Good Stewards of the Land
When I heard that quote recently from Patti Tiso of Quivira (Kee-VEER-ah) Vineyards and Winery from Sonoma at a wine dinner at Firefly in Encinitas, I wanted to order a case of her best. A small vineyard and winery, she and the winery have grasped what is now a movement of organic and biodynamic farming practices. By starting at the point of contact, the soil, the end result translates back to the environment and ultimately creates great wine.
Driving through Napa or Sonoma, one can witness first-hand this grape growing revolution. Much of the industry has been moving away from conventional growing and chemical pesticides and fertilizers. Instead you see an earth-friendly practice of sustainable, organic and biodynamic farming, going back to practices that were common many years ago. Eventually winemakers were sold on the idea that chemicals would make their job easier and they would have more crops. But these modern methods were found to be harming the soil.
An understanding of these terms is useful in order to evaluate this turn of events:
• 1-Organic Farming: The farmer uses renewable resources like compost for fertilizer, beneficial insects and birds to control pests. Government standards and practices must be in place for three years before a vineyard gets to be labeled organic.
• 2-Biodynamic: A holistic approach, the vineyard is looked at as an ecosystem, combining an organic approach with a natural rythmn of the earth. Much of this is spiritual in nature, following certain “life forces” of the soil. It really has to do with close observation of what nature is giving you, and interrelate the elements within the acreage allocated. In other words, no manipulation. This gives the wine a true expression of the terroir, or territory where the wine came from.“None of our wines are artificially induced, you get the natural taste of the grapes,” Patti declared. Patti (shown in the photo with Firefly owner Jim Barrasso left, and myself on the right) represents the winery on her many trips to restaurants and wine shops. She has the chef prepare an organic menu. In this instance, chef Aaron Daily assured the gathering that all entrees were locally grown with freshly chosen produce and meats.
The wines featured Sauvignon Blanc, Zinfandel and Petite Sirah. All were well crafted and delicious, produced in the Dry Creek Valley of Sonoma. All have just been officially certified as biodynamic wines. Learn more by accessing www.quivirawine.com
The Grandest Wine Event of the Year
The 4th annual San Diego Bay Wine and Food Festival is closing in on us and I can hardly wait! The dates are Wednesday, November 14 through Sunday, November 18, with a showcase of premier wine seminars and events, chefs and culinary personalities and gourmet foods.
Over 700 wines, 60 restaurants and 30 gourmet food companies will tantalize your taste buds in many venues during the lively five days of the event. The Grand Event is Saturday the 17th at Embarcadero Park North behind Seaport Village from 12 to 4pm. Over 160 winemakers will be pouring with over 60 star chefs offering their culinary artistry.
Other features this day include: olive oil tasting and competition, a “chef of the fest” competition with up to $50,000 cash and prizes at stake, cookbook author signings and fine wine/lifestyle auctions. It’s an amazing list of wine happenings and you don’t want to miss a thing. Call 877-808-WINE for ticket information or check out www.worldofwineevents.com.
The Local Sip
- Callaway Vineyard and Winery in Temecula will have all the excitement of an Italian village on Saturday, September 22 from 3pm to 7pm, during its Fall Harvest and Grape Stomp. Visitors can stomp, squish and crush the grapes in a huge vat. Prizes for the best Lucy and Ricky costumes, from the famous TV show, dancing, an Italian feast and of course, wine tasting. $60 per person. Call 951-676-4001 for more information.
- Current tastings at Vine to Glass in Oceanside include: Hopler Gewurztraminer, Laird Pinot Grigio, Spann Vineyards “Mo Zin” and Justin Cabernet Sauvignon. Nice lineup, and only $15 for four tastings. Call 760-757-1037 to confirm.
- A DuNah wine dinner is planned for Azul Restaurant in La Jolla for Tuesday, September 25th from 6pm to 9pm. Owners Rick and Diane DuNah will attend and a five course meal is included. $110 per person. Call 858-454-9616 for reservations.
- Wine Steals on University in the Hillcrest area of San Diego has an Italian Wine tasting on Tuesday, September 18 at 5pm. Italy is still the #1 wine producing area in the world and wines will be selected to reflect the country. Only $5. For more, call 619-295-1188.
Frank Mangio is a renowned wine connoisseur certified by Wine Spectator. Reach him at mangiompc@aol.com.
10631 Vinedale Street, Sun Valley, CA 91352 - Phone (818) 767-3413 - Fax: (818) 767-1410
