Discount Wine Cellars

Chablis: A Familiar Name from Discount Wine Cellars

noreply@blogger.com (Candice Lucey) — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 00:55:00 +0000

There was a bottle lined-up with the other Californian offerings at the store, and I thought I had heard of it somewhere before. Chablis. The name resonated way back to my pre-wine consciousness. Why was that name so familiar? I don't recall every tasting any. Then I read-up on the wine I was planning to drink, discovering that 'chablis' has long been synonymous with 'white wine'. I must have heard reference made to chablis in movies, on television, and at my parents' parties. Now often associated with cheap wine, its value has deteriorated over the years. Actually, my choice was very cheap which was why I bought it.
According to Jordan Mackay this is unfortunate and ironic since Chablis comes from the Burgundy region of France. That is, one of the most famous wine regions in the world, known for producing high-quality products, bottles suitable for the wine cellar. Moreover, chablis is actually chardonnay. The only differences are that chablis is bottled without oak, and usually misses the tropical qualities of a chardonnay which would likely be produced in a hotter climate. Without oak, vanilla, toast, and spice or also supposedly gone. Instead, chablis relies on the flavors of the grape itself: green apple, lemon and pear. Sounds alright to me. I don't mind the sound of mineral undertones either, but the grainy texture I'm expected to experience does nothing to excite me.
Then again, the bottle in front of me is from California, which is where we get so much of that tropical, fruity, oaky chardonnay. Perhaps it isn't best to have any expectations. I'll just drink and enjoy.

Discount Wine Cellars Serves Pork Tenderloin

noreply@blogger.com (Candice Lucey) — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 18:13:00 +0000

If you look up wines to pair with pork tenderloin, perhaps have an idea of what style you are looking for: pork tenderloin is versatile. Apples, mangos, lemon, lime, garlic, spice: what's your fancy? Maybe work in reverse: what wine would you like to serve tonight?
For us, the choice of recipe is based on what ingredients we have in the refrigerator. Tonight we are serving Pork Tenderloin marinated in Tikka sauce, lime, soy sauce, then grilled. Tikka includes ginger and garlic flavors which, when combined with the lime and soy sauce, will provide a mildly spicy, aromatic marinade.
For this dish I have located wine pairings for both spicy and lime-marinades as a base from which to decide on tonight's bottle. The resulting wine list draws from diverse ends of the wine cellar. Maybe serve this recipe once to guinea pigs first (ie. family). make sure it is worth the expense of a really good wine. If it is, then don't be afraid to serve a good quality Gewurztraminer or Riesling, which will bring out the lime in your marinade. With the Tikka sauce, however, the choice is difficult. I'm not fond of dry reds, such as the suggested Pinot Noir. I may go out on a limb and try a Red Burgundy which goes well with pork tenderloin in general, though is not specifically paired with this savory dish. Who knows? I might hit on a great combination. Then again, I may make a good guinea pig myself.

Fruit Smoothies at Discount Wine Cellars

noreply@blogger.com (Candice Lucey) — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 03:09:00 +0000

Do you remember that part in the book 'Bridget Jones' where it's really hot, so Bridget starts drinking loads of smoothies? She thinks that because they're fruit and liquid she'll lose weight, then discovers how calorie-packed they are and gives them up. It's true that smoothies can be as high or as low in calories as you want. For a thicker smoothie, add more ice or freeze juice or fruit first. For something thinner, add juice or water. More protein needed? Yogurt or whey powder work well.
Me, I just want to drink my fruit as an alternative to eating it. Fruit is great, but sometimes eating anything gets boring, especially since I'm the one who has to prepare it. If I asked my husband I'd get cornflakes or toast (God bless him, he makes the best cup of tea in the world). Then again, I wouldn't have the following for lunch. I made myself one last night and drank it too fast (the wine was disguised by the rich fruits), finding myself with a headache and 100 points behind at Scrabble. This drink belongs in a wine cellar for the alcohol content.

Lush's Fruit Smoothie
1/4 cup red wine 1/4 cup frozen blueberries
2-3 chopped strawberries (dependin on size)
1/4-1/3 chopped banana (depending on size)
ice to taste

Blend all of these together and drink (or eat) slowly. If not, then the brain freeze will get you before the alcohol does.

Discount Wine Cellars Has a Yummy Supper

noreply@blogger.com (Candice Lucey) — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 03:55:00 +0000

Now that my girls are getting older, they're more willing to try new new things. I just have to be sure not to say certain words such as 'curry' which start them thinking of a particular spicy meal they once had and did not like. It's all psychology.
Tonight we had Thai Curry Shrimp, a recipe I found while looking for ways to use red wine. The shiraz lingering in my cupboard was just right for this recipe, complimenting the flavors of 'Tikka' paste, soy sauce, and olive oil.
The recipe recommends marinading the shrimp for 15 minutes or longer. I would concur. The shrimp which I did up first (a small amount in case my daughters did not like the dish) were marinaded for about 1/2 an hour and were very tasty. Faye and Eve ate these up with eyes rolled back in delight, but it was dinner time by then, an example of poor timing on this chef's part. I should have put these 'tasters' out earlier because I was then cooking the other shrimp in the mixture of 'Tikka' etc. without time to properly marinade them. On the other hand, with the added heating and more red wine, the remaining sauce thickened beautifully to pour over the rice noodles and stir-fried vegetables we ate along with the shrimp.
If you have a shiraz in your wine cellar, Thai Curry Shrimp would pair nicely.
Bon Appetit!

Discount Wine Cellars Takes a Peak at L'Espalier

noreply@blogger.com (Candice Lucey) — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 19:31:00 +0000

L'Espalier is one of the most expensive restaurants in the United States. Located in Boston, a meal there can cost dearly. Chef McClelland's tasting menu costs $185 per/person. For those of you willing to splurge on the tastes of a great restaurant and the skills of a sommelier, L'espalier offers some interesting events which cost quite a bit less (though you may still need to go for a burger later or sell a kidney on E-bay.)
Every Monday, this Boston gem offers a themed 'wine' night. Apparently, the chef and the wine director get together in the cellar, open bottles, talk about combinations of food and wine. Sounds unrealistically civilized, but beats sitting in the pub listening to some guy tell jokes about a Scotsman, an Englishman, and an Irishman. These wine-tasting events are meant to be casual, to encourage conversation between participants, and are hosted by Erich Shliebe, the sommelier. Everyone is welcome: you don't need to be an expert, just rich enough to afford $60 for the privilege. For this money participants will also enjoy a 4 course tasting menu 'composed' by Chef McClelland, from which some items eventually find their way to the main menu. You could be a high-flying guinea pig. Upcoming themes include the Loir and the Rhone; Spring Fling; March Madness; and for Easter, rose colored glasses.
I was taught to know that when no price is indicated on an item, I cannot afford it. Cheese Tuesday at L'Espalier does not show a price, at least not on the website, so I guess I couldn't even peak there. I might get charged an eyeballing fee. Here, sommelier and fromager combine their talents to offer a 'grand cheese tasting' along with music and a 3-course meal with paired wines. The next series is New England Cheeses from the Shy Brothers (March 23rd). After that, try cheese and chocolate. I would, except for the cheese. I'd have double the chocolate, though.
Oh yeah, I can't even afford oxygen in L'Espalier. Oh well.

Investment for your Discount Wine Cellars

noreply@blogger.com (Candice Lucey) — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 17:14:00 +0000

There are two reasons for wine-lovers to purchase bottles for their wine cellar: one is to drink later; the other is to sell later for a profit. Usually, both of these reasons come into play. A bottle of wine can rise in value exponentially over fifteen or twenty years if the wine and the vintage are very good. Investors will look to reliable wines which have historically proven to be profitable. These have usually been French Bordeaux wines, but other countries are emerging as high-quality retailers as well.
For example, Screaming Eagle is a Californian 'cult' winery, meaning that it only produces a tiny amount of its wine each year. This wine is Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc. Screaming Eagle has a waiting list of people wanting to buy their wine in spite of the fact that a 2007 is currently listed at $1234.83Canadian.
A more reasonable purchase which will grow in value to be well worth the price you pay now is something such as the Italian Sassicaia. A 1995 375 ml example is priced at $129.17, but earlier examples are worth 10 times that amount. The Sassicaia is dominantly made up of Cabernet Sauvignon, and a small amount of Cabernet Franc. The wine is French-oak aged for 24 months then bottle-refined for 6 months.
Another reliable option is Vintage Port, and familiar names enter this list such as Fonseca and Croft. One important point to note is that wine (if purchased wisely and using only reputable dealers) is more reliable an investment than the stock market, as long as you keep the temperature correctly controlled and insure your investment.

Zinfadel Sorbet at Discount Wine Cellars

noreply@blogger.com (Candice Lucey) — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 20:28:00 +0000

When I go to a bakery with my two daughters, the younger one (who is about to turn 7) is always drawn to the cupcakes. In the display window are countless options, including french pastries and giant chocolate chip muffins, but the little sugar flowers on the cupcakes are soooo attractive. I guess there are treats made with children in mind. This is also true for adults.
For example, I came across a recipe for a Zinfadel sorbet which at first I thought my kids could eat. 1 cup red zinfadel, 1 cup water, 1/2 cup sugar, a splash of lemon (used this in place of mint). Boil everything up, freeze it, put it in the blender, freeze it some more. Easy, and the alcohol is boiled away. I re-read the recipe before starting and discovered something important I had overlooked: when boiling, I only combine 1/2 a cup of the zinfadel at first. The second half goes in after the boiled mixture has cooled. The resulting dessert is gorgeous, but I'd get a call from Social Services if I fed it to my kids. Talk about strong.
As I was saying, some treats are meant for adults, and not all of them are located in your wine cellar. And yes, you can add a sugar flower to your dish if you want to.

Discount Wine Cellars Now Drinks a Non-Alcoholic Wine

noreply@blogger.com (Candice Lucey) — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 01:52:00 +0000

As promised, I return to the theme of non-alcoholic wine with one I've tasted myself. I have to say, the real thing is much better. Maybe I'm getting more fussy as I learn to distinguish flavors and aromas which are often subtly present in finely crafted drinks from established wineries, but the Carl Jung Riesling from Germany is just not a winner for me. This from a wine named after the man who wrote extensively and colorfully on the subject of dreams; the unconscious mind. I wonder how Jung would interpret this colorless, lifeless offering? Alcoholic Riesling is crisp and tingly; enjoyable on its own or with food; a favorite of mine, either dry or off-dry.
I've tasted many notes in wine: herbs, spices, vanilla, cherries, tobacco, even ash, but never mustard. Literally. It took me a little while to figure out what the flavor and smell were, but there it was. Mustard. For this reason, I would recommend pairing this wine with hot dogs, hamburgers, or a roast ham.
Then again, I bought this bottle in our supermarket for $6.99. That wasn't the sale price. So, I got what I paid for, which clearly wasn't a crisp, tangy wine. Oh well. Now I know that I either have to buy a more expensive non-alcoholic wine or give up the non-alcoholic version of the grape as a bad fit for my wine cellar. At least I didn't have to waste energy with a bottle opener: this had a screw cap. There are benefits to everything if you look hard enough.

Making Cocktails at Discount Wine Cellars

noreply@blogger.com (Candice Lucey) — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 00:43:00 +0000

Pomegranate juice is supposed to be a wonderful antioxidant. This juice is certainly flavorful, and strong like cranberry juice or red grape juice. It also forms a great base for a wine cocktail. What wine does the antioxidant qualities of the juice, who knows, but this isn't a health and nutrition blog.
For the core drink I combined equal amounts of ice, pomegranate juice and White Zinfadel. No sugar. I'm not fond of very sweet drinks. I would suggest, however, that a berry honey would go nicely if you like that sort of thing(strawberry for instance). Hack's Raw Honey in Silver Creek, near Salmon Arm, is beautiful and comes in many varieties. Surely there is something comparable in the States? Combine all ingredients and blend to crush ice and to be sure the ingredients are well mixed. On a hot day, just camp out in your wine cellar with one of these.
Other secondary ingredients one could add are mint (soak fresh leaves in the mixture then take out before adding to the ice and blending), lemon juice, or a teaspoon of sugar. I find this to be a refreshing summer drink, but think I would prefer the red variety of Zinfadel for a stronger, richer winter drink.
Garnish with a sprig of mint or a lemon slice, both of which I consider to be necessary accessories to store in your wine cocktail supply cupboard.

Discount Wine Cellars Enjoys Some Web Fun

noreply@blogger.com (Candice Lucey) — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 20:31:00 +0000

Have you ever tried to access a website which looked really interesting or helpful, only to discover that you needed to be a code-breaker to enter that site? No noticable 'enter' or 'contact' or even 'help, my computer literacy age is 2 1/2'?
At 'Smashing Magazine' they know how you feel, and have come up with a list of 40 really good websites (which does not mean these are the only good websites, but they have lives). By 'good' I mean 'easy to use.' If you want to know which wine goes with which type of food, your answer is easily discovered. Tasting notes of interest to you? No problem, there's a button to press for that too. No longer is the wine-loving community only interested in the size of their wine cellars: a computer is the essential wine accessory.
I chose three of the best, not for their wine, but for the 'fun factor' of their websites. Some are just too dull or elegant, no matter how easy they are to use. Lots of wine and text. On the other hand, who wouldn't be curious about a winery named 'Three Blind Moose'? Depicted on the various screens for this website are a number of very relaxed moose in shades, against a backdrop of yellow and black. The impact of this simple design is stunning and alluring. Descriptions of wines are full of humorous asides in parentheses, supporting the casual and funny atmosphere of the whole website. The recipe cards for the various courses and wine pairings are especially clever and homey.
'Red Bicyclette' has designed their webpage to make one yearn for a trip to Southern France. Postcards,centuries-old buildings, rural scenes: these combine with a quiet rural appeal to suggest that these wines are part of the best, civilized kind of holiday. Again, the links are easy to find and to use. Included are some recipes, though they are not specifically paired with wines. I think they are French (definitely yummy).
Finally, in place of the boring word 'loading' flashing incessantly from the centre of your screen, at 'Dancing Bull' there is the slow delineation of a bull. Warm rays of sun peer over a coastal scene, including an array of other pictures from California life (I guess). This is a stunning webpage and easy to use.
All of which means that even a computer-dummy like me can navigate her way through more wine information and recipes than she could eat and drink in a year, though I'll give it my best shot.

Discount Wine Cellars and a Winning Winery

noreply@blogger.com (Candice Lucey) — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 17:21:00 +0000

According to the 'Palate Press' (who write about other stuff besides the Haiti auction by the way), Quady of Central California was voted as best US Winery in the 2009 London International Wine and Spirits Competition. Quady himself was surprised, but apparently these dessert wines do well in the UK. I was especially surprised to see that a mainly dessert-wine producer won this award, coming out of California, as California is better known for its Napa wineries, chardonnay, and pinot noir (among others). Dessert wine rarely gets the recognition that these drier varieties enjoy.
A quick look over their website shows that Quady is moving from purely dessert wines into muscat, port, vermouth, sherry and apertifs. These include the new Palomino Fino, an Amontillado style sherry which is biodynamically grown from Palomino grapes. Biodynamics is one of the more sustainable forms of agriculture, relying heavily on composting and an 'holistic' approach to the job. In the nose, the Fino gives off hazelnuts (I love hazelnuts). The finish is light and smooth. Another new bottle is Deviation, a sweet drink yet with a dry finish. On the page for this offering you will find recipes for cocktails to make with Deviation.
There are other wines too, but what I found fun about this website is the way it incorporates wine with food. They accessorize each other. There is a recipe section embedded right in the website. Clearly, these people enjoy a meal in the same holistic sense that they look after their vineyards. I also enjoyed the colors and designs of the wine bottles which were a fireworks display of joy. I would almost call it a 'passionate' website, if computers can do that word justice. Any of these bottles would add a beautiful splash of color to your wine cellar.

Discount Wine Cellars Looks at a Winning Bid

noreply@blogger.com (Candice Lucey) — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 16:52:00 +0000

Reviewing the Palate Press Haiti Wine Auction is an on-going fascination of mine, as the 'SOLD' signs keep popping up in red, and lots continue to be donated. From time to time I puzzle over what bidders will bid for and why certain items are valued so highly. For example, why was a magnum of Ponzi Pinot Noir, 2007, valued at $90?
Ponzi has 4 pinots, from 2006-2008. They range in price from the very affordable $25 right up to a $150 magnum. To understand the meaning of this, I had to erase images of Tom Selleck and his Hawaiian shirts from my mind and look to bottling terminology. A magnum is the equivalent of two bottles of wine, or 1.5 litres. Still don't get why it's worth $90.
Then I noted that the bottle in question is a 2007. The age (considering that the 2006 magnum costs $150) leads me to wonder if certain wines increase in value quite a bit as they get older. In the case of a pinot noir, one would be able to drink a 2007, but the best years are still to come. One would need a big bottle cellar for the magnum, but even this is somewhat of a novelty which might increase the price due to rarity of the bottle and the wine as time goes on.
In conclusion, the successful bidder who paid $60 appears to have gotten a real deal for his bottle. Now, for that much money, will he drink the wine or mount it?

Discount Wine Cellars Learns About Non-Alcoholic Wine

noreply@blogger.com (Candice Lucey) — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 18:53:00 +0000

Non-alcoholic wine sounds like an oxymoron, doesn't it? I mean, isn't that just juice? With beer it might be different, seeing as how I've never heard of anyone drinking hop-juice before, but wine is made from grapes. I'm confused (a common state for me).
Interestingly, one of the processes for making liquor is the same one used for making non-alcoholic wine, only in reverse. This is 'distillation'. When liquor is made, all of the liquid is heated and the alcohol which burns off is kept and then restored to liquid state. Whatever happens to the rest of the liquid doesn't matter, it can be boiled to tastelessness. In the case of non-alcoholic wine, though, the taste of the remaining liquid is critical. Hence, a 'vacuum' process is one method of separating alcohol from grape juice. The vacuum allows the liquid to boil at a lower temperature or without being heated, so that the flavors are not boiled away to nothing. Another process is 'reverse osmosis' in which the liquid is filtered through holes so small that 'only alcohol and water (and a few volatile acids) can pass through' writes Jason Horn. Then, distillation takes place.
One difference in taste between the finished product and the real thing is that regular wine is sweeter. There is more residual sugar resulting from the alcohol, and the 'mouth feel' is different. Non-alcoholic wine cannot compete with the latter, but more sugar is added to non-alcoholic wine to make up for its loss during distillation. Otherwise, Horn believes that the two are hard to tell apart. At the supermarket I noted that it can still be expensive to purchase the .5% variety of a Cabernet Sauvignon compared with the cost of, say, grape juice: roughly $10.00. Not horrifying by liquor-store standards, although one can purchase the real thing for around that cost. I guess choosing between them comes down to health concerns or being a designated driver. When bringing such a bottle to a friend's house as a gift, just remember that there is still some alcohol: kids will likely feel that (perhaps a good thing if it's bedtime), and they probably won't like the taste too much.
Look out for an upcoming article in which I will give my own opinion of the stuff. I'm working-up to it, since I drink at home and have no health concerns. I wonder if my wine cellar will give a creak of objection?

Discount Wine Cellars Considers Trends of 2010

noreply@blogger.com (Candice Lucey) — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 19:02:00 +0000

Each year, pundits consider social and consumer behaviour of the previous year to come up with what they suspect will be the trends for the coming twelve months. This year, the people at 'Fine Wines' have singled out ten of the many trends, some of which can be easily associated with the habits of consumers out to fill their wine cellars.
If your choice is between several bottles of Cabernet Sauvignon and they all look good, experts suggest that you will likely pick the bottle which was either made with some recycled glass, comes in an eco-friendly container, is associated with a charity, or a combination of these. Many businesses may not see the value of limiting choices when it comes to environmentally friendly packaging, but shoppers have the right to 'vote with their feet' as my husband always says. What this means is that if you don't like the practises of one winery, don't buy their wine. Put your money where your mouth is. This year, consumers will be doing this more than ever.
They also want to see that the purchase of their perks will be helpful to someone else, be it a penguin or a child in need. Right now, Tinhorn Creek is donating part proceeds from their wines to Boys and Girls Clubs from Victoria to Calgary. They also use up to 50% recycled glass, prevent rodents from damaging their vines with non-toxic measures, and are heavily into composting. The Little Penguin supports the Penguin Foundation of Australia, and donate some proceeds of sales to this organization.
All of this means that doing something which you enjoy - ie. drinking wine - will feel better than ever.

Discount Wine Cellars and the New Zealand Wine Scene

noreply@blogger.com (Candice Lucey) — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 21:17:00 +0000

Everyone I've ever spoken to about New Zealand either really wants to go or has been and thinks it's fabulous. I'm very curious about this country, birth place of my favorite singer-songwriter Neil Finn (Split Enz, Crowded House). There are also a lot of very good wines coming out of New Zealand. You could taste some of these if you went to New Zealand for the Kia Motors Devonport Food and Music Festival, February 20th and 21st at Windsor Reserve, Devonport, Auckland. This is a fundraiser for their branch of the Rotary Club. Tickets cost $30 per/person, $55 per/family. That's NZ money, of course, so what that means in the northern hemisphere I have no idea.
Fifteen of the top New Zealand wineries will be at this event. I wondered as I read this: 'what are the top wineries in New Zealand?' It's hard to even know what is meant by the word 'top': top-selling? Award winning? I looked for some New Zealand wines and found a few award-winners.
'Melton Estate' produces under this name and also 'Front Row'. This is a boutique vineyard making sauvignon blanc, pinot noir, riesling and chardonnay. 'Waitiri Creek' offers a similar array of wines, as does 'Gibbston Valley'.
Matua Valley Winery is another award winning boutique winery offering the same range of wines as above, plus a few others such as viognier, merlot, and gewurztraminer. They have quite a selection to peruse.
I would go to New Zealand to thicken my CD collection, my wine cellar, and to experience all the rest of that beautiful country's charms. I know what my husband would say: 'if you want to us to be able to afford a trip to New Zealand, you'd better write faster.'

Marechal Foch from Discount Wine Cellars

noreply@blogger.com (Candice Lucey) — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 02:46:00 +0000

No matter how much I love one particular winery, that isn't going to make me like every wine they produce. I love Recline Ridge whites, especially their beautiful Ortega. The setting for the winery is gorgeous and on my list of places to visit this spring.
I guess I'm just a white-wine drinker, as much as I try to like red. The Marechal Foch was my latest attempt. I had a sip from a glass my friend was carrying around, and a deep smell of the aroma. Not too acidic, but I could definitely smell the smokiness this wine advertises on the label. A sip told me that this is too dry for me. Still, the fruitiness of the Marechal Foch comes through. I tasted plum and cherry amid the dryness. Maybe a few more tries, or paired with something other than chocolate. What's on the palate apart from wine can seriously impact one's reaction to the flavors in a given bottle.
For this reason, if there is something in your wine cellar which you've tried before without success, don't be too hasty about saying it's not for you. Perhaps the dish you drank it next to wasn't the right pairing, kind of like trying to accessorize clothing. As much as you like stripes and polka-dots, perhaps not together?

Discount Wine Cellars Reviews a Fun Fundraiser

noreply@blogger.com (Candice Lucey) — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 01:59:00 +0000

We stay-at-home mothers don't get to dress-up much. Many of us comment about this fact during the school run.
'There was a great dress on sale at the store, and I nearly bought it, but where I would I wear it?'
'Isn't that the truth. Hey, have you seen the price of cheese at Buy-More-Stuff?It's on sale!'
'Well let's go. It'll give me a chance to try out the new shopping bag my husband got me for Valentine's Day.'

Last night I wore a strappy black gown, pretty necklace, make-up (call the press), and shoes that sparkled and had heels. I mingled, cut desserts, washed dishes, talked-up the crowd, and drank a glass of Ortega from Recline Ridge, knowing from past experience that this is a good wine. I felt elegant and refined, holding my glass and eating chocolate-dipped strawberries, careful not to make a pig of myself with the more decadent desserts. When the ballroom dancers came out to entertain us they wowed the crowd, but when they started asking people onto the dance floor I hid. Our MC Ron tried very hard to dance with the lady dancer, Clee, who was spectacular in her red dress. He had to watch his feet, which he started kicking to the side jive-fashion which was a riot.
The crowd of supporters who bought tickets to raise money for the Mara Station Retreat Centre also bought wine, lots of it. In fact, the wine table was constantly busy. Some tables bought bottles, lots of people bought glasses, and of the silent auction items, the Recline Ridge basket saw some of the most action.
I know that people don't generally attend fundraisers to fill their wine cellars, but it's always a bonus when your paying guests can find something to take home with them that they wanted anyway, for themselves or as a gift. In the meantime, nearly $2,000 was raised. Not bad for a first time effort.
We're all excited about the money raised, but now it's time to think about how we'll run the Gala next year. More wine perhaps?

Discount Wine Cellars Celebrates Valentine's Day

noreply@blogger.com (Candice Lucey) — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 21:00:00 +0000

If your bid at a silent auction for a stay at a romantic B&B or a spa package is unsuccessful, what will you do? Valentine's Day is just hours away now and there's no excuse to forget, reminders are everywhere. Every tenuous connection will be made in just about every shop window, even stationers and plumbing supply stores. Make your man happy with a new ball cock for the toilet, that sort of thing.

Thankfully, there are much better options which you can explore this February and there's still time to take advantage. 'Chocolate and Diamonds' still has tickets available, so if you live in the Shuswap area check that one out. If you live the Seattle area, try the Valentine's Weekend Brunch ont he Royal Argosy. From 12-2 enjoy scrumptious food, champagne, live jazz, a red velvet cake and chocolates. While you're in the area, check out one of the Valentine's packages at local hotels including the Hilton, Alexis or Four Seasons (depending on your budget).
California is much bigger than Seattle or the Shuswap, being an entire state and all, so I just picked on suggestion out from among the many. Valentine's 'Passport 2010' on the River Road Wine Trail in Monterey happens Saturday the 13th from 11-4. Try wine in 12 tasting rooms including Pessagno, Hahn, and Ventana. For $25 each you will receive a special wine glass, a gift, and enter a draw to win even more. When you find those special flavors for your wine cellar, you can also keep one to open that weekend and serve in your new wine glasses.
Consider these options and more just like them for you and your partner, or as a gift to a couple you love or want to set up on a blind date. If they don't get along, there will at least be wine.

Discount Wine Cellars Assembles Auction Baskets

noreply@blogger.com (Candice Lucey) — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 20:37:00 +0000

During a recent meeting for an upcoming fundraiser an interesting suggestion was made. Where items donated for auction were of a fairly small value, combine them to make bigger baskets that looked more exciting and might draw larger bids. Everyone at the table thought this was a very intelligent suggestion. Among the items were some wooden wine accessories valued at around $30Cdn. Hmmm, what would go with wine accessories?
Of course - wine! This yielded the suggestion of trying to get a bottle of wine to go with the basket. When I asked Recline Ridge for a wine at the wholesale price, they donated not just a bottle but an entire basket which will stand alone. So, back to getting just the one bottle. In the end we found one ourselves, a classy white that would pair nicely with the wooden items, and last a little while in a wine cellar. It's called 'Shuswap Serenade' and the name alone is suggestive of Valentine's Day, little stones thrown against a window, someone singing under a balcony to his true love.
A bottle of wine transforms any silent auction basket into a very classy item and adds at least a ten dollar value to it, sometimes more). I should know: Salmon Arm must be the 'silent auction' capital of the province, there's one somewhere in town every second week. I never have the winning bid though.
A basket is up for grabs at one of our two local malls, but not as part of a silent auction. It belongs to a 'sweetheart package' raffle which anyone can enter without purchase. Items have been donated by merchants to encourage shoppers into the place.
Of course, I entered. Watch this space to see if I win.

Discount Wine Cellars Discusses Liquor Licensing

noreply@blogger.com (Candice Lucey) — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 20:21:00 +0000

Functions involving the drinking, purchasing, and/or tasting of wine are held frequently around Salmon Arm and are often associated with fundraising. Running such an event involves many considerations, including licensing.
On the February 13th I will be working at the Chocolate and Diamonds Gala for Mara Station Retreat Centre and I would say that one of the most confusing aspects of arranging this thing is the liquor licensing. It's all worked out, but not without some confusion.
The lady who is serving wine is named Lynn, from Recline Ridge, and you couldn't ask for a better person to work with. Patient? Her name should be in the dictionary under the word. Licensing is different for every event she goes to because some are hosted in places which already serve alcohol or which have licenses for such events. Then there are special events where organizers need to get one-night licenses, try to predict the amount of wine to be sold, find out how much will be on the premises (opened or not, doesn't matter). Lynn has her serve-it-right certification (which says that she knows not to hold your wine glass on the inside or sneeze in it) but was not a member of our organization, which meant that even if she has a liquor license it wouldn't matter. Then we were going to get a license for the Mara Station Retreat Society, until Ginny, the Executive Director, had the fabulous idea of making Lynn a member. Genius. Now all I know is that the matter is 'in hand' as they say.
So, the main thing is that one can still come to our fundraiser, win a diamond pendant to give as a gift to that special someone (or mom), purchase something for the wine cellar knowing your money is spent on good wine for an even better cause, and go home happy. Put it this way: if you plan on running an event involving wine, never assume anything, don't put me in charge, and book Lynn.

Wine, Chocolates and Diamonds from Discount Wine Cellars

noreply@blogger.com (Candice Lucey) — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 17:41:00 +0000

Right on a beautiful stretch of river, frequented by swans and many other birds, in the quiet village of Mara is the Mara Station Retreat Centre. Here residential retreats are offered for people living with life-threatening illness and their partners or caregivers. Participants learn pain management techniques, meditation, nutrition and much more. The idea is to live with joy and meaning throughout life, no matter how little time one might have left.
The cost of retreats is high because of the professionals running seminars, the resources, the organic foods etc. The Society is non-profit. That's why they do fundraising, including a Chocolate and Diamonds Gala this Saturday the 13th in Salmon Arm, BC, at our elegant art gallery. There will be chocolate tasting, ballroom dancing, wine sold by the glass or the bottle by Recline Ridge (who are also donating a silent auction basket), a live auction, music, and the chance to win a diamond pendant.
I'm definitely going, but not because of the diamond pendant (worth $500 and donated by Enderby Jewellers), but because I'm on the fundraising committee and will be liasing with the MC, my friend Ron Langridge. I will also be dressing-up which is always fun, even when you're not a kid anymore. In fact, moreso because I hardly ever have cause to dress in anything but jeans and my favourite hoodie. I'll be wearing a low-cut strappy black dress, but don't let that scare you.
The communities of Salmon Arm, Enderby, Mara and others have been very generous in donating items for the silent and live auctions, plus goodies to taste. Most people relate to the Society's purpose since hardly anyone has not been touched by cancer, MS, Alzheimers or some other terrible disease. But even though the topic is serious, that doesn't mean we can't have fun, buy some great wine for our cellars, indulge in chocolate, or win a wonderful Valentine's Day gift for someone (just in the nick of time).
Which timing is usual for Valentine's Day, isn't it?

Discount Wine Cellars follows the Haiti Charity Race

noreply@blogger.com (Candice Lucey) — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 05:17:00 +0000

Not long ago I began commentary on the race between 'Booze Monkey' of Australia and America's 'Palate Press' who are racing to see who could raise more money for Haiti through their respective wine auctions. Their efforts are going strong, and I am seeing more regular movement in the bidding again. I'm pretty sure that Palate Press is ahead of Booze Monkey; then again, Palate Press started first and Booze Monkey has finite deadlines rather than creating 'hot lots' after an item hasn't had action for 24 hours. Urgency spurs actions, I say, whether physical or financial.
Items that have enjoyed frequent friendly bidding have included the Cakebread Cellars mixed case, valued at $536. This case includes Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Zinfadel. The current bid is $400. Lot 29, Fox Run Vineyards Mixed Case valued at $160, looks like it might go for $150. A Zugibe Vineyards case of 2007 Riesling (yum) could go for it's retail value: $195.
Booze Monkey isn't seeing as much action as Palate Press, but their catalogue has grown from 5 pages to 7. If bidding stopped right now, bidders would get some wonderful deals. Penfold's Grange Shiraz Magnum 2004, signed by winemaker Peter Gago, is worth $2000. Right now the bid has moved from a recent $960 to $1010 (Australian Dollar). A Castagna Mixed Dozen worth $789 might be sold for $370. Dogpoint Vineyard Pinot Noir 2007, 12 bottles worth $500, has seen a bit of action: $230 has gone up to $240.
What I have to remind myself as I see valuable wine and related items graciously donated from the cellars of generous men and women almost being given away is that this money will all go to Haiti. The attitude of organizers and donors is that whatever they get will be thankfully received.
Still, I hope that the value of many of the lots on offer will inspire the public to bid high and from the heart. Wow, that sounds really sappy.
Just hand over your *&%#$ money. No, too Bob Geldof. Not me at all.
Please tell everyone you know about these auctions which combine fun with fundraising in a community that appreciates what is on the block. Or should I say, on the wine rack?

Discount Wine Cellars at the New Hampshire Winter Wine Festival 2010

noreply@blogger.com (Candice Lucey) — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 20:48:00 +0000

I don't know why, but New Hampshire wasn't the first place I thought of when considering where there might be a wine festival. Still, in retrospect, the location makes sense when I recall that it is January. Winter wine should be consumed at a wintery location. Their festival started mid-January but continues into mid-February, even encompassing Valentine's Day while they're at it.
If this gets you interested, then take note: the website shows many events sold out, and while Feb. 14th isn't yet, it probably soon will be so take your girlfriend/boyfriend/spouse/grandmother there before space runs out. The title is 'Veuve Clicquot Champagne Grand Vintner's Dinner with Chef Pierre Gignac of 98 Provence'. The reception is at 6pm with a four course dinner beginning at 7pm. A little late for me, but then if I was there, my stomach would still say it was only mid-afternoon, so perfect really. The cost is steep: $129.95 per/person, and although we on the west coast are behind by the clock, we count money the same way. Still, the plan is to create a 'Sweetheart Menu' which, at that price, has to include chocolate in some way. Otherwise what kind of a Valentine's gift would that make?
There are lots of dinners at the wine festival with high prices and gourmet chefs attached. There is also the chance to purchase wine at outlet prices if you arrive on February 7th from 1-4. Fill your wine cellar with the good stuff you can't normally afford. Another cheaper event is the regular 'Flight Night' happening every Tuesday-Thursay from 5-7pm at the Roosevelt's Lounge. Here you can sample free hors d'ouevres and have wine paired with them by guest professionals. The price is from $10-$18 per/night depending on the wines selected.
Then start counting down: spring isn't far away.

Discount Wine Cellars Goes to the Movies

noreply@blogger.com (Candice Lucey) — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 20:02:00 +0000

In the movies, characters hold, pour, purchase and drink wine all the time. Bridget Jones gets totally plastered with the stuff in her apartment. Steve Martin is the sarcastic wine waiter to Miss Piggy and Kermit. Hannibal Lecter creeps everyone out with his pairing of human organs and chianti. Thanks to that one scene, I have never kept chianti in my wine cellar (even though the movie came out when I was barely old enough to drink).
Then there are the movies whose plots are wrapped-up in wine. I've talked about Sideways before, but that's only the most well-known. A Good Year, with Russel Crowe and Albert Finney, was adapted for the screen in 2006 from the writings of Peter Mayle, famous for A Year in Provence (a good book by the way). Russel Crowe's character inherits his uncle's estate and vineyard in Provence which he initially plans to sell, until he falls in love with the lifestyle and a woman. I wonder what seeing Russel Crowe in a Provence vineyard did for sales of French wine in the USA?
At Sachem Farm (1998) sees a character played by Rufus Sewell trying to sell-off his family's wine collection to purchase a mining interest, which of course leads to conflict (there wouldn't be a plot otherwise). The cast also includes Minnie Driver.
The 2008 film Bottle Shock goes all the way back to 1976 and a proposed contest between Napa Valley and French wines. Paris Sommelier Steven Spurrier (played by the wonderful Alan Rickman) meets interesting characters including Jim, a vintner going deep into debt as he tries to perfect his chardonnay. You might recognize Chris Pine (Captain James T. Kirk in the new Star Trek franchise) and Bill Pullman (You Kill Me, While You Were Sleeping).
Appealing leading men plus wine: sounds like a good gift to treat yourself with this weekend.

Discount Wine Cellars Examines the Trebbiano Grape

noreply@blogger.com (Candice Lucey) — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 16:47:00 +0000

No sooner do I say that the 'Trebbiano' is a must-try on my 2010 list, when I find out that this is supposedly a mediocre grape producing only mediocre, forgettable wine. At least, this is according to most of the articles I have read regarding the grape. Based on percentages, I would say that the trebbiano is not a generally admired Italian grape. Still, this would appear to be the most prolific of all white wine grapes, grown all over Italy but particularly in the central parts, with high yields and a hardy fruit. The French call it the Ugni Blanc (uh, that name again, the one that sounds like Ugly Blank). The Ugni Blanc is the most widely planted white grape in France. Consequently, although I had never heard of the grape, I may have stored some in my wine cellar at one time or another.
Perhaps as brandy. Trebbiano grapes are used as a base for brandy, especially Cognac. Nope, never tried the stuff. Always looks pretty in a decanter, but smells like it might put hairs on my chest. Alright then, what about White Shiraz or White Hermitage, as the grape is sometimes known in Australia? No? My experiences with Australian wine have tended towards the very dry, which has put me off and I am avoiding Australian wine for the time being.
How is it that a wine reviewer, even a relative newbie, has not drunk a glass of the most widely grown white wine grape in Italy, France, perhaps the entire world? Is it possible? I get to say something many of us have only wished:
I don't think I'm drinking enough.