Fiery Concert Brings New Wine to Temecula
La Cereza Winery in Temecula is still buzzing over the bold flamenco style concert by Benise and his bigger-than-life 25 piece band and dancers on August 16th. It was Buddy and Cheri Linn’s first event of this kind and a home run it was! The opening act by Maston Smith and his wild medieval costuming, electric cello and bizarre dancers sent the crowd into a frenzy.
All this is a prelude to a new wine, created especially for this occasion by the Linns and their eclectic winemaker Gus Vizgirda… the “Benise Private Reserve Sangiovese.” La Cereza is always ahead of the curve with some 33 different wine brands to choose from and this passionate addition adds to the excitement of this Spanish formatted winery. This wine has a bold flavor with distinctly cherry characteristics, and a slightly pepper, smoky accent.
The Sangiovese grape is Italian Tuscan originally and winemaker Vizgirda never disrespects that, but the Spanish touches that go into most reds at La Cereza is clearly evident. It pairs nicely with most beef. It’s already picking up medals in several California competitions. Vintage is 2005. La Cereza Winery owner Buddy Linn with Benise, the star of the winery’s first concert which was a sellout.
In other Temecula wine news, hats off to Thornton Winery in Temecula Wine Country for hosting a rare Progressive Dinner featuring three award winning winemakers and one top chef together in one event. Kim Wascher of Hart Winery, Gus Vizgirda of La Cereza and Maurice Carrie Wineries and the host winemaker Don Reha of Thornton provided welcome wine conversation for guests, while executive chef Steve Pickell shared secrets about matching Temecula wines with his exclusive cuisine. His menu items are part of the new selections at the winery’s Café Champagne.
Wine & Cuisine Gala of the Season is Saturday, Oct. 4 Here is a rare event not to be missed. It’s the Circle of Hope Gala to benefit New Haven Youth and Family Services of Vista, at the Tuscan style, custom built Casa di Fede, a private family estate created by Frank and Claudette Mercardante, just south of Temecula, Saturday, October 4. A VIP reception begins at 5 pm with cocktails and formal dinner from 6 to 9pm.
I have the privilege of being one of the selected wine presenters, along with the brilliant winemaker Leon Santoro of Orfila Vineyards and Winery. His wines will be exclusive to this high-level luxurious event. Other rare insights will be provided by Chocolatier Michael Antonorsi and featured guest and the Food Network’s newest star, Chef Jeff Henderson.
Henderson’s is a real-life Circle of Hope journey which took him from the streets of San Diego to prison, where he discovered a passion for cooking. Upon release he pursued a career in Los Angeles, San Diego and Las Vegas. He has since published a best selling book and has a movie in the works. A formal Tuscan-inspired dinner will be prepared by Master Chef Carlo Di Gristina, with live music by the Cecilia String Quartet.
Tickets for this special occasion are $500 for the cocktails and formal dinner, and $1,000 for the VIP Reception, cocktails and dinner. For a complete summary, call 760-630-4035 or access www.circleofhopegala.org.
The Local Sip
- Firefly Grill & Wine Bar in Encinitas presents a Rodney Strong Wine Dinner on Wednesday, Sept. 24 with a reception at 6:30pm. The Reserve Cab ’06 and Knotty Vine Zin ’05 will be featured. $75 pp. Call 760-635-1066 for more.
- Firenze Trattoria in Encinitas has Staps Leap Wines to match up with a gourmet dinner on Wednesday, Sept. 24 starting at 7pm. The ’05 Merlot, Cab and Petite Sirah are being poured. $95 ea. Phone 760-944-9000.
- Five San Diego celebrity chefs will be spotlighted at they team up for a “Guilty by Association” dinner event at Molly’s Restaurant & Wine Bar Thursday, Sept. 25. RSVP required. Five courses for $55 ea. $25 for wine pairing. Call 619-230-8909.
- Taste of the Ranch at the Village Market in Rancho Sante Fe will be held Sunday, Sept. 28 from 3 to 6pm with wine and food offerings from nearby restaurants, to benefit Dia Del Sol. Wines include Tobin James, Laird and Fort Ross. Tickets are $60 prepaid, $70 at the door. Call Stumps Village Market for details.
- Cystic Fibrosis will benefit from the annual wine and food event at NTC Promenade in San Diego Saturfay, Sept. 27 from 4 to 7 pm. $40 in advance, $50 at the door. Call for details at 858-578-2945.
Frank Mangio is a renowned wine connoisseur certified by Wine Spectator. He is one of the top five wine commentators on the web. Reach him at mangiompc@aol.com.
10631 Vinedale Street, Sun Valley, CA 91352 - Phone (818) 767-3413 - Fax: (818) 767-1410
