Wine, Food and Festa
If you’re looking to find out what the magic of Italy is all about, well you don’t want to miss the day when Italy comes to Carlsbad. Mark your calendars for Saturday, July 7th from 12 to 5pm at the Island Center, at Faraday and College.
It’s the home of Carlsbad Wine Merchants, a progressive wine shop that loves to show the cachet of Italian wines and winemakers.Kathy Bankerd, the owner, who has some of that passionate Italian heritage, has gotten together with the local Sons of Italy Lodge “La Costa dei Fiori” to produce the 3rd annual “Festa Italiana” with free admission, in the food court.
The Festa promises an authentic Italian experience with opera, dancing, musicians, art, food sampling and cold drinks for a nominal price, photography, travel, architecture, books and a host of craft booths. Wine Merchants will add to the fun with an Arnoldo Caprai tasting event from 2 to 5pm for $10 per person.
Herman Salerno is a tall, handsome opera singer turned winemaker from nearby Ramona in the hills of San Diego County. The “maestro” is classically trained and will demonstrate his vocal talent at the Festa, but what he really wants is for you to get to know his wines, especially the newly bottled and labeled 2004 Inspiration.
This silky savory wine is a blend of 50% Petite Sirah and 50% Ruby Cabernet and it has won gold recently at the Florida State Fair International 2007, and was high on the final list at three other recent international competitions.
Excitement is running high at the winery and vineyard with winery manager Angelo Abril putting the finishing touches on Salerno’s first wine club, with three tiers of participation. The Salerno group will be at the Festa and will take orders for the wine club’s Charter Membership for a 10% lifetime discount.
I have reviewed Inspiration and the selection of Petite Sirah as a major player in this wine is a brilliant one. The concentrated taste of this varietal puts it over the top for elegance. And the $18 price tag is even more reason to stock up. Meeting Herman Salerno is enough reason to make sure you are at the Festa. All the rest of the fun is all that much “more sauce on the pasta.”
The Latest from Temecula Wine Country
Temecula Wine Country continues to please wine aficionados with its progress as a leading wine appellation. Six wines recent won gold in tough competition, the Pacific Rim International. Congratulations to: Callaway, Leonesse, Miramonte, Falkner, La Cereza and South Coast.
Terri Pebley is that progressive lady that runs an all-women owned winery south of Rancho California Road on de Portola, Keyways Vineyard and Winery. She has come out with a new line of wines for women, “Femina Vita” (life of a woman).
The first is a Rose of Syrah. This can be consumed as an aperitif or with a variety of foods. Cost is $18. It’s another in the emergence of pink wines.A new winemaker has called Temecula Wine country home. He’s Craig Boyd and he’s taking charge at Mount Palomar. He’ll continue the style of classic Bordeaux blends that has made this winery a favorite.
Ray and Loretta Falkner will celebrate the 7th anniversary of Falkner Winery with a weekend-long party June 30 thru July 2nd. Jazz music, winery tours, discount sales and other fun events are planned. The couple will be available at all times to greet visitors.
The Local Sip
Vino 100 in San Marcos is offering summer wines from Napa at a special event on Friday and Saturday, June 29 and 30, from 5pm to 8pm. An art exhibit will enhance the evenings. Call 760-591-9113 for more.
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Wine Loft in Carlsbad has the acclaimed winemaker Heidi Barrett Friday and Saturday, June 29 and 30 from 5pm to 10pm. Four wines will be featured from the Napa Valley great. No RSVP required. Call 760-944-1412 for the price per person.***
Cuvee Wine Country Cuisine in Del Mar has a 100 wine tasting extravaganza Friday June 29 from 5 to 9pm. This is their biggest of the year and includes 30 grape varietals. RSVP’s at 858-259-5878. $30 per person.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
