Wine and Valentines Day- Hearty Companions
The romance of wine has been well documented in story and song. Couples are falling in love and having weddings at vineyards in increasing numbers. Elegant and extraordinary experiences have been the highest priority for the area wineries and restaurants that feature fine wine in their menus, as they plan for Valentines Day dinners on Saturday, February 14th.
I have compiled a recommended list of those places that have wonderful experiences in place for their customers, but first let me introduce you to a Napa Valley Winery whose 33 acres are devoted to the romance of wine. Bart and Barb O’Brien have owned and operated O’Brien Estate in the Oak Knoll district of Napa Valley since 2000. They have a home on the site.
“We have re-grafted a great deal of the 33 acre vineyard from Chardonnay to its current 13 acres of Cabernet Sauvignon, and the rest divided into Cab Franc, Merlot, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc,” Bart revealed. “What followed was a next-level move into a Bordeaux style blend which we decided to name Seduction, a deep dense purple wine with aromas of sweet black cherry. You taste intense currant and berry flavors on the palate, framed by fine-grained tannins,” he said.
2006 was a lovely year for this concentrated blend, and now the 2007 Seduction comes in a gift box that celebrates your someone special. This year, Bart has the ultimate touch for Valentine’s Day with a“Romantic Trio,” three beautiful wines in a finely made limited edition wood gift box with velvet compartments.
It contains: “Attraction” Chardonnay, “Romantic” Merlot and ”Seduction” Cabernet blend, and sells for $199. Check it out in time for Valentines Day by calling 707-252-8463 or www.obrienestate.com.
Valentines Day Wine Bytes: Saturday, February 14
- Bernardo Winery’s Vino Valentino Dinner at Café Merlot where you select five wines to taste + gift glass, then taste aged wines and dinner in the Barrel Room. Jazz music and other surprise gifts. $75 each. $125 for two. RSVP at 858-487-1866.
- Salerno Winery in Ramona has a dinner with the winemaker and opera music. Salmon with Salerno’s ’02 Elegante along with salad and the popular Salerno Petite Sirah; roasted white fish and seared tenderloin with the Estate Sensation. $80 pp. Contact Rose at 760-788-7160.
- Valentines Day a the elegant Grand Del Mar includes an awesome six course dinner from Executive Chef William Bradley, capped by milk-fed Rotie or Braised Beef Shortribs. $125 pp with other options. Get the full story by calling 858-314-1900.
- Savory Casual Fare in Encinitas has created exceptional meals served from 4pm to 9pm at $56 ea. or $78 with champagnes and matching wines. Entrees include filet of beef or Opakapuka. Call for RSVPs at 760-634-5556.
- Up in Temecula wine country: Ponte Winery has a candle-lit 4 course dinner in the Barrel Room, with one seating at 7pm. $95 pp. Call 951-694-8855. Falkner Winery has a lovely four course feast in the Pinnacle Restaurant with pairings of their best wines, including Champagne and Port. Call at 951-676-8231 ext 1.
Thornton Winery has a Valentines Rendez vous with a 4-star dinner for two, a decadent dessert and premium wines. Petite Filet Mignon and grilled shrimp top the menu. $80 ea. Call 951-699-0099.
Allie’s Bistro and Lounge in Temecula has a 5 course dinner for $49 ea., or dinner with paired wines for $74 per guest. Call 951-695-8620. Keyways Vineyard & Winery invites you to a sequel to Andrew Lloyd Weber’s Phantom of the Opera that starts at 7:30pm. A four course dinner is included with premium wines. $94 a person. Call 951-302-7888.
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We in the wine world are saddened by the death of one of the iconic winemakers in California, Leon Santoro of Orfila Winery in Escondido. Our entire column of February 8 will be devoted to this brilliant and humble man of the earth. If you have a comment on your experience with Leon, please e mail it to me before Friday, February 6.
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
