THE CAMELOT OF SONOMA WINES

Two of my favorite wine tastings in 2006 were from Ferrari Carano based in the beautiful Sonoma appellation of Alexander Valley: the Siena blend of Sangiovese, Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon; and the "treasure" of their wines, Tresor, with Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec, Cabernet Franc and Petite Verdot. The Tresor is approximately $38, with Siena listed as $23.

Ferrari Carano is really 17 different vineyards and 2,500 acres of land, 1,200 of which is planted in wine grapes. It is the vision and determination of Don and Rhonda Carano who founded the original 60 acre winery in 1981. Second generation Italians, they were struck by the resemblance of Sonoma to Northern Italy. They had found and nurtured success in Reno with the El Dorado Hotel and Casino which they still hold, along with two other Reno properties. Both understood quality in wines, architecture and food. They recognized that the European style of blending required several vineyards where they could own and control the grape production, resulting in an elegance, finesse and depth of flavor that blends are noted for.

When I was recently in Sonoma, I asked about the Ferrari part of the winery’s name thinking it was named after a certain powerful car that might be in Don’s garage, but as it turned out, Ferrari is a grandmother’s family name that underlines the family tradition, evident throughout Sonoma. "Italians approach life as an art, and their lifestyle reflects their love for wine, food, entertaining, music and gardens," said Rhonda.

That last love, gardens, is spectacularly exhibited in a five year effort to transform Ferrari Carano’s hospitality and tasting center into the "Camelot" of Sonoma. Splashes of color, streams and waterfalls surround the Villa Fiore (which means house of flowers in Italian), with five acres of world-class gardens including over 200 rose bushes.

The building’s exterior design is of Renaissance/Roman style with dramatic stone columns and arches, courtyards, balconies and walkways; truly a unique villa housing the wine treasures inside. I was privileged to be escorted through the private underground hospitality center with four large rooms housing sculpture, paintings and tapestries enhancing the elegance of a formal dining room, grand salon and bar/kitchen.

The bar in the wine shop is masterly formed from dramatic curved mahogany and black granite with large arched windows overlooking the estate vineyard and villa fountain. A stone staircase leads to the barrel room with a vaulted ceiling looking down on over 1,100 French oak barrels.

Ferrari Carano wines will be showcased at Firenze Trattoria in Encinitas on Wednesday January 31st starting with a reception at 6:30pm. Southern California Representative Michael Hurst and Firenze wine manager Tony Kinsel will be opening the 2003 Siena blend which will pair beautifully with Calamari Marinara and Risotto.

The 2002 Tresor, the Bordeaux classic blend, will match up with the Black Angus Ribeye Steak. Five Ferrari Carano wines will complete the evening.
Cost is $85. per person, with reservations accepted by calling 760/944-9000.
Half price bottles of wine the first part of the week at leading restaurants are a great way to get involved with a new wine, when a taste-test can be more than just an eye-drop.

I’ve compiled a brief list of these offers and the restaurants that are promoting them: Lake San Marcos Quail Restaurant has 50% off all bottle of wines with dinner Wednesdays and Thursdays; Bellefleur Restaurant in Carlsbad has "Wine Wednesdays" with half off any bottle of wine with two dinner entrees; in Encinitas, Gusto Trattoria Italiana and Firenze Trattoria have half price wine Mondays, and Via Italia, downtown Encinitas, has 50% off wines from Monday through Wednesday.

The Local Sip

Tuesday, Acqua Due on 5th Avenue in the Gaslamp district downtown has a Batasiolo wine dinner starting at 6:45pm. These wines are from the lush Piemonte district of Italy and are highly rated. You will be trying five wines with a four course Italian dinner. Ring up 619/230-0382 for reservations.

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The Wine Lover on 5th Avenue in the Hillcrest District of San Diego is presenting a fun tasting of 5 Zinfandels Wednesday, January 31st, starting at 6pm. Zins from old vines have a lush, concentrated fruit flavor. Call 619/294-9200 for more.

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Firefly Grill and Winebar in Encinitas will showcase 8 Pinot Noirs from around the world on Monday, February 5th, starting at 6:30pm, with appetizers. Cost is $35. per person. For details, call 760/635-1066.
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10631 Vinedale Street, Sun Valley, CA 91352 - Phone (818) 767-3413 - Fax: (818) 767-1410