IN
THE SPOTLIGHT
Grand Opening Special – Save 30% At Hyatt Grand Aspen in Aspen, CO
Aspen's newest resort celebrates the Rocky Mountain experience in exclusive style. Now through Sept. 30, 2006, take advantage of savings up to 30% on regular rates. It's an ideal opportunity to enjoy Aspen's world–class skiing, hiking and year–round outdoor fun, plus shopping, dining and exciting events such as Aspen's food & wine and music festivals. Every aspect of Hyatt's studio, one–, two– and three–bedroom accommodations has been designed with lavish attention to detail. Enjoy finely crafted interiors incorporating stone, polished woods, granite and marble with multiple fireplaces, private balconies, grand kitchens, spa tubs and steam showers. And it's all just steps from Aspen's world–famous boutiques, galleries, restaurants and nightlife. For reservations or information, visit aspen.hyatt.com, or call (800) 926.4447 (Mon.–Fri., 9 a.m.–5p.m. ET) or (800) 233.1234 (anytime). No special offer code required when booking online. Please mention Wine Country when booking by phone.
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Central Coast Gift Basket Valentine's Day Specials
Tired of always getting chocolate and red roses for your sweetie on Valentines Day? Coastal Coast Gift Basket has the perfect Valentines gift. Gift baskets feature a wide selection of premier Santa Barbara wines, gourmet food and gift items. The Sofia Minis Heart Box Sweetheart Champagne Basket, Santa Ynez Sweet Tooth Basket, and the Sweetheart Champagne Basket are popular orders. Take advantage of ONE of the three followingValentines special promotions (1) Order a basket over $100 you will receive a free bottle of Santa Barbara Chardonnay. (2) Place a gift basket order before February 3, 2006 and receive free shipping on Valentine's Day Boxes and heart shaped boxes. (3) Save $5 on purchases over $25 (Enter code WC1) and $10 on purchases $50 or more (Enter code WC2). Don't delay! Valentines Day is right around the corner and Coastal Coast Gift Basket wants to ensure yours is filled with love and romance.
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Catacula Lake Winery for Your Next Special Event
Looking for a unique setting to host your next special event? Catacula Lake Winery offers breathtaking views, excellent hospitality, wine tasting and winery tours and catering resources. Call for your next celebration or corporate outing at (707) 965.1104. By mentioning WineCountry.com, you will receive 2 complimentary bottles of wine when you reserve your private event! Visit the Catacula Lake Winery Tasting Room for award–winning wines, friendly staff, and guided tours. Or, enjoy a peaceful luncheon in their indoor/outdoor patio while gazing at the breathtaking views of flowers, meadows, hills and Catacula Lake. 1025 acres of vineyards & nature await you 10 minutes from the world-famous Silverado Trail in Napa! Be sure to call (707) 965.1104 for tasting and tour reservations as they are only available by appointment. CLICK HERE for a complimentary wine tasting voucher. Make sure Catacula Lake Winery is included as a stop on your next wine country tasting tour! |
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PINOT NOIR'S SPLIT PERSONALITY
If France is the Past, California is the Future
by Thom
Elkjer, Wine Editor
Pinot Noir may be one grape, but it has developed two distinct personalities
in this country. They have as much to do with each other as a string quartet and heavy metal;
both are music, but one was designed to decorate the status quo and the other to shake it up.
That's how it is with Pinot Noir in America.
Until the 1990s, virtually all the Pinot Noir vines in America had all come
from established French vineyards by one route or another. Not only that, winemakers
generally went to Burgundy (where all red wine is Pinot Noir) to learn how to make it.
Thus it's no surprise that American Pinot Noir was a lot like the French kind:
classically structured, beautifully nuanced, and built more to enchant than overpower.
A string quartet in a bottle.
Then two revolutions occurred simultaneously and transformed Pinot
Noir as we know it. First, the French themselves developed some new genetic mutations of
Pinot Noir, designed to ripen earlier and to convey more color and tannin to the wine when
they were fermented. Winemakers in Burgundy wanted these features because their short,
rainy growing season makes it hard to get color and maturity in the grapes.
Continue
reading article |
WINE BUZZ HIGHLIGHT - CALISTOGA, CA
 Fall Mudly in Love at Dr. Wilkinson's Hot Spring Resort
The Dr. Wilkinson's Hot Springs Resort Valentines Package for two includes: Overnight Lodging, "The Works (mud & aromatic mineral whirlpool bath, steam room, blanket wrap and half–hour massage), a bottle of Shramsberg sparkling wine, Sharffenberger chocolates, and a tube of Dr. Wilkinson's Terraceuticals mud mask for face and body. Offer is $319.00 midweek and $339.00 on Saturday, not available on February 18 or 19, 2006. Expires 2/28/06 so make reservations now! Call (707) 942.4102.
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PINOT NOIR WINE RECOMMENDATIONS
Our Wine Picks
by Thom
Elkjer, Wine Editor
I recently tasted nearly all the 2003 Pinot Noirs made in Anderson Valley,
and it was clear that the region is now in the throes of America's Pinot
Noir culture clash. Two-thirds of the wines tasted of freshly picked red
fruit with both sweet and sour qualities, such as raspberries and
cranberries. These wines were medium-bodied, well-balanced and made
long-time valley vintners nod approvingly. The other dozen or so wines
tasted of cooked black fruit laced heavily with dark baking spices and
toasted oak flavors. They were big, brawny wines that the younger
winemakers at the tasting understood and appreciated immediately.
All the wines were well-made, so it's not as if one style is superior to
another. As with music, what you prefer is up to you. Just make sure you
know which station you're tuning into when you pull out your wallet.
Here are seven wines from the tasting worth seeking out:
Read
Thom Elkjer's Tasting Notes |
WINE
BUZZ HIGHLIGHT - NAPA VALLEY, CA
 Mustard Festival 2006
Celebrate the food, wine, art, and the rich, agricultural and cultural bounty of Napa Valley! The Mustard Season offers a full palette of cultural activities staged throughout the world–famous grape growing region when fields, vineyards, and hillsides are vibrant with wild mustard in bloom. Attend events January 28, 2006 through April 1, 2006. Purchase tickets online and view events calendar!
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WINE
PAIRING RECIPE - NAPA VALLEY, CA
Sautéed Salmon with Green Garlic Barley and Portabello Mushroom with Red Wine Sauce
Spring is just around the corner! Domaine Carneros is prepared to help you celebrate the upcoming season
with this wonderful wine pairing recipe featuring Salmon with a red wine sauce. Serve with their Domaine Carneros
Avant–Garde Pinot Noir. Bon Appétit!
Enjoy Domaine Carneros' wines by ordering online or stopping by their Visitor's center in their elegant
Louis XV style salon, or on their stunning terrace overlooking the hills and vineyards of Carneros. Wines are sold by the glass or bottle, and are served with complimentary hors d'oeuvres.
1240 Duhig Rd. – Napa, CA 94559 – (707) 257.0101 x108.
Open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily
Go to recipe |
FEATURED
WINE EVENT - SONOMA, CA
9th Annual Sonoma Valley Film Festival
The 9th Annual Sonoma Valley Film Festival – one of Sonoma Wine Country's most popular events is a premier destination festival unlike any other! Set amidst the unparalleled beauty of Sonoma Valley, the festival welcomes film lovers to experience an intimate and luxurious extended weekend, pairing award-winning wine, world-class dining, celebrity mingling, and new independent films from all over the world.
Choose from the Patron, Premier or Festival Pass which will give you priority seating and admittance, plus complimentary wine and local epicuria pairings before every film screening! To order online, please visit CinemaEpicurea.org, or call (707) 933-2600. Don't miss out on this stellar wine country experience – the perfect weekend escape for people with a passion for fine living.
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