Banfi Pours at the 3rd Corner – Will be the Top Stop in Taste of Wine Tour of Tuscany
The wine glasses were being toasted high and loud recently at the 3rd Corner Wine Shop and Bistro in Encinitas. Not only was there a classic lineup of Castello Banfi Chianti Classico, Super Tuscan Blends and a 4 course menu especially prepared for the occasion by the 3rd Corner Executive Chef Lincoln Williams, it also kicked off the news of a special, personal tour of great Tuscan wineries that I will lead October 7th to the 10th of this year.
I have teamed up with Banfi, the Mazzei Winery, Celebrity Cruise Lines and Vineyard Travel in Escondido for a round trip Rome to Rome 10 day Mediterranean Cruise with on-board wine events from October 10th to the 20th. Ports of call include: Naples, Messina Sicily, Mykonos, Santorini and other Greek Islands and Kusadasi Turkey. Prior to the cruise our privileged group will set out 3 days earlier in Tuscany and enjoy villas, rustic breakfasts, lunches and dinners, transportation, a cooking class, castles, wine tastings and touring in Montalcino, Castellina and Siena. There is no other place on earth like the sun-kissed hills of beautiful Tuscany.
I know, I have walked the hills and felt the joy of life in this wine country. I have carefully chosen Mazzei with its legendary Fonterutoli, and Banfi with its famous Brunello Di Montalcino wines as excellence in a bottle. The wineries are known worldwide for their graciousness and hospitality. Italy is the largest importer of wine into the U.S. and makes roughly 20% of all the wines in the world. All 20 regions of this amazing country, from Sicily to the Alps, offer high quality, old world wines from some 3,000 different grape varietals.
Other Italian master-produced wines include: Gaja Barbaresco, Santa Margherita Pinot Grigio, Pio Cesare Barolo, Bertani Amerone della Valpolicella, Barone Ricasoli Castello di Brolio Chianti Classico, Marchesi Antinori Tignanello, Tenuta San Guido Sassacaia, Tenuta dell’Ornellaia and Planeta Santa Cecilia. That is an unforgettable wine journey and we get to sample the heart, in Tuscany. Complete details are on the internet at www.vineyardtravel.net. Enter offer #676757. Or call Rosemary Nigro at 800-359-3772.
Wine Bytes
- A cupid wine party is planned for Fri. Feb. 11 from 6 to 9pm at Bacchus Wine Market in down- town San Diego. Appetizers, desserts and plenty of wines are on hand for the party. $25 cost. Call 619-236-0005.
- La Costa Wine Company has an Italian Tasting on Fri. Feb. 11 from 5 to 8:30pm. For $20, taste 5 great Italian varietals including the ’07 Orena awarded 95 points. New to the shop is “Wine Wednesdays”, a three-wine flight for just $10. Details at 760-431-8455.
- Meritage Wine Market in Encinitas is planning a Bordeaux night Fri. Feb. 11 from 6-8pm. Call 760-479-2500 for pricing and details.
- Orfila Winery in Escondido has a special Valentines Day concert in the vines, Sun. Feb. 13 for $20 ea. or $35 per couple. Includes a welcome glass of Moscato. Check for tickets at 877-727-9463.
- San Diego State University’s next wine class starts Tues. Feb. 15 from 6 to 9pm. Advance Sommelier Lisa Redwine teaches “Exploring Wine.” Call 619- 594-6924 for more.
- San Clemente Wine Company has a cheese and wine pairing class with Starr Cornwall on Wed. Feb. 16 from 6:30 – 7:30 pm. 5 wines, chocolate and cheeses are included for $35. Learn more at 949-429-7067.
Frank Mangio is a renowned wine connoisseur certified by Wine Spectator. He is one of the leading wine commentators on the web. View his columns at www.tasteofwinetv.com. Reach him at mangiompc@aol.com.
