Brandywine tasting to benefit Canine Partners

Slowly that once-empty event calendar for January is beginning to add some events.

Hilton Garden Inn Kennett Square and members of the the Brandywine Valley Wine Trail will combine to hold their sixth annual wine tasting on Friday, Jan. 23, from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Hilton Garden Inn will provide the catering.

The cost is $21 per person, with $6 of each sale to benefit Canine Partners for Life (http://www.k94life.org/). This organization is local to the area and has a national impact. From its Web site:

“Canine Partners For Life (CPL) is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to training service dogs, home companion dogs, and residential companion dogs to assist individuals who have a wide range of physical and cognitive disabilities. Based in Cochranville, Pa., CPL places service dogs nationwide.”

Attendees will get the opportunity to taste wines of the Brandywine Valley trail, including Black Walnut, Chaddsford, Kreutz Creek, Paradocx, Penns Woods and Twin Brook. To buy tickets, call 610.444.9100. Advance purchase is required;only 150 tickets will be sold to the event.

A special hotel package also is being offered at $121 for two people. For more details, visit www.kennettsquare.hgi.com or contact Jane.cropper@hilton.com or Christina.bodnar@hilton.com

Best of the best to be rolled out Jan. 18

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Looking at the shoveled entrance to Pinnacle Ridge, and a peek in the other direction.

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You might have noticed on the Event Grapevine the seventh annual Excellence Awards planned for next Sunday at 2:55 p.m. at the Harrisburg Hilton. Shoot, that gives me just a couple of minutes to race from there to the Harrisburg Patriot-News offices to catch the Eagles-Cardinals 3 o'clock kickoff for their NFC Championship Game.

There is a $30 charge ($25 for patron members) to regular members of the Wine Society of Central Pennsylvania, which sponsors this event. Otherwise, the cost is $40 per person to hear the announcement, meet the producers of the 10 wines that will be recognized as the best in the state for '08, and hear wine grape guru Mark Chien (the wine grape extension agent for Penn State Cooperative Extension) wax poetic about the wines, the current state of the industry and what's on the horizon. All that, plus a taste of the top 10.

Four are produced by Brad Knapp at Pinnacle Ridge, where my wife and I popped our heads in late this afternoon outside snowy Kutztown. There are few wineries in the state where you'll get as much bang for the buck, with the most expensive wine priced at $20 and some of the award-winners down at $10 and $12. All of Knapp's wines are sold only out of his store; indeed, you can't find the wine except at a couple of nearby restaurants. He did mention that he is planning to team with a restaurant called John J. Jeffries for a food and wine pairing; that could happen as soon as later this month. As soon as I hear more details about the four-course meal at the restaurant located on the premises of the Lancaster Arts Hotel, I'll be happy to pass those along.

Here's some background on next Sunday's "state wine Oscars" and a list of the winners and those that merited honoroable mention, gleaned from the wine society's Web site.

Our annual tasting to celebrate the best of the vinifera and Chamboucin wines produced by Pennsylvania wineries will be held on Sunday, January 18th at 3:00 PM at the Harrisburg Hilton & Towers. Each year the PWS Board holds a judging under the guidance of Dr. Gary Pavlis from the Cooperative Extension Service of Rutgers University. The ten top scorers will be presented at this tasting, where we will also present the producer of the highest scoring wine with our trophy. A new element this year will be an honorable mention table which will have samples of 8 runners up that are also worthy of our attention.

The event is a terrific opportunity for attendees to sample fine wines made right here in Pennsylvania. Our speaker for the afternoon will be Mark Chien, Pennsylvania's wine grape expert for the Penn State Cooperative Extension Service. Mark is a fine speaker and has wide knowledge of the growers and producers of wine in the state. In addition the wineries will send representatives who can talk about conditions in the vineyards as well as how they produced their award winners. We will be presenting the following 10 wines with tasting notes provided by Gary Pavlis:

Allegro 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon: Pretty aromas of black cherries; palate has good fruit and balance; medium finish.

Winemaker/owner Carl Helrich: "The grapes were sourced from Waltz Vineyard in Lancaster county and aged in thin-stave French oak barrels. Allegro thanks the Pennsylvania Wine Society for recognizing some of the best wines in Pennsylvania."

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Chaddsford 2005 Merican: Nose is complex, a little stemmy; cassis flavors on the palate with fine balance and good concentration; Very good meritage.

Winemaker/owner Eric Miller: "2005 was one of those great vintages all a winemaker had to do was no screw it up. In fact I rated it a 10:10 until '07 at which time I downgraded '05 to a 9:10. With a similar blend as the Cabernet Sauvignon but longer skin/seed maseration period, all old vines fruit, a bit more Merlot and Cab F (and surprisingly, a lighter color) this wine is just waking from a long sleep in the bottle. And will continue to do so for another couple of years if it is tyipical until it is every thing the '05 CS is but MORE."
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Chaddsford 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon: Concentrated black fruit aromas follow into the palate; well balanced, with soft tannins, medium to long finish. Reflects the excellent 2005 vintage.
Winemaker/owner Eric Miller: "After its early years being almost exclusively fruit forward this wine has finally begun to open its komoda adding sexy curves of chocolate and earth that glide into a smooth but firm tannins with a medium body promising more later."

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Manatawny Creek 2006 Meritage: Nose of black fruit, leather and oak; flavors are deep and rich; acid level a little high. Excellent meritage.

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Pinnacle Ridge Brut Rose: Attractive coral pink color; strawberry fruit aromas; good complexity; excellent mouthfeel; long finish. A good sparkling wine.

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Pinnacle Ridge 2007 Merlot: Complex nose of black olive and blackberry; concentrated fruit on the palate; almost lush. Excellent Merlot.

Winemaker/owner Brad Knapp: Our Merlot displays a beautiful garnet color followed by a nose of ripe plums, vanilla and exoitc spices. In the mouth it shows plenty of bright fruit.
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Pinnacle Ridge 2007 Pinot Noir: Good depth of color; complex aromas of black cherry and spice; excellent fruit concentration on the palate; could be an Oregon pinot. Excellent Pinot Noir.
Winemaker/owner Brad Knapp: "Our Pinot Noir shows an intense crimson color. The nose is dominated by aromas of dries cherries, cranberries and vanilla. The flavors follow the nose with plenty of tannis and acid to give this beauty enough structure to stand up to hearty foods."

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Pinnacle Ridge 2005 Veritas: Aroma is complex with black fruit, spice, dried rose petals and black olive; aromas follow through on the palate with good fruit concentration; long finish.

Excellent meritage.
Winemaker/owner Brad Knapp: "A classic blend of Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon, made only in the finest vintages. Our Veritas was barrel-aged in American Oak for 20 months."

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Presque Isle 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon: Aromas of black cherry, vanilla and toasted oak; on the palate there is beautiful fruit concentration showing the excellent '05 vintage; acid is a little high. Outstanding Cabernet Sauvignon.

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Winfield NV Merlot: Classic Merlot aromas of black olives; very good concentration; tannins are soft and well resolved; medium to long finish. Excellent effort.

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Wines for the Honorable Mention table:
Allegro 2005 Cadenza
Blair 2006 Chardonnay
Chaddsford 2006 Pinot Noir
Chaddsford 2006 Rubino
Crossing Vineyard 2006 Cabernet Franc
Manatawny Creek 2007 Chardonnay
Spyglass 2006 Cabernet Franc
Spyglass 2006 Riesling

Linganore plans wine-dessert pairing

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Linganore Winecellars/Berrywine Plantations in Mt. Airy, Md., has a couple of events going this month. These descriptions are pulled off the winery's Web site.

Daily throughout the month of January 2009
Food and Wine Pairing January 2 – 31
The art of matching wine and desserts has become one of the greatest outgrowths of the American Food Revolution. In the past 20 years we have seen increased interest in matchingfood with the exemplary wines produced by Linganore Winecellars. Just Desserts by Linda, from Sykesville, Maryland, produces fresh baked pastries and cakes. Linda Gourley, owner and certified Pastry Chef of Just Desserts by Linda, has matched her European style desserts with an excellent selection of Linganore wines. Linganore Winecellars, a perennial favorite, produces a wide selection of Estate bottled wines, such as dry dinner wines, semi-sweet dessert wines and pure fruit wines. “Our companies have carefully selected the matching of Linganore’s fine wines and my fabulous desserts”, said Ms. Gourley. She added, “ My Chocolate Raspberry Cake, with a dark chocolate finish, goes perfectly with Linganore’s Black Raven, Merlot or Cabernet”.“ The flavors and intensity of both the wines and the desserts are enhanced”, added Anthony Aellen, Tasters should bring photo ID.

$5.00 pairing fee entitles you to:
• A tasting of our complete selection of wines
• Tasting of five exceptional, freshly baked desserts.
* Almond Petite Fours
* Tosca
* White Chocolate Cream Puffs
* Chocolate Raspberry Cake
* Pecan Shortbread Cookies

The other event, called Jazzin in January, is scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 24. Again, this explanation appears on the Web site: Join us at Linganore Winecellars/ Berrywine Plantations for Jazzin’ In January! Enjoy the cool sounds of Mainstream Jazz Band while relaxing with your favorite glass of our award winning wine! We invite you to taste our 27 wines and tour the winery. Tours are scheduled at 12, 2 and 4 pm. Admission is only $5 to this event! You can also sample the yummy chutneys and pepper jellies from Charles Street Gourmet. Or try pairing your favorite wine with desserts in the cellar, featuring various desserts from Just Desserts By Linda Gourley. Mainstream jazz will be performing from 1-3pm, along with vendor Susan Boro from Charles Street Gourmet, visit their website, www.charlesstreetgourmet.com

New York ice wine earns 'best' in class

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Following up on the last post, this note from the weekly e-letter of the New York Grape & Wine Foundation on the judging results of the International Wine & Spirits competition.

“WORLD’S BEST DESSERT WINE,” as determined by the 2008 International Wine & Spirits Competition in London, is a Finger Lakes native: Casa Larga 2005 Fiori Vidal Ice Wine. The IWSC is one of the world’s most rigorous and prestigious wine competitions, and included over 5,000 entries from around the world, so even a Silver medal (like Casa Larga’s Fiori Cabernet Franc Ice Wine, also voted “Best of Class”) is a major accomplishment; but the “Best” designation is truly extraordinary. Casa Larga, with a vineyard including a view of the Rochester skyline in the distance, has a long history of major medals with its ice wines, including our Governor’s Cup award a few years ago. In addition, the ice wine was a favorite among consumers this fall at the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, where we sponsored a New York wine presence. The wine is made entirely from vidal grapes that are frozen on the vine, then harvested and processed at the winery. The result is a rich and luscious dessert wine with flavors of butterscotch, apricot and pineapple. This is the first time Casa Larga has entered the IWSC—but I bet it won’t be the last. For more information, visit www.casalarga.com.

Vineyard & Winery mag founder hurt in crash

From New York's weekly e-letter, these two bit of news for readers closer to the industry:

BILL MOFFETT, who founded Vineyard & Winery Management magazine and its many spinoffs including Wineries Unlimited, was in a major car accident over the holidays with his wife Hope Merletti, but has made encouraging progress. Both were hospitalized, and Bill was in a coma for some time but has emerged from that, though he remains on a ventilator. Anyone wishing to send him good wishes may do so by going to http://www.caringbridge.org, type in “visit” and “billmoffett”. Bill was also instrumental in founding a tiny organization called the Association of American Vintners, now known as WineAmerica and representing wineries from 48 states.

CHRISTIAN WOLFFER, founder and owner of Wolffer Estate Vineyard on Long Island, died in a swimming accident in South America around the turn of the year. Wolffer Estate, one of the few wineries on the island’s South Fork (“The Hamptons”), has been an industry leader in wine quality, winery ambiance, and widespread reputation. Like Mr. Wolffer, winemaker Roman Roth has German roots and an unfailing commitment to quality. We send our best wishes to the Wolffer family and the staff of the winery.

The Event Grapevine, Jan. 10-11

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 this weekend and continues through the month, from noon to 3 p.m. Obviously call tomorrow 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 ($$), Saturday, 6 to 10 p.m.; home wine-making ($$), Sunday, Jan. 11, 1 to 3 p.m., link to winery

Blue Mountain Vineyards & Cellars, New Tripoli: Music every Saturday ($$), 6 to 9 p.m., link to winery

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

Clover Hill, Breinigsville: Snowy 6 Pack Sale, 20 percent off purchases of any six bottles of wine, Jan. 15-18; beginning wine-tasting class ($$), Saturday, Jan. 17, 3 to 4:30 p.m., reservations required, link to winery

Country Creek Winery, Telford: Resolution Revolution, Saturday, Jan. 17, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.; Wine and Chocolate Tasting, Friday, Feb. 6, 6 p.m., Harleysville Books, 672 Main St., reservations requested, link to winery

Crossing Vineyards & Winery, Washington Crossing: Food and wine pairing ($$), Sunday, 5:30 p.m.; Wine Tasting for Singles ($$), 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.; wine and cheese pairing, ($$), Tuesday, Jan. 20, 7:30 p.m.; Wine Tasting in Riedel Crystal ($$), Sunday, Jan. 25, 2 p.m., link to winery

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

Kreutz Creek Vineyards, West Grove: Music at West Chester tasting room, 44 E. Gay St., Fridays and Saturdays, 6 to 9 p.m.; Valentine's Day celebration, Feb. 14-15, link to winery

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

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

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

Rushland Ridge, Rushland: Closed January and February; will reopen March 5, link to winery

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

Twin Brook Winery, Gap: Souper Saturday/Sunday ($$), Jan. 24-25, soups & stew in fresh bread bowls available for sale, paired with a glass of wine; tickets on sale for Valentine’s Concert in the Vineyard ($$), 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

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., http://www.valavineyards.com/

PENNSYLVANIA FARM SHOW

Visit Pennsylvania Wineries from January 10th to the 17th at the Pennsylvania Farm Show Arena in Harrisburg, Pa. Pennsylvania wines will be used in the "Culinary Connection." Among those participating:

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

MARYLAND WINERIES

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

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., winery link

Frederick Cellars, Frederick: 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

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

Linganore Winecellars at Berrywine Plantations, Mt. Airy: Wine and desserts pairing ($$), through the month; Jazzin’ in January ($$), Saturday, Jan. 24, noon, 2 p.m. and 4 p.m., http://www.linganorewines.com

Sugarloaf Mountain Vineyard, Dickerson: Tasting room grand opening dedication and presidential inauguration event, January 17-20, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., wine tastings and tours of the winery, sales on selected wines, hot soup, cheese platters, hors d'oeuvres, bottle engraving and entertainment, link to winery


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

$$ – Admission charge

Kreutz Creek set to plant 400 vines

Kreutz Creek Vineyards in West Grove, Pa., sent out its January e-letter today it began with this short note from owner Carole and Jim Kirkpatrick:

"Hopefully you had a great holiday season. We had a terrific time although it was much too short. Now that it's behind us, it's time to begin the grape growing process all over again.

Pruning will begin this month and take us through March. It's been very rainy lately so we haven't begun. It's hard enough to spend the entire day in the vineyard when it's 30 degrees, but when it's cold, wet and rainy it's miserable.

We ordered about 400 new vines for planting this spring. They will be replants for vines we removed this past season. We'll probably plant in April so if you think you want to get 'down and dirty' let me know. It's sure to be lots of fun!"

THIS MONTH
January will be pretty quiet in the tasting room so make a point to stop by and visit. February 14th and 15th will be our Valentine's Day celebration. Think good wine and good dark chocolate. That's right, we're going to have our popular chocolate fondue with good dippings. March brings us to the Brandywine Valley Wine Trail's "Barrels on the Brandywine." We'll be doing the vertical Kordeaux tasting of 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008. That's every weekend in March in the winery.

We're also getting ready to remodel the tasting room. Hopefully by Barrels on the Brandywine we'll have a new look. Look for pictures in the next issue.

MUSIC EVENTS AT THEIR TASTING ROOM IN WEST CHESTER
These acts are featured 6 to 9 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays

Friday, Jan. 2- Classical Guitar by Brad Rau
Saturday, Jan. 3 - Jazz Guitar by Sean Townsend and Dan Moore
Friday, Jan. 9 - Jazz and Swing by Swing Set
Saturday, Jan. 10 - Classical Guitar by Mark Oppenlander
Friday, Jan. 16 - Folk and Blues by Stephanie Hewett
Saturday, Jan. 17 - Eclectic Tunes by Prose from Dover
Friday, Jan. 23 - Jazz Guitar by Sean Townsend and Dan Moore
Saturday, Jan. 24 - Rockabilly by the Highball Kids
Friday, Jan. 30 - Folk Music by Mary Scholz
Saturday, Jan. 31 - Jazz and Swing by Swing Set
Don't forget to BYOF (Bring Your Own Food)

44 E. Gay St.
West Chester, PA
610.436.5006