Unti Vineyards: Italy in Sonoma
If you visit Sonoma add Unti Vineyards to your list. If you like food friendly wines (less oak, lower alcohol, more acidity) don’t wait to visit, just place an order. Even if you’re not ready to order, sign up for their mailing list; their newsletter offers a glimpse of their personality with plenty of tongue-in-cheek … Continue reading
Evening in Spain with Eight Open Bottles : Tempranillo & Paella Wine Dinner
We regularly get together for a wine dinner with four couples. Dinners are both educational and entertaining; who wouldn’t have fun with eight open bottles of wine? The hosts choose either a wine theme or a food theme, I pick the wines, and the other courses are split up. We have enjoyed the opportunity to … Continue reading
An Exceptional Pairing: Cool Climate Syrah & Lamb Chops
One of my favorite pairings is a cool climate Syrah with grilled lamb chops, and this one was exceptional: Anthill Farms Sonoma Coast Syrah and Star Thrower Farm lamb chops. Wow! I had planned a vegetarian dinner for Meatless Monday, but I realized Julie had an evening commitment. It was my chance for lamb chops … Continue reading
A Favorite Winery – Wind Gap Wines
When you pull up to Wind Gap you might wonder if you are at the right place. You made it to Forestville, a sleepy little town near Santa Rosa, CA. You see an old fruit processing factory and there won’t be a tour bus anywhere in sight. In fact you’ll have to call ahead … Continue reading
Domaine Rouge-Bleu Dentelle & Braised Chicken
If you’re a red wine drinker looking for a wine to go with lighter foods, Domaine Rouge-Bleu Dentelle may be just the ticket. This Rhone blend of Carignan and Grenache was perfect with a cheese plate, braised chicken and roast acorn squash! Upon opening, Dentelle has a very earthy aroma. It dissipates in 15 minutes … Continue reading
“Our Grand Meander” Walla Walla – Gramercy Cellars
This was our second visit to Gramercy Cellars and they hold a special place in our heart. Last year, when our son turned twenty-one in Walla Walla, we called Gramercy and had their L’idiot du Village (modeled after a Cotes du Rhone) delivered to Peter. Funny…he hasn’t had it yet as he’s saving it for … Continue reading
“Our Grand Meander” Columbia Gorge AVA – Domaine Pouillon
Lyle, WA has a group of four interesting wineries. One we hadn’t yet explored was Domaine Pouillon. Even though the fall harvest and crush season is busy, Alexis and Juliet Pouillon graciously hosted us for a very nice visit. The winery consists of a small shed attached to a larger barn. Juliet explained the small … Continue reading
Cherry Chutney Chicken & Haden Fig Cancilla Vineyard Pinot Noir
This recipe is from a dinner we made earlier this summer. The chutney is so good, you should give it a try. It should work in almost any season. I know I’ll use it again! The chutney would work well on chicken or pork; you might even try it with salmon. The main flavor is … Continue reading
Tomato/Dill Salmon & Evesham Wood Pinot Noir – Illahe
Here’s the drill: ride the bicycle to Kingfield Farmer’s Market after church, try to get everything for dinner, augmented only by the herb/tomato garden, and the simplest of spices. This time, I am using local sunflower oil, after a suggestion from the MN Locavore – thanks Amy! One thing I learned: I either need to … Continue reading
Salmon dinner from Kingfield and iOTA Cellars Pinot Noir
My goal was to make dinner as close to 100% from the farmer’s market, supplemented by herbs from the backyard. I did allow myself common kitchen condiments; we have very few olive trees (for oil) in Minnesota! You can see my main ingredients below from Kingfield Farmer’s Market in South Minneapolis. My previous post went … Continue reading
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