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"Fiestas de la Vendimia
has Deep Roots in Ensenada", By Steve Dryden
The harvest season in Mexico’s premier grape growing and wine production
region is a time of abundance, excitement and celebration. Historically,
Ensenada has been the “hub” of the wine culture in Baja California and was
the original location for the first Fiestas de la Vendimia. In the early
days of the this “wine culture” celebration (1982) the event was organized
and promoted by the Club de Leones de Ensenada or the Lions Club and a few
small wineries. The 1986 IV Fiesta y Feria de la Vendimia was a two day
event held on August 30th and 31st with an admission fee of $65 usd. Three
wineries were involved in the first events to include: Bodega Santo Tomas,
Bodega San Antonio and Cavas Valmar. Fernando Martain of Cavas Valmar and
the management of Santo Tomas winery have been involved in the event
planning from the beginning and continue to this day.
La Cofradia del Vino, a group of Ensenada residents who wanted to learn
about and explore the world of wine and gourmet culinary delights, took
over the management, planning and organization of Fiestas de la Vendimia
in 1987. Hector Arriola, Octavio Jimenez, Ignacio Crespo Pozvelo, Raul
Borquez and Fernando Martain were among the first visionary leaders who
truly believed in the future of the Baja California wine culture.
According to Fernando Martain, “the real purpose of this event was to
promote the regional wine culture.” In fact, in a 1991 interview with San
Diego Union staff writer Diane Lindquist, about the Mexican wine
industry, Martain stated, “this is only the beginning, in a few years
more, there might be a hundred wineries.” In that same interview, Hans
Backhoff, one of the owners of Monte Xanic winery added, “ everybody
thinks the weather is too hot and you cannot produce good grapes here, but
that is wrong. This is a fantastic micro-climate. With this exceptional
year (1991) I think we’re going to be discovered.” Today, Mexico’s “silent
revolution” in creating high quality wine shows that both Martain and
Backhoff were right on target! In 2008, there are many new wineries in the
region and several hundred individuals are making artisan and boutique
wines.
The wine association of Baja California or Asociacion de Vinicultores de
la CANACINTRA joined forces with la Cofradia del Vino to host the event in
the early 1990’s. A few years later the wine association took over the
entire management and promotion of the festival and continues in that role
today. Interestingly, the Fiestas de la Vendimia has become “too
successful.” For example, even though tickets are not being issued for
this year’s events yet, many of the festivities are already sold out. I
suspect that somebody forgot to tell the City of Ensenada and the Baja
California wine culture that the economy is slowing down! In fact, the
regional economy is growing at a study rate and much of that has to do
with our “emerging” wine culture that includes: special events, culinary
arts, artisan gourmet food products, restaurants, wine bars, wine country
hotels, B&B’s, new wineries, and several winemaking and culinary
educational programs. Fiestas de la Vendimia 2008 takes place from July 31
through August 17th with over fifty spectacular events. This festival is
like an “old vine” with deep roots in our region, it keeps growing while
producing quality fruit in the form of “world class” entertainment and
hospitality. Don’t miss out
XIX Fiestas de la Vendimia ~ A Huge Success!
More than thirty-thousand wine and food lovers attended the annual wine
festival held from August 6th through the 23rd. Most of the forty-five
events took place in and around the wine country of Valle de Guadalupe or
in the neighboring seaport of Ensenada. This diverse collection of
festivities held “something for everyone” including: wine seminars, award
presentations, golf tournaments, vineyard concerts, bullfights, tango
dancing, food and wine pairings, country picnics, fiestas, a winery
inauguration, wine and lobster festival, paella competition and more. The
eighteenth annual Concurso de
Paellas festival wrapped up the festivities
on August 23rd with more than 1,000 attendees.
Despite the slow economy and the fear of influenza, the same number of
people attended this years events as compared to last year. The main
different was demographics. In 2008 about fifty percent were foreigners
with the other half being locals and nationals. This year it was ninety
percent local, regional and nationals with ten percent from other
countries. It shows that Mexico is rapidly developing a palate for good
wine and is embracing Mexico’s “silent revolution” in creating premium
wine. And, Mexicans have something to be proud of with over thirty-five
official wineries now creating a diverse collection of high quality wines.
In addition, over two-hundred artisans are scattered about the country
hand-crafting wines with amazing results. To say that our wine industry is
“booming” would be an understatement. Just five years ago there were
seven wineries in the country, beer and tequila were the popular drinking
options.
The Asociacion de Vinicultores de Baja California are the main organizers
of Fiestas de la Vendimia, spending much time and labor to create a
successful series of wine and food events each August. This year ticket
sales went smoothly with the early production of the event schedule,
giving eager guests plenty of advance opportunity to purchase tickets and
plan for the events. Even lodging accommodations in Valle de Guadalupe and
Ensenada were able to meet the demand for overnight and multi-day
quarters. Many hotels were entirely booked for the month of August, thus
boasting the local economy and bringing back the smiles of local
proprietors who have endured a slow 2009 season in tourism. And, three new
wineries made their debuts this year: Hacienda La Lomita and La Excuelita
(Escuela de Oficios de El Porvenir) and Villa Montefiori. Other sponsors
and media promoters of Fiestas de la Vendimia were: ProVino, Proturismo de
Ensenada, Municipal Government of Ensenada, Enjoy Ensenada, CANIRAC ,
Asociacion de Hotels y Motels de Ensenada, El Vigia Newspaper, The Baja
Times, Mexico Living Guide and VisitMexico.com.
One of my favorite events is the La Cofradia food and wine event (Noche de
Cofradia en Ensenada) featuring about thirty of the top wineries and
restaurants in the region. During a random drawing held before the event,
wineries and restaurants are matched to compete in the competition. The
winemakers and chefs meet, select the best wine to match with a gourmet
delight, and thus the contest begins. This is a great opportunity for
local, regional, national and international wine and food loves to
investigate the “bottled gems” from local wineries and sample culinary
delights from the top food establishments in the region. These “masters”
of food and wine have become so good in pairing food with wine that’s it
is extremely difficult to pick a winner.
Bibayoff Winery (Bodegas Valle de Guadalupe ~ Vinos Bibayoff) was the
grand, first place winner of the La Cofradia Food and Wine Pairing event
this year. In fact, it was the second time in the last two years that
David and Abel Bibayoff captured the highest honors with their Chenin
Blanc/Colombard/Muscat blend of white wines. This year they were matched
with gourmet delights from Ophelia restaurant of Ensenada. Other winners
were: Bodegas de Santo Tomas with Laboratorio Gastronomico, Tintos de
Norte 32 with Galeria Gourmet, Cavas Valmar with Restaurante Asao, Monte
Xanic with Restaurante Punta Morro, Paralelo with Villa Saverios and
Roganto with Casa Canola. In addition, Chabert’s Restaurant of the
Rosarito Beach Hotel made their first presentation at this event.
Vinisterra winery matched their 2005 Tempranillo with marinated swordfish
from Capricho’s Restaurant that was a favorite among many attendees.
Restaurante Cien Anos of Tijuana created an amazing culinary delight that
caught the attention of many gourmet food lovers. Marcelo Castro Chacon of
La Cava de Marcelo (Cava of Quesos) offered samples of his aged, gourmet
cheeses from Rancho La Campana in Ojos Negros. His cheese is gaining
national recognition and further enhancing the evolution of Mexico’s food
and wine culture.
Events like this make a point that Ensenada is becoming the “food and wine
capital” of Mexico. Our close proximity to the wine country, an abundance
of fresh seafood, gourmet cheese production, premium olive oils, superior
baked goods, organic fruits and vegetables, all blended and prepared by
passionate culinary wizards (from many ethnic backgrounds) is fueling the
emerging food and wine culture. Ensenada and the wine country of Baja
California Norte are “shining brightly” this year with a newly expanded La
Ruta del Vino highway, and with the additional of new wineries and
culinary establishments. The XIX Fiestas de La Vendimia was very
successful this year, capturing the attention and enthusiasm from national
residents as they discover and explore wines from their own country. It’s
a very exciting time to be enjoying the lifestyle of the Mexican wine
culture. Please celebrate with us in 2010, August 6th through the 22nd,
details and information:
www.fiestasdelavendimia.com
Fiestas de la Vendimia Begins!
Let the celebrations begin with over thirty-eight events taking place from
July 31 and continuing through August 17th. Tickets are still available
for some events and it might be best to call the wineries direct or check
with event managers at: (646) 178-3038, fiestasvendimia@hotmail.com or
www.fiestasdelavendimia.com.
Most of this year’s events will take place in Ensenada and Valle de
Guadalupe, Mexico’s premier wine growing region. A few other events take
place in Tijuana, Tecate, and Mexicali. Some lodging options are still
available in the valley at Plaza Fatima Hotel at: (646) 192-4531 or
e-mail at:
dougsue@gmail.com. Hacienda Guadalupe at: (646) 151-3273 Mex,
(714) 313-5138 US, or e-mail at:
info@haciendaguadalupehotel.com
or
www.haciendaguadalupehotel.com
For those who haven’t got tickets yet and for vacationers just arriving
into the region I can suggest several events that still have tickets left.
The Russian-Molokan family of David Bibayoff will be featuring: Recuerdos
de Rusia (Russian Memories) on Saturday August 9th for $55 usd person.
Their ranch, vineyards, and Russian museum are located in a remote and
beautiful portion of Valle de Guadalupe. The Bibayoff family is among the
few Molokan immigrants of 1906 that are still living and farming in the
area. This event will be presented with Russian traditions and culture,
giving you an opportunity to learn about their amazing journey from
Russian to Mexico in the early 1900’s. Recuerdos de Rusia will feature
regional cuisine, live music, dancing and a wide selection of Bibayoff
wines, including his new Colombard/Chenin Blanc blend. Information at:
(646) 176-1008 e-mail: bibayoff@prodigy.net.mx
Vinisterra winery in San Antonio de las Minas (Guadalupe Valley) always
has thrilling and entertaining events and this year is no exception. Al
Son de Vinisterra (The Sound of Vinsiterra) will feature a Vera Cruz theme
with live music from that region, garnished with culinary delights and
traditional Vera Cruz entrees provided by the skilled artisans from the
Tijuana Culinary School. The event begins at 6:30 p.m on August 8th for
$85 usd. person. An extra feature this year is that they are pouring ALL
of their wines, including the award-winning Vinisterra premium wines!
Information at: (646) 179-4066 or 178-3350.
One of the most interesting and extraordinary events takes place on August
12th (6 p.m) at the cruise ship terminal in Ensenada. This location looks
like the Embarcadero in San Diego with the scenic Ensenada harbor and the
mountains near Punta Banda as backdrops. The event is sponsored and hosted
by la Cofradia, a dedicated group of food and wine lovers who formed an
association 21 years ago to further enhance their knowledge of high
quality wine and gourmet food. “Noche de Cofradia en Ensenada” event pairs
up wine from 29 wineries with gourmet samples of culinary delights from 29
restaurants in the region from Tijuana, Tecate and Ensenada. Chefs and
winemakers meet, carefully sample food and wine and then match their
favorites for the event competition. This event allows you to sample Baja
California’s premier wine and the best gourmet entrees from the top
culinary wizards in our region. They make enough samples for 600 -1000
people, international judges pick the three best matches (food and wine)
and also allow the public (People’s Choice) to pick their three favorite
matches. This is a great event that shouldn’t be missed! Cost is $50 usd.
Ruta del Arte will feature over 70 regional artists from August 2 through
August 17th. This art event is held at Jardin “Las Veredas” located near
Vinisterra winery in the village of San Antonio de las Minas. Most of the
best artists in the region will be presenting their work for this event.
Renown contemporary artist Stephanie Clair (San Diego) will show several
of her wine-related pieces that have gained international attention from
global art collectors over the last several years. This art show offers
guests a “golden opportunity” to experience this beautiful estate that is
available to rent for weddings, special events, family reunion and more.
They have “the best gourmet coffee” in the valley. Contact: (646) 155-3239
or lasveredas@yahoo.mx.com.
Liceaga winery presents another awesome wine country picnic event this
year on Sunday August 3rd at 1:30 p.m. This is one of my favorite events
because of the tasteful lamb, live music and Liceaga premier wines.
Tickets are $60 usd at (646) 178-2922. Monte Xanic winery offers a
stunning sunset concert with Classical music, gourmet cheese and premium
wine on August 4th at 6:00 p.m. Tickets are $75 each. Two concerts of
interest that aren’t part of the official Vendimia Festival are: Baja Jazz
Festival and Raul di Blasio at the L. A. Cetto winery in Valle de
Guadalupe. The Baja Jazz Festival 2008 will feature the Iraida Noriega
Trio, and the Gilbert Castellanos Sextet. The concert will be held on
Saturday August 9th, beginning at 4 p.m. This concert is presented by
Saverios Restaurant and will benefit del Puestro de Socorros del Valle de
Guadalupe. Ticket are $35usd. at Cetto winery outlets and
www.bajajazzfestival.com. The Cetto family presents the incredible concert
of Raul di Blasio on Saturday September 20th in Valle de Guadalupe at 4:00
p.m. VIP $60, general admission $40. Information and Reservations (664)
685-3031 or www.cettowines.com. Tickets are extremely limited for both
events, so move fast to secure tickets and to attend these fun
productions.
Enjoy this summer celebration in the premier wine country of Baja
California and Ensenada. Be advised that is gets hot during August with
temperatures at or around 100 degrees (F) during the day. Pace yourselves,
hydrate with bottled water, and drive safely. |
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Guateque del Vino Artesanal 2009
This annual wine event is probably the most enthusiastic and “down to
earth” wine country event held each year in Valle de Guadalupe. The focus
is on emerging winemakers, beginners, artisans, home-brewers, small
operations and intermediate-level producers. This year’s event was
enhanced with the use of the new multi-use activity center generously
provided by Viña de Liceaga in San Antonio de las Minas. The overall event
planning was brilliantly orchestrated by Leonardo Lizárraga and friends.
It is remarkable to note that these events continue to advance and improve
vastly with each season. The food venues, tickets sales, parking,
sanitation, stage, live music, dancing area, gazebos, security, and table
seating made for a fun, family-oriented event. One obvious element was
that you could really feel the “enthusiasm and spirit” as you approached
the grounds, filled with a diverse mix of people, micro-brewed beers,
regional culinary delights and newly produced wines.
Two interesting features this year was a nice presentation of regional
micro-brewed beers (cerveza) and an abundance of Zinfandel wine. Labricha
Cerveza Artesanal had an excellent table presentation with a fine
selection of handcrafted beer, staffed with knowledgeable personnel. Their
Monasterio Stout, is smooth, full-bodied, with hints of coffee and smoke
flavors, that would pair-up nicely with oven-baked lamb and many mole
dishes. In addition, they make a palate-pleasing light honey ale, bright
golden color, clean, refreshing, with floral aromas, ending with a smooth
finish with a hint of ginger. I’d love to match this brew with carne asada,
or shrimp in coconut milk sauce. Alvaro Alvarez and Hortensia Riesgo,
brew-master and winemaker, have been focused an creating premium
handcrafted beer and in Ensenada since 1992.
Zinfandel seems to be a “rising star” among the artisan winemaking
movement. One reason for the presence of Zinfandel is that there was a
small surplus left over this last season that made its way to the artisans
and smaller producers who have to purchase grapes from growers. Pau Pijoan
of Viñas Pijoan empowered one of his beautiful daughters and her friends
to pour his Mare, a 100% Zinfandel which was a “stand-out” (the wine) at
this event. Another notable Zinfandel poured is being produced by Agosto.
This 2008 Zinfandel is a team effort by Laura Chanes, Monica Chanes,
Gloria Guisa and Juan Antonio Fernandez. Quinta Liz Arraga, Laura Chanes
was a fellow graduate of mine at the “world renowned” La Escuelita, the
artisan winemaking school in El Porvenir, Valle de Guadalupe. She is one
of many women in Mexico who are taking part in our emerging wine industry
with great results and progress. Another 2007 Zinfandel from Serena, is
another prime example for the potential of Zinfandel in the region.
Word-of-mouth evaluation from guests seemed to favor a dynamic wine from
Encino, a 2007 Tempranillo, aged 12 months in new oak, made from 30
year-old vines from San Vicente. Experienced wine drinkers also favored
Alximia, 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon, Casa Colorado, 2007 Nebbiolo, Canto
Rosado, 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon and Tempranillo blend, Madera cinco, 2007
Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot blend, Enigma Vino Artesanal, 100% Cabernet
Sauvignon, Paciencia 2007 blend of Ruby Cabernet and Mission, Los Valles,
2008 Cabernet Sauvignon, and Terra Nostra, a nice blend of Petite Sirah,
Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Several emails sent after the event
indicated that many folks loved the wines of Alximia created by Alvaro
Alvarez Parrilla. Others mentioned the wine of Albert Cruz of El Parral
Hotel and Viñdeo, and several commented on all the wines from the Tres
Mujeres winery. Many wine lovers were impressed with the wines from Jay
Dworsky and his business partner Charles.
One winery that I discovered, enjoyed their wine and enthusiasm was
Utopia, made by Dr. Joel Velasco and his business partner. This wine is
actually made in a basement of a hospital in Ensenada, so it’s sure to be
created in the most sanitary environment and with surgical precision.
Their wines are very good. These two winemakers are very typical of the
Mexican and American winemakers in this region that have recently embraced
the world of making wine. They are mellow in nature, but intensely focused
on creating premium wine in Mexico, using handcrafted, limited production
styles. You can feel this excitement and pride in the air as you speak
with them and taste their wine. For them, it’s almost like introducing the
world to your first newborn child, when you showcase your newest wines to
the public. 2007 Utopia is a magical blend of Petite Sirah, Cabernet
Sauvignon and Merlot. Their current production is limited to three
American oak barrels of wine, using grapes from Valle de Guadalupe.
Two American winemakers, new to the Mexican wine culture, Jay Dworsky and
Charles introduced their first vintage of Petit Verdot and a superb blend
of Petit Verdot and Cabernet Sauvignon, both aged in new Minnesota Nadalie
oak barrels.” According to Jay, “It has been a labor of love and the
experience has been very fulfilling for both Charles and I.” Another
winemaking couple based out of San Diego was invited because his winery
shares the same name of the event, Guateque. They create one barrel of
handcrafted wine each year and poured generous samples of their delightful
2007 Syrah and 2005 Pinot Noir. Currently, there are ten US citizens
making wine in Mexico.
When you put this wine event into the proper perspective, acknowledging
that these dedicated, artisan and smaller producers, with limited
resources and training are making a diverse mixture of drinkable wines,
it’s very impressive. In deed, some of these winemakers from this event
and local winemaking schools have moved up the chain and become known
nationally for their artisan and boutique wines. In reality, Mexico’s wine
industry is still emerging in quality and production, but it is an
exciting time as the industry evolves. Due to the low production of wine,
and with a growing national market for regional wine, many artisan
winemakers are having success in selling their products. Handcrafted wines
have the advantage of bringing to the consumer, the “bottled spirit and
passion” of the individual winemakers and their intimate relationship to
the vines and land. As we grow and gain experience with our craft, we
offer great value for the quality, and a personal expression in the art of
making small quantities of wine.
Several regional food venues were present with an abundance of gourmet
delights for this event to include: Capricho’s, Casa Plasencia, Tres
Misiones Cheese and Olive Oil. Cafe Tomas, Bodegas del Arte, and Hogaza
pastries. The event organizers were able to artfully blend a combination
of wine, cerveza, food, music, dancing and good times into a successful
day in Mexico’s premium wine country. For those winemakers and wineries I
didn’t mention in this article, don’t worry, I’ll be featuring several
artisan operations in upcoming articles for this publication and others.
Please contact me if you want further coverage of your wines and your
passion for the art. Thankfully, Viña de Liceaga came through again as a
graceful host for this event. Serious wine and food lovers, please note
that as of July 1st, Saverios Restaurant (one of the best in the region)
will be setting up their summer tent galley as Asador Campestre at Liceaga
Winery in San Antonio de las Minas. They’ll be open Tuesdays through
Sundays from noon until 10 p.m.
Guateque 2008: Artisan Wine and Gourmet Food
Rancho JC Bravo at El Porvenir in Valle de Guadalupe was this year’s
location for Guateque 2008. This event features handcrafted, artisan wine
created by amateurs from grapes purchased or grown in Mexico during 2007.
Twenty-five winemakers proudly offered samples of their wine to over three
hundred eager wine and food lovers. Several local culinary artists from
the region provided gourmet entrees to fully compliment the amazing young
wines. The enthusiasm and excitement was tremendous as folks moved about
tasting tables under two large tents sampling some wonderful wine and
superb cuisine. Live music awarded guests with a fun-filled afternoon,
despite high temperatures and smoke from back country wildfires.
It is quite amazing that so many people in the region are now creating
these artisan wines of great diversity and of such high quality. Only a
few years back, we had seven wineries in the valley and less than a
handful in Ensenada. Today, we have over twenty-five official commercial
wineries and hundreds of people from all walks of life creating wine at
home, in their garages, at winemaking schools, or moonlighting at rural
and large wineries. Thanks to dynamic and visionary leaders such as Hugo
D’Acosta, who have taken time to establish educational programs for
aspiring winemakers and consulting for those who want to advance to
commercial levels, the region is booming and overflowing with excellent
artisan, boutique and high volume wine production. For those individuals
lucky enough to attend this event, it’s kind of like scouting for future
baseball players, hoping to spot “stars” before or as they move from the
minor leagues to the majors. Lately though, most regional artisan
winemakers are heading straight to the “world series.” If you haven’t
noticed yet, this is a fantastic time to discover and enjoy the rapidly
emerging Mexican wine culture.
We did not encounter any wine that was of “questionable” quality. Every
wine presented was of good, better or excellent quality. It does seem that
with each new year and vintage, the wines just keep getting better and
better overall. Furthermore, we discovered some “great” wine from the
following winemakers or artisan wineries: Pau Pijoan, JC Bravo, Vinicola
Pedraza, Albna~Silvestre, Canto Rodado~Fabiola Reneu, Vinicola Navegante,
Philip Gregory, Three Women, and Varé. There were so many excellent new
wines at the event that one has to wonder, what’s next for Mexican wine?
It is remarkable that our wine culture is becoming such an amazing
phenomena, not only with wine, but with gourmet cuisine, artisan olive
oils, premium pastries, baked goods, gourmet coffee drinks and high
quality fresh and aged cheese.
Artisan wine was paired up and matched with several gourmet culinary
delights from this region for Guateque 2008. Rancho Cortes offered their
premium “Queso Anejo” which is a delightful fresh and aged cheese from
Valle de Guadalupe. Baja Gourmet Foods (Abel Bibayoff, Carlos Travesi and
Iidefonso Dorame Miramontes) offered guests premium paella loaded with
fresh shrimp. mussels, clams, chicken, beef, fresh vegetables and seasoned
rice, cooked in extra virgin, gourmet, super-deluxe olive oil from
Olivarera Baja Mar. Baked goods and gourmet dessert items were provided by
Hogaza y Hogaza Bakery which is one of the top bakeries in Ensenada. This
region is blessed with many talented chefs and culinary educational
institutions that are complimenting the wine phenomena with gourmet
culinary delights. According to Carlos Travesi Bosch, chef, and president
of Ensenada’s Restaurant Association, “many of the best chefs throughout
Mexico are now looking to Ensenada and the wine country region to see what
trends we are setting with our “gastronomical revolution” creating gourmet
entrees, using organic products, fresh seafood, and premium Mexican wine.”
The Baja California wine culture based around our wine country and thje
seaport of Ensenada is gaining international attention as the new “food
and wine capital” of Mexico. In addition, the wine culture of premium
wine, gourmet food, music and art is further enhanced with the addition of
the new (CEARTE) Centro Estatal de las Artes where internationally
acclaimed art is elegantly fused and blended with Mexico’s best musical
productions.
Towards the end of the event Hugo D’Acosta was observed walking through
the area looking like a “proud parent” at a high school or college
graduation celebration. Many of these aspiring winemakers have been reared
under his guidance and direction. Hugo encourages creative winemaking
techniques that has allowed for some amazing blends, combinations and
innovative wines. Mexican artists from many diverse backgrounds have
always expressed themselves in passionate and brilliant ways, and it looks
artisan winemakers are continuing in that tradition.
More summer “wine culture” events will be taking place soon throughout the
region. In anticipation of high temperatures that usually come with the
annual Fiestas de la Vendimia in Valle de Guadalupe during the first two
weeks of August, we’ve put together some hints to keep you safe, healthy
and happy. Tip # 1: How to survive wine drinking during the hot, summer
heat. Hydrate, hydrate, and hydrate. Pace yourself, as high heat during
the summer months can make drinking alcohol somewhat challenging if not
dangerous. A full stomach of gourmet food gives wine consumption a solid
base to work with. Never drink on an empty stomach and try not to mix
other types of alcohol-based drinks with wine. Many of the summer wine
events last for several hours in the heat of the day, so drink slowly and
take breaks by supplementing your beverage intake with cool bottled water
to help you through the heat. One local trick (those who want to enjoy the
entire event to the fullest) is to drink one or two glasses of wine, then
one glass of bottled water, followed by an iced-mocha coffee drink. This
jump-starts and revives your system and gets you “up and going” for future
encounters. We call this tactic (CSM) or “Cetto Survival Method” as Don
Luis Cetto’s concerts often last twelve hours, and you really don’t want
to miss any of those “world class” events.
Carlos Travesi Bosch is chef and owner of Capricho’s Wine Bar and Gourmet
Cafe, located directly across from the original Hussong’s cantina. Steve
Dryden is the wine writer for the Baja Times.
La Cofradia Hosts Gourmet Food and Wine Event
One of the most exciting events for the annual Fiestas de la Vendimia wine
harvest celebration is the “Noche de Cofradia en Ensenada” held on
Tuesday, August 12th at 6:00 p.m. The event takes place at the Cruise
Ship terminal in the waterside plaza and is sponsored and hosted by La
Cofradia, a dedicated group of food and wine lovers who formed an
association 21 years ago to further enhance their knowledge of high
quality wine and gourmet food. “Noche de Cofradia en Ensenada” event pairs
up wine from 29 wineries with gourmet samples of culinary delights from 29
restaurants in the region from Tijuana to Ensenada. Chefs and winemakers
carefully select gourmet food and Mexican premium wine and match their
favorites for the event competition. This event allows you to sample Baja
California’s premier wine and the best gourmet entrees from the top
culinary wizards in our region. During this event international judges
pick the three best matches (food and wine) and allows the public
(People’s Choice) to pick their three favorite matches. Tickets for this
event are $50 usd. each from: www.fiestasdelavendimia.com
Several weeks ago, members of La Cofradia met with regional chefs,
restaurant owners, winemakers and winery owners to pick which wineries
would be matched with which restaurants. This event took place at Cavas
Valmar winery in Ensenada and turned into an incredible gourmet cuisine
extravaganza itself! This preview brought together some fantastic culinary
delights paired with the artisan wines of Fernando Martain of Cavas Valmar
winery. In addition, La Cofradia served their own unique blends of wine
and matched them to roasted pork, prime beef, traditional Mexican side
dishes, and a delicious assortment of American gourmet desserts to include
fresh apple pie and cheese cake. During this evening celebration a drawing
took place with the selection of restaurants to be matched with regional
wineries. According to Carlos Travesi, chef and owner of Capricho’s
Restaurant and Wine Bar, “these types of events have given this region a
serious advantage when it comes to pairing wine and gourmet cuisine in
Mexico. For example we have daily contact with members of the wine
industry, an abundance of fresh seafood, Mexico’s most advanced cheese
aging caves, and many of the countries best chefs all here, interacting,
exchanging ideas, and working together to make this area “the food and
wine capital of Mexico.”
San Diego Bay Annual Wine and Food Event
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Mexican Wines to be Featured at San Diego Bay Wine Event
One of my favorite annual wine and food events takes place from November
12th thru the 16th, along the beautiful harbor of San Diego Bay. I love
this event because it features local, regional and national wine from
Mexico and the western United States. In addition, it exposes Mexican wine
to over 6,000 wine lovers and consumers that live within easy driving
distance of our premier wine country, and allows us from Mexico a
convenient opportunity to sample some of the best wines coming from US
wine producers. The Baja California premier wineries featured will be:
L.A. Cetto, Cavas Valmar ,Chateau Camou, Bodegas San Rafael, Vin˜a de
Liceaga, and Vinisterra, along with micro-brewed beer from Tijuana Brewery
and Cucapah Brewery. Baja California restaurants in attendance are some of
our region’s best: Villa Saverios Restaurant ~ Casa Plascencia Restaurant
of Tijuana, La Querencia Restaurant of Tijuana, El Olivo Restaurant of
Ensenada and El Asao Restaurant of Tecate. Copies of food and wine
articles from The Baja Times will be available at the Baja California
pavilion.
This amazing wine and food event features over 700 wineries, 60 of San
Diego’s top fine dining restaurants, 30 gourmet food companies and many
other exhibitors. Several palate pleasing events include presentations of
gourmet foods, celebrity chefs, wine dinners, cooking classes, wine
tasting classes, olive oil competition, live and silent auctions,
personalities and “way too much” premium wine and gourmet food. Endorsed
as a “must do” event by the Baja Times, The Guadalupe Grapevine and other
lesser known publications to include: voted one of California's top food
festivals by the Los Angeles Times, ranked top 100 Southern California
Events by BizBash Magazine and listed among top U.S. Wine & Food
Festivals on Forbestraveler.com. One thing is certain, the diversity of
food and wine selections are enormous and marvelous ~ there is something
here to make everyone happy and content! The 5th Annual San Diego Bay Wine
& Food Festival is an international showcase of the world's premier wine
and spirits producers, chefs and culinary personalities, and gourmet foods
with part of the proceeds used to benefit the American Institute of Wine
& Food culinary arts scholarship program.
Some of the featured winemakers will be: Jon Emmerich, winemaker for
Silverado Vineyards, Bart Barthe´lemy, winemaker for St. Barthe´lemy
Cellars, Tyler Heck, winemaker at John Tyler Wines, Stephen Kroener
winemaker/owner of Silver Horse Winery, Michael Richmond, winemaker for
Bouchaine Vineyard, Etienne Cowper, winemaker at Wilson Creek Winery,
Marketta Fourmeaux, winemaker at Chateau Potelle, Diana Snowden Seysses,
winemaker at Snowden Vineyards, Steve Tamburelli, Director of Finance and
Sales for Chappellet Winery, Amanda Cramer, winemaker for Niner Wine
Estates, David Hopkins, winemaker at Bridlewood Winery, Justin Kahler,
winemaker for Calcareous Vineyard, Jeff Ritchey, winemaker at Sensorium
Wines, Steve Goldman, winemaker at Steven's Cellar, Alan & Mariela Viader,
winemakers for Viader Vineyards, Kevin Hall, winemaker at Alexander Valley
Vineyards, Louis de Coninck, winemaker/owner of Beaucanon Estate, Bryan
Del Bondio, President of Markham Vineyards, Jack Cole, winemaker for
Spring Mountain Vineyards, Dan Kleck, winemaker for Donati Family
Vineyards, Andrew & Laurel Quady, winemakers/owners of Quady Winery, Dean
De Korth, winemaker at Bernardus Winery, Bret Engelmann, winemaker/owner
of Engelmann Cellars, Kathleen Inman, winemaker/owner of Inman Family
Winery, Scott Peterson, winemaker at Joseph Family Vineyards, Bryan Kane,
winemaker for Vie Winery, Al Perry, winemaker at Robert Biale Vineyards,
Greg Gallagher, winemaker for Pope Valley Winery, Gove Celio, winemaker of
Neal Family Vineyards, and Paul Tanguay, the Sake Ambassador.
Regional and national chefs making an appearance are: Gavin Kaysen,
Executive Chef at Cafe Boulud in New York, Bernard Guillas, Executive Chef
at the La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club, Sondra Bernstein, Executive
Chef/Owner of The Girl & The Fig, Jimmy Schmidt, Executive Chef/Owner at
Rattlesnake, Brian Malarkey, Executive Chef at Oceanaire, Richard Blais,
Top Chef at Chicago, Casey Thompson, Top Chef for Shensei, Sam Zien known
locally as Sam The Cooking Guy, Jeff Rossman, Executive Chef at Terra,
Walter Manikowski, Executive Chef at Dussini, Michael Antonorsi. Master
Chef for Chuao Chocolatier, Scott Wagner, Executive Chef at ChileCo
Catering, Stephen Window, Executive Chef at Roppongi, Jeff Moogk,
Executive Chef for Ladeki Restaurant Group, Gary Thompson, Executive Chef
for Viejas Casino, Thomas McAliney, Executive Chef for Brandt Beef,
Bridget Bueche, Executive Chef at Sub Zero Wolf West, Michael Rubino,
Executive Chef at Napa Valley Grille, Thierry Cahez, Executive Chef for
Paradise Point Resort, Damon Gordon, Executive Chef at Quarter Kitchen,
Jason Knibb, Executive Chef at Nine Ten, Sarah Likenheil, Executive Chef
of Sally's Seafood on the Water, Jason Marcus, Executive Chef for Red
Pearl Kitchen, Matt Gordon, Executive at Chef Urban Solace, Rhy Wadington,
Executive Chef at Bondi, Augustine Saucedo, Chef de Cusine at The Shores
Restaurant, Vikki Nulman, Executive Chef Sol Cafe, NM., Kurt Metzger,
Executive Chef for Concept Catering by CK, Christopher Gardner, Executive
Chef at Flemming's Steakhouse, Wade Hageman, Executive Chef at Blanca
Restaurant, Patrizio Sacchetto, Executive Chef for Oasis Bar & Grill,
Deborah Scott, Executive Chef at Kemo Sabe, Indigo Grill, Elaine
Ardizzone, Chef/Co-Owner Sweet Cheeks Bakery Co, Clay Bordon, Executive
Chef at Clay's in La Jolla, David Warner, Executive Chef for Tower 23,
Jefery Williams, Sous Chef at Rice at W Hotel, Joe Magnanelli, Chef de
Cuisine for Laurel, Tony DiSalvo, Executive Chef at Jack's in La Jolla,
Yves Fournier, Executive Chef for Pastries at Home, Marc Brislin,
Executive Chef for Blue Wave, Dave Meade, Head Chef at Nobu, Teruya
Noriyoshi, Head Sushi Chef for Nobu San Diego, Brian Rutherford, Executive
Chef at Pinanfirina in the Keating Hotel, and Chris Kurth, Chef de
Cuisine at the famous Grant Grill in downtown San Diego.
Regional wine and food lovers can mingle with chefs, winemakers,
restauranteurs, winery owners, winery staff and many diverse individuals
who all “love living the good life within the food and wine culture.” If
you are a Top Chef fan, or just love really great food, you can’t miss a
wonderful class held on November 14th. Three former contestants from this
TV show, chefs Brian Malarkey, Rickard Blais and Casey Thompson have
collaborated to prepare a mouth-watering wine paired tasting menu
exclusively for you. They each have 20 minutes to teach you the techniques
to prepare their recipes at home, and then wow your taste buds with a
sampling of the dish prepared during the class. This class will be held on
Friday, November 14 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. at Macy's School of Cooking.
Another examples of the many interesting classes and events are: Arousing
the Senses with Chocolate & Vino featuring Master Chef Michael Antonorsi
of Chuao Chocolatier held on November 13th, Find the Opus, featuring wine
expert John Alonge and the world’s best sake tasting to be held on Friday,
November 14th. For more information about these and many more events visit
www.worldofwineevents.com or call
Michelle at (858) 578-9463 in San Diego.
Don’t miss this premier wine and gourmet food event on the beautiful
harbor side in San Diego. Two events I never miss are the Reserve Tasting
on Friday November 14th and the Grand Tasting event on Saturday November
15th. The cooking classes are fun and exciting, the food and wine
selections ~ are just incredible. This is probably the best way to
discover the region’s best chefs, some of the world’s better wines and see
who else is out there enjoying the food and wine culture. Pace yourselves,
and enjoy one of the best food and wine shows in the region. See you
there.... |
