Fridays Creek dipping its toe into blog world

Saw where Fridays Creek Winery in Owings, Md., added a blog component in early December to its Web site. As regional wineries go, that's still rare.

In the month since it was added, winemaker Richard Cleary has put together a couple of entries including this one:

Hi all. Rich Cleary here, I am the winemaker for Fridays Creek Winery and I thought, maybe, a blog would be fun. So I will try to keep you, the fans, up to date with the happenings here at the winery. Since I am the winemaker, cellar rat, and marketer, my blog should be quite diverse. Everything from what I accomplished today or this week to what color bottles and capsules we will be using. I by far spend most of my time ratting away in the cellar, that is taking care of barrels and the wine in them, or racking wines from tank to tank. The more time I have for writing the more detailed I will get. For example, today I organized the storage area, (now to be known as the cellar). I racked 550 gallons of Cab 07 into barrels, 9 of them, New American White Oak from Keystone. I then racked 6 barrels of the new Patio White components into the clean tank. But first I transfered the 07 Gewurtraminer from a 505 gallon tank to the 550. It may sound boring but believe me it was uneventful. So long for now the oven bell just rang meaning my three loaves of bread are done.

I asked the winery by e-mail how the blog was going, and received this response earlier today from Frank Cleary Jr., who handles public relations among his other roles there:

Cleary: "The jury is still out on the blog component to our content management system; we have used it less than a month. We chose it because it is integrated in terms of user permissions to the rest of the site. Once we use it a bit we might go to a dedicated data base that requires a separate log-on to post items. I set it up to be easy for him to post. We decided not to allow comments by others yet till we get a feel for if, so the system has more capacity than we use."

The Event Grapevine: Jan. 2-4

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One of my favorite regional events, the Soups of the World, takes place this month at Woodhall Wine Cellars in Parkton, Md., just off I-83. Woodhall serves a month’s worth of soups prepared by Patricia Della Casual Fine Dining, the restaurant that’s next door. Some are old classics (like Cream of Crab and Gumbo), and others are new (say Tom Yum Gai from Thailand).

All are served with bread from Stone Mill Bakery and Woodhall wine pairing recommendations.

The event starts next weekend, Jan. 10 and 11, and continues through the month, from noon to 3 p.m. Those who attend are served a bowl of each of three different soups. And to honor their anti-recession kick, they are holding last year’s price of $15 per person. Reservations are requested at 410.357.8644 or responding to this newsletter.

The menu for the month includes the following:

Jan. 10-11
Soups of ITALY
Sun-dried Tomato and Basil Bisque
Italian Wedding Soup
Tortellini in Brodo

Jan. 17-18
Soups of FRANCE
Vichyssoise
Butternut Squash Soup
Bouillabaise

Jan. 24-25
Soups of the ORIENT
Miso Soup (Japan)
Wonton(China)
Tom Yum Gai (Thailand)

Jan. 31-Feb. 1
Soups of AMERICA
Cream of Crab
Gumbo
Manhattan Clam Chowder

Otherwise, here’s what’s happening this weekend and beyond.

PENNSYLVANIA WINERIES

Adams County Winery, Orrtanna: Wine appreciation class ($$), Saturday, Jan. 10, 6 to 10 p.m.; home wine-making ($$), Sunday, Jan. 11, 1 to 3 p.m., link to winery site

Chaddsford Winery, Chaddsford: Academy Awards of Pennsylvania Wines ($$), Harrisburg Hilton, Sunday, Jan. 18, 2:55 p.m., tickets through the Wine Society of Pennsylvania; Taste of the Brandywine benefit at Hilton Garden Inn ($$), Friday, Jan. 23, 6 to 10 p.m., members of the wine trail will showcase its newest releases along with hors d’oeuvres provided by the Hilton; Eric Miller wine and food pairing dinner at The Kitchen Shoppe in Carlisle ($$), Friday, Jan. 23, 6 to 9 p.m.; Wine and Chocolate Reserve Tastings ($$), every weekend in February, link to winery site

Clover Hill, Breinigsville: Beginning wine-tasting class ($$), Saturday, Jan. 17, 3 to 4:30 p.m., reservations required, link to winery site

Crossing Vineyards & Winery, Washington Crossing: How Sweet It Is: wine & chocolate pairing ($$), Sunday, 2 p.m.; food and wine pairing ($$), Sunday, Jan. 11, 5:30 p.m.; Wine Tasting for Singles ($$), Friday, Jan. 16, 7 p.m.; Insider’s Guide to Vintage 2008 ($$), five-course gourmet meal, Saturday, Jan. 17, 7:30 p.m.; Wine Tasting for Dummies ($$), Sunday, Jan. 18, 2 p.m.; link to winery site

Hauser Estate Winery, Biglerville: New winery open, Monday to Saturday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday, noon to 5 p.m.; Candle Light Friday/Happy Hour, the last Friday of every month, 5 to 8 p.m.; satellite shop opened at 17 Lincoln Square, Gettysburg, link to winery site

Kreutz Creek Vineyards, West Grove: Music at West Chester tasting room, 44 E. Gay St., Fridays and Saturdays, 6 to 9 p.m., link to winery site

Moon Dancer Vineyards & Winery, Wrightsville: Music every Saturday (2 to 5 p.m.) and Sunday (2 to 5 p.m.); will close Fridays at 5 p.m. at least through February, link to winery site

Naylor Wine Cellars, Stewartstown: Lovers Weekend Dinner White Wine Tasting ($$), Saturday, Feb. 14, 3 to 6 p.m., and Sunday, Feb. 15, 2 to 5 p.m., link to winery site

Pinnacle Ridge Winery, Kutztown: Chocolate & Wine Weekend, weekend of Feb. 14-15, Berks County Wine Trail event, link to winery site

Tamanend Winery, Lancaster: New winery open, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, noon to 5 p.m., classically styled premium wines in their bottled wine group, and premium sweeter styled wines in their Bag in Box group of wines, link to winery site

Twin Brook Winery, Gap: Tickets go on sale today for Valentine’s Concert in the Vineyard (44), Saturday Feb. 14; Wine, Cheese & Chocolate Weekend, Saturday, Feb. 14, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday, Feb. 15, noon to 5 p.m., link to winery site

Va La Vineyards, Avondale: New holiday hours starting Dec. 1, weekdays, 12:01 to 5:27 p.m., Saturday and Sundays, 12:02 to 5:48 p.m., link to winery site

MARYLAND WINERIES

Basignani Winery, Sparks: Souper Saturday ($$), two soups and wine pairing, noon to 5 p.m. every Saturday in January, bring home a souvenir glass, link to winery site

Black Ankle Winery, Mt. Airy: Open for business, winner of Maryland Governor’s Cup in 2008; winter hours start Dec. 1, Saturday and Sunday, noon to 5 p.m., other times by appointment, link to winery site

Boordy Vineyards, Hydes: Chili Winter Days ($$), Jan. 17-18, 24-25 and 31, 1 to 5 p.m.; Fond of You Fondue ($$), Saturdays in February, 1 to 5 p.m., link to winery site

Frederick Cellars, Frederick: Frederick Gives Back, fund-raiser for county Humane Society, Saturday; Inaugural celebration, stop by to toast the new president, Saturday, Jan. 17, and Sunday, Jan. 18, music at 7 p.m. on the 17th, and meet the new winemaker from 3 to 5 p.m. on the 18th link to winery site

Fridays Creek Winery, Owings: Wine & Chocolate Tasting United Way Fund-raiser ($$), Saturday, Jan. 24, link to winery site


Other MARYLAND winery events can be found at this link, VIRGINIA events at this link and New York events at this link

$$ – Admission charge

Marburg Winery's home retail store closes

When news came out about the lineup for the 2009 Uncork York tour, Marburg Estate Winery was missing from among the group that took part in it the past couple years.

Now I understand why. A note on the winery's Web site indicates that the retail store that had been open at the home of Andy and Joan Smith permanently closed yesterday. The store and home, with a Spring Grove mailing address, took a few lefts and right off the main road to find, but the time I was there to taste yielded a couple of wines I liked (admittedly, my palate really leans toward dry) and a spread of munchies and desserts to die for.

The note on the site indicates that private tasting will be available in the near future and that its stand at the Hanover Market will cotinue to be open on Saturdays from 6 a.m. to noon at 210 East Chestnut St. Wine orders also can be placed by calling 717.633.7760.

Sixteen wineries set for Farm Show stint

OK, I admit. I always head to the Farm Show in Harrisburg as much to watch the rodeo as anything else. But, almost a year into this blog, I'll have to add the "Culinary Connection" section of the show to my list of places to visit.

According to the Pennsylvania Wine & Wineries site, these wineries will be appearing at the show, which starts next Saturday, Jan. 10, and runs through Jan. 17. Results of the Farm Show competition held recently at the Rutgers Fruit Research and Extension Center in Cream Ridge, N.J. , also will be announced.

Jan. 10-11: Eagle Rock Winery, Christian W. Klay Winery, Mount Hope Estate & Winery, Starr Hill Winery
Jan. 12-13: Paradocx Vineyard, Glades Pike Winery, Naylor Wine Cellars, Chaddsford Winery
Jan. 14-15: Shade Mountain Winery, Long Trout Winery, Adams County Winery, Benigna’s Creek Vineyard & Winery
Jan. 16-17: Brookmere Winery & Vineyard, Nissley Vineyards, Sand Castle Winery, Blue Mountain Vineyards

The skinny on buying grapes

So a reader, Marc Plesse, asks by e-mail: "I stumbled across your site. My question is, can you buy grapes from a vineyard to make wine at home? Have you done this, any recommendations, etc.? I live in the Brandywine area."

And Lee Miller, from Chaddsford Winery, takes a few minutes off from celebrating her birthday and New Year's to offer this insight. Thanks Lee.

"Like most things, the answer is 'it depends' . . . on the vineyard. Usually those of us with large vineyards sell by the ton and pick mechanically with a harvester into one ton bulk bins. So it's a bit of a bother to sell a few pounds to a home winemaker. BUT, some of the smaller vineyards who pick by hand might be willing to have someone come out and pick with them and sell small quantities. I would suggest they contact Carole and Jim Kirkpatrick at Kreutz Creek Vineyards or Dave Hoffman at Paradocx. If not, I would keep trying the smaller vineyards, maybe Stargazers in particular."

Plesse said he won a home wine-making kit through a raffle and thought he'd give it a try.

Any more questions regarding wines or winemaking? Just direct them to editorp@comcast.net.

Happy New Year, and what's ahead in 2009

I felt like the best way to wrap up 2008 on this blog was to ask the winery association heads in Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Virginia to look ahead to 2009. You can find their responses below.

To all, a very happy and healthy new year. For those crunched by all that has happened these past few months, here's hoping that the new year offers a quick turnaround and an abundance of optimism.

Jennifer Eckinger, spokesperson, Pennsylvania Wine Association:
"PA has had a strong growth over the past few years and each year it seems that approximately 10 new wineries open their doors. In the latest listing of limited wineries that I received from the PLCB it showed 135 licensed wineries. Several of the wineries are looking to open in the coming year and others are dormant licenses. Averaging out the wineries that will be starting up in the coming year, I anticipate more than 115 wineries that will be open to the public."

Kevin Atticks, executive director, Maryland Wineries Association:
"My guesstimate is we will have at least six wineries licensing in 2009," he said this morning. You can find those listed on the Maryland wines site. "Most of them are up there [on the site]. Two aren't there yet. And we're launching two new wine trails, which is pretty exciting for us." Neither has a name yet. One will encompass Eastern Shore wineries, and the other will bring together southern Maryland wineries. As for one big issue for '09? Same one as last year and the year before that. "We'll spend the first half of the year in the state capitol," he said, "attempting to clean up some ancient alcohol laws." It's an ongoing effort, he admitted, that has a ways to go.

Annette Boyd, director of the Virginia Wine Marketing Office:
"We currently have 144 wineries in Virginia. Up from 131, this time last year. This number is dynamic since we always have a few wineries that close in addition to the ones that open. To average this, I’d say we usually have about 15 new wineries open a year. But that number is brought down by the few wineries that close in the same year. I’d say one of the largest issues that Virginia wineries will face in 2009 will be continued zoning issues from local governments that want to separate agricultural practices from manufacturing and retail practices that are all important parts of any farm winery business. Most small farm wineries are dependent on tourism to build their customer base."

First 'chocolate sighting' at Crossing on Sunday

Wrote the other day about the Riedel workshop at CrossingVineyards in Washington Crossing, Pa. Proprietor Christine Carroll, also the director of marketing and public relations, wrote in an e-mail that they were pleased with Sunday's turnout. And the way it worked out, and this is my line not hers, those who left had a chance to head home, watch the Eagles win, and toast to the victory with the king of all wine-drinking vessels.

Carroll noted that they sell Riedel at their store, and to participants in the workshops they offer a 20 percent discount on the day of the class. She said the next clas is scheduled for Sunday, Jan. 25. "So anyone who is interested in buying Riedel at a good discount can take the class," she wrote. "For $99, participants get a 4 glass tasting set, the class (including wine tasting) and the discount. When you take the 20% off, CVW is about competitive with Amazon for the purchase of Riedel glassware."

Today is the end of the current promotion that revolves around free shipping on case purchases. They've still yet to decide whether to continue that in the new year.

With the calendar being replaced after tonight, many wineries roll into the new year with at least one promotion centered around chocolate. Some wait until February and Valentine's Day. Crossing Vineyards is planning to hold a wine and chocolate pairing class at 2 p.m. this Sunday, Jan. 4. The course will be led by winery sommelier Eric Cavatore and chocolate and confectionary aficionado Stacey Glynn-Brady, store manager for Lindt & Sprüngli chocolates.

According to a press release, they will share tips on the finer points of producing chocolate and wine, what creates the variety of flavors in both, and how to enjoy the two together.

Lindt chocolate still is made from a “top-secret” recipe, devised in the 1800s by Swiss Master Chocolatier Rodolphe Lindt, who invented the first melting chocolate with the creation of the “conching” machine, according to Lindt history. The delicacies produced by parent company Chocoladefabriken Lindt & Sprüngli AG also are influenced by the Sprüngli family, confectioners whose recipes date back to 1845

Cost of the course is $35 and includes wine and chocolate sampling, learning materials and the Lindt Chocolate bar of the participant’s choice. Reservations can be made by calling 215.493.6500, ext. 19, or by going to the winery Web site.