Wine and Fire in The Sta Rita Hills , Impresses Many as the Alliance Shows off its best

The terms Wine and Fire can  evoke many thoughts , however when you use those terms in California’s Sta Rita Hills it has only one meaning , a weekend of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, a  BBQ in a renown vineyard ,  and a grand tasting under the stars at an historic mission .

Every summer the Sta Rita Hills winegrower’s alliance has their Wine and Fire event that offers guests 3 days of tasting some of the best wines in the world amongst the beautiful Sta Rita Hills. The Alliance was created in 1997 with the focus of unifying the growers and winemakers in the area and  to gather information to create a new AVA.  Renowned winemakers Richard Sanford, Bryan Babcock , Rick Longoria and others spearheaded the effort that eventually created the Sta Rita Hills AVA.  Today there are over 48 members that source grapes from this very special area.

Having traveled the back roads of the Sta Rita Hills for many years we arrived with great anticipation to travel those familiar roads once again to taste wines from old friends and find those hidden gems that are always waiting to be brought to the forefront.

The first stop on our list was to spend some quality time in the Lompoc wine Ghetto.  Zotovich cellars was our first stop and were impressed as always with the young winemaker Ryan Zotovich’s  palate pleasing Pinot Noir and Chardonnay .  The Ampelos Cellars tasting room is always a mandatory stop whenever we are in the area.  Sampling Peter and Rebecca Works incredible line up from Rose, Pinot Noir , Syrah and other sustainable , biodynamic wines show how versatile the AVA is.

One could spend literally an entire day in the Wine Ghetto  and we did our best  with visits to Kathy Joseph’s Fiddle Head Cellars , Flying Goat Cellars, Palmina and Moretti  just to name a few. It was time to head down highway 246 to visit nearby Buellton and Solvang for a stop in at a few tasting rooms to sample their best.  With the sun setting behind the Sta Rita Hills and  fog settling over the vineyards  we made a stop at the legendary Hitching Post Restaurant in Buellton for some very famous culinary creations from Chef , Winemaker Frank Ostini and then a welcome reception at D’vine  wine bar in Lompoc .

The sun, breaking through the early morning fog began to shine through our window signaling the “Big Day” for this Wine and Fire weekend has started.  Back on Highway 246 , turning onto Hwy 101 we headed to Santa Rosa Road winding our way down into the valley to our destination , Fiddlestix   Vineyards  for a day of education and lunch amongst the vines.

The Sta Rita hills has long been known to produce world class Pinot Noir.  Many in the industry have stated they are probably one of the top three Pinot producing AVAs in the United States.  Recently , much to the wine makers delight , Chardonnays from the Sta Rita Hills are climbing their way to the forefront to join their Pinot Noir “cousins “ as some of the best being produced .

It was only fitting that the Wine and Fire event bring together a prestigious panel to taste and discuss the AVA’s Chardonnay’s.  Guests filed into   the Barn at  the Fiddlestix vineyard  to sip and learn from the experts.  The renowned Chardonnay panel of experts brought Nikki Nelson, Karen Steinwachs , Steve Fennell, Wes Hagan  and Dan Kessler together to blind taste several  Chardonnays and discuss their impressions , the varietal and its place in the  Sta Rita Hills.

The impressive lineup of Chardonnays consisted of 2010 Liquid Farm, White Hill Seagrape cellars 2010,  Zotovich, Sanford Winery Rinconada Vineyard , 2010 Clos Pepe  Homage to Chablis and  2010 Kessler-Haak Vineyard Estate were submitted blind to the amazing panel  for their insight .

You could hear and see the passion with every sip as they spoke on each wine and agreed that Chardonnay gets the worst soil in the AVA but is making big gains. “If we could only plant one varietal now, without question it would be Chardonnay” was echoed up and down the panel of legendary winemakers and growers.

The Chardonnay panel had completed their work but that did not mean the educational experience was over. A Pinot Noir panel was being assembled, but first who could resist and walk through the Fiddlestix vineyard with renowned AVA expert, winemaker and Clos Pepe Vineyard Manager Wes Hagan.

With a hand full of diatomaceous earth ageing 12 to 13 million years in his hand , Wes shared is vast knowledge of the AVA with the very attentive guests under a cloudless day in the vineyard.

Pinot Noir from the Sta Rita Hills needs no introduction nor does the members of the Panel that came together to discuss in detail what makes Pinot Noir from this region special and a blind tasting of the AVAs best.

Winemakers Ken Brown, Frank Ostini, Peter Cargasacchi , Adam Lee  and Deborah Hall took their seats and began the interactive discussion.

Peter Cargasacchi

It was a Pinot parade featuring Ken Brown Rancho La Vina 2009, Hitching Post Fiddlestix Vineyard, Cargasacchi Vineyard estate, Siduri Clos pepe 2010 and Gypsy Canyon Pinot Noir Estate to the delight of the guests being very interactive with panel.

Ken Brown , Frank Ostini

In short, the panel of Pinot Noir All-stars honed in on one particular but important theme, “Make the best wine from what the vineyard shows you”.  With that theme ruminating in our heads , guests enjoyed an outdoor  luncheon prepared by Frank Ostini of Hitching Post fame accented by  many of the area’s best wines  while overlooking the Fiddlestix vineyard and the Sta Rita Hills.

Frank Ostini

Leaving Fiddlestix vineyard and climbing out of the valley on Santa Rosa road, there was still one more, but very big official event yet to attend during this intimate weekend of Wine and Fire.  The featured event was a grand tasting showing off the best the AVA has to offer. For those who have attended Wine and Food events in the past, Grand Tastings are pretty much the same.

Like everything else the Sta Rita Hills the event  took it to the next level with a tasting under the stars at the historic   Las Purisima Mission Founded in 1787.  The La Purisma Mission  once covered nearly 470 square miles and was as home to the Chumash people and Spanish settlers. On this starlight night an intimate group of 250 settled in as well and enjoyed some tasty treats from local restaurants and of course those lovely wines from the Sta Rita Hills.

Sipping wines under the Oak Trees at the mission was a perfect way to end the day.  Walking amongst the wines guests mingled with legends like Richard Sanford, Ken Brown and Peter Cargasacchi all standing side by side with newcomers speaking with the guests and pouring their wines to the delight of all.

The AVA came together on this cool, clear night with the wines of Seasmoke , Babcock , Cargasacchi , Dragonette, Ampleos , Hilliard Bruce , Wedell , Zotovich and others to spotlight the versatility and quality of wines  produced in the AVA.

One of the best aspects of the Wine and Fire weekend is its open houses where attendees can go to the vineyard or tasting room to enjoy the entire lines from many of the areas producers.

We took full advantage attending an invite only library and current release party in the Clos Pepe Vineyard with Wes Hagan then traveling down hwy 246 to Solvang and a visit with Ken Brown at his tasting room.

Wes Hagan

With plenty of time left, we paid a visit to the legendary wine making pair of Bruno D’Alfonso and Kris Curran in their winery on Santa Rosa Road.  Since we were already visiting the AVAs legends, we headed straight for Lompoc for a visit with Peter Cargasacchi in his winery as well.

Our last stop on this weekend of Pinot bliss was the beautiful Hilliard Bruce Estate on Hwy 246. The Sun began to set once again and the fog settled on the vineyard  as we enjoyed some highly pointed Pinot Noir from Hilliard Bruce with John and Christine over looking their pristine pastures , which are home to their beautiful Arabian Horses . Is there a better way to end the weekend?  We think not.

Elaine Harris , CUISINEIST.com Editor-In-Chief

The Sta Rita Hills has been overlooked for years by wine writers and oenophiles alike. Over the last 8 years this very special appellation has begun to shine like a lighthouse beckoning all to come , enjoy and see why the Sta Rita Hills has taken its place amongst the best in the United States.

Food , Wine a Luxury Travel Report : IL Borro in Tuscany cant be beat !

Tuscan luxury resort and spa features authentic Italian accommodations, world-class vineyards, sophisticated fine dining, and much more

  The  romantic region  located less than 40 miles southeast of Florence in the historic town of San Giustino Valdarno lies the estate,  Il Borro , a luxurious oasis found in the heart of the Tuscan countryside. In  the rolling foothills of the Pratomagno Mountains. The compound, which boasts more than 30 luxury accommodations as well as a private vineyard, state-of-the-art spa, equestrian center, varied sporting facilities, and  an acclaimed culinary program, offers U.S. travelers the chance to experience the old and new wonders of Italy.

“Il Borro is an ancient, charming, and alluring place,” says Salvatore Ferragamo, CEO of the property since 1993. “We continually work to maintain the beauty of these historic buildings while leaving them as similar as possible to the originals to communicate that magnetism to our guests—a perfect blend of past and present.”

The resort  unites  traditional and modern comforts offering apartments, suites, villas, and farmhouses comprising 30 accommodations that feature stone terraces, shapely gardens, and inviting swimming pool. For an additional touch  the 12 apartments and suites, which can hold up to eight guests and are located  along the cobblestone paths of the medieval hamlet  that  feature updated amenities with an Italian flair.

The Villa Il Borro is a  landmark in and of itself. It had been left in a state of deterioration following World War II but today the Ferragamo’s have restored the building to its original beauty, preserving the romantic architecture typical of residences dating from the 1800s. This nearly 24,000-square-foot guest house is equipped with first-class comforts, including a heated pool, fitness room, Turkish bath, sauna, and billiards table.

Guests  can also enjoy the secluded Villa Chiocci Alto a  4,800-square-foot farmhouse mansion overlooks Il Borro and affords some of the most stunning views of the estate, perfect for those who want to immerse themselves in nature without forgoing modern comforts and hospitality.  In addition ,the  Casetta,the most recently renovated and very exclusive offers up a  3,800-square-foot manor farmhouse amid the Merlot vineyards, offers a deluxe atmosphere of serenity.

Of course , Tuscany is well known for its wines.  In 1993, Co-Owner Ferruccio Ferragamo began producing wine on more than 111 acres of vineyards, all of which are situated between 984 and 1,640 feet above sea level. The Ferragamo family has identified the ideal Tuscan terrain for each varietal it grows: Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Sangiovese, and Syrah. From the fruits of these superior vines, Il Borro produces world-class wines, prized by sommeliers and wine enthusiasts alike.

The estate also shows off their  La Corte Wellness Spa which is an  oasis of tranquility, immersed in the green hills of Tuscany, far away from the hectic buzz of city life. Guests can start at the Fitness Zone, a gym in which design meets the latest workout technology, and continue on to the Turkish bath and soothing Jacuzzi. Regenerating beauty treatments and therapeutic massages are performed to the backdrop of soft music with sweet scents, essential oils, and exclusive La Corte products by Kanebo Sensai. VinCafè, which opened in 2010 features a traditional Tuscan menu with sophisticated health-conscious foods adapted to be in line with the physical well-being of spa guests by Executive Chef Gabriele Senesi.

Tuscany is also all about the cuisine .  Combining attention to detail, first-class hospitality, and new frontiers of taste, Osteria del Borro is the signature restaurant at the resort and serves dishes rich with  Tuscan flavors throughout the day, from lunch and dinner and even  savory snacks and leisurely coffee service. The restaurant also offers elegant aperitifs, top wines by the glass, and locally made charcuterie. Dinner is served nightly on two beautifully appointed floors, the upper of the two overlooking the open kitchen that is managed by Executive Chef Gianluca Danese.

Completing the Il Borro experience are the diverse sport offerings at the property. A full-service equestrian center offers private and group riding lessons for horse lovers, and those looking for a bit more physicality will enjoy Il Borro’s hunting grounds, tennis and golf programs, mountain biking and hiking, soccer and basketball.

It is a great time of year to visit Italy and travelers who wish to have a more low-key experience can turn to the high-end shopping in town and private cooking lessons with Il Borro’s esteemed chefs. To make a reservation please call 011.39.055.977053  or visit   ilborro.com.

Cocktails For Labor Day ? Sure we have two great suggestions

Labor Day weekend marks the end of summer and is the perfect time for a celebration!  Whether you're spending time relaxing at home or having a big end-of-summer party, these cocktails/mocktails made with Lipton Iced Tea will be sure to keep you and your guests cool and refreshed!

WHITE CITRUS SANGRIA

4 servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Chill Time: 2 hours
1 bottle Lipton® Diet Green Tea with Citrus
1-3/4 cups white grape juice
1/4 cup orange juice
1 orange, sliced
1 lemon, sliced
1 lime, sliced
Combine Lipton® 100% Natural Diet Green Tea with Citrus and juices in large pitcher. Stir in fruit. Chill at least 2 hours. Serve in ice-filled glasses.
Alcohol recommendation: White wine in place of white grape juice

  

CITRUS ICED TEA PUNCH

6 servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
2 bottles 100% Natural Lipton® Iced Tea with Lemon
1 cup orange juice
1 lemon, sliced
1 lime, sliced
Combine Lipton® 100% Natural Iced Tea with Lemon with orange juice in large pitcher; stir in sliced fruit. Serve in ice-filled glasses. Garnish, if desired, with fresh mint.
Alcohol recommendation: Tequila or Rum

For more great recipes, check out Facebook.com/LiptonIcedTea.

The Finger Lakes Can’t Help But Be Happy with Happy Bitch Rose Wine

Debbie Gioquindo, a local entrepreneur and wine expert, and Keryl Pesce, the author of the book Happy Bitch, got the ball rolling  with their rallying cry for women  “to get up and get on with it after facing life’s disappointments,”  and  introduced their Happy Bitch rosé in April 2011.

Debbie Gioquindo, Keryl Pesce

Perhaps the most interesting part of their story is that Social media, in particular, Twitter, led to the creation of the wine.  Yes, welcome to the age of Social Media! .

It all started when Keryl Pesce, author of Happy Bitch, tweeted about possibly creating a Happy Bitch wine, Debbie Gioquindo, Hudson Valley Wine Goddess, tweeted back that she should make it a Hudson Valley Wine. The two agreed to meet, and the rest is history.

The partnership fit these two incredible women like a glove.  Kery l is in the mind of bringing to Happy Bitch . Debbie is in the business of wine and marketing.  This perfect storm of a partnership have made a big name for themselves and created a fun wine geared toward women.

The Happy Bitch wine is of course a typical blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. But that is where typical stops. The Happy Bitch Rose Wine is made in Orange County, with grapes sourced from the Finger Lakes region. Keryl and Debbie hired a wine maker to create several blends and then put it to customers at a local wine festival to vote for their favorite. “We also put a lot of thought into our packaging,” says Gioquindo. “We know sometimes women have trouble with a wine or Champagne cork, so we did a lot of research and came up with the crown cap.”  Remember those old Cola bottles? The Happy Bitch brings those memories back with an “old school “crown cap.  

We put our wine key away and found a bottle opener and the CUISINEIST tasting panel went to work.

In the flute, this Rose was true to its name with hues of pink and light ruby rising to the top with a slight effervescence. The Italian term Frizzante jumped into our minds the minute we saw the wine poured. On the nose, slight hints of cherry , cream , and roses were prominent and continued to a very soft feminine  finish with  effervescence lasting to the very end.  In short , the Happy Bitch Rose is a fun , every day easy drinking wine.

As Debbie Gioquindo stated “ultimately, the wine is for anyone who enjoys a good (very slightly carbonated) rosé, even men. “The wine can be drunk in a lot of different scenarios. I had it last fall with cider doughnuts on the train going into the city,” It pairs well with sushi. Our tag line is: It pairs well with girlfriends and great memories.”

The CUISINEIST.com tasting panel could not agree more. Get a bottle, enjoy and be happy.  For more information about Happy Bitch visit http://happybitchwines.com/

Excitement sparkles at Raffles Hotel, Singapore with the arrival of the limited-edition Billecart-Salmon Brut Réserve Champagne

Raffles Hotel Singapore eagerly awaits the arrival of an exceptional delivery into its cellars a limited-edition 125^th Anniversary Billecart-Salmon Brut Réserve Champagne.

Exclusively bottled to mark 125 years since this legendary hotel opened, the private label cuvée will be available at Raffles Hotel Singapore and at the other hotels in the Raffles Hotels & Resorts family, in Paris, Seychelles, Cambodia and China.  The champagne will have its debut in Singapore during the hotel’s anniversary festivities in September, which will launch a year of celebrations.

Established in 1818 by Nicolas François Billecart and Elisabeth Salmon in Mareuil-sur-Ay, Billecart-Salmon is known worldwide for fashioning the most elegant Champagne, fully rounded vintage cuvées with the purest palate and seemingly ageless style. It is the oldest continuously family owned and operated house in Champagne, currently managed by the seventh generation. With a relatively modest production level, many of Billecart-Salmon's prestige cuvées are highly allocated.

Francois Domi

The cellars are in the hands of renowned Chef de Cave Francois Domi Chief Winemaker, when asked to describe his Champagne he stated “The Brut Réserve is a light, fine and harmonious champagne.  Its blend is made with Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier from three different years, sourced from the best sites in the Champagne region. “With reflections of straw yellow, the cuvée offers a floral freshness with aromas of fresh fruit and ripe pears. A full flavor and rich bouquet bear witness to the ageing of this cuvée in the House’s traditional cellars.”

Stephane Soret

Stephane Soret, Wine Director of Raffles Hotel, recognized as the Chevalier de l’Ordre in the prestigious worldwide organization Ordre des Coteaux de Champagne, commented: “Like Raffles, Billecart-Salmon has almost two centuries of skill and practice in what they do, which is to make classic, timeless champagne.  Whether it’s staying in Raffles or drinking a glass of lightly chilled Billecart-Salmon, style and magic has a lot to do with experience.  Timelessness is about moving with the times and adapting to the world around us – but never forgetting our heritage, which is priceless.  We are really delighted to be working with Billecart-Salmon for our anniversary.”

The anniversary cuvée will be available exclusively at Raffles hotels worldwide and as an integral part of Raffles Hotel Singapore’s celebratory Billecart-Salmon Champagne 125^th Anniversary Brunch starting Sunday September 16^th 2012. In Singapore it will be priced at SGD 148 per bottle (approximately USD $118), and guests will be able to enjoy it in all the restaurants and bars at the hotel.

This sounds like a great excuse for a long weekend !

HilliardBruce Estate Wines In The Sta. Rita Hills Of California Make A Big Impression .

Recently we stopped in to the sprawling, picturesque HilliardBruce Estate located between Lompoc and Bueleton California along Hwy 246 in the Sta Rita Hills to check out the latest vintages of this very boutique producer.

We have watched this producer literally from the very beginning.  Starting in 2004 John Hilliard and Christine Bruce   planted 21 Acres of Vineyards on their 101 Acre estate that is also home to rolling green pastures for their Arabian Horses.

 

Their wine is made 100% from their SIP Certified estate vineyards of Pinot noir and Chardonnay.

We decided to get down to the terroir of the vineyard and take a closer look at what produces this amazing Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.  There is 17.5 acres planted of Pinot Noir consisting of clones Calera, Pommard, 115, 667, 777, and 828.  The Chardonnay planted consists of approx 3.5 acres and clones 76 and 96.  Both varietals combine for an average of 2,420 vines per acre.

Keeping with their sustainability practices, the property is solar powered by 35 Kilowatts of solar panels. Water is from a six acre foot reservoir and compost is made on site.

We entered the vast tasting room of the estate with unimaginable views of regal Arabian horses in pristine pastures surrounded by the Vineyards of this state of the art Estate.

  

2010 Hilliard Bruce Vineyards Chardonnay Santa Rita Hills.

Straight from the 3.4 acre Estate Chardonnay vineyard, our very first impression that came to mind is white burgundy.   In the glass this straw colored, medium bodied wine led us to a very complex nose of mineral, slate and citrus.  On the Palate, mineral, grapefruit and some earth notes combine for a long elegant finish.  This very lovely Chardonnay is aged 100% French oak, 30% new, barrel fermented with Montrachet yeast, full malolactic fermentation and aged on the lees for 16 months with battonage techniques.  With only 175 cases produced, this Chardonnay is a must for your cellar and drinkable any time of year.

  

2010 Hilliard Bruce Vineyards Pinot Noir Sun Santa Rita Hills

We were interested to take a look at the 2010 Vintage of the SUN Pinot Noir even though it is younger than we usually would taste.  In the glass, the classic burgundy color sparked in the afternoon sun with this medium bodied Pinot Noir.  On the nose, expected aromas of Cherry and spice combine with the signature light smoke of the Sta Rita Hills terroir.  On the palate , intense  Cherry , Red Fruit and spice jump out with crisp , bright flavors and linger for a long finish and soft mouth feel  that was impressive for a young wine.  Aged in 100% French oak barrels, 50% new and aged on the lees 16 months. This lovely Pinot Noir has a 600 case production and from what we tasted in the 2010 Vintage will be even more of a star as it progresses in age.

 

2010 Hilliard Bruce Vineyards Pinot Noir Moon Santa Rita Hills

This Pinot Noir from their Moon Vineyard is truly special. Each vine only bears 1.5 pounds of fruit and the clusters are so small they can fit in closed fist.  Now that’s what we call intense!  In the glass this Pinot Noir showed deep burgundy color giving way to a deep red rose color near the glass rim and medium bodied. On the nose, dark red fruit, red flowers, cherry and spice are predominant. On the Palate, elegant red cherry, all-spice, light smoke and earth notes show off a very classic Pinot Noir and a signature of the Sta. Rita Hills. It is well known that Pinot Noir more than most varietals shows its sense of place. Aged in 100% French oak barrels, 50% new, aged on the lees 16  months , The 2010 HilliardBruce Moon Pinot Noir with only 195 cases produced shows classic Pinot Noir notes with its signature sense of place in the Sta Rita Hills on the HilliardBruce Estate.

It is hard to realize that the HilliardBruce Estate Vineyards were only planted in 2004 with the quality of wines being produced over the last 3-4 years.  HilliardBruce Estate wines have been getting a lot of attention and highly rated and we can see why.

 

A Sustainable vineyard , high standards , located in one of the world’s best Pinot Noir and Chardonnay regions  bring the best together at one Estate in the Sta Rita Hills for quality wines  that will continue to garner world wide acclaim. For more information on HilliardBruce Estate Wines visit http://www.hilliardbruce.com