Stew Leonard's in Yonkers will be offering a schedule of wine education seminars March through June. Paige Donahoo and LeeAnn Mercando, both certified wine specialists with Stew Leonard’s Wines, will be teaching the wine education seminars. During each two-hour seminar, attendees will learn about the wine topic at hand from a Stew Leonard’s certified wine specialist while tasting multiple selections. Eight wines will be tasted during each class and paired with international cheeses and charcuterie.
Tickets for wine classes are $40 (10% off two or more tickets) and can be purchased in advance at the store or over the phone via credit card. There is a 30 person maximum per class. A 24-hour notice of cancellation is required for refunds.
Here is the schedule:
Friday, March 20, 2009; 7-9pm
Wine 101
Learn how to swirl, sniff and sip like a pro while tasting and evaluating four best-selling reds (Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chianti and Pinot Noir) and whites (Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc and Riesling).
Friday, March 27, 2009; 7-9pm
New World vs. Old World
Learn the characteristic differences between Old World wines from the cooler climates of Europe and the warmer climates of younger regions, such as the United States, Australia and South America. California Cabernet, Syrah and Chardonnay will be tasted and compared to their European counterparts.
Friday, April 24, 2009; 7-9pm
The Growing Popularity of Spanish Wines
Spanish wines have become increasingly popular over the last 10 years, as the region grows outstanding wines at great prices. Learn about and taste both traditional Spanish varietals, such as Rioja and Tempranillo, and up and coming, but lesser-known grapes like Monastrell.
Friday, June 5, 2009; 7-9pm
Italian Wines: As Hot as Ever
Italy is a country rich in wine history and tradition, with multiple growing regions and countless varieties to choose from. Learn about wines from the various regions, including the best Chiantis and hot and trendy Super-Tuscans.
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This past weekend, I ventured to the Finger Lakes Wine Country for the Palate. The Palate was a week long event of special wine activities, including private wine tastings, special pricing on activities, lectures and receptions.We arrived on Friday and headed up to Hazlitt arriving just before the 1pm scheduled private tasting. Unfortunately Justin decided to take lunch and forgot we were coming. We were suppose to have a special preview of the 2008 vintages. That's okay Justin, as your tasting room staff was wonderful and we selected the different wines for our tasting.
We left Hazlitt and visited Atwater Estates and Chateau Lafayette Reneau before heading over to see our friends John and Stacy McGregor at McGregor Winery. After our visit with John we headed to a special reception at the Radisson before the beginning of "Cabin Fever." At this reception we got to taste a number of wineries selections. What stood out most to us was Ravines Riesling and Shaw's Cabernet Sauvignon. We then headed to the streets of Corning to Cabin Fever. This was a great event. Different stores and restaurants hosted a different winery. As you entered the establishments, you got to taste wines from different producers in the Finger Lakes. We finished off the evening at The Birds Restaurant for a wonderful dinner.
Saturday we were up and out to be at Shaw Vineyards at 11am for a private guided tour and tasting through his award winnings wine. Joining me at this event were Rob Lane - The Finger Lakes Weekend Wino, Melissa Dobson, and Morgan McLaughlin - Finger Lakes Wine Ladyand Executive Director of Finger Lakes Wine Country. All of us under one roof! This event was an event not to be missed. Steve is a very talented winemaker and grower. He doesn't rush to get his vintages to market and nurses them until he feels they are ready to be bottled and marketed.
We started off with a verticle tasting of Riesling followed by a walk to the tank room. In the tank room we were treated to three different 07 Rielsings. These Rieslings were all grown on the property, but in different areas. It was amazing the difference in the three. Then if was off to the Barrel Room. Here were were treated to many different Reds going back to 2007 that were still in the barrel.
After our time with Steve at Shaw we went to visit Ravines, Lamoreaux Landing, Thirsty Owl and Standing Stone. Yes we drove to all three of the lakes. We couldn't have done it without our GPS. We ended the evening at Tony R's Steak & Seafood for a wonderful dinner.
Just because it's the middle of winter the Finger Lakes are still beautiful. I enjoyed getting out of my car and looking at the lakes. It's still breathtaking no matter what time of year it is!
This weekend we were on a quest for white wine. We really enjoyed the Rieslings, Chardonnay's and Gewurztraminer's that were produced at the wineries we visited. Three cases of wine later, we drove the 4 hours home.
Today is Wine Blogging Wednesday. This month the assignment is by David McDuff of McDuff’s Food & Wine Trail. - A Passion for Piedmont.
I looked in my wine cellar and I didn't find any wines from Piedmont (surprise..surprise) so off to Arlington Wine & Liquors I went. When I entered neither Bob was there, so a clerk pointed me in the direction of the wines from Italy and specifically the Piedmont area. Of course he showed me the $50 plus bottle but I had to be economical. In my typical form, I couldn't decide between two bottles. Gut told me Vietti, label told me otherwise. As you see, it wasn't a price issue, it was a label issue. I thought the girls on the bike were so cute. Unfortunately it wasn't as good as it's label, so today for WBW #54 the winner is 2006 Vietti Barbera D'Asti.
This wine was inexpensive at $18.99, so it didn't break the bank. The color was a deep ruby red with cherry on the nos
e. Cherry wasn't just on the nose, it was everywhere. Very strong flavor of cherry. What was nice was the light spice on the finish. It was also light on the tannins. As my husband and I sat there and talked about our day at work the wine seemed to open up nicely.I served the wine with a no frills dinner of pasta and red sauce. The wine went very well with dinner.
This week, a wine region away, begins an event in the Finger Lakes - Finger Lakes Palate - An Art, Food and Wine Showcase. This is a week long event that takes place in Corning's Gaffer District and in the surrounding area. There will be wine tasting and seminars, cooking demonstrations and more.
People attending the Palate can purchase a Palate Pass for $50 per person and is good for admission to all events except the wine dinners. Daily events include free admission to the Corning Museum of Glass, and the Rockwell Museum of Western Art.
Today at 1pm you can take part in a barrel tasting at Hazlitt 1852 Vineyards or a verticle tasting at Swedish Hill Vineyards. Tonight at 5pm there is a special screening of Merlove at the Palace Theatre. Events like this are taking place all week in the Finger Lakes. Click here for the complete schedule of events.
This event runs through Sunday. There is still time to make your reservations. I'll see you this weekend in the Finger Lakes.
People attending the Palate can purchase a Palate Pass for $50 per person and is good for admission to all events except the wine dinners. Daily events include free admission to the Corning Museum of Glass, and the Rockwell Museum of Western Art.
Today at 1pm you can take part in a barrel tasting at Hazlitt 1852 Vineyards or a verticle tasting at Swedish Hill Vineyards. Tonight at 5pm there is a special screening of Merlove at the Palace Theatre. Events like this are taking place all week in the Finger Lakes. Click here for the complete schedule of events.
This event runs through Sunday. There is still time to make your reservations. I'll see you this weekend in the Finger Lakes.
The other day I had a dilemma. I had taken some pork chops out for dinner and didn't know what to do with them. What to do? I decided to get the help of my twitter friends. My friend Enobytes tweeted me the link to a recipe - Pork Chops in a Creamy Champagne Sauce with Rustic Garlic Mashed Potatoes. Bingo...I went for it.
Champagne..I am not a big Champagne drinker. I had two bottles in the house. A 2007 Whitecliff Sparkling Wine (made from Estate Chardonnay) and a Clinton Vineyards Jubilee. Clinton was the winner. Of course when you cook with wine or champagne..a little for the dish, a little for the cook.
The Jubilee was nice and crisp with a little hint of apples. That ought to go good with Pork Chops. To my surprise this dish was very easy to prepare and was ready in no time. I didn't even over cook the pork. It was very tasty. The champagne made a wonderful sauce. The mashed potatoes were great!
Here is the recipe:4 red potatoes, unpeeled and quartered
4 peeled garlic cloves
1/2 cup sour cream
2 tbs chopped fresh parsley
salt and pepper to tate
1 tbs olive oil
6 ork loin chops
1/4 cup chopped shallots
2 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp dried tarragon
1 cup sparlking wine or dry Champagne
1 tbs flour
1 cup milk.
Potatoes: Place potatoes and garlic in a saucepan with water to cover. Boil and cook 8 minutes until fork tender. Drain and return to pan. Mash and add sour cream until smooth. Stir in parsley, season with salt and pepper.
Pork: Heat oil in large skillet ofer medium heat. Season pork with salt and pepper and add to pan. Cook 2 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove pork. In the same pan add shallots and cook 2 minutes until soft. Add thyme and tarragon and cook 1 minute until fragrant. Add sprakling wine and cook 1 minute. Whisk flour into milk and add to pan. Return pork to pan and simme 3-5 minutes until pork is cooked through and sauce thickened.
Enjoy!
This years Hudson Valley Wine Competition will be held on April 25th 2009. The competition will determine the best of the Hudson Valley. The past few years have been a great growing season, I am sure the wine entered will be outstanding.
The winning wines will be paired with dinner on June 12th at Terrapin Catering at the Dinsmore. The dinner is open to public and is a wonderful time to mingle with the winemakers and owners of the Hudson Valley Wineries. You will have no other chance in a public forum to chat and dine with the winemakers of the Hudson Valley. This dinner sold out with a waiting list last year. I urge you to think ahead and purchase your tickets early.
Here is a look at the video from last years dinner
Here is a copy of the press release that was sent out.
Hudson Valley Wine Competition Press Release
The winning wines will be paired with dinner on June 12th at Terrapin Catering at the Dinsmore. The dinner is open to public and is a wonderful time to mingle with the winemakers and owners of the Hudson Valley Wineries. You will have no other chance in a public forum to chat and dine with the winemakers of the Hudson Valley. This dinner sold out with a waiting list last year. I urge you to think ahead and purchase your tickets early.
Here is a look at the video from last years dinner
Here is a copy of the press release that was sent out.
Hudson Valley Wine Competition Press Release
I was in the liquor store yesterday purchasing my Piedmont wine for WBW #54 which the topic is "A passion for Piedmont." and I noticed a petition against the proposal for wine sales in grocery stores. (WBW will be held February 18 - so no sneak peeking yet to my choice.)
In New York, the Governor is proposing legalizing wine sales in grocery stores. This is part of his new balanced budget. What does this mean. A few thing and you can look at it a few different ways.
What it means for the liquor store - less traffic as more people will be purchasing their wine with their daily trip to the grocery store. Since grocery stores are chains, their purchasing power will be greater, hence they will sell wine at a cheaper price. BUT...for those seeking a wine that is exclusive, higher quality or library wine, they will have to go to the liquor or wine store, as the grocery store won't have that type of selection. I also question the knowledge base of the clerk at the grocery store vs the liquor store.
What it means for the local wineries - Two things. If the local winery is proactive in its sales it can be tremendous. They will have new outlets to sell their wine over a greater geographic area. However the flip side is some of the small wineries can't compete with the grocery stores and it will be more difficult for them to get their product into a store like Price Chopper or Shoprite where they buyer is miles away. Having relationships with the local liquor / wine stores is how many of the small wineries get their product out, and if this law gets passed, it might force the small wine stores to close their doors. In doing so the small local winery will lose their outlet to sell their wines locally.
Local wineries can sit back and sulk and fight or they can move before their cheese does, be creative and work together to gain more exposure in a larger market.
In New York, the Governor is proposing legalizing wine sales in grocery stores. This is part of his new balanced budget. What does this mean. A few thing and you can look at it a few different ways.
What it means for the liquor store - less traffic as more people will be purchasing their wine with their daily trip to the grocery store. Since grocery stores are chains, their purchasing power will be greater, hence they will sell wine at a cheaper price. BUT...for those seeking a wine that is exclusive, higher quality or library wine, they will have to go to the liquor or wine store, as the grocery store won't have that type of selection. I also question the knowledge base of the clerk at the grocery store vs the liquor store.
What it means for the local wineries - Two things. If the local winery is proactive in its sales it can be tremendous. They will have new outlets to sell their wine over a greater geographic area. However the flip side is some of the small wineries can't compete with the grocery stores and it will be more difficult for them to get their product into a store like Price Chopper or Shoprite where they buyer is miles away. Having relationships with the local liquor / wine stores is how many of the small wineries get their product out, and if this law gets passed, it might force the small wine stores to close their doors. In doing so the small local winery will lose their outlet to sell their wines locally.
Local wineries can sit back and sulk and fight or they can move before their cheese does, be creative and work together to gain more exposure in a larger market.
Marc Stopkie owner/winemaker of Adair Vineyards has produced his first Estate Grown Cabernet Franc. This Cab Franc is the first to be produced with his young vines. There are only 40 cases made.I like my Cab Franc with a little spice on the end. Marc told me he made it more fruit forward and it didn't have the spice on the end. He told me that he and Lori like it that way. It's all a matter of opinion, likes and dislikes when it comes to crafting a wine.
The color was very nice. On the nose I smelled a little earth. I didn't get a lot of flavors at first. The wine was very smooth. As the wine sat and opened, I got the flavors of cherry.
This wine is a drink now wine. I wouldn't purchase this wine to cellar it. I think it would go well with a pork dish.
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