Wine Events for Inland Empire and San Gabriel Valley Area for the Week of July 28 to Aug 2

For seasoned and new wine drinkers alike that want to experience the events of this week, here are the upcoming events

Event #1: “Flight Night - Volteo Vineyards”

Where: Azo Vino Art Gallery & Wine Bar

When: Beer tasting Wednesday, July 29, 6 to 9 p.m.

Flight Night Thursday, July 30 from 6 to 9 p.m

Martini Madess Saturday, August 1 from 6 to 11 p.m.

Join Galen on Thursday flight night and enjoy Volteo wines from the vineyards of Tierra de la Castilla regions of Spain and come by Saturday for a special Martini Madness event.

Located at: 144 W. Badillo St, Covina, CA

Phone: (626) 732-9827

Call ahead for reservations

Hours: Tues-Sat 2-11 p.m. Sunday 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. Closed Mondays.

Event #2: “Wine-a-Palloza...Wine Tasting”

Where: At the San Dimas Wine Shop & Tasting Room

When: Tue., July 28 through Sun., August 2 from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.

This week Heidi is hosting a week of wines of mystery. Six wines will be presented from off-beat wines from a variety of regions. Price: $12.99 per person.

For more information, go to: San Dimas Wine Shop & Tasting Room

Located at: 225 W. Bonita Avenue

San Dimas, CA 91773

Phone: (909)971-942524.

Event 3: "Flights of Rhone Style and Wine Tax Free Wednesday"

Where: California Wine and Cheese

When: Every Wednesday (all day)

Join Monrovia’s best wine & cheese bar for a tax free wine tasting event every Wednesday. This week, try this weeks spotlight of wines from Rhone Style Wines. Flights of Rhone will include a mixture of reds and whites.

For more information, go to: California Wine & Cheese

Located at: 115 W. Foothill Blvd

Monrovia, CA 91016

Phone: (626)358-65003

Hours: 11 a.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Tuesday through Thursday, we close at 8 p.m. and Friday and Saturday at 9 p.m. We are open Sunday from noon until 6 p.m.

Event #4: “McKinley's Grille Wine Tasting”

Where: Sheraton Fairplex

When: July 30 (Tuesday) 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

This event is a progressive adventure of wine and discovery of wines from the Los Angeles International Wine & Spirits 2009 Competition" Gold Medal winners. Start the evening with wine then enjoy a tour of the NHRA museum and sip American wine amoung hot rods and enjoy delicious samplings of the new menu from McKinley's Grille. Price: $25 per person

For reservations, call (909) 868-5915

Location: 601 W. McKinley Ave, Pomona, California 91768

If you attend any of these events, please be sure to tell them, Michael J from Lifestyle Food & Wine sent you

Wine Events for Inland Empire and San Gabriel Valley Area for the Week of July 21 to 26

For seasoned and new wine drinkers alike that want to experience the events of this week, here are the upcoming events

Event #1: “Flight Night - Ventana Vineyards” Where: Azo Vino Art Gallery & Wine Bar
When: Beer tasting Wednesday, July 23, 6 to 9 p.m.Flight Night Thursday, July 24 from 6 to 9 p.mWine & Live Music Saturday, July 25 from 8 to 11 p.m.

Join Galen on Thursday flight night for wine from PKNT Vineyards and come by Saturday for wine, beer, with music by Lorenz

Located at: 144 W. Badillo St, Covina, CA
Phone: (626) 732-9827
Call ahead for reservations
Hours: Tues-Sat 2-11 p.m. Sunday 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. Closed Monday2.

Event #2: “Gouguenheim Winery...Wine Tasting”
Where: At the San Dimas Wine Shop & Tasting Room
When: Tue., July 21 through Sun., July 26 from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.

This week Heidi is hosting a week of wine from Gouguenheim Winery is located in the Tupungato Valley, a cool within Mendoza, Argentina.. Price: $11.99 per person.

For more information, go to: San Dimas Wine Shop & Tasting Room
Located at: 225 W. Bonita Avenue, San Dimas, CA 91773
Phone: (909)971-942524.

Event 3: Tax Free Wednesday and Wine Class Saturday
Where: California Wine and Cheese
When: Every Wednesday (all day)

Join Monrovia’s best wine & cheese bar for a tax free wine tasting event every Wednesday. This week, try Flights of Zinfandel and Mixed Whites and try some of the 50+ cheeses available. On Saturday, July 25, CW&C will support an American Cancer Society Relay for Life fundraiser. 10% of all retail purchases on that day will be donated to the American Cancer Society.

For more information, go to: California Wine & Cheese
Located at: 115 W. Foothill Blvd, Monrovia, CA 91016
Phone: (626)358-65003.

Event #4: “Pizzaioli Tuesday Night Tasting - A Tour of Paso Robles”
Where: Pizzaioli Ristorante Italiano
When: July 21 (Tuesday) 6 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Discover six different wines from Paso Robles including, Justin 2006 Paso Robles Isosceles, Tablas Creek 2006 Esprit De Beaucastel Rouge, Ridge 2007 Zinfandel San Luis Obispo County, Opolo 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon, Jeff Runquist 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon, and Tablas Creek 2008 Rose. Price: $15 per person

For more information, go to http://www.pizzaioli.com/
Location: Pizzaioli Ristorante Italiano
3920 Grand AvenueChino, CA 91710
Phone: (909) 590.5454

Event #5: “Weekend Tasting: European Summer Wines”
Where: Packing House Wine Merchants
When: Friday, July 24, 2009 5 p.m. - 9 p.m.

Nothing like some fun European Summer wines. Come and check out some new wines which are sure to be a hit! Price: $15-20

For more information, go to: Packing House Wine Merchant
Located at: 540 W. First StreetClaremont, CA 91711
Phone: 909-445-9463

If you attend any of these events, please be sure to tell them, Michael J from Lifestyle Food & Wine sent you

Discover California Wine and Cheese in Monrovia

California Wine and Cheese is located just east of Pasadena in beautiful downtown Monrovia on Foothill Boulevard near Myrtle Street.

Downtown Monrovia is one of the most well established communities with a bountiful of shops and restaurants. One of those establishments is California Wine and Cheese. Owners, Tom and Janet Dugan opened CW&C back in August of 2006. They originally opened it with little knowledge of wine, but over the months Tom and Janet have learned a lot about wine from hosting their wine classes by wine experts and from tasting their own inventory with wine growers and customers alike.

The shop itself is very comfortable. The store is large in size, but not intimidating that one would feel out of place. Patrons can sit at the large bar area. Large enough for a group of people to mingle and enjoy a night of wine tasting and maybe some cheese. On the walls are displays of art from local talented artists. Usually, an art gallery auction is held once a month for the paintings.

CW&C is stocked with over 200 different types of wines, and Tom is very cordial host, will be happy to help you find what you are looking for, and even pour you a sample from their weekly tasting schedule. Unlike most wine bars, the wine tasting events are “whenever you show up,” said Dugan.

The one quality that CW&C has is they only carry California wines. Some people may not find this as a quality and think of this as a flaw, but there really isn’t anything wrong with that. In fact, many wines produced in other countries like France, Argentina, Spain, Italy, and Australia are grown and produced right here in California.

Add an assortment of rare and exotic cheeses from all over the world with a glass of sparkling wine or white wine, makes for a pleasant trip to Monrovia. CW&C has over 60 different cheeses including domestic cheeses from California, Idaho, Oregon, Utah, Wisconsin, and Vermont. Also, CW&C has a huge selection of international cheeses from Australia, Austria, Cyprus, England, France, Holland, Ireland, Italy, Scotland, and Spain.

During each wine tasting event held on every Friday evening, cheeses are prepared and set according to wine flight of the week for precise pairing to compliment each other, so each customer’s enjoyment is enhanced. So, come and enjoy a day or an evening of wine and cheese and discovery the many wines of California.
Website: California Wine and Cheese









(Just west of Myrtle Ave, north of Old Town Monrovia)

Wine Events for Inland Empire and San Gabriel Valley Area for the Week of July 14 to 19

For seasoned and new wine drinkers alike that want to experience the events of this week, here are the upcoming events for the Inland Empire area:

1. Event: “Flight Night - Ventana Vineyards”

Where: Azo Vino Art Gallery & Wine Bar

When: Beer tasting Wednesday, July 15, 6 to 9 p.m.
Flight Night Thursday, July 16 from 6 to 9 p.m
Wine & Live Music Saturday from 8 to 11 p.m.

Join Galen on Thursday flight night for wine from Ventana Vineyards and come by Saturday for wine, beer, with music by John Castillo & Zollie Polk

Located at: 144 W. Badillo St, Covina, CA

Phone: (626) 732-9827 Call ahead for reservations
Hours: Tues-Sat 2-11 p.m. Sunday 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. Closed Monday

2. Event: “Summer Values...Wine Tasting”

Where: At the San Dimas Wine Shop & Tasting Room

When: Tue., July 14 through Sun., July 19 from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.

This week the event says exactly that. Heidi presents six wines that are easy on the budget and perfect for summer entertaining. Price: $12.99 per person.

For more information, go to: San Dimas Wine Shop & Tasting Room

Located at: 225 W. Bonita Avenue, San Dimas, CA 91773

Phone: (909)971-94252

4. Event: Tax Free Wednesday and Wine Class Saturday
Where: California Wine and Cheese
When: Every Wednesday, and Wine Class on July 18 at 3 p.m.

Join Monrovia’s best wine & cheese bar for a tax free wine tasting event every Wednesday. This week, try wines from the Napa and Sonoma regions. On Saturday come back for a special wine class with Master Sommelier, Elizabeth Schweitizer.

For more information, go to: California Wine & Cheese

Located at: 115 W. Foothill Blvd, Monrovia, CA 91016
Phone: 626-358-6500

3. Event: “Sake Tasting at Kabuki Japanese Restaurant”
Where: Kabuki Restaurant
When: July 14 (Tuesday), Session one: 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Session 2: 8:30 to 9:30 p.m.

Discover sake a whole new way on this sake and food pairing event with Master Sake Sommelier, Yuji Matsumoto and a chance to win prizes!
Price: $25 for 1, $40 for couple, $20 per person for 3 or more.

For more information, go to Kabuki Japanese Restaurant
Location: 12595 N. MainstreetRancho Cucamonga, CA 91739

Phone: (909) 646-8555

4. Event: “Reds, Whites, and The Blues”

Where: The Sycamore Inn

When: Thursday, July 16, 2009 6 p.m. - 9 p.m.

This is The Sycamore Inn’s annual event of Red, Whites, and Blues. This year, enjoy 20 wines from a variety of wineries. Included are appetizers and music by blues Band , The Mama's Boys. Come early to get the best seats, this will be a sell out event.
Price: $25 (includes appetizers and music)

For more information, go to: Sycamore Inn

Located at: 8318 Foothill Blvd, Rancho Cucamonga, Ca 91730

Phone: (909) 982-1104

If you attend any of these events, please be sure to tell them, Michael J from Lifestyle Food & Wine sent you.

The Original Wine of the Month Club in a Nutshell

I had the pleasure of meeting the owner of Wine of the Month Club, Paul Kalemkiarian Jr.

WOTMC is one of the oldest, if not the original mail order wine delivering service establishments in the country.

Originally opened as a pharmacy and drugstore back in 1972, WOTMC didn’t start out as a wine supplier. Oddly enough, they hardly even carried wine until the mid 70s.

By then, the drugstore became Palos Verdes Wines and Spirits which notably became the place for wine in the Los Angeles area. Slowly, the wine inventory grew and so did business, but this idea was short lived.

In 1979, the owner, Paul Kalemkiarian Sr. grew tired of the retail business and sold his pharmacies including the wine business. It wasn’t until 1989 when the young Paul Kalemkiarian Jr. decided to make a drastic career change from sales in a completely different industry and bought back the wine business.

Today, the Wine of the Month Club has more than 12,000 different wines in stock and growing, with more customers than ever before, and thriving even during this tough economy.

Part of the success is their unparalleled diversity of wine selections and their wine club membership. Paul and a panel of extremely qualified critics taste and select each and every wine for the wine of the month. Each month, this panel taste in upwards of 200 wines every month. Once these wines are decided upon, Paul then creates a weekly videocast and newsletter for each membership series, so everyone gets a change to learn about what they are about to receive in the mail.

At WOFTMC there are three membership categories to choose from, the Classic Series, the Limited Series, and the Vintner Series. Each tier represents a class of wine which are determined by pricing. While all the selected vintages are of superiority for its class, no member is felt left out. Each month, a member will receive two bottles of exceptional wine. A member can choose to receive all red, all white, or a combination. And, each membership comes with a monthly newsletter written by the cellermaster himself which he details each vintage and its origin.

That is Wine of the Month Club in a nutshell. If you want to learn more about this exceptional service, check out their website or come by and visit Wine of the Month Club in person.

Contact information:
Wine of the Month Club®
Phone 1-800-949-WINE (1-800-949-9463) 8am-5pm PST M-F Fax (626) 303-2597907 S Magnolia Ave, Monrovia. CA 91016 Postal: P.O. Box 660220 Arcadia, CA 91066

Wine Events for the San Gabriel/Inland Empire Area for the Week of June 7 thru July 12

For seasoned and new wine drinkers alike that want to experience the events of this week, here are the upcoming events for the Inland Empire area:

1. Event: “Broken Dreams - Open Cases‏”

Where: Azo Vino Art Gallery & Wine Bar

When: Beer tasting Wednesday, July 8, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Flight Night Thursday, July 9 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m
Wine & Live Music Saturday with Phil Settle from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m.

Join Galen on Thursday flight night for Broken Dreams and Open Cases night with lite munchies and a special one night only raffle.
Come back on Saturday and enjoy wine and beer for live music by Phil Settle

Located at:

144 W. Badillo StCovina, CA

Phone: (626) 732-9827 Call ahead for reservations
Hours: Tues-Sat 2-11 p.m. Sunday 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. Closed Monday

2. Event: “Taft Street Winery...Wine Tasting”

Where: At the San Dimas Wine Shop & Tasting Room

When: Tue., July 7 through Sun., July 12 from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.

This week Heidi presents wines from Taft Street Winery. Taft makes excellent wines from the Russian River Valley, Sonoma Coast, Dry Creek, and Alexander Valley appellations.

Price: $13.99 per person.

For more information, go to: San Dimas Wine Shop & Tasting Room

Located at: 225 W. Bonita Avenue, San Dimas, CA 91773

Phone: (909)971-94252.

3. Event: "Wine Club of the Month - Wine Tasting"

Where: Live online Wine Club of the Month and on location

When: Every Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Wine Club of the Month is one of the oldest and most respected wine clubs in the nation. Established in 1972, Cellermaster, Paul Kalekiarian Jr. has been presenting wines ever since. Each month, WCOTM tests over 100 different wines to catalog the top wines of the month to present to wine club members. So, come on in at the Monrovia location or view online.

For more information, go to: Wine of the Month Club®

Located at: 907 S Magnolia Ave, Monrovia, CA 91016 Phone: 1-800-949-WINE (1-800-949-9463) Hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. PST Mon thru Fri

If you attend any of these events, please be sure to tell them, Michael J from Lifestyle Food & Wine sent you.

La Tazza, the Warm Hearted Coffee House of Covina

La Tazza Cafe is located on School Street off of Citrus in downtown Covina across from the downtown park. The outside is extremely inviting, and once inside, one cannot help but gaze at the rustic art and beautiful large paintings which encloses this wonderful café. There is plenty of seating and there is an area dedicated to coffee drinkers that want to just lounge, hang out, and chit-chat.

La Tazza has a full coffee bar equipped with all types of coffee and espresso specialty drinks for the extreme coffee lovers. Other drinks available included assorted herbal teas, hot chocolate, ciders, Italian sodas and creamosas, fruit smoothies, and even Chai Tea lattes. They are also stocked with rare bottled beverages for the carbonated fans.

If you are in the mood for a good sandwich La Tazza has a lot of delicious options like the Real Turkey Breast & Muenster sandwich, and the Chicken Cordon Bleu sandwich served pannini style with muenster cheese with garlic sauce served on focaccia bread, or try the BLTAC which is a BLT with a generous serving of avacado and chedder served on wheat bread, or try their specialty Raspberry Chicken Salad on croissant bread with field cut greens, cukes, and raspberry sauce. It’s to die for.

Have a sweet tooth? La Tazza has plenty of deserts that will have you feeling guilty for the rest of the week, because their deserts are truly sinfully sweet and plenty. This is a warning if you are weak at heart for a delightful desert.

Other notable mentions on their menu is the daily soups available like the Baked French onion bowl which is available daily and the Soup of the Day. La Tazza is open early, so if you are wanting more than just coffee, then they can help with you with a muffin or even a hot breakfast.

While this seems limited, keep in mind it is just a coffee house, but with a little more to offer. The owner Charlie and his staff add a friendly personal touch and the overall atmosphere give it that soft welcome appeal that overshadows the more brighter commercialized coffee houses. The owner is very cordial and inviting with all the customers that come visit his establishment. Even if you are having a hard time deciding, he will gladly recommend his absolute customer pleasers to help guide you to your liking. With service like this, who needs to go anywhere else for coffee and sandwiches?

Wine of the Week: The Santa Ynez Valley 2006 Jarhead Red Reserve

Among wine drinkers, many have some reservation of a wine label that is custom made. Perhaps, there comes a stereotype with a title that doesn’t represent the type of wine or the vineyard. Often times, a bottle with colorful art and a catchy name phrase slapped on an X-brand wine isn’t what it appears. Yes, it may catch the eye, but inside is less than a quality product.

Jarhead Red Reserve is not one of these wines. I was pleasantly surprised to find out, that former Marine Captain and Firestone winegrower, Adam Firestone was behind the mastery of this vintage.

Started in 1999 and grown in the valleys of Santa Ynez, the Jarhead red was created. This vintage is loaded with the finest Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot grapes then aged in French oak for approximately 8 to 14 months to give it that full bodied flavor. While my tasting notes are vague, there is a definite taste of ripe plum, spicy pepper accompanied with chocolate truffles. This is by far a great steak and barbecue wine.

With the celebratory holiday of 4th of July just around the corner, stock up with this handsome bottle and give it to a friend or relative who has served in the Marine Corp. as a gift. All net proceeds will benefit the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation. This fund aids special educational attention to children of fallen Marines.
Price: $22-$25

This special limited vintage can be found at your local wine tasting shop.

Wine Events for the Inland Empire Area for the Week of June 30 thru July 5

For seasoned and new wine drinkers alike that want to experience the events of this week, here are the upcoming events for the Inland Empire area:

1. Event: “Summer Events”

Where: Azo Vino Art Gallery & Wine Bar

When: Beer tasting Wednesday, July 1, 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Flight Night Thursday, June 25 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Take advantage of The Summer Evening Entertainment Series at Covina Park and join us before or after the event for a refreshing break. With 135 wines, 4 "ice cold" American and Belgian craft beers on tap, and 30 by the bottle you are sure to find a nice way to relax!

Events Location: Covina Park Bandshell, 301 North Fourth Avenue

Mondays: Starlight Concert Series – 7:30 p.m. (7:10 p.m. Talent Show Contest) June 22 – July 27

Tuesdays: Kid’s Night Out – 6:30 p.m. (movies in the park start at dusk) June 23 – July 28

Wednesdays: Celebration Series – Local church groups perform 7:30 p.m. July 1 – Aug.5 Thursdays: Covina Concert Band & Bingo – 6:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. – June 25 – July 30

Event Contact: Melody Hynes, Parks & Recreation – mhynes@covinaca.gov

Now Back in Stock at Azo Vino!

337: Cabernet Sauvignon Lodi '07

Cline: Cashmere Syrah Granche Blend Sonoma '07

Rabbit Ridge: Allure d' Robles Rhone Blend Paso Robles '05

EarthQuake: Cabernet Sauvignon Lodi '07

We also have a wonderful stock of light, refreshing white wines for the weekend!Make sure to stock up for friends and family now. Mix and Match case discounts apply.

Located at: 144 W. Badillo StCovina, CA

Phone: (626) 732-9827 Call ahead for reservations
Hours: Tues-Sat 2-10 p.m. Sunday 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. Closed Monday

2. Event: “Beauty Contest Winners...Wine Tasting”

Where: San Dimas Wine Shop & Tasting Room

When: Tue., June 30 through Sun., July 5 from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.

This week Heidi presents 6 featured wines from her best selling wines. Wondering what the meaning of the title is? Come in and ask.
Price: $14.99 per person.

For more information, go to: San Dimas Wine Shop & Tasting Room

Located at:

225 W. Bonita Avenue, San Dimas, CA 91773

Phone: (909)971-94252.

2. Event: “Pizzaioli 14th Anniversary - Champagne and Sparkling Wine Tasting”
Where: Pizzaioli Ristorante Italiano
When: Tues, June 30, 2009, 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.

In celebration of their 14th anniversary, Pizzaioli will feature a selection of Champagne, Prosecco and Sparkling Wines.

For more information, go to: Pizzaioli

Location:
3920 Grand Avenue #A, Chino, CA 91710
Phone: (909) 590-5454

If you attend any of these events, please be sure to tell them, Michael J from Lifestyle Food & Wine sent you.

Wine of the Week: 2005 Chateau Petit Bocq St. Estephe

This vintage was released back in 2006 and given a rating of 89/91 score. A well deserving score for such a beautiful wine.

I didn’t stumble upon this fine bottle of wine until this past weekend and opened it today. One word to describe this wine – wow!

This elegant wine is from the Bordeaux regions of France with a mixture of 55 percent Merlot, 43 percent Cabernet Sauvignon, and 2 percent Cabernet Franc and aged one year in French oak. This full bodied vintage has fresh blueberries and roasted espresso on the nose and dense sweet ripe plums, cherries, tannin on the palate with a much desired lasting finish. With such a delicious finish, it would be a shame to follow it with anything else other than another sip.

I normally would recommend a specific dish to accompany this wine, but with the limited availability, I highly recommend savoring this exquisite vintage by itself.

Price: $23-$35

Vino Piazzo photo Gallery

This is a gallery of photos I took while I was on location at Vino Piazzo (Wine Plaza) in Lockeford, Calif.









Vino Piazzo (rear of the complex)



















From the Vino Piazzo main winery ally















Pasos Vineyard's barrel room

Mokelumne Oaks Vintners

La Vida Dulce Winery

Olde Lockeford Winery and dinosaur exhibit

From David Jon Foster's gallery suite

Location:

Vino PiazzaThe Winery Plaza
12470 Locke RoadLockeford, CA 95237
Phone: (209) 727-9770Fax: (209) 727-9773

Wine Events for the Inland Empire Area for the Week of June 23 thru June 28

For seasoned and new wine drinkers alike that want to experience the events of this week, here are the upcoming events for the Inland Empire area:

1. Event: “Wine, Beer tasting & Live Music Week”

Where: Azo Vino Art Gallery & Wine Bar

When:

Beer Tasting Wednesday, June 24 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Flight Night Thursday, June 25 from 6 pm to 10 pm
Live Music with Lorenz Sat., June 19 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.

AzoVINO is a 4000 sq ft Art Gallery, Wine Bar and Bottle shop located 22.9 miles east of Los Angeles. We represent over 115 artists and 160 Wine labels with an emphasis on West Coast Wines. We also offer Micro-brews on tap and over thirty by the bottle. Our offerings change monthly so please contact us with your e-mail address so that we can keep you informed of new offerings and upcoming events. The tasting room and gallery are also available for private events.

Join Galen Metz at Azo Vino for beer, wine, and music. This week, micro brews on tap from American craft to European bottled brews on Wednesday and six selected wines on Thursday evening. Saturday, listen to music by Lorenz.

Each event will include six different selections from the Azo Vino menu.

Price: $15.99 per person (discounts available for Wine Club members. Ask Galen for details).

Located at:144 W. Badillo StCovina, CA

Phone: (626) 732-9827 Call ahead for reservations
Hours: Tues-Sat 2-10 p.m. Sunday 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. Closed Monday

2. Event: "Over 90 pts Wines Less than $20 Weekend Tasting"
Where: Packing House Wine Merchants
When: Fri., June 26 through Sun., June 28 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Come join us for great scoring wines under $20!
Price: $15-$20 per person.

For more information, go to: Packing House Wine Merchants

Location:
540 W. First StreetClaremont, CA 91711

Phone: (909) 445-9463

If you feel like doing some local traveling to the coastal regions, go to the Santa Barbara Wine Festival. This is a one day event with the best of the Central Coast with wines from over 70 wineries. While you're there, also enjoy foods from bakeries, caterers, and chefs from the Simi Valley area.

For more on ticket information, location, and time, go to: Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History

If you attend any of these events, please be sure to tell them, Michael J from Lifestyle Food & Wine sent you.

Wine of the week: Pasos Vineyards, 2005 Reserve Dastarte Red Wine

From Pasos Vineyards of Lockeford, Calif. this delightful vintage won the 2008 San Joaquin Valley Winegrowers Association Propriety Blend, Gold Medal and the Bronze Medal award for best Bordeaux blend at the 2009 Florida State Wine and Grape Juice Fair. While this little gem should have placed higher in Florida, its bronze medal recognition is still well deserved.

This bottle of heaven is loaded with smooth delicious flavors and aromas of fruit and a perfect balance of spice and smoky overtones. Released in 2008, this bottle of elegance is perfectly aged and fit to keep its exceptional flavor for the next 7-10 years.

Combined with Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petite Verdot barreled in new French and new Hungarian oak barrels makes this Bordeaux blend a masterpiece. On the palate is rich with sweet black cherry and ripen plums with notes of pepper, leather, and smoke accompanies a much desired lasting finish.

This very drinkable vintage is well enough enjoyed alone for any occasion or with a nice peppery steak or game. Like all wines produced at Pasos Vineyards, this vintage is in limited production, so stock of this wine is in very short supply. Price per bottle: $49

For more information on this wine and other varietals, contact Pasos Vineyards at (877) 53-PASOS. Located at: 12470 Locke Rd, Suite 268, Lockeford, CA 95237
Hours of operation: Fri-Sat 11-6 p.m., Sun 11-5 p.m.

Pasos Vineyards, a Boutique Winery of Hidden Treasures

Located at the Vino Piazzo (winery plaza) in Lockeford, five miles east of Lodi and 100 miles east of San Francisco, Pasos Vineyards is one of the rare treasured boutique wineries among the 75,000 plus acres of wine grapes and one of the 55 plus wine tasting rooms in the Lodi appellations.

Pasos Vineyards is a boutique winery that produces only about 1,500 barrels of wine per year. Although much of Pasos grapes are contracted from local and Oregon state growers, including Lockeford, Lodi, Alta Mesa, and the Umpqua region, it is his formula of the finished product that exemplifies superior complexity and greatness.

Back in 2002, 12 flourishing boutique wineries produced and showcased wines at this historical 63-year-old establishment. Today, only seven wineries remain that are still producing wines. Although in a recent study by the Lodi District Grape Association suggested the wine industry remains strong with a value of $5 billion, there is still a struggle for the small time boutique wineries, and this is a sure product of the current economy. Winemakers, like Antonio Pasos of Pasos Vineyards are one of the few active boutique wineries that are still producing wines at Vino Piazza.
Pasos Vineyards has produced some of the finest wines with vintages like the 2009 Grand Harvest award winning, 2005 Reserve Dastarte(left), a signature Cabernet Sauvignon with Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Petit Verdot, and Malbec blend, the 2006 Tannat(right), an intense grape which is normally used for blending with Cabernet Sauvignon, and the Florida Grape Growers Gold medal, 2007 Albarino(center), an exquisite limited Spanish varietal. Other notable mentions are the 2006 Silver medal award at the California State Fair for their Sierra Foothills, Syrah, Silver medal Old Vine Zinfandel, and their Gold medal award winning, Lockeford Charbono.

Part of Antonio’s success isn’t just about producing and selling wine, but the service. This 15-year winemaking veterian always greets his customers with courteous smiles, along with eagerness from his experienced staff provides a proven success of this establishment. With that formula, weekly events with musical performances from talented musicians, and hosting special dinner pairing events provides a constant flow of customers. Most of Pasos visitors are regulars from neighboring cities, but many people are from across the country and around the world here to visit Pasos for the atmosphere and excellent wines.

Other exceptional vintages that are produced at Pasos Vineyards:
2007 Chardonnay/Albarino. This vintage is a blend of 50 percent Chardonnay and 50 percent Albarino. This vintage has the buttery flavor of a Chardonnay, but with an intense earthy tone of the Albarino. This wine has perfect balance with hints of ripe peach and other tropical fruits and a long citrus finish. A delightful alternative for non-Chardonnay drinkers.

2005 Charbono. Grown near the Mokeloumne River, this bold and deep burgundy colorful vintage is fitted with medium-firm tannins and exceptional acidity with a nose of currants and ripe plum. This wine is a great compliment with Italian dishes or rich hearty meats.

2007 Collaboration Celebration. As good as the 2005, this delightful vintage is a blend of Syrah, Grenache, Tannat, Counoise, and Viognier. Deep with ripe fruit with tones of eucalyptus, black cherry, and ripen black cherry. The name says it all. This vintage truly is, “Heaven in a Bottle”.

2004 Reserve Pinot Noir. 100 percent grown from the appellations of Umpqua, Oregon, these grapes are of the essence of French Burgundy wine. Fermented in French oak for 36 months for added structure and loaded with Asian spices, this wine is every Pinot lovers dream. On the palate are dense flavors of deep cherry with earthy notes, smoke, vibrant raspberry, and cherry with a lasting finish. Unfortunately, this wine is no longer in production. Only about 10 unlabled cases remain.

One of the attractions of Pasos Vineyards is their resident artist and writer, David Jon Foster. Not only is he a prominent and talented artist, he is responsible for the beautiful artwork labeling displayed on each and every bottle produced by Pasos Vineyards. The entire tasting room is a virtual art gallery of Foster’s work.

While there is not an active website to inquire about this winery or purchase wines online, I implore you to take a trip to the Lodi appellations and pay a visit to Pasos Vineyards wine tasting room.

Pasos Vineyards is located in Vino Piazzo at 12470 Locke Road in Lockeford, just 7 miles east of Lodi, Calif. near Highway 88 and Highway 12. To check for upcoming events, call (877) 53-PASOS or (209) 727-3153

Wine Events for the Inland Empire Area for the Week of June 16 thru June 21

For seasoned and new wine drinkers alike that want to experience the events of this week, here are the upcoming events for the Inland Empire area:

1. Event: “Undiscovered Wineries…Wine Tasting”

Where: At the San Dimas Wine Shop & Tasting Room

When: Tue., June 16 through Sun., June 21 from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.

This week Heidi presents 6 featured wines from selected wineries that are new to us. Price: $14.99 per person.For more information, go to: San Dimas Wine Shop & Tasting Room

Located at:

225 W. Bonita Avenue, San Dimas, CA 91773

Phone: (909)971-94252.2.

2. Event: “Wine, Beer tasting & Music Week”

Where: Azo Vino Art Gallery & Wine Bar

When: Tues., June 17 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Thurs., June 18 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Sat., June 19 from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m.

AzoVINO is a 4000 sq ft Art Gallery, Wine Bar and Bottle shop located 22.9 miles east of Los Angeles. We represent over 115 artists and 160 Wine labels with an emphasis on West Coast Wines. We also offer Micro-brews on tap and over thirty by the bottle. Our offerings change monthly so please contact us with your e-mail address so that we can keep you informed of new offerings and upcoming events. The tasting room and gallery are also available for private events.

Join Galen Metz at Azo Vino for beer, wine, and music. This week, micro brews on tap from American craft to European bottled brews on Wednesday and six selected wines on Thursday evening. On Friday night, enjoy wine, beer, with music by David Chapman. Saturday, listen to The Blues with John Castillo & Zollie Polk.

Each event will include six different selections from the Azo Vino menu. Price: $15.99 per person (discounts available for Wine Club members. Ask Galen for details).

Located at:144 W. Badillo StCovina, CA

Phone: (626) 732-9827

Call ahead for reservations
Hours: Tues-Sat 2-10 p.m. Sunday 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. Closed Monday

3. Event: "Cabs for Dads"
When: Fri., June 19 through Sun., June 21 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Where: Packing House Wine Merchants

Treat your father at Packing House Wine Merchants with three nights of Cabernets from all over the world. Price: $15-$20 per person.

For more information, go to: Packing House Wine Merchants

Location:
540 W. First StreetClaremont, CA 91711

Phone: (909) 445-9463

If you attend any of these events, please be sure to tell them, Michael J from Lifestyle Food & Wine sent you.