 2010 will be conferred in early October in San Luis Obispo.

VINO LAS VEGAS and The Cuisineist will be on hand to experience the central coast like only the Central Coast Wine Classic can do. With seminars , dinners and even a luncheon with Chef Emeril himself. This promises to be a very unique experience. See you there !

For tickets and more information please visit http://www.centralcoastwineclassic.org

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Katharine McPhee Kicks-off 'Stereo Love Saturdays' at The Palazzo's AZURE Luxury Pool and Celebrates the Launch of Belvedere Pink Grapefruit Vodka

Date: Mon, Jul 5, 2010 Wine Tasting Winery Blogs Wine Business

The Palazzo Resort located right in the middle of the famed Las Vegas Strip is well known for its accommodations , shows and dining venues. This Resort has always had an outstanding reputation of "doing it right ". The AZURE Luxury pool spoils its guests keeping with the Palazzo's well deserved world wide reputation .

Summer is here and what a better place to relax for a week or just a weekend than at the Palazzo Resort. Recently American Idol alum , Katharine McPhee made a special musical appearance for " Stereo Love Saturdays ". This very special young talent took to the poolside stage and hosted an afternoon party to celebrate the launch of Belvedere Pink Grapefruit Vodka.













Katharine performed a musical set for her fans at AZURE pool. Feeling the Las Vegas heat , she took off her stiletto heels and gold necklace to jump off the stage and get into the water where she sang to her appreciative fans.

She laughed and said , "I don't know about you, but I'm having fun here celebrating Belevedere Pink Grapefruit Vodka and of course hanging here at The Palazzo." And who could blame her !

Back on stage, she cooled off by spritzing herself with an Evian water misting and sang a song she wrote "Surrender" while fans clapped and cheered and then performed her rendition of Kings of Leon's hit "Use Somebody" while the crowd sang along.

As she was getting ready to exit the stage, the pool guests started to scream for one more song. She asked for requests and her fans yelled "Somewhere Over The Rainbow." For those who watched American Idol , she did a wonderful version of this classic American song on the show and did not miss a beat on this warm cloudless day in Las Vegas. This young talented singer has a long career in front of her.

AZURE is sophistication to say the least. It is the daytime pool experience for the guest who enjoys the finer things in life with exclusive amenities including poolside cabana massages by Canyon Ranch SpaClub, cuisine from celebrity chef Wolfgang Puck, Evian^® water mistings and melodic sounds of AZURE’s live DJs.

This is where the high-profile keeps a low profile while enjoying exquisite amenities and even complimentary frozen grapes and fresh fruit, Evian misting , chilled towels, and sunscreen application.

If you want to treat yourself to five-diamond serenity with Strip views drenched in fun as the live DJ plays the hottest house music in Las Vegas, dance poolside, lounge on a daybed, or party in a private cabana, Azure Pool in the Palazzo resort is the place to be in Las Vegas when you want to cool off with the finer things in life.

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Taste of the Nation Las Vegas brings Chefs and Guests together at the Palms Resort to end childhood hunger.

Date: Thu, Jul 1, 2010 Wine Tasting Winery Blogs Wine Business

Since 1988, Taste of the Nation has brought together the most creative culinary minds across the nation. Each spring and summer, pioneers of modern American cuisine, national celebrity chefs and mixologists including David Burke, Stephan Pyles, mixologist Tony Abou-Ganim, Bravo’s Top Chef Tom Collichio, Food Network stars Tyler Florence and Emeril Lagasse and thousands more like them donate their time, talent and passion at nearly 40 events across the United States and Canada with one goal in mind: to raise critical funds needed to help end childhood hunger. 100% of supports Share Our Strength’s efforts to end childhood hunger


Taste of the Nation’s success is due to the thousands of dedicated volunteers in cities across the United States. These volunteers—chefs, corporate sponsors, marketing and public relations professionals, event planners, financiers and individuals who believe that no child should know hunger-- have helped raised more than $73 million for anti-hunger organizations that run or advocate for programs that connect at-risk families with the food they need to thrive.


This year, funds raised through Taste of the Nation will support No Kid Hungry™, Share Our Strength’s campaign to end childhood hunger in America by 2015, as well as selected international efforts.

Taste of the Nation Las Vegas was help at the Rain Night Club inside the Palms Resort and Casino. Las Vegas has become a culinary center and the city’s hottest chefs and mixologists showed up and donated their time and talent to create this sensational event

We entered the spacious night club venue that had been turned into a Foodies dream all for a good cause. We stopped and sampled great dishes from award wining Chefs like Rick Moonen of RM Seafood , Lucciano Pellegrino of Valentino , Michael Jordan of Rosemarys Restaurant and Kim Canteenwalla of the Society Cafe in the Encore Resort just to name a few. Restaurants such as The Capital Grille , Sushi Samba and Michael Mina's American Fish were serving their best.

In addition to the best cuisine, fabulous wine, and tantalizing spirits guests enjoying live entertainment by Bobby Yang, Otherwise, and DJ Theory. The event also included a fabulous live auction featuring auctioneers Molly Sullivan and Nate Tannenbaum .

Local Beneficiaries:

Since Share Our Strength developed its childhood hunger strategy in 2004, The Taste of the Nation grant recipients and state partners have achieved impressive results to end childhood hunger:

• Distributed 2.5 billion pounds of food
• Served 35 million meals to children
• Served 791,000 kids through privately funded children feeding programs — that’s 23 million meals
• Provided 2.5 million hours of nutrition education or the equivalent of 106,000 days or 15,000 weeks
• Spent 110,000 hours advocating for federal child nutrition programs

Taste of the Nation Las Vegas is always a great opportunity to help a very important cause and give back while enjoying great dishes as you stroll through a spacious night club and the beatufall Pool and Cabanas of the Palms Resort . If you missed Taste of the Nation 2010, mark your calander now for the 2011 event.

For more information on Taste of the Nation please visit http://taste.strength.org
See you next year.

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