The Holiday Wine Cellar in Escondido
Last week I attended an informative presentation to about 30 people at the Holiday Wine Cellar in Escondido, at Mission and Escondido Boulevard.
It was like a trip back in time. I say that because, with just a few upgrades, this “liquor” store looks just as it did back in 1965 when that long, tall “liquor” sign went up as the store opened. You gotta love it… an actual cellar below ground and full of domestic and international wines. Above ground, it’s like a trip back to the 60’s when wines, beer and liquor sat alongside each other bounded by knotty pine walls and shelves. A spiral staircase takes you down into the cellar area where the wine tasting is done, alongside an ultramodern “enomatic” machine.
There is a debit-card-actuated lineup of wine bottles of the store’s choice, where customers purchase an access card loaded with a dollar amount.
The card is slotted into the machine, a “choice” button is pushed and out comes the wine selected, ranging from an ounce to 3 ounces. Each bottle is hooked up to a nitrogen source to keep it fresh.Wine events are held every Thursday and this night, Italian wines from each major region in Italy were featured. Cecily Dyer (shown in the photo) was our personality-plus host for this tour-and-taste evening. She started in the northern appellations of Piedmont, Veneto and Trentino, went through Tuscany and Campania, and wound up in Sicily for some luscious 100% Nero di Avalo varietals.
Especially fine was the Pleneta Santa Cecilia 2002 ($49.99). Normally I would not recommend anything from Italy in that weather-beaten year, but that’s the catch, this is not Italy… it’s Sicily, with a weather pattern all its own. Cecily pointed out that Italian wines are 3rd in sales at Holiday Wine Cellars. She urged her audience that new wines are made to be tried so she introduced her visitors to a Moscato d’Asti with a lovely sparkling taste and lingering sweetness ($15.97). Another favorite was the Monsanto Chianti Classico Riserva 2003 ($24.99).
Next time you’re in Escondido, drop into Holiday Wine Cellar, but don’t look for a sign with that name, just look toward the sky and sight the huge 4 story “liquor” sign and you’re there. Access wwwholidaywinecellar.com.
New Executive Director for Temecula Wine Country
Tomi Arbogast has been named as the new Executive Director in our neighboring wine country, after a month-long search. A former banker with business development experience, Tomi has a wealth of marketing and public relations experience, and was the President of the Temecula Chamber of Commerce.
Callaway Winery will soon unveil a new restaurant concept replacing the former Allie’s.It will be called Meritage, and I hear from Kristin Sartore of the winery, that a rustic, fresh food menu is being discussed. It’s just one of many changes and upgrades at the winery under the new ownership of the Linn family.
See their new website…it’s sexy! www.callawaywinery.com.The Local Sip
Firefly Grill and Wine Bar in Encinitas supports local farmers, artisans and organic wineries with an all-organic Wine Dinner Thursday, August 23 at 6:30pm, featuring Quivira (Kee-veer-ah) wines from Sonoma. Lead wine will be the Zindanfel Dry Creek 2004. Exec chef Aaron Daily has paired his latest creations. $85 per person. RSVP at 760-635-1066.
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Jim Allyn from North County Wine Company has organized the latest Taste of San Marcos, part of the latest Street Fair on Sunday, August 26, from 12 to 4pm. 18 wines will be served under the big top. Ticket info at 760-744-2119.***
Cakebread Cellars and some lovely cheeses will combine for a great event at San Diego Wine and Culinary Center, across from the Convention Center, Tuesday August, 28 from 6pm to 8pm. Incredible food tops it off. $ 45 per person. Call for more at 619-231-6400.***
The 4th annual Taste of Slow Food comes again to Orfila Vineyards and Winery on San Pasqual Road in Escondido, Sunday, August 26 from 4pm to 8pm. Add to it, Orfila’s award winning wines and proceeds to benefit the organic garden at San Pasqual Academy, and you have a perfect evening of fun and culinary pleasure. $55 per person. Call 760-716-2280 for more.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
