You don’t’ have to be big to make a splash in the San Diego wine scene
It really works when you’re MELLOW. When five o’clock rolls around, more than a few young professionals are mixing it up and comparing vintages at the recently opened MELLOW a wine bar, at Liberty Station in the Rosecrans district.
Phil Cutting and his special events director, Nikole Atterholm (both shown in the accompanying photo) have set the wine and dine table with a cozy kind of “Cheers” atmosphere, where the bartenders and patrons seem to be equally able to make friends and keep them. The menu is bistro Mediterranean style with light, rustic cuisine… nothing pretentious and definitely wine-friendly. Wine selections fall into the little-known, low production style. Phil prides himself on finding and presenting wines that customers won’t see everywhere.
On the day we stopped by, he was pouring a Filus ’05 Malbec from Argentina, in the Mendoza district. All his wines can be purchased on the retail side, but an opportunity always exists to “try before you buy” on the bar side. Too many wine bars in town are small and tucked away, almost hidden by retail. Not this one. MELLOW is all bar. Phil, it turns out, took courses at San Diego State’s comprehensive Business of Wine, and was in my lecture classes on Old World Wines. Nice success story for Wendy Evers of SDSU who founded and guided the course to where it is now… turning out students like Phil who go on to great things in the industry.
Hours at MELLOW are Monday through Saturday, 11am to 11pm and Sunday, 4pm to 11pm. Check out the web site for a constant stream of events, at www.mellowawinebar.com. Washington 2nd to California in Wine Production If you are seeking a wine “getaway” far from the traffic crush, consider the State of Washington with its more than 500 wineries. Washington wine country can be deceiving. Most of the wineries are clustered near Seattle, with its wet, damp and cool climate.
But nearly all of the vineyards are in the dry, warm eastern part of the state, separated from Seattle by the Cascade mountain range. Areas like the Columbia Valley, Walla Walla, Red Mountain and Yakima produce winning Cabernet, Chardonnay, Merlot, Lemberger and Syrah. Are the wines wonderful? Consider this: I attended a wine auction recently at the Museum of Photogaphic Arts in San Diego’s Balboa Park and recognized the lovely and often applauded Quilceda Creek, one of Washington’s finest.
It was presented as a 100 point three-pack vertical (3 different vintages: ’02, ’03 and ’04) Cabernet Sauvignon. I kept bidding and gave up after the price zoomed to over $600. Chateau San Michelle, founded in 1934 and based in Woodinville near Seattle, is the most known of the wineries. Chardonnay, Merlot and Cabernet are its most popular varietals. Their just-released White Riesling Columbia Valley ’06 just received a 97 point rating in Wine Spectator. There is a lot of excitement at DiStefano Winery, also in Woodinville, as it claimed the title of Washington Winery of the Year, according to the Wine Press Northwest in its latest competition.
Owner Mark Newton and winemaker Hillary Sjolund have come up with a luscious, spicy Syrah. Their 2003 version is from the Columbia Valley and is lovely to look at and beautifully knit to the taste. It’s actually a brilliantly conceived blend of 94% Syrah, 4% Viognier and 2% Cabernet. There is no better wine from Washington. Retail is $24.99. The full story at www.distefanowinery.com. Check out the latest website for Washington wines: www.washingtonwine.org.
The Local Sip
? The Four Seasons Aviara celebrates its 4th annual Around the World Wine Tasting on Thursday, May 15 with a 6:30pm start. You will taste the best from the U.S., Australia, Germany, France and many more. Regional cuisine to match is included. Outdoor event. Learn more by calling 760-603-3790.
? The Rotary Club of Bonsall presents its 13th annual Wine, Brews and Blues benefit Saturday, May 17 from 4pm to 10pm at the California Center for the Arts in Escondido. Includes a silent auction, top restaurant cuisine, dancing to live bands and 60+ wineries. $55 pp in advance. From Mexican to Italian wines you’ll find just about everything. Call 800-249-2024 or access www.bonsallrotary.com.
? Rodney Strong wines are featured at Firefly’s next wine dinner in Encinitas, Thursday, May 8 at 6:30pm. $75 ea. RSVP at 760-635-1066.
? Mothers Day is the star event at Temecula’s Wineries on the 11th. Wilson Creek has a brunch and lunch with 10am and 1:30pm seatings with live music and a petting zoo for kids. RSVP at 951-699-WINE. South Coast Winery offers the Vineyard Rose Restaurant from 11:30 to 3:30pm. RSVP at 866-9WINERY.
Thornton has a buffet at the Café Champagne from 11 to 5pm. Call 951-699-0099, and Ponte Family Estate Winery has two seating times for their special brand of brunch. Call 951-694-8855.
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
