Wine Picks for Fathers Day

Father’s day is just around the corner and you might be puzzled what to get him. Sometimes, the answer is right in front of your eyes. Maybe he’s a wine drinker and you’ve taken it for granted. It's possible it never crossed your mind to buy him a nice bottle or bottles of wine.

Picking out a wine for someone else can be a hassle or even a difficult task, because there are so many bad wines and it’s easy to choose the wrong vintage. Keep in mind that most men love a bold, hearty wine. Most Cabernet Sauvignon and Zinfandels are an easy picks, because these are common wines and they go well with red meats and pastas with zesty sauces.

To make the selection process easier for you, here are a few recommendations for the avid or even the inexperienced wine drinker.

2006 Hahn Estates Central Coast Cabernet Sauvignon
This Cabernet is both robust and hearty with ripe plum, blackberry, and French oak with hints of vanilla and licorice, makes this the perfect wine for nearly any grilled delicacy.
Price: $9 to $16

2007 Ravenswood Vintner’s Blend California Cabernet Sauvignon
This is a common wine that can be found in near any grocery chain. I chose this vintage for its simple but elegant flavors and aromas. On the palate it has a complex smoothness of black cherry and pepper, with a touch of leather and smoke. It has a lovely floral nose. If you can get your hands on a 2005 or 2006 vintage, by all means, snatch that up at once. Get one for yourself too. Price: $8 to $13

2007 Cline Ancient Vines Zinfandel
This vintage is one of the finest zinfandels under $20. Not only does this wine have delightful flavors of wild berries and vanilla oak, but lasts long after the first sip. Upon every sip, you crave more. Price: $12 to $19


2005 Bianchi Heritage Selection Zen Ranch Zinfandel
This vintage is the lap of luxury for wines. It’s heaven in a bottle. If you’ve never tasted a wine that felt alive, you haven’t lived until you’ve tried this vintage. This is a bold wine with cherry, raspberry, blackberry, and mocha chocolate with a note of spice and pepper.
Price: $12 to $26

If you want to get your father more than a bottle of wine, go to a local wine bar and get him a wine club membership. The typical price for a wine club membership will vary, but normally around $50.

Wine Events for the Inland Empire Area for the Week of May 19 thru May 24

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

1. Event: “Heidi’s Picks…Wine Tasting”
Where: At the San Dimas Wine Shop & Tasting Room
When: Tue., May 19 through May 24 from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.

The host, Heidi has personally picked her favorites for this wine tasting event week. Trust me, she has an excellent palate. You will not be disappointed. Price for this event is $13.99 per person.

For more information, go to: San Dimas Wine Shop & Tasting Room
Located at:
225 W. Bonita AvenueSan Dimas, CA 91773
Phone: 909-971-9425

2. Event: “Rhone Valley - Wine Tasting Wednesdays”
Where: abd256 Gallery Wine Bar
When: Wed., May 20 from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. & Sat., May 23 from 2pm to 5 p.m.

This week is wine from the regions of Rhone Valley and Santa Barbara. Wines in this event are Ovene 2005 Viognier, Camino Real Wines 2006 Syrah, M. Chapoutier 2006 Croze-Hermitage, Colombo 2005 Chateauneuf du Pape. Price: $12 per person

For more information go to: http://www.dba256.com/436/index.html
Located at:

256 S. Main Street, Pomona, CA 91766
Private wine tasting is available. Call 909-623-7600

3. Event: “Flight Night with Bo Bianchi from Bianchi Winery”
Where: Azo Vino Art Gallery & Wine Bar
When: Thurs., May 21 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

This week, Bo Bianchi from Bianchi Winery in Paso Robles will be at Azo Vino this Thursday to Host this weeks Flight Night. Price $15.99 per person.

Located at:
144 W. Badillo St
Covina, CA
Phone: (626) 732-9827 Call ahead for reservations

4. Event: “Italian Wine Night”
Where: Packing House Wine Merchants
When: Fri., May 22 and Sat., May 23 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.

This week is the “Italian Wine Night” where Packing House Wine Merchants has selected six different Italian wines for your pleasure. The Italians know how to make good wine. Price: $15-$20

For more information, go to: Packing House Wine Merchants

Located at:
540 W. First Street
Claremont, CA
Phone: (909) 445-WINE

5. Event:: “Wine & Style Fashion Show Extravaganza”
Where: WineStyles Claremont
When: Thurs., May 21 from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

This week is a wine and fashion show event. Isabell Dee from Isabella Dee Boutique will be co-hosting this event at WineStyles to bring you mini treatments, and Botox treatments by GIA Laser Aesthetics. Enjoy these luxuries with a glass of fine wine. Price for event is: $15 (Botox treatments are additional)
(Potions of the event proceeds will be donated to the American Cancer Society)

For more information, go to: WineStyles
Located at:
201 N. Indian Hill Blvd, Suite A-100
Claremont, CA
Reservations for this event is encouraged. Email your RSVP to: ejoseph@winestyles.net

6. Event: “Cool Wines and The Blues at the Sycamore Inn”
Where: The Sycamore Inn
When: Thur., May 21 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

This week is music by Gino Mateo and Chris White and a great selection of wine. Price for event: $25 per person

For more information, go to: The Sycamore Inn
Located at:
8318 Foothill Blvd.Rancho Cucamonga, CA

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