| January 2004
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Spotlight
Shady Oaks Country Inn
"The Best of Both Worlds"
 This is the best of both worlds; Shady Oaks Country Inn, located on a quiet country lane just two miles from historic downtown St. Helena. We are knowledgeable and happy to act as your personal concierge for dinners, winery tours; anything you may want or need.
We are famous for our full gourmet champagne breakfasts and the Roman pillared patio where breakfast and "premium wines and cheeses are served each evening with warm hospitality!"
Each guestroom at the Shady Oaks Country Inn boasts its own private bath, antiques and fine linens. Three have fireplaces and two have their own private entrances. The owners are also winemakers and will be delighted to let you taste their wines and sample right out of the barrel.
It is our sincere wish that your stay with us be romantic and memorable. Off-season mid week rates available.
Shady Oaks Country Inn, 99 Zinfandel Lane, St. Helena, 707-963-1190
www.shadyoaksinn.com,
shdyoaks@napanet.net.
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Spotlight
The California Wine Club
"A tasteful gift from California"
 Forgot someone this holiday season? Why not send a New Years Gift! Since 1990 The California Wine Club has been delivering tasteful and unique gifts of wine that are not soon forgotten.
Each month your gift recipient (or why not treat yourself?) will receive two bottles of award-winning wine, hand-selected from the best of California's boutique wineries. Wines not found in local stores! Monthly shipments start at $32.95 plus shipping and include an 8-page newsletter called Uncorked. Special discounts on gifts of 3, 6, 9 and 12 months.
Call 800.777.4443 or visit their web site at www.cawineclub.com. It's a California Wine Adventure!
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Spotlight
Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites
"Wild Mushrooms, Wine, Whales and Wetlands!"
 With the hectic holiday season winding down, the Holiday Inn Express invites you to come relax with us in the tranquil beauty of West Sonoma County and enjoy the Winter Wonders of the Wine Country! Visit the misty ancient redwoods to view the wild mushrooms, taste the wonderful wines along the Russian River Wineroads for the 12th annual Winter Wineland (Jan 17th-19th), celebrate the opening of whale-watching season or wonder at the abundance of migratory birds along Sonoma County's wetland trails.
At our Holiday Inn Express in Sebastopol you will find spacious, well-appointed accommodations convenient to all of these attractions. Complimentary continental breakfast, free local calls and wireless internet connectivity, in-room coffee makers and refrigerators, outdoor pool and spa, fitness room, guest coin-laundry, and a friendly staff to accommodate you. It is the perfect place to begin and end your days!
Call (707)-829-6677 to reserve your room at the Inn, or reserve on line now.
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Discover Winter
in the Wine Country • Mustard
Festival • Wine Country Featured Destination
Wine Country Recipe • Wine
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Discover Winter in the Wine Country
Relax, Play and Stay in the Napa Valley Wine Country!
 A
special invitation to...experience beauty and grandeur...sip
award-winning wines...sample world-class cuisine...sleep among
the vines...discover unique boutiques...relax, play and stay
in the Napa Valley wine country!
Locals and visitors to Napa Valley are in for
a winter treat with the
"Discover Winter in the Wine Country" program.
The collective effort, celebrating its 2nd year, provides a
sampling of Napa Valley’s bounty of food, wine, and fun.
Organized by the St. Helena and Calistoga Chambers of Commerce,
the promotion provides incredible discounts and specials offered
by featured businesses. Visitors are now privy to the information
locals have always known – that winter is the best time
to experience the Valley due to reduced traffic on the road,
in winery tasting rooms, restaurants, etc. Now big discounts
are another great reason to enjoy the Valley during winter.
 The
seasonal offers, available from November 1, 2003 through March
31, 2004 include up to 50% off lodging, complimentary wine tasting,
and tremendous discounts on dining, shopping, spas and recreation.
Gift Packs, good for two people, include two non-lead crystal
wine glasses, sponsor gifts, magazines, ID card and brochure
featuring participating businesses and offers. Simply present
the ID card to receive the discounts. Your ID card may be used
repeatedly through March 31, 2004. Pass your glasses onto friends
anytime during the promotion for them to enjoy the tastings!
 The
$25 gift packs can be reserved online at www.sthelena.com/discover.
Gift packs can also be purchased at the St. Helena Chamber of
Commerce, the Calistoga Chamber of Commerce or many participating
businesses. If you would like more information on "Discover
Winter in the Wine Country," or to obtain a full list of
participating businesses and offers, contact the St. Helena
Chamber at 963-4456 or www.sthelena.com
or contact the Calistoga Chamber at 707-942-6333 or www.calistogachamber.com.
Discover Winter
in the Wine Country • Mustard
Festival • Wine Country Featured Destination
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The Napa Valley Mustard Festival
A Sensational Season
of Wine Country Events
 The
Napa Valley Mustard Festival celebrates its eleventh season
of sensational events in the year 2004. This two month season,
during which fields, vineyards, and hillsides are vibrant with
wild mustard in bloom, celebrates the rich, unique agricultural
and cultural bounty of Napa Valley - and YOU
ARE INVITED!
The Mustard Season offers a full palette of food,
wine, art, entertainment, and cultural activities staged throughout
the world-famous grape growing region from Saturday, January
31, through Saturday, March 27. Mustard the condiment shares
center stage with mustard in bloom throughout the season - appearing
at events and in mustard recipes, from entrées to desserts.
Indulge in art, music, and exquisite foods and
wines at Mustard Magic, the opulent grand opening event, at
The Culinary
Institute of America at Greystone in St. Helena on Saturday,
January 31; and wrap up the season at The
Mumm Napa Photo Finish at Mumm Napa in Rutherford on Saturday,
March 27. The season's beauty, captured by photographers who
enter the tenth annual Napa Valley Mustard Festival Photography
Contest, will be on exhibit.
 An
intimate and elegant evening extraordinaire, Grand Dîner
à Domaine Chandon avec l’Artist de Moutard honors
2004 Napa Valley Mustard Festival poster artist Ira Yeager.
A memorable seven-course feast presented by seven culinary luminaries
and seven winemakers is slated for Friday, February 20 at Domaine
Chandon in Yountville. This event is limited to 125 guests,
so be sure to reserve your table early!
Meet world champion mustard makers and taste the
original mustard recipes of Napa Valley chefs at The Awards
on March 12 at COPIA
– The American Center for Wine, Food & the Arts
in Napa.
 Celebrate
the season at The Marketplace, the Festival's signature event,
at COPIA – The American Center for Wine, Food & the
Arts in Napa on Saturday and Sunday, March 13 and 14. Mustards
from around the world will be showcased alongside regional food,
wine, and art.
Mustard Festival events provide unique opportunities
to experience the beauty of Napa Valley's golden season. Sample
superb culinary fare and sumptuous wines; experience luxurious
sojourns in historic wine country communities; and attend events
from casual to black tie.
www.mustardfestival.org
Discover Winter
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Festival • Wine Country Featured Destination
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Featured Sponsor
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Harvesting the Dream in Napa Valley
We highly recommend a new book that provides a fascinating glimpse into the transformation of Napa Valley's wine industry over the past half-century. Harvesting The Dream: The Rags-To-Riches Tale Of The Sutter Home Winery (John Wiley & Sons) chronicles the decades-long struggle of the Trincheros, an Italian immigrant family, to harvest their American dream in California's Wine Eden.
Click here for more information.
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Wine Country Featured Destination
Flamingo Resort Hotel & Conference
Center—"The complete resort experience."
 The
Flamingo Resort’s mission is to provide a friendly,
relaxing, and complete resort experience. After staying at this
historic Santa Rosa resort and experiencing their services and
facilities first hand, here at WineCountry.com we say, "mission
accomplished!" From the unique atmosphere, to the friendly
staff, to the exquisite Spa at Montecito Heights Health and
Racquet Club, the Flamingo Resort Hotel & Conference Center
in the Sonoma Wine Country has it all.
 The
grand opening of the resort took place in 1957, complete with
its famous tower adorned with a neon bird...a flamingo of course!
Since its opening, the Flamingo has been a favorite with celebrities
and film crews including 50’s beauty icon Jayne Mansfield.
Now enjoying historical landmark status, the Resort has been
completely renovated. All 170 rooms have been remodeled, including
the Flamingo's outstanding business-class wing, the Courtyard.
Both the Terrace
Grill Restaurant and the Cabaret Lounge have also been given
makeovers and are open seven days a week, providing full-service
meals and live entertainment. Rated 3-stars by The Press Democrat,
the Terrace Grille offers American Wine Country Grill cuisine,
indoor and patio dining, and an extensive wine list focusing
primarily on Sonoma county wines. Don’t miss the complimentary
breakfast buffet with fresh fruit and delicious omelets made
to order.
The Resort offers an Olympic size swimming pool,
hot tub, five tennis courts, and a full-service health club
and day spa. Recently built, the Spa
at Montecito Heights is a state-of-the-art facility with
a professional, knowledgeable staff ready to perform facials,
wraps, manicures/pedicures, and massage. The spa boasts innovative
treatments, such as the Stone Therapy Facial – a truly
magical and relaxing experience. Be sure to take advantage of
the Health and Racquet Club during your stay. Got kids? No problem
with an on-site day child care facility available seven days
a week.
 If
you are looking for meeting
or banquet space, accommodates groups up to 600 with a full
range of meeting rooms. They can even create an outdoor BBQ
cooked and served by the pool. Staffed with a team of professional
and experienced planners, the Flamingo Resort is the perfect
place for your next meeting, party or wedding reception.
Located in the breath-taking Sonoma wine country,
the Flamingo Resort and Conference Center is minutes away from
world renowned wineries, golf courses and shopping. The friendly
front desk staff will be more than willing to help you with
your itinerary. Visit their website, call 1.800.848.8300, or
email the Flamingo
Resort to start planning your next visit to the Sonoma wine
country!
Discover Winter
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Featured Sponsor
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E-Postcards - Greetings From The Wine Country!
Do you find you can't stop reading email, even while on holiday in the Wine Country? Or perhaps you are a virtual visitor, planning for that glorious day you find yourself among the vines, discovering treasures in the cellars and tasting rooms! While online send a Wine Country e-postcard to friends and family! Visit WineCountry.com E-Postcards and build a postcard from five beautiful photographs and your own personal message.
Now you won't return from vacation before your "Wish You Were Here" postcards arrive!
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Wine Country Recipe
Poached Chicken with Ginger and Scallion Sauce
 1
3 1/2-lb. Chicken
1/2 cup sesame oil
6 tablespoons peanut, vegetable, or corn oil
1/4 cup finely shredded fresh ginger
3 scallions, green part included, trimmed and cut into fine
strips, 4 inches long
2 tablespoons light soy sauce
2 teaspoons sugar
1 tablespoon dry sherry or shao hsing wine
1/2 teaspoon monosodium glutamate (optional)
1. Place the chicken in a covered stock pot filled
with enough water to cover the chicken. Bring to a boil and
simmer about 20 minutes. Turn off the heat and let the chicken
stand in the cooking liquid until just warm. Drain, reserving
the broth for another use. Rinse the chicken under cold water,
pat dry, and rub lightly with sesame oil.
2. Cut the chicken into pieces. Arrange neatly
on a platter.
3. Heat the peanut, vegetable, or corn oil in
a small saucepan, and when it is hot add the ginger and scallions.
Cook about 30 seconds; remove ginger and scallions with a slotted
spoon, leaving the oil in the pan.
4. Scatter the ginger and scallions over the chicken.
5. Add the remain ingredients to the oil, bring
to a boil and pour over the chicken. Serve at room temperature.
Makes 4 servings
Wine Pairing Suggestion — Viognier or Pinot
Blanc
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Wine Country Featured Events
Things to Do in the Wine Country:
January 17 - 19 —
12th Annual "Winter Wineland"
85 Wineries & 25 Lodgings participating! Join in the fun
along the Russian River Wine
Road as they celebrate their 12th Annual Winter Wineland.
Your 2-day Ticket entitles you to: discounts on wine & lodging,
a commemorative logo glass, winery tours & winemaker talks,
library & special release wines, and delicious wine &
food pairings. Make it a three-day weekend and sign up for Monday
events! Advance ONLINE ticket sales end January 11th. After
that they can be purchased from participating wineries. Contact
Russian River Wine Road
for participating wineries.
Fee: Advance ticket prices are $30.00 Regular,
$24.00 RoadRunner (+ 7.5% tax). FREE for Designated Drivers
who accompany a ticketed participant. Regular ticket prices
will go up $5 per ticket at the door during the event. Time:
Saturday & Sunday, 11 AM - 4 PM. Special Offers on Monday
January 19th. Phone Number: 800-723-6336, 707-433-4335
For a complete calendar
of events by region, visit: Gold
Country, Mendocino,
Monterey,
Napa Valley, San
Luis Obispo, Santa
Barbara, Santa
Cruz, Sonoma
County, Temecula,
Virginia
Discover Winter
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Wine Country Recipe • Wine
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WineCountry.com Info
WineCountry.com
Drawing:
Win A Gourmet Getaway for Two!
Relax and let your worries melt away... Journey
by rail while you tease your palate with a delicious and decadent
five-course gourmet dinner… Sample world class wines…
Learn the secrets of Wine Country chefs …
You could win the Wine Country Gourmet Getaway
for Two, including a five-course gourmet dinner on the famous
and historic Napa Valley Wine Train, vineyard and winery tour
tickets from Robert Mondavi Winery, as well as tickets for a
gourmet cooking demonstration at the Culinary Institute of America
at Greystone!.
***No purchase necessary. Must be at least 21
years old to enter. Only one entry per person permitted. Winner
will be selected February 7, 2003 by random drawing. Winner
will be notified by email. Employees of FreeRun Technologies
are ineligible. Void where prohibited by law.
Click here to enter
this drawing! (Please note: If you are already
subscribed to the newsletter, you are automatically entered
in this drawing.)
Visit the Napa Valley Wine Train at: www.winetrain.com
Visit Robert Mondavi Winery at: www.robertmondaviwinery.com
Visit the Culinary Institute of America at Greystone: www.ciachef.edu/greystone/index.html
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