Cheers!
- Brandon
The rain is gone and spring fever is spreading! It’s time to get out of the house and escape to the foothills for some wine tasting and food.
Big Dog Vineyards hosts a few complimentary tastings each year. If you have been waiting for the perfect opportunity to pay them a visit, this is the weekend! The stormy weather of the last few weeks has finally passed, just in time for the first tasting of the spring season.
“We always hope for this kind of weather so everyone can take full advantage of the great views from our patio,” said owner Mark Capalongan. The vineyard is well known for panoramic views and gorgeous poppies that are already in full bloom. Preparations are in high gear to accommodate a large crowd this weekend. The vineyard will be pouring their wines from 12-5 p.m. both Saturday and Sunday.
As a special treat, MoGo BBQ, a gourmet food truck will serve their Korean-style BBQ from 1-4 p.m. on Saturday. Their extensive menu includes several items featuring chicken, pork, spare ribs and tofu. Hawaiian-inspired short rib sliders and bacon-wrapped "Dirty Dogs" are just a few reasons for MoGo's cult following.
Mark recommends the spicy pork BBQ burrito, which pairs perfectly with Big Dog's Gold Medal 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon. So perfect, in fact, that the winery will be giving away a free bottle with the purchase of three or more bottles of wine this weekend only!
Owned and operated by Mark and Sandy Capalongan since 2001, Big Dog Vineyards specializes in quality over quantity. Producing only 500 cases a year, their wine is only available for purchase at their tasting room and online. Their Spring Valley location provides the perfect soil for the award winning Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon grapes that are grown on site.
Free wine, amazing food, beautiful weather and amazing views? Sounds like a Great Escape to us!
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About Corx Wine Bags
Corx Wine Bags was founded in 2005 by two friends who had passion for wine. One of them being a self proclaimed klutz and the other a self proclaimed sewing master, they sought to create the ultimate wine bag. After several prototypes the “Tre” 3-bottle wine bag was born. A wine bag of the highest quality that prevents bottles from breaking in transit for those klutz’s out there, while keeping your wines at proper storing temperatures during your trip to your favorite BYOB restaurant, picnic location or bringing bottles home from your favorite winery. For more information about all of our wine bags please visit us at www.corxwinebags.com.
]]>Cheers!
- Brandon
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About Corx Wine Bags
Corx Wine Bags was founded in 2005 by two friends who had passion for wine. One of them being a self proclaimed klutz and the other a self proclaimed sewing master, they sought to create the ultimate wine bag. After several prototypes the “Tre” 3-bottle wine bag was born. A wine bag of the highest quality that prevents bottles from breaking in transit for those klutz’s out there, while keeping your wines at proper storing temperatures during your trip to your favorite BYOB restaurant, picnic location or bringing bottles home from your favorite winery. For more information about all of our wine bags please visit us at www.corxwinebags.com
Cheers!
- Brandon
About Corx Wine Bags
Corx Wine Bags was founded in 2005 by two friends who had passion for wine. One of them being a self proclaimed klutz and the other a self proclaimed sewing master, they sought to create the ultimate wine bag. After several prototypes the “Tre” 3-bottle wine bag was born. A wine bag of the highest quality that prevents bottles from breaking in transit for those klutz’s out there, while keeping your wines at proper storing temperatures during your trip to your favorite BYOB restaurant, picnic location or bringing bottles home from your favorite winery. For more information about all of our wine bags please visit us at www.corxwinebags.com
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The following is an excerpt taken from their overview of this video......
One of the most celebrated wine growing regions in the world, Napa is known for its bold Cabernet Sauvignons in the north and its smooth Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays in the south.
Almost all of the wineries are located along the scenic farmland of Highway 29, which runs from Napa up to Calistoga. It's about 26 miles, or 40 minutes from start to finish.
There are more than 195 wineries in Napa Valley. The Neighboring region of Sonoma has more than 75 vineyards and tasting rooms. And the numbers keep on growing.
Clearly, it's impossible to visit all of the Napa wineries in one visit, so try to focus on about 2-3 per day. Many wineries are pet and child friendly!
A few of my favorite Napa Valley wineries are the elegant Domaine Chandon, known for its bright sparkling wines and beautifully landscaped grounds; the rustic and beautiful Silverado Winery, perched on a knoll above the Silverado Trail; and the modern Opus One Vineyards, known for its Newgrange-style tasting room, manicured vineyards and single Bordeux style blend.
Join a winery's club and you'll get a free tasting and discount on your purchases!
For a relaxed and educational tasting room experience, don't miss St. Supery's Wine Discovery Center, where you learn how the grape goes from vineyard to bottle in less than 30 minutes.
Its one of the best primers on Wine 101 in the valley.
If you want to enjoy the day in true Napa style, pack a gourmet picnic lunch from Yountville's Ranch Market Too or Thomas Keller's famed Bouchon Bakery and hit the road with your Napa Valley wineries map.
One of the best ways to see wine country is through Napa Valley Bike Tours in Yountville. The Ride, Wine and Dine Tour — at about 15 miles for the entire day — offers an easy, breezy view of wine country, complete with an alfresco lunch in the vineyards and tasting at 4-6 wineries.
The best time to visit Napa Valley and its main towns of Napa, Yountville, Oakville, Rutherford and St. Helena is during the fall crush, which happens between September and November with food fairs, wine auctions and many festivals.
Napa Valley weather is usually mild during the winter with occasional rainstorms and chilly nights, and hot during the summer.
Cheers!
- Brandon
]]>Cheers!
- Brandon
Story of Basel Cellars....
Basel Cellars began the journey into the wine business in 2001. Our Estate vineyards were planted prior to this in 1997. In 2009 Basel Cellars proudly celebrated the certification of sustainability with their estate vineyard, Pheasant Run. All of our production is done on site in our 9,600 sq. ft. underground winery, including the newest edition "the Earth Series" which helps benefit one of the most important landmarks, The Earth.. We are proud to be able to produce Estate wines from Pheasant Run our Estate Vineyards.
At Basel Cellars you will be greeted with a friendly and knowledgeable staff. You are welcome to bring lunch and enjoy our patio which overlooks the Blue Mountains or call ahead to have lunch arranged for you. We hope this experience will be one you will want to share with family, friends and co-workers.
About Corx Wine Bags
Corx Wine Bags was founded in 2005 by two friends who had passion for wine. One of them being a self proclaimed klutz and the other a self proclaimed sewing master, they sought to create the ultimate wine bag. After several prototypes the “Tre” 3-bottle wine bag was born. A wine bag of the highest quality that prevents bottles from breaking in transit for those klutz’s out there, while keeping your wines at proper storing temperatures during your trip to your favorite BYOB restaurant, picnic location or bringing bottles home from your favorite winery. For more information about all of our wine bags please visit us at www.corxwinebags.com
]]>Cheers!
-Brandon
About Corx Wine Bags
Corx Wine Bags was founded in 2005 by two friends who had passion for wine. One of them being a self proclaimed klutz and the other a self proclaimed sewing master, they sought to create the ultimate wine bag. After several prototypes the “Tre” 3-bottle wine bag was born. A wine bag of the highest quality that prevents bottles from breaking in transit for those klutz’s out there, while keeping your wines at proper storing temperatures during your trip to your favorite BYOB restaurant, picnic location or bringing bottles home from your favorite winery. For more information about all of our wine bags please visit us at www.corxwinebags.com
]]>About Corx Wine Bags
Corx Wine Bags was founded in 2005 by two friends who had passion for wine. With one them being a self proclaimed klutz and the other a self proclaimed sewing master, they sought to create the ultimate wine bag. After several prototypes the “Tre” 3-bottle wine bag was born. A wine bag of the highest quality that prevents bottles from breaking in transit for those klutz’s out there, while keeping your wines at proper storing temperatures during your trip to your favorite BYOB restaurant, picnic location or bringing bottles home from your favorite winery. For more information about all of our wine bags please visit us at www.corxwinebags.com
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I was very excited to see that Michigan Wine Month is only a few days away. Living in Chicago, I found myself only a short drive away from some of the great wineries in SW Michigan. A couple of my personal favorites are Round Barn Winery in Baroda, and Karma Vista Winery in Coloma. Both of these wineries offer a mixture of great wines and fun atmosphere.
Cheers!
- Brandon
Governor Granholm Declares April "Michigan Wine Month"
Seven new wineries open for 2010, highlighting growth in Ag sector
Mar 24, 2010
Contact: Karel Bush
Phone: 517-241-4468
Email: bushk9@michigan.gov
LANSING -- Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today declared April as "Michigan Wine Month" to honor Michigan's wide selection of quality wines and the wine industry's significant contribution to the economy. Michigan's wine and grape industries contribute nearly $800 million to the state's economy each year.
Sales of Michigan wines in the state rose 10 percent in 2009, while total wine sales increased 6 percent. Michigan wine sales have outpaced total wine sales for the past 10 years, doubling the Michigan wineries' market share to 6 percent.
"Michigan's grape and wine industry continues to grow with seven new wineries slated to open this year," Granholm said. "Not only is our wine industry a vital component of the state's agricultural sector, it's also an important part of our tourism industry as hundreds of thousands of people visit Michigan's Wine Country each year."
"Michigan's grape and wine industry demonstrates our food and Ag sectors continue to be ripe for growth and offer opportunities both for seasoned business leaders or budding entrepreneurs," said Don Koivisto, Michigan Department of Agriculture director. "April is a great time to kick off winery touring. Tasting rooms are less busy in the spring, and tasting room staff are delighted to have time to provide extra attention. Many of Michigan's 71 wineries will begin to release new wines from the 2009 vintage this spring; additional red wines from the 2008 vintage will also be available."
Several events are planned this spring and early summer that will provide opportunities to meet winemakers and sample a variety of Michigan wines, including:
- Michigan International Wine Expo: April 9 &10 - Rock Financial Showplace in Novi (www.michiganwineexpo.com)
- Michigan Wine Celebration: April 17 & 18 - Southeast Michigan Pioneer Wine Trail (www.pioneerwinetrail.com)
- Spring Sip & Savor: May 1 & 2 - Leelanau Peninsula Vintners (www.lpwines.com)
- Blossom Days: May 15-16 - Wineries of Old Mission Peninsula (www.wineriesofoldmission.com)
- Lake Michigan Shore Wine Festival: June 19 - Lake Michigan Shore Wine Trail (www.miwinetrail.com)
For a complete list of events celebrating Michigan Wine Month, visit www.michiganwines.com.
April will also see the release of the 2010 Michigan Wine Country magazine, an indispensable guide to the wines and wineries of Michigan. The magazine contains maps and touring information, as well as a popular section on "what's new at the wineries." To request a free copy of Michigan Wine Country, visit www.michiganwines.com or contact the Michigan Grape and Wine Industry Council at 517-241-1207. The magazine is also available at all Michigan wineries and Travel Michigan Welcome Centers.
About Corx Wine Bags
Corx Wine Bags was founded in 2005 by two friends who had passion for wine. With one them being a self proclaimed klutz and the other a self proclaimed sewing master, they sought to create the ultimate wine bag. After several prototypes the “Tre” 3-bottle wine bag was born. A wine bag of the highest quality that prevents bottles from breaking in transit for those klutz's out there, while keeping your wines at proper storing temperatures during your trip to your favorite BYOB restaurant, picnic location or bringing bottles home from your favorite winery. For more information about all of our wine bags please visit us at www.corxwinebags.com
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The Telluride Wine Festival was founded in 1981, and is the longest running wine festival in Colorado. Wine and food lovers flock to this majestic town each year to enjoy engaging wine seminars, cooking demos with celebrity chefs, wine tastings and more! This years wine festival will run from June 24 through June 27th, 2010. You can view the latest information for this great event at http://www.telluridewinefestival.com/
Cheers!
- Brandon
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My wife, Erika, picked up a bottle of the Carneros Creek 2006 Reserve Pinot Noir on special. We opened it this weekend, and it was fantastic. Check out the video review of this wine.
Have a wonderful holiday season!
Cheers!
-Kevin
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