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May 2007
In memoriam: Karen Davis, wine-tasting pioneer
Sad news for all Dayton-area wine enthusiasts: Karen Davis passed away early Wednesday in Simpsonville, S.C., according to Karen’s brother, Gary Ware.
Feel free to post a comment if you have a condolence or a memory to share. Here’s a copy of a story that I’ve submitted for publication in Thursday’s Dayton Daily News:
“Karen Davis, who helped to pioneer drop-in wine tastings in the Dayton area during 23 years at Arrow Wine & Spirits in Kettering, died Wednesday in South Carolina after a lengthy illness. She was 64.
For many local wine enthusiasts, Mrs. Davis became the public face of wine as the designated pourer during Arrow’s wine tastings, which began in 1975, before any other Miami Valley wine shop. Her welcoming, down-to-earth style helped teach a generation of local residents how to appreciate wine. And the tastings she oversaw paved the way for a wine-tasting culture unique to the Dayton area, which now has multiple drop-in tastings at wine shops, grocery-store wine departments and restaurants several nights a week.
“She was a grand hostess and conversationalist,” said Bruce Scranton, the former president of the Dayton chappters of Les Amis du Vin and Tasters Guild who first met Mrs. Davis at a wine-appreciation class in 1973. “Nobody had more fun or enjoyed the social aspects of wine tastings more than Karen. She knew her wine, and she knew her food, too.”
Davis served as specialty foods buyer for Arrow until 1998, when her husband Ray was transferred to North Carolina.
“In the ‘70s, ‘80s and ‘90s, Karen was a driving force in specialty foods and specialty cheeses in the Dayton area,” said Mike Frank, Arrow’s co-owner. “She had an unsurpassed following at her Saturday tastings … . Dayton-area wine lovers owe her a real debt of gratitude as she made Dayton the true leader of wine-tasting in the Midwest.”
Services are pending.”
Two postscripts: Bruce Scranton and his wife Suzanne, along with Tony Blesas and his wife Judith, long-time friends of Karen and Ray, traveled down to Karen’s home earlier this month when they heard that Karen’s condition was worsening. Tony and Bruce cooked a gourmet meal, and uncorked a bottle of one of Karen’s all-time favorite wines — Ch. Mouton-Rothschild (hey, we said Karen was a gourmand) — to share. Her eyes lit up when she saw the bottle, and she enjoyed her few sips.
Also, I’ve dusted off a story I wrote for the Dayton Daily News 15 years ago — about the Breakfast Club at Arrow, which continues to this day — that captures a bit of Karen’s spirit, I think. Click on “continue reading” to view the story, and again, feel free to post a comment if you’d like.
Mark Fisher
THE BREAKFAST CLUB
WINE TASTINGS GIVE A SPIRITED START TO THEIR SATURDAYS
By Mark Fisher DAYTON DAILY NEWS
Published: Saturday, March 14, 1992 ; Edition: CITY ; Section: WEEKENDLIFE ; Page: 1C .
It’s high noon on a Saturday at the Arrow Wine store in Kettering. The weekly wine tasting is barely an hour old, but already folks are standing two- and three-deep around the small bar, chatting and sipping maroon-colored liquid from tiny plastic cups.
A man and woman approach hesitatingly. They’re not regulars, and they scan the throng in front of them, tentative - perhaps a tad intimidated. From behind the bar, Karen Davis spots the couple and waves them over. “C’mon, fight your way through,” she says. “Would you like to taste some wine today?”
The Breakfast Club sets another place at the table.
The Arrow Wine store on Far Hills Avenue helped pioneer the idea of public wine tastings on weekends in the Dayton area. Davis, the store’s food buyer, helped launch the store’s Saturday tastings in 1975. Judging from the growth in popularity and in the number of tastings in the area, the idea has filled a need along with a few empty glasses.
The samples cost 50 cents each, sometimes more for a taste of an expensive wine (state liquor law requires that a fee be charged). Servings of an ounce or so - along with a strict “no-seconds” policy - help ensure most people will leave the place with no more than a desire for an afternoon nap.
There is no pressure to buy, although if one of the samples caresses the right taste bud, a sale of a bottle or two - or even a case - can certainly be arranged.
Davis has kept meticulous records of each wine tasted for the last 15 years, so she can tell you - if you ask - that on April 2, 1977, you missed tasting Mateus, which sold then for $3.95 a bottle.
And some of the members of the self-professed “Breakfast Club” just might have tasted that Mateus a decade and a half ago.
The ad-hoc group of wine enthusiasts met by coming early to the drop-in, 11 a.m.-to-5 p.m. tastings. Over the years (and over a few hundred samples of wine), they eventually formed a close-knit - though not overly clubby or exclusionary - social group: The Breakfast Club.
Members share vacation pictures, cooking advice, condolences and jokes.
When Breakfast Clubber Dori Dick broke her hand, she brought her X-rays in for fellow club members to peruse. The group even receives its own mail, most recently airmail from Managua, Nicaragua, from Ross Runnells, a wine lover who joined the Peace Corps.
On this particular Saturday - Feb. 29, Leap Day - Davis chooses a wine from a California winery called Stag’s Leap. Few catch on immediately to the pun, despite Davis’ prompting. But the round of groans grows in volume with each newly arrived wine taster.
The conversation this day ranges from wine to asbestos removal, back to wine.
“Say, have you tried that Balkan Crest Cabernet yet?
“Tried it? I’m on my third case of it.”
The interest in wine locally seems to have surged in recent months, in part because of a 60 Minutes report last November that extolled the possible cardiac-health benefits of wine, especially red wine.
Saturday wine-tasting luncheons that Jay’s Restaurant launched last year recently have begun selling out several days in advance. The Wine Works wine shop in Springfield started Saturday afternoon tastings a few months ago.
At Arrow, the crowds ebb and flow, usually with the weather. Warm, sunny days keep people at home, working in yards and gardens. Rainy days pack them in at the wine bar.
Behind the bar at the Leap Day tasting, Davis is dusting off her Stag’s Leap pun for a late-arriving Breakfast Club member. Another groan.
“I should’ve stayed home and put some more dishes in the dishwasher,” the woman says.
Breakfast dishes, no doubt.
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Sifting through the ashes of the Great Wine Warehouse Fire
The San Francisco Chronicle has published a riveting behind-the-scenes story on the big October 2005 wine warehouse fire that ruined $250 million worth of wine. The story is entitled Wine scandal leaves Sausalito with a bad taste. It’s chilling.
Note to self: Never store your wine in a warehouse run by an accused embezzler — even if he does go to Rotary and city council meetings.
Brrrr. I think I’ll go downstairs and check my cellar. Hold a few bottles close, just for a few minutes.
Uncorked has asked this question before, but after reading the Chronicle’s story, it begs asking again: What punishment best fits this crime?
Cheers!
Mark Fisher
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For this French winemaker, EVERY day is Memorial Day
Perhaps the best Memorial Day piece you’ll read today comes from Ann Boucher, owner of Serendipity Wine Shop in Columbus. It is entitled “Every day is Memorial Day for Pierre Ragon” … It’s about a French winemaker and his gratitude toward America (and Americans) for making his life and livelihood possible — and about how he found a way, decades later, to express that gratitude. And it’s highly worth your time on this holiday.
Think of this winemaker the next time someone tries to convince you you should,, for some political reason, boycott French wine.
Enjoy … remember … and cheers!
Mark Fisher
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Here’s what we’re drinking in the heartland of America
Yes, it’s a holiday weekend. Yes, we have a plethora of wine tastings from which to choose to guide us through said holiday weekend. An embarassment of riches, I proclaim. And it comes to us through the heroic efforts of a Dayton-based wine listserv, which compiles the tastings list. That makes me blessed. And once you see the list, you’ll see why we’re ALL blessed in our little corner of heaven that is Dayton, Ohio. Click on “continue reading,” sit back, and enjoy. Or, perhaps, be envious. Oh, and for tastings and events in the Cincinnati area, check out Michelle’s blog at My Wine Education. But of course, Dayton’s are better.
Thanks and cheers!
Mark Fisher
Jays Kitchen Door Friday, May 25, 2007 4-8 pm 2005 Chateau Ferry Lacombe Rose 2001 Merryvale Beckstoffer Merlot 2002 Poggio Antico Rosso 2003 Swanson Alexis 2004 Justin Isosceles
Saturday, May 26, 2007 1-6 pm NV Codorniu Rose 2004 Calera Mt Harlan Cuvee Pinot Noir 2001 Poggio Antico 1999 Opus One
Copper River Luncheon Saturday, June 2, 2007 $65 Coconut Shrimp served with Copper River Salmon Tartare with Sesame Won Ton Crackers and Spicy Aioli, Pinot Poached Copper River Salmon with Wild Mushroom Ravioli in a light Basil Sauce, Smoked Copper River Salmon Salad with Strawberries, Spinach, toasted Almonds and Poppy Seed Vinaigrette, Grilled Copper River Salmon with Yukon Gold Whipped Potatoes and Grilled Vegetables with a reduction of Cabernet and Roasted Garlic, Braised Apples, Pears and Blackberries in a Dark Rum Reduction with Frozen Yogurt
Crabfest Saturday, August 11, 2007 $65
Lobsterfest Saturday, September 22, 2007 $65
Arrow Wine & Spirits — Kettering Saturday, May 26, 2007 11-5 pm 2006 naked chardonnay 2005 aquinas pinot noir, napa valley 2003 masia carreras, grenache/carignan/tempranillo 2005 “the show” cabernet sauvignon 2006 naked gewurztraminer 2003 evans & tate classic red, shiraz/cab/merlot
Dorothy Lane School of Cooking Wednesday, June 6 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM $65.00 Belgian Brews & Pairings - Chef Jackson Rouse and Jerry Post Orval Trappist Ale paired with Crostini with Whipped Brandade, Piquillo Peppers, Crispy Bacon and Sea Salt Saison Dupont Belgian Farmhouse Ale paired with “Ceviche Mixto” Lemon and Coriander Pickled Shrimp with Red Onion, Avocado, Purple Potato, and Toasted Peruvian Corn Chimay Cinq Cents paired with Crispy Duck Breast, Pancetta, Caramelized Brussels Sprouts, Aged Goat Cheese, and Granny Smith Apple-Chimay Gastrique Westmalle Dubbel Trappist Ale paired with Grilled Flat-Iron Steak, Moroccan Cured Olives, sautéed Broccoli Rabe with Toasted Garlic and Anchovy Lindemans Pêche Lambic paired with Lambic-poached Peach Melba with Crispy Pistachio Phyllo and Vanilla Ice Cream.
DLM Oakwood Friday, May 25, 2007 5-8pm Robert Sinskey Abraxas 2005 Bleasdale Sparkling Shiraz NV Baileyana Edna Valley Pinot Noir 2005 JRE Petite Sirah 2005 Cain Cuvee NV Brown Bag
Saturday, May 26, 2007 1-6 pm La Caldora Pinot Grigio 2005 Saint Sifferen Chateauneuf-du-Pape Blanc 2006 Ribeauville Pinot Noir 2005 (Alsace) La Cote Blanche Sancerre Red (Loire) Peregrine Pinot Noir 2003 (New Zealand) The Prisoner 2005 Bonus Bottles!
Beers: Blue Moon Honey Moon, Beach Bum Blond, Breckenridge Summerbrite, Southern Tier Hop Sun
DLM Washington Square Thursday, May 24, 2007 5-8 pm 2006 Chateau Saint Siffrein Chateauneuf du Pape Blanc 2005 Eric Louis Sancerre Rouge 2003 Le Fonti Chianti Classico Riserva 2005 Montoya Cabernet Sauvignon 2003 Chateau d’Estau Haut-Medoc Mystery wine!
Saturday, May 26, 2007 12-5 pm Fifi’s “Chillin’ and Grillin’” Tasting 2005 Tangent Edna Valley Sauvignon Blanc 2006 Curran Grenache Blanc 2005 Rosenblum San Francisco Bay Zinfandel 2004 Hendry Primitivo 2004 Vinum Cellars “The Scrapper” Cabernet Franc 2004 Red Mud Petit Verdot Mystery Wine!
Dorothy Lane Springboro Friday, May 25, 2007 3-7pm 04 Fiddlehead Sauvignon Blanc 04 Palmeri Syrah 03 Palmeri Cab/Syrah 03 Whitehall Lane Cabernet
Saturday, May 26, 2007 12-5 pm 06 Edmunds St. John Bone-Jolly 03 Esterlina Pinot Noir 03 Veraison Merlot 03 Simi Landslide Cabernet
Cuvee Wine Bar and Cellar, 4457 State Route 725 Bellbrook Tuesday - Thursday 11:30 - 7 pm Friday and Saturday 11:30 - 8 pm www.cuveewinebar.net Wine Tasting Menu Friday, May 25 -Thursday, May 31, 2007 Brancott 2006 Sauvignon Blanc Peltier Station 2006 Viognier William Fevre 2005 Chablis Ribeauville 2004 Pinot Noir Villa Giada Barbera d’Asti Coniglio 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon
Beer: Harpoon Brewery IPA
Arrow Centerville 615 Lyons Rd Saturday, May 26, 2007 11 am - 5 pm 2005 Mallee Sands Chardonnay… 2005 Rendezvous Rosé… 2005 Loring Wine Co. Pinot Noir… 2003 Delectus Syrah… 2003 Destino Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon…
Saturday, June 2, 2007 11 am - 5pm Beringer Blass World Wide Portfolio. Wines include: Beringer (Napa Valley), Chateau St. Jean (Sonoma), Chateau Souverain (Sonoma), Etude (Napa Valley and Carneros), Cellar No. 8 (California), Taz Vineyard (California), Wolf Blass (Australia), Greg Norman Estates (Australia), Annie’s Lane (Australia), Black Opal (Australia), Castello Di Gabbiano (Italy). Winery Reps will be on hand to pour and discuss 20-25 wines.
Trader Joe’s, Town & Country at Stroop and Far Hills Tastings Thursday 6-8 and Sunday 4-7. Blazon de Bourgogne Rosé Brut (NV) AOC Cremant de Bourgogne, France. Trader Joe’s Coastal Fumé Blanc (2005) AVA Central Coast, California. Aquila d’Oro (2004) DOCG Chianti, Italy. Plus Canadian Sharp Cheddar!
Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar (at The Greene ) 937-320-9548 Wine Wednesdays from 5pm to 7pm in the bar. There will be four different two ounce tastes every week and will provide different appetizers through out the night to pair with these wines. Features for Wednesday May 30, 2007 5pm to 7pm WATTLE CREEK Sauvignon Blanc Mendocino County, 2004 FIDDLeHEAD Pinot Noir Santa Ynez Valley Lollapalooza Fiddlestix, 2002 LUIGI COPPO Barbera d’Asti Camp du Rouss Italy, 2003 JUSTIN Cabernet Sauvignon Paso Robles, 2004
Little Sonoma, 6078 West Chester Road, West Chester, OH 45069. 513-942-9463. Located two blocks north of Union Centre Blvd. at the corner of Muhlhauser and West Chester Roads www.LittleSonomaWines.com Friday, May 25, 5-7:30 pm Casual Tasting Great Whites and Rockin’ Reds
Saturday, May 26, 3-6 pm Warm Weather Whites
La Petite France 3177 Glendate-Milford Road Cincinnati, Ohio www.lapetitefrance.biz Call 513-733-8383
The restaurant presents a “Taste of France” featuring gourmet specialties from seven different regions of France on the last Friday of each month, they will offer a special three course dinner from the Alsace, Bordeaux, Brittany, Dijon, Normandy, Provence, and Toulouse regions of France. The May 25, 2007 dinner includes - Kir, Tarte a l’oignon, Canard (duck) a l’orange and Crepe aux chocolat with creme Anglaise and mixed berries. Reservations are required
The Winery at Versailles (937) 526-3232 www.wineryatversailles.com “Pasta Night” Wine Tasting on May 25th, from 7 to 9 p.m
Wine tasting to benefit the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society will be on Thursday, May 31st from 5:00- 8:00 p.m. at Packy’s (Hope Hotel). The cost for a ticket is $25.00. Tickets are purchased the night of the event. Hope Hotel is not on base. At Gate 12A, you make an immediate right so you do not approach the guard shack.
Kinkead Ridge Winery re-opens for the summer season on Saturday May 26 and Monday May 28, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Kinkead Ridge Winery 904 Hamburg Street Ripley OH 45167 937-392-6077 www.KinkeadRidge.com VINEYARD TOUR, May 26 and May 28 SUMMER HOURS Saturday from Memorial Day through mid-September, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
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A behind-the-scenes glimpse into how Ohio legislators want to change wine laws
For the purposes of discussion, I’ve posted a copy of proposed legislation that would greatly affect Ohio wine drinkers and even more profoundly affect Ohio wineries. A caveat, though: I do not know whether this proposal has been introduced as of yet, whether it is envisioned as a possible amendment to the state’s budget bill, whether it is envisioned as a separate bill, or whether it has already been modified through legislative negotiations. Perhaps others can guide us on that. But it certainly contains some rather interesting proposals.
Here’s a synopsis of the bill, included within the proposal:
Creates the S liquor permit and authorizes the permit to be issued to certain manufacturers and distributors of wine inside and outside of Ohio, establishes a $50 permit fee, allows the holder of an S permit to ship wine directly to personal consumers in accordance with specified procedures and requirements, defines “personal consumer,” and applies current statutes that impose a state tax on the sale and distribution of wine to S permit holders; creates the B-2a liquor permit and authorizes the permit to be issued to a wholesale wine distributor to manufacture wine, import and purchase wine in bond for blending purposes not to exceed 40% of all the wine manufactured and imported, manufacture, purchase, and import brandy for fortifying purposes, and sell wine and wine products to retail permit holders if the B-2a permit holder produces less than 150,000 gallons of wine and wine products per year, establishes a $50 permit fee, and specifies that the statute establishing restrictions on manufacturers and wholesale distributors of beer and intoxicating liquor does not prevent a manufacturer of beer or intoxicating liquor from securing and hold a B-2a liquor permit or permits and operating as a wholesale distributor; eliminates existing authority for A-2 liquor permit holders (wine manufacturers) to sell wine and wine products for home use and to retail permit holders, allows A-2 liquor permit holders to sell wine and wine products in sealed containers for consumption off the premises where manufactured; and prohibits a family household from purchasing more than 24 cases of nine-liter bottles of wine annually, but does not define “family household.”
Click on “continue reading” to view the full language of the proposal, and my apologies for the bad paragraph/end-of-line breaks.
Is this the current version of what is being considered by our legislators? Why the language allowing wholesalers to manufacture their own wine? And what the heck is the prohibition against “family households” from buying more than 24 cases of wine annually?
Let’s drag this out into the light of day and fully explore some of these issues, shall we?
Cheers!
Mark Fisher
“Sec. 4301.24. Except as provided in section 4301.242 of the Revised Code, no manufacturer shall aid or assist the holder of any permit for sale at wholesale, and no manufacturer or wholesale distributor shall aid or assist the holder of any permit for sale at retail, by gift or loan of any money or property of any description or other valuable thing, or by giving premiums or rebates. Except as provided in section 4301.242 of the Revised Code, no holder of any such permit shall accept the same, provided that the manufacturer or wholesale distributor may furnish to a retail permittee the inside signs or advertising and the tap signs or devices authorized by divisions (E) and (F) of section 4301.22 of the Revised Code. 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 No manufacturer shall have any financial interest, directly or indirectly, by stock ownership, or through interlocking directors in a corporation, or otherwise, in the establishment, 18 19 20 maintenance, or promotion in the business of any wholesale distributor. No retail permit holder shall have any interest, directly or indirectly, in the operation of, or any ownership in, the business of any wholesale distributor or manufacturer. 21 22 23 24 No manufacturer shall, except as authorized by section 4303.021 of the Revised Code, have any financial interest, directly or indirectly, by stock ownership, or through interlocking directors in a corporation, or otherwise, in the establishment, maintenance, or promotion of the business of any retail dealer. No wholesale distributor or employee of a wholesale distributor shall have any financial interest, directly or indirectly, by stock ownership, interlocking directors in a corporation, or otherwise, in the establishment, maintenance, or promotion of the business of any retail dealer. No manufacturer or wholesale distributor or any stockholder of a manufacturer or wholesale distributor shall acquire, by ownership in fee, leasehold, mortgage, or otherwise, directly or indirectly, any interest in the premises on which the business of any other person engaged in the business of trafficking in beer or intoxicating liquor is conducted. All contracts, covenants, conditions, and limitations whereby any person engaged or proposing to engage in the sale of beer or intoxicating liquors promises to confine the person’s sales of a particular kind or quality of beer or intoxicating liquor to one or more products, or the products of a specified manufacturer or wholesale distributor, or to give preference to those products, shall to the extent of that promise be void. The making of a promise in any such form shall be cause for the revocation or suspension of any permit issued to any party. This section does not prevent the holder of an A permit from securing and holding a wholesale distributor’s permit or permits and operating as a wholesale distributor. 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 127HB119-SC1416 Page 2 No manufacturer shall sell or offer to sell to any wholesale distributor or retail permit holder, no wholesale distributor shall sell or offer to sell to any retail permit holder, and no wholesale distributor or retail permit holder shall purchase or receive from any manufacturer or wholesale distributor, any beer, brewed beverages, or wine manufactured in the United States except for cash. No right of action shall exist to collect any claims for credit extended contrary to this section. This section does not prohibit a licensee from crediting to a purchaser the actual prices charged for packages or containers returned by the original purchaser as a credit on any sale or from refunding to any purchaser the amount paid by that purchaser for containers or as a deposit on containers when title is retained by the vendor, if those containers or packages have been returned to the manufacturer or distributor. This section does not prohibit a manufacturer from extending usual and customary credit for beer, brewed beverages, or wine manufactured in the United States and sold to customers who live or maintain places of business outside this state when the beverages so sold are actually transported and delivered to points outside this state. No wholesale or retail permit shall be issued to an applicant unless the applicant has paid in full all accounts for beer or wine, manufactured in the United States, outstanding as of September 6, 1939. No beer or wine manufactured in the United States shall be imported into the state unless the beer or wine has been paid for in cash, and no supplier registration for any such beer or wine manufactured in the United States shall be issued by the division of liquor control until the A-2, B-1, or B-5 permit holder establishes to the satisfaction of the division that the beer or wine has been paid for in cash. 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 75 76 77 78 79 80 81 This section does not prevent a manufacturer from securing and holding any financial interest, directly or indirectly, by 82 83 127HB119-SC1416 Page 3 stock ownership or through interlocking directors in a corporation, or otherwise, in the establishment, maintenance, or promotion of the business or premises of any C or D permit holder, provided that the following conditions are met: 84 85 86 87 (A) Either the manufacturer or one of its parent companies is listed on a national securities exchange. 88 89 (B) All purchases of alcoholic beverages by the C or D permit holder are made from wholesale distributors in this state or agency stores licensed by the division of liquor control. 90 91 92 (C) If the C or D permit holder sells brands of alcoholic beverages that are produced or distributed by the manufacturer that holds the financial interest, the C or D permit holder also sells other competing brands of alcoholic beverages produced by other manufacturers, no preference is given to the products of the manufacturer, and there is no exclusion, in whole or in part, of products sold or offered for sale by other manufacturers, suppliers, or importers of alcoholic beverages that constitutes a substantial impairment of commerce. 93 94 95 96 97 98 99 100 101 (D) The primary purpose of the C or D permit premises is a purpose other than to sell alcoholic beverages, and the sale of other goods and services exceeds fifty per cent of the total gross receipts of the C or D permit holder at its premises. 102 103 104 105 This section does not prevent a manufacturer from giving financial assistance to the holder of a B permit for the purpose of the holder purchasing an ownership interest in the business, existing inventory and equipment, or property of another B permit holder, including, but not limited to, participation in a limited liability partnership, limited liability company, or any other legal entity authorized to do business in this state. This section does not permit a manufacturer to give financial assistance to the holder of a B permit to purchase inventory or equipment used in 106 107 108 109 110 111 112 113 114 127HB119-SC1416 Page 4 the daily operation of a B permit holder. 115 This section does not prevent a manufacturer from securing and holding a B-2a permit or permits and operating as a wholesale distributor.” 116 117 118 Between lines 30612 and 30613, insert: 119 “Sec. 4303.03. Permit A-2 may be issued to a manufacturer to manufacture wine from grapes or other fruits; to import and purchase wine in bond for blending purposes, the total amount of wine so imported during the year covered by the permit not to exceed forty per cent of all the wine manufactured and imported; to manufacture, purchase, and import brandy for fortifying purposes; and to sell those products either in glass or container for consumption on the premises where manufactured, for home use, in sealed containers for consumption off the premises where manufactured, and to retail and wholesale permit holders under the rules adopted by the division of liquor control. 120 121 122 123 124 125 126 127 128 129 130 The fee for this permit is one hundred twenty-six dollars for each plant to which this permit is issued. 131 132 Sec. 4303.071. Permit B-2a may be issued to a wholesale distributor of wine to manufacture wine from grapes or other fruits; to import and purchase wine in bond for blending purposes, the total amount of wine so imported during the year covered by the permit not to exceed forty per cent of all the wine manufactured and imported; to manufacture, purchase, and import brandy for fortifying purposes; and to sell wine and wine products to retail permit holders under the rules adopted by the division of liquor control, but only if the B-2a permit holder produces less than one hundred fifty thousand gallons of wine and wine products per year and is eligible for the tax credit described in 133 134 135 136 137 138 139 140 141 142 143 127HB119-SC1416 Page 5 27 C.F.R. 24.278 (d)(1). Permit B-2a authorizes a wholesale distributor to sell only wine and wine products that the wholesale distributor has manufactured to retail permit holders. The fee for this permit is fifty dollars for each plant during the year covered by the permit. 144 145 146 147 148 Sec. 4303.232. (A)(1) Except as provided in division (A)(2) of this section, permit S may be issued to a person that manufactures wine, is the brand owner or United States importer of wine, or is the designated agent of a brand owner or importer for all wine sold in this state for that owner or importer. If the person resides outside this state, the person shall comply with the requirements governing the issuance of licenses or permits that authorize the sale of intoxicating liquor by the appropriate authority of the state in which the person resides or by the bureau of alcohol, tobacco, firearms, and explosives in the United States department of justice. 149 150 151 152 153 154 155 156 157 158 159 (2) An S permit shall not be issued to a manufacturer of wine that is not entitled to a tax credit under 27 C.F.R. 24.278 and that produces one hundred fifty thousand gallons or more of wine per year. 160 161 162 163 (3) The fee for the S permit is fifty dollars. 164 (4) The holder of an S permit may sell wine to a personal consumer by receiving and filling orders that the personal consumer submits to the permit holder. The permit holder shall sell only wine that the permit holder has manufactured to a personal consumer. 165 166 167 168 169 (5) The holder of an S permit shall renew the permit in accordance with section 4303.271 of the Revised Code, except that the renewal shall not be subject to the notice and hearing requirements established in division (B) of that section. 170 171 172 173 127HB119-SC1416 Page 6 (6) The division of liquor control may refuse to renew an S permit for any of the reasons specified in section 4303.292 of the Revised Code or if the holder of the permit fails to do any of the following: 174 175 176 177 (a) Collect and pay all applicable taxes specified in division (B) of this section; 178 179 (b) Pay the permit fee; 180 (c) Comply with this section or any rules adopted by the liquor control commission under section 4301.03 of the Revised Code. 181 182 183 (B) The holder of an S permit shall collect and pay all applicable taxes relating to the delivery of wine to a personal consumer, including, but not limited to, taxes levied under section 4301.43 and Chapters 5739. and 5741. of the Revised Code. 184 185 186 187 (C)(1) The holder of an S permit shall send a shipment of wine that has been paid for by a personal consumer to that personal consumer via the holder of an H permit. Prior to sending a shipment of wine to a personal consumer, the holder of an S permit, or an employee of the permit holder, shall make a bona fide effort to ensure that the personal consumer is at least twenty-one years of age. The shipment of wine shall be shipped in a package that clearly has written on it in bold print the words “wine enclosed.” No person shall fail to comply with division (C)(1) of this section. 188 189 190 191 192 193 194 195 196 197 (2) Upon delivering a shipment of wine to a personal consumer, the holder of the H permit, or an employee of the permit holder, shall verify that the personal consumer is at least twenty-one years of age by checking the personal consumer’s driver’s or commercial driver’s license or identification card issued under sections 4507.50 to 4507.52 of the Revised Code. 198 199 200 201 202 203 127HB119-SC1416 Page 7 (3) The holder of an S permit shall keep a record of each shipment of wine that the permit holder sends to a personal consumer. The records shall be used for all of the following: 204 205 206 (a) To provide a copy of each wine shipment invoice to the tax commissioner in a manner prescribed by the commissioner. The invoice shall include the name of each personal consumer that purchased wine from the S permit holder in accordance with this section and any other information required by the tax commissioner. 207 208 209 210 211 212 (b) To provide annually in electronic format by electronic means a report to the division. The report shall include the name and address of each personal consumer that purchased wine from the S permit holder in accordance with this section, the quantity of wine purchased by each personal consumer, and any other information requested by the division. The division shall prescribe and provide an electronic form for the report and shall determine the specific electronic means that the S permit holder must use to submit the report. 213 214 215 216 217 218 219 220 221 (c) To notify a personal consumer of any health or welfare recalls of the wine that has been purchased by the personal consumer. 222 223 224 (D) As used in this section, “personal consumer” means an individual who is at least twenty-one years of age, is a resident of this state, does not hold a permit issued under this chapter, and intends to use wine purchased in accordance with this section for personal consumption only and not for resale or other commercial purposes. 225 226 227 228 229 230 Sec. 4303.233. No family household shall purchase more than twenty-four cases of nine-liter bottles of wine in one year.” 231 232 In line 50142, after “4141.09,” insert “4301.24,”; after 233 127HB119-SC1416 Page 8 “4301.43,” insert “4303.03,” 234 In line 41 of the title, after “4141.09,” insert “4301.24,”; after “4301.43,” insert “4303.03,” 235 236 In line 97 of the title, after “3701.135,” insert “4303.071, 4303.232, 4303.233,” 237 238 The motion was __ agreed to. SYNOPSIS Sale of Beer and Wine 239 R.C. 4301.24, 4303.03, 4303.071, 4303.232, and 4303.233 240 Creates the S liquor permit and authorizes the permit to be issued to certain manufacturers and distributors of wine inside and outside of Ohio, establishes a $50 permit fee, allows the holder of an S permit to ship wine directly to personal consumers in accordance with specified procedures and requirements, defines “personal consumer,” and applies current statutes that impose a state tax on the sale and distribution of wine to S permit holders; creates the B-2a liquor permit and authorizes the permit to be issued to a wholesale wine distributor to manufacture wine, import and purchase wine in bond for blending purposes not to exceed 40% of all the wine manufactured and imported, manufacture, purchase, and import brandy for fortifying purposes, and sell wine and wine products to retail permit holders if the B-2a permit holder produces less than 150,000 gallons of wine and wine products per year, establishes a $50 permit fee, and specifies that the statute establishing restrictions on manufacturers and wholesale distributors of beer and intoxicating liquor does not prevent a manufacturer of beer or intoxicating liquor from 241 242 243 244 245 246 247 248 249 250 251 252 253 254 255 256 257 258 127HB119-SC1416 Page 9 securing and hold a B-2a liquor permit or permits and operating as a wholesale distributor; eliminates existing authority for A-2 liquor permit holders (wine manufacturers) to sell wine and wine products for home use and to retail permit holders, allows A-2 liquor permit holders to sell wine and wine products in sealed containers for consumption off the premises where manufactured; and prohibits a family household from purchasing more than 24 cases of nine-liter bottles of wine annually, but does not define “family household.” 259 260 261 262 263 264 265 266 267 127HB119-SC1416 Page 10
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TODAY’S NEWS: The best wine-related story on the web
The cream of today’s crop of wine stories on the web comes from Eric Asimov, author of the New York Times wine blog entitled The Pour. Today’s installment is headlined The Vineyard, the Barrel and Full Disclosure, and besides being a great read, the piece quotes at length Jim Gordon, the Miami Valley native who heads up Wines & Vines magazine. Asimov’s piece does the best job of explaining oak influences in wine as any I’ve read. See if you agree.
And, by the way, I’m still looking for information on the super-secret stealth event known as “Festival of the Vines” to be held at The Fraze next month …
Thanks and cheers!
Mark Fisher
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The mystery and intrigue of next month’s super-secret VineFest
First, thank YOU for all of the comments on Sunday’s Fleurs de Fete. I directed some of your questions about single-tent gridlock to Fleurs organizers, and you can see their response here.
Now, we turn our attention forward, starting with the National City Ohio Wine Fest to be held June 1-2 at the Second Street Market in good ol’ downtown Dayton.
But there’s another local wine festival approaching fast, and it’s a mystery wrapped in an enigma.
My Fraze Pavilion program lists a “Festival of the Vine: Fine Wine and Cool Jazz” event from 2 p.m. to 11 p.m. Sunday, June 24. “Sample wines from all over the world,” the program says, invitingly. “Germany, Italy, Spain, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa, as well as U.S. wineries from California, Ohio and Washington State!”
Am I, like, the last person on earth who hasn’t heard of this event? Can anybody tell me more about it?
Click on “Continue reading” for a recap of the Fleurs — including some comments about the wines and the auction bidding.
Cheers!
Mark Fisher
Here’s a draft version of a wine column scheduled to run in Friday’s Dayton Daily News — but because you’re special, you get the “exclusive” …. Your thoughts?
Sunday’s Fleurs de Fete attracted near-record crowds of more than 1,500 well-fed — if occasionally cramped — attendees.
Oh yeah, there were plenty of wines there, too.
The Dayton area’s premier wine-and-food event was a smashing success for the charity organization that benefits: the Wellness Connection of the Dayton Region, formerly the Dayton Area Heart and Cancer Association. Advance ticket sales (at $50) were brisk, but walk-ups who paid $60 also helped swell the ranks — and the charity’s ledgers. A gorgeous spring afternoon that defied weather forecasts helped bring out a crowd of last-minute deciders who made trip to Carillon Park. And the live auction spurred spirited — make that very spirited — bidding, to occasionally stratospheric heights.
The Fleurs de Fete attracted a record 26 restaurants this year, and collectively, they delivered. Many restaurant owners rightfully view the festival as a chance to impress potential customers, and they came from as far away as Sidney to do just that.
Among the highlights: TomKatz in Springboro put out quite a spread — multiple selections that could have been a small meal unto itself, while they lasted (and the restaurant brought 1,750 servings): Baby Octopus Salad, Crispy Chorizo Sausage Mezzaluna, Lobster Empanada, Smoked Mussel and Serrano Ham Fritters, Gazpacho, and Lemon Artichokes and Olives.
From Sidney, Toone P. Wiggins provided Mini Crabcakes with Mustard Aioli that generated some raves, as did the sliced beef tenderloin in a creamy sauce flavored with goat cheese and bacon offered up by Carver’s, in Washington Twp. Bahn Mai Thai Cafe in Washington Twp. cleansed some palates with Panang curry shrimp and mango salad, while the Peerless Mill in Miamisburg helped attendees put down a good base for wine-tasting with Portobello-stuffed ravioli with creamy crab alfredo sauce. And there were 21 more selections.
The wines were interesting and varied. As the afternoon sun heated things up inside the large tent, the German rieslings started tasting better. The 2005 vintage in Germany speaks to my soul — or at least it did on this particular Sunday afternoon, from producers such as Richter to Zilliken to Monchhof to Bert Simon. Among the many impressive reds was one of Ohio’s very own, the 2004 Kinkead Ridge Cabernet Sauvignon, poured by the winery’s owners, Ron Barrett and Nancy Bentley.
Here’s what Bentley had to say to Uncorked, the wine web page on our very own DaytonDailyNews.com: “This is the first time we poured at the Fleur. I thought the venue, food and music (and weather) were wonderful. The wine selection was impressive, whether you’re into the sweetest Riesling or heavy reds. … I thought everything went off flawlessly. Clearly the guests were having a happy experience. Great value for the admission price.”
Many of the patrons agreed. First-time Fleurs de Fete attendee Lisa told Uncorked that the festival was “an awesome chance to try some great wines and help a local charity. The food was spectacular and worth at the admission price alone. I definitely would attend this event again.”
Still, the event shows signs of becoming a victim of its own success. Uncorked reader Bruce said, “… the large crowd was horrible, especially for the first hour. It was a claustrophobic atmosphere, and I was uncomfortable being bumped into and pushed around. … I was frustrated by the difficulty in locating the food and wines that I wanted to try. Finding a particular wine or winery was like looking for a needle in a haystack. …
“As the crowd inside the tent thinned out at around 3 p.m. or so, I was able to move about freely. Much good food and wine remained to enjoy, although most of the high end wines were long gone. The Fleurs de Fete is a wonderful event, but it has become so large that it is not as enjoyable as the days when the event was smaller … Perhaps the organizers might want to consider a second tent … .”
I posed that question to Lynda Weide, vice president at the Wellness Connection, who said the existing large tent with the tables and chairs represent the festival¹s single largest expense, of more than $10,000. A second tent would certainly add to the expense. But Weide said organizers will consider all options for next year.
For an event that turned sweet 16 this year, the Fleurs de Fete continues to grow and prosper, and despite the occasional inconveniences, it continues to be a very fine way to spend a Sunday afternoon in May.
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Rating the sun-baked Fleurs de Fete
So, what did you think, overall?
Did you find any wines that you liked?
What was your favorite food (see below)?
You first.
For a roundup of the food that was served at the Fleurs, click on “Continue reading” …
Cheers!
Mark Fisher
The food was once again a high point at the Fleurs de Fete. Obviously, many restaurant owners view the festival, rightfully so, as a chance to impress prospective patrons. And they came from as far away as Sidney to do it. And remember: these restaurants donate all of the food and the labor to make this happen. For some, Sundays are their only days off. Not Fleurs Sunday. They worked. They deserve our gratitude.
My top research associate — with whom I share a bed and a last name — visited a strong majority of the food booths at the Fleurs de Fete as part of the exhaustive work of being married to, well, me. Here’s which restaurants were there, and what they were serving (and if I left anybody out or got anything wrong, please post a comment to correct me!):
TomKatz: These folks put out quite a spread — a small meal unto itself, while it lasted. Baby octupus salad, a chorizo sausage wrapped in wonton, lobster empenada with lime aioli, gazpacho, a smoked mussel — all new dishes just for the Fleurs.
Toone P. Wiggins: Mini crabcakes with mustard aioli
Carver’s: Sliced beef tenderloin with a creamy sauce flavored with goat cheese and bacon
Peerless Mill: Portobello-stuffed ravioli with crab alfredo sauce
Jerardi’s Little Store: Homemade Italian Sausage with orzo
Pacchia: Smoked salmon cream puff, chocolate hazelnut torte
Sips Cafe and Bar: pulled pork with barbecue sauce, and dessert samples that included german chocolate, carrot cake and brownies.
Mamma DiSalvo’s: Baked Ziti
Wellington Grille: Tropical Seafood Ceviche, Almond honey chocolate fondue
Sharkey’s: Chicken Cilantro Wrap
Oasis Cafe: Chicken salad, broccoli salad, potato salad
Villa di Giovanni: Bowtie pasta with sausage and mushrooms; penne pasta with ham, peas and mushrooms
Bahn Mai Thai: Panang curry shrimp, mango salad
Thai 9: Shitake mushroom tempura and calamari tempura
Oakwood Club: Grilled salmon, mussels
Dublin Pub: Beef Stew
Benham’s: Bruschetta Bar including Mushroom Tapenade, Tomato Caper Bruschetta, Hot Artichoke Dip, Chicken, Spinach, and Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto, and Toasted Baguette Slices
Dewey’s Pizza: Greek-style pizza with black olives and Feta
Nothing but Noodles: Greek Salad
Encore Bistro and Bar: Chicken and andouille sausage
Caffe Anticoli: Creamy Garlic House Salad
Dorothy Lane Market: Killer Brownies and crusty bread
Looking for a little help for the following:
5th Street Deli
Central Perc
Chef’s Touch Catering
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Gearing up for the Fleurs
Okay, I bought my tickets this afternoon. How ‘bout you? Remember, you can log onto Uncorked Sunday night or Monday morning to let us know what you thought of the event, or suggest improvements …
The weather folks are mentioning the possibility of rain, but they’re talking about the “widely scattered” variety, mainly in the late afternoon. My prediction: not a single drop will fall at Carillon Park from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. Not a single drop.
Rumor has it that Eric Jerardi’s 6-liter bottle of Bordeaux that mysteriously disappeared from last year’s Fleurs de Fete, then just as mysteriously reappeared in Eric’s store, may make an encore appearance at this year’s festival. Talk about a bottle that escaped a near-death experience!
See you Sunday, and cheers!
Mark Fisher
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How full is thy weekend? Let me count the ways …
A full slate of weekend wine tastings AND the Fleurs de Fete on Sunday? Ay, Carumba!
Those of you planning to attend the Fleurs de Fete: Log onto Uncorked Sunday night or Monday morning and give us your opinion of the event. How were the wines? Which restaurant brought your favorite food?
Click on “Continue reading” to view the list of wine tastings and events, which is heroically compiled by a Dayton-based wine listserv. For tastings and events in the Cincinnati area, check out Michelle’s blog at My Wine Education.
Enjoy, and cheers!
Mark Fisher
Fleurs de Fete, Sunday, May 20th from 1-4pm at the Carillon Historical Park will feature over 300 wines and food samples from Dayton’s finest restaurants with the proceeds benefiting the Wellness Connection of the Dayton Region.
Jay’s Kitchen Door Friday, May 18, 2007 4-8 pm 2006 Angoves Nine Vines Rose 2003 Chalone Syrah 2003 Marchesi Frescobaldi Nipozzano 2000 Chateau Maucaillou (Moulis Medoc) 2003 Chateau Fontenil
Saturday, May 19, 2007 1-6 pm 2005 Cinnabar Monterey Chardonnay 2004 Etude Pinot Noir Carneros 2003 Chalone Syrah 2003 Franciscan Magnificant
Copper River Luncheon Saturday, June 2, 2007 $65 Coconut Shrimp served with Copper River Salmon Tartare with Sesame Won Ton Crackers and Spicy Aioli, Pinot Poached Copper River Salmon with Wild Mushroom Ravioli in a light Basil Sauce, Smoked Copper River Salmon Salad with Strawberries, Spinach, toasted Almonds and Poppy Seed Vinaigrette, Grilled Copper River Salmon with Yukon Gold Whipped Potatoes and Grilled Vegetables with a reduction of Cabernet and Roasted Garlic, Braised Apples, Pears and Blackberries in a Dark Rum Reduction with Frozen Yogurt
Crabfest Saturday, August 11, 2007 $65
Lobsterfest Saturday, September 22, 2007 $65
Arrow - Kettering Saturday, May 19, 2007 11-5 pm 2005 foley, pinot noir, rancho santa rosa 2005 jaffurs, viognier, santa barbara 2003 jaffurs syrah, santa ynez, larner vineyard 2004 domaine de la royere, cotes du luberon, l’oppidum 2004 chateau ste. michelle, cabernet sauvignon, indian wells 2005 bon anno, sauvignon blanc, lake county
Dorothy Lane Market (DLM) The Chemistry of Food and Wine Class Wednesday, May 23 6-9 p.m. $65.00 Matt Citriglia, Master Sommelier
DLM Oakwood Friday, May 18, 2007 5-8pm Jacob Creek Shiraz Rose 2006 Tangent Sauvignon Blanc 2005 Directors Cut Dry Creek Zinfandel 2005 Miller Syrah 2004 Brown Bag
Saturday, May 19, 2007 1-6 pm Domaine Guidon Muscadet 2005 La Noblie Chardonnay 2005 Belle Vallee Pinot Noir 2005 Foley Charbono 2005 Tandem Sangiovese 2002 Destino Napa Cabernet 2001 Bonus Bottles!
Beers: Plank Hefeweizen Bear Republic Hop Rod Rye
DLM Washington Square Thursday, May 17, 2007 5-8 pm 2005 Vinum Cellars CNW Chenin Blanc 2005 Belle Vallee Pinot Noir 2005 Xavier Besson Givry 1er Cru le Petit Pretan 2004 Ciacci Piccolomini Toscana Rosso 2005 Mad Dogs & Englishmen Mystery wine!
Saturday, May 19, 2007 12-5 pm “Treasures from Napa” 2006 Hendry Rose 2005 Volker Eisele Gemini 2002 Havens Merlot 2005 Lang & Reed Cabernet Franc 2003 Volker Eisele Terzetto Mystery Wine!
Dorothy Lane Springboro Friday, May 18, 2007 3-7pm 05 Barnett Chardonnay 05 Santa Barbera Pinot Noir 05 Argyle Pinot Noir 05 Talley Pinot Noir
Saturday, May 19, 2007 12-5 pm 05 Darioush Chardonnay 05 Z-D Res. Pinot Noir 04 ABC “Isabelle Morgan” Pinot Noir 05 Beaux Freres Pinot Noir
Cuvee Wine Bar and Cellar, 4457 State Route 725 Bellbrook Tuesday - Thursday 11:30 - 7 pm Friday and Saturday 11:30 - 8 pm www.cuveewinebar.net Wine Tasting Menu Friday, May 18 -Thursday, May 17, 2007 Ca Montini 2004 Pinot Grigio Catalina Sounds 2006 Sauvignon Blanc Gianluca Viberti 2004 Chardonnay Protocolo 2004 Tempranillo La Fond 2005 Pinot Noir Enzo Boglietti 2005 Dolcetto d’Alba
Beer: Pyramid Brewery Curveball Kölsch
Saturday Snacks: Duck Confit Provencale Sandwich, Pate Maison
Arrow Centerville 615 Lyons Rd Saturday, May 19, 2007 11 am - 5 pm 2005 Leone Rosso Toscana… 2004 Toad Hollow Zinfandel Cacophony… 2005 Steltzner Napa Valley Claret… 2004 Red Mud Cabernet Sauvignon… 2005 Castello di Montespertoli… 2006 Montaribaldi Moscato d’Asti
Trader Joe’s, Town & Country at Stroop and Far Hills Tastings Thursday 6-8 and Sunday 4-7. Woodsman White Cserszegi Fuszeres (2005) Neszmely, Hungary — Cserszegi Fuszeres is a spicy Gewurztraminer hybrid. Familia Sanchez Tempranillo-Syrah (2005) DO Valencia, Spain. Pont du Rhone Prestige (2005) AOC Cotes du Rhone, France.
Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar ( at The Greene ) 937-320-9548 Wine Wednesdays from 5pm to 7pm in the bar. There will be four different two ounce tastes every week and will provide different appetizers through out the night to pair with these wines. Features for Wednesday May 23, 2007 5pm to 7pm D’ARENBERG Viognier-Marsanne McLaren Vale The Hermit Crab Australia, 2005 CUVAISON Chardonnay Carneros, 2005 SCHILD Shiraz Barossa Australia, 2005 SWANSON Alexis Napa Valley, 2003
Villa di Giovanni’s Wine Tasting! Wednesday, May 23, 2007, 1100 E. Dayton Yellow Springs Rd. 5-7 p.m. Bookwalther NV #21 Montepuliciano D’ Abruzzo Miracoli 2000 Mezzo Giorno Insolia Chardonnay Chianti Colli Sensi Vitae Nero D’ Avola mezzo Giorno
Little Sonoma, 6078 West Chester Road, West Chester, OH 45069. 513-942-9463. Located two blocks north of Union Centre Blvd. at the corner of Muhlhauser and West Chester Roads www.LittleSonomaWines.com Friday, May 18th, 7 pm - Wine Trends FAVE Five (no six!), reservations recommended.
Saturday, May 19, 3-6 pm ~ Little Sonoma New Finds!
— Just a note that the Buckhorn Tavern will be doing wine tastings occasionally. The first tasting was last night at 6:30 pm.
La Petite France 3177 Glendate-Milford Road Cincinnati, Ohio www.lapetitefrance.biz Call 513-733-8383
Awesome Australian Wine and French Dinner Tasting Friday, May 18, 2007 at 6:30 pm $60 per person
The restaurant presents a “Taste of France” featuring gourmet specialties from seven different regions of France on the last Friday of each month, they will offer a special three course dinner from the Alsace, Bordeaux, Brittany, Dijon, Normandy, Provence, and Toulouse regions of France. The May 25, 2007 dinner includes - Kir, Tarte a l’oignon, Canard (duck) a l’orange and Crepe aux chocolat with creme Anglaise and mixed berries. Reservations are required
The Winery at Versailles (937) 526-3232 www.wineryatversailles.com May 19 Steak Fry including steak, a buffet, dessert, coffee and a bottle of wine from selected list. Reservations required.
“Pasta Night” Wine Tasting on May 25th, from 7 to 9 p.m
Wine Tasting at the Dayton Philharmonic Show House by Sip’s Cafe Thursday May 17 - 6:00 - 7:30 www.dpva.org You must purchase a show house ticket - wine tasting is a $3.00 donation. Parking is at Sugar Camp on W Schantz Avenue. Free shuttles will run all evening. www.dpva.org
Wine tasting to benefit the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society will be on Thursday, May 31st from 5:00- 8:00 p.m. at Packy’s (Hope Hotel). The cost for a ticket is $25.00. Tickets are purchased the night of the event. Hope Hotel is not on base. At Gate 12A, you make an immediate right so you do not approach the guard shack.
Kinkead Ridge Winery re-opens for the summer season on Saturday May 26 and Monday May 28, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Kinkead Ridge Winery 904 Hamburg Street Ripley OH 45167 937-392-6077 www.KinkeadRidge.com VINEYARD TOUR, May 26 and May 28 SUMMER HOURS Saturday from Memorial Day through mid-September, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
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Who’s America’s largest wine retailer? The answer may surprise you
Who’s America’s largest retailer of wine? It’s Costco, according to Costco works size to vintage advantage: Giant has the marketing power, huge customer base and pricing, a news story from the Santa Rosa Press Democrat.
Would you shop at a Costco if one opened in Dayton? Or would you continue to purchase your wines from locally owned wine shops or the national grocery chains that are already established here?
Of course, under the current laws of Ohio, Costco would not be able to offer wines at a lower price as other retail wine stores that offer their wines at the state minimum markup, so perhaps the better question would be: If Ohio’s price controls were eliminated, would you shop at a place like Costco, which elsewhere in the country uses its size advantage to offer lower prices on at least some select wines?
Cheers!
Mark Fisher
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Fleurs de Fete: THE place to be this Sunday
The following story is scheduled to run in Friday’s Go! section of the Dayton Daily News — but because you’re special, you get a sneak peak. Also, you can click here to reprise a “Top 10 survival tips” guide to getting the most out of the Fleurs de Fete. Any advice or Fleurs de Fete suggestions of your own? Post a comment and let us know. Cheers!
“In the 15 years since it was launched, the Fleurs de Fete has evolved into the Miami Valley’s premier wine-and-food event, setting attendance records nearly every year.
The festival endured some venue changes in its early years, but apparently has found a comfortable home at Carillon Park. When the weather cooperates, there’s no finer venue for an outdoor wine festival. And when it doesn’t, well — the tents are very large. Good thing, too, since attendance has swollen to 1,700.
The wines have remained plentiful through the years: there are about 300 available for sampling, and whether you like dry or sweet, red or white, still or sparkling — you’ll find a wine or five that you’ll like.
The food has evolved perhaps the most. Restaurants in recent years seem to compete against one another to impress the festival-goers. This year, the event has attracted at least 27 restaurants and other food providers — an all-time high. The last couple of years, the Fleurs de Fete may have been worth the admission price for the food alone.
The admission price includes all of the food and wine samples at no extra charge, but wine enthusiasts should bring their checkbooks anyway to participate in the live auction and silent auction. All proceeds benefit the Wellness Connection of the Dayton Region, formerly the Dayton Area Heart and Cancer Association.
Tickets may be purchased at the following locations through Saturday: Arrow Wine & Spirits, Boston Wine Cellar, Cuvee Wine Bar & Cellar, Dorothy Lane Market, Grapes of Ruth, Jerardi’s Little Store, Leaf & Vine, Miami Valley Wine & Spirits, Montage, Sips Cafe and Wine Works.
Here’s a list of participating restaurants: 5th Street Deli, Bahn Mai Thai Cafe, Benham’s, Caffe Anticoli, Carvers, Central Perc, Chef’s Touch Catering, Dewey’s Pizza, Dorothy Lane Market, Dublin Pub, Encore Bistro and Bar, Giovanni’s, Jerardi’s Little Store,, Mamma Disalvos Restaurant, Nothing But Noodles, Oakwood Club, Oasis Pub & Cafe, Pacchia, Peerless Mill, Sharkey’s at the Dayton Marriott, Sips Cafe and Bar, Thai 9, Mandalay Banquet Center, TomKatz, Toone P. Wiggins, Tuscany Grille, Wellington Grille.”
how to go
WHAT: 16th Annual Fleurs de Fete.
WHEN: 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, May 20, 2007
WHERE: Carillon Historical Park, off of South Patterson Boulevard, Dayton.
COST: $50 in advance, $60 at the gate.
MORE INFO: (937) 223-4117, ext. 107.
DAYTON — Back by popular demand — and enhanced by readers of our Uncorked wine Web page (www.daytondailynews.com/wineblog) — here are the Top 10 Tips to Survive the Fleurs de Fete, the wine-and-food event from 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday at Dayton History at Carillon Park:
Arrive early. Check-in will take place at a special tent in the parking lot to streamline the proceedings at the 1 p.m. opening bell.
Once inside, make a quick pass around the tent to scope out what the two dozen-plus restaurants are serving, while your festival partner can do the same for the 300 wines. If food lines start getting long, then split up to secure sufficient snackage.
Pronounce the event like a savvy veteran: FLUR-duh-FET. Translation: Festival of Flowers.
Go slow on the wine consumption — this is a marathon, not a sprint — and if you don’t like a wine, or just want a small sip, use the dump buckets to pour out the wine in your glass and move on. Dumping is not considered rude.
When you’re poured a sample of wine — and there’s a line of folks with empty glasses behind you — for crying out loud, step out of the way!
While we’re on etiquette: Those of you who charge in and lay claim to a table, then disappear for the next two hours, ask yourself: Would your mother approve?
Even if you don’t intend to buy, stay the final hour for the live auction. It can feature some rather entertaining bidding wars. And you can use the rest.
While you’re standing around, keep your elbows close to your sides. This reduces the chance of your food or wine being bumped out of your hand and onto your — or your neighbor’s — clothes.
Leave the stilettos for another occasion when you’re not tromping around in wet grass. And while we’re giving fashion advice, don’t wear white. Doesn’t go well with red wines. See tip No. 3.
And the Top Survival Tip for this year’s Fleurs de Fete: Water. Drink lots of water.
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There once was a wine lover from Nantucket …
Don’t wine and poetry go together? I mean, wine IS bottled poetry, right?
Well, Wine Enthusiast magazine thinks so. It has come up with a Wine Limerick contest. A VERY fine idea for a Monday, don’t you think?
We, of course, need to practice before we enter our limericks into the magazine’s contest. Here, I’ll go first.
There once was a girl from Nantucket
Who liked to stomp grapes in a bucket
If the must will ferment
We’ll make room in the tent …
um…. um….. um….. Aw, heck, I’m stuck. Any suggestions?
Cheers!
Mark Fisher
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Fisher in a podcast? But he doesn’t even know what one IS …
Tim Elliot of Winecast blogging fame has posted a podcast in which I was a guest along with Paul Mabray from Inertia Beverage Group. You can listen in by clicking here so you can find out firsthand why I never went into any form of broadcast journalism … We cover a wide variety of topics, and it was interesting to hear some “insider perspective” on the wine industry from Paul. And joining Tim as the podcast “co-host” was Jeff LeFevere, of GoodGrape blogging fame, and a former colleague of mine when we were writing for Wine Sediments together.
And yes, I AM still trying to figure out what a podcast really is …
Happy Mother’s Day, and cheers!
Mark Fisher
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Mother’s Day weekend (and beyond) shaping up nicely for us wine enthusiasts
Who knew that there was a wine called “Mother’s Milk” Shiraz? Not me. But Dorothy Lane Market Washington Square found it and put it on their Mother’s Day weekend tasting bar. VERY nice.
And take note of the Edmunds St. John wine dinner at The Winds on Tuesday night. Steve Edmunds is a one-of-a-kind winemaker who makes great wines. ‘Nuff said.
And the Fleurs de Fete is right around the corner — Sunday, May 20. Got your tickets yet?
Click on “Continue reading” to view the list of wine tastings and events, which is compiled by a Dayton-based wine listserv. For tastings and events in the Cincinnati area, check out Michelle’s blog at My Wine Education. And have a VERY fine Mother’s Day … Cheers!
Mark Fisher
Jay’s Kitchen Door Friday, May 11, 2007 4-8 pm 2004 Cloudy Bay Chardonnay 2001 Rex Hill Carabella Pinot Noir 1998 Conterno Fantino Parussi Barolo 2003 Steltzner Cabernet 2002 Chateau Grand Puy Lacoste
Saturday, May 12, 2007 1-6 pm 2000 Speri Amarone 2001 Poderi Colla 2001 Dardi Le Rose Barolo 2003 Chateau Pibran Paulliac
Copper River Luncheon Saturday, June 2, 2007 $65
Crabfest Saturday, August 11, 2007 $65
Lobsterfest Saturday, September 22, 2007 $65
Arrow Wine & Spirits - Kettering Saturday, May 12, 2007 11-5 pm nv sotor brut rose ‘06 curran grenache blanc ‘04 sbragia family vineyards chardonnay ‘05 lafond cotes du rhone ‘06 borsao rose ‘05 huntington cabernet sauvignon
Dorothy Lane Market (DLM) The Chemistry of Food and Wine Class Wednesday, May 23 6-9 p.m. $65.00 Matt Citriglia, Master Sommelier
DLM Oakwood Friday, May 11, 2007 5-8pm Herett Vall Ventos Blanc 2005 De La Guerra Chardonnay 2005 Castoro Ben Nacido Pinot Noir 2004 Altun Reserva Rioja 2001 Delectus Syrah 2002 Brown Bag
Saturday, May 12, 2007 1-6 pm Bollinger Special Cuvee Champagne NV Edmunds St. John Gamay Rose 2006 Bishops Peak Chardonnay 2005 Graziano Zinfandel 2004 Duckhorn Three Palms Merlot 2003 Delectus Dog Gone Good 2002 Bonus Bottles!
Beers: New Holland Existential Bear Republic Big Bear Black
DLM Washington Square Thursday, May 10, 2007 5-8 pm Jim Dandy to the rescue tasting 05 Jocelyn Lonen Russian River Chardonnay Ramey Carneros Chardonnay 05 Micheal Pozzan Napa Cuvee 04 Miller Pinot Noir Pride Merlot Mystery wine!
Saturday, May 12, 2007 12-5 pm Fi Fi’s Saluting the Ladies Gloria Ferrer Blanc de Noir 05 Dunham Cellars Chardonnay 06 Allison Rose’ 04 Mother’s Milk Shiraz 05 Elizabeth Spencer Pinot Noir 02’Ladera Cabernet Mystery Wine!
Dorothy Lane Springboro Friday, May 11, 2007 3-7pm 06 Curran Grenache Blanc 01 Chateau Ste Michelle Res. Syrah 03 Avignonesi Montepulciano 04 Ferrari-Carano Cabernet
Saturday, May 12, 2007 12-5 pm 05 Verget Saint-Veran 06 La Spinetta Moscato d’Asti 03 JC Cellars Rockpile Syrah 03 Barnett Rattlesnake Cabernet
Cuvee Wine Bar and Cellar, 4457 State Route 725 Bellbrook Tuesday - Thursday 11:30 - 7 pm Friday and Saturday 11:30 - 8 pm www.cuveewinebar.net Wine Tasting Menu Friday, May 11 -Thursday, May 17, 2007 Cantina Cortaccia Pinot Grigio Seifried Gewurztraminer Drylands Sauvignon Blanc Lazerais Lirac Belle Vallee Whole Cluster Pinot Noir Pieque Bierzo Kenneth Crawford Blue Fin Syrah
Sunday, May 13 11:00-6:00 Mother’s Day Brunch: Chef Chris Cavender will team up with Chef Francesco for a Bari-Puglia Mother’s Day Brunch at Trattoria Da’Francesco, 3 East Market Street, Germantown 45327 Call Francesco’s (937-855-2111) for reservations. Menu: Chicken Rollotino, Osso Bucco with Orrechetti, Gnocchi Besciamella, Stuffed Eggplant Ricottaro, Italian Stuffed Toast with Berries and Walnuts, Frittata Francesco, Eggs Cristo, Penne Quattro Formaggi, Pasta Ragu, Puglia Fisherman’s Stew Bring your own Wine
Arrow Centerville 615 Lyons Rd Saturday, May 12, 2007 11 am - 5 pm 2006 Catalina Sounds Sauvignon Blanc… 2004 Larochette Pouilly Fuissé… 2004 Bonanno Sangiovese… 2005 Sonnino Chianti… 2005 Kuleto Estates Zinfandel… 2005 Sineann Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
Trader Joe’s, Town & Country at Stroop and Far Hills Tastings Thursday 6-8 and Sunday 4-7. Novella Chardonnay (NV) California. Black Mountain Watson’s Grove Malbec (2005) California. Guilbaud Freres Sur Lie (2005) AOC Muscadet de Sevre-et-Maine, France.
Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar (at The Greene) 937-320-9548 Wine Wednesdays from 5pm to 7pm in the bar. There will be four different two ounce tastes every week and will provide different appetizers through out the night to pair with these wines. Features for Wednesday May 16, 2007 5pm to 7pm Chateau St. Michelle Chardonnay, Columbia Valley, Indian Wells 2005 Acacia Pinot Noir Napa Valley Carneros Lone Tree Vineyard 2005 Stephan L’Aventure Optimus Paso Robles 2004 Fritz Cabernet Dry Creek Valley 2004
Pacchia Thursday May 10, 2007, from 6pm to 8pm Gamona Gessami 2005, Pennedes Altos de la Hoya Monastrell 2005, Jumilla Capcanes Cellars Mas Donis 2004, Monsant Artazuri Rose 2006, Navara El Seque 2004, Alicante, 80% Mouvedre, 10% Syrah and 10% Merlot Sweet raspberry and black currant fruit with striking minerality and a crisp, zesty finish.
Villa di Giovanni Wine Tasting! Wednesday, May 16, 2007, 1100 E. Dayton Yellow Springs Rd. 5-7 p.m. Amono Primativo 2005 (Puglia) Garetto Barbera di Asti 2003 (Piedmont) Monte Antico 2004 (Tuscany) Filadonna (white)
Little Sonoma, 6078 West Chester Road, West Chester, OH 45069. 513-942-9463. Located two blocks north of Union Centre Blvd. at the corner of Muhlhauser and West Chester Roads www.LittleSonomaWines.com Friday, May 11, 7 pm ~ Wines of Gregory Graziano, Six wines with light appetizers, reservations recommended
Saturday, May 12, 3-6 pm ~ Four Organically Grown Wines
The Winds Cafe, Yellow Springs, OH Dinner With Winemaker Steve Edmunds, May 15th at 7:00 p.m., $55 Asparagus with Hazelnut Aillade Bone Jolly 2005 Gamay and Bone Jolly 2006 Gamay Rose Provencal Fish Soup Roussanne 2004 Tablas Creek Seared Lamb with Wild Mushrooms 2004 Rocks and Gravel and 2003 Shell and Bone Various cheeses 2003 Syrah Wylie-Fenaughty Early Summer Pavlova
La Petite France 3177 Glendate-Milford Road Cincinnati, Ohio www.lapetitefrance.biz Call 513-733-8383
Awesome Australian Wine and French Dinner Tasting Friday, May 18, 2007 at 6:30 pm $60 per person
The restaurant presents a “Taste of France” featuring gourmet specialties from seven different regions of France on the last Friday of each month, they will offer a special three course dinner from the Alsace, Bordeaux, Brittany, Dijon, Normandy, Provence, and Toulouse regions of France.
The Winery at Versailles (937) 526-3232 www.wineryatversailles.com May 19 Steak Fry including steak, a buffet, dessert, coffee and a bottle of wine from selected list. Reservations required.
“Pasta Night” Wine Tasting on May 25th, from 7 to 9 p.m
The Inn at Versailles Mother’s Day Brunch Buffet from 11am to 3pm
Ventana Vineyards Wine Dinner Friday, May 11, 2007 7:30 pm $75.00 per person Ventana “Gewurztraminer” - Smoked Albacore Tuna & Salmon Appetizer Ventana “Chardonnay” - Tomato, Goat Cheese & Grilled Sweet Onion Salad with Basil - Black Olive Tapenade Ventana “Pinot Noir” - Potato Gnocchi with Fresh Tomatoes, Green Olives, and Fresh Mozzarella Ventana “Beaugravier” - Wild Mushroom Bisque Ventana “Due Amici” - Sliced Smoked Beef Tenderloin with a Sangiovese/ Cabernet Sauvignon Porcini Sauce and Arborio Wild Rice Risotto Green Mountain Organic French Roast Green Mountain Organic French Roast - Blue Berry Gelato Martin
Wine Tasting at the Dayton Philharmonic Show House by Sip’s Cafe Thursday May 10 - 6:00 - 7:30 Thursday May 17 - 6:00 - 7:30 www.dpva.org You must purchase a show house ticket - wine tasting is a $3.00 donation. Parking is at Sugar Camp on W Schantz Avenue. Free shuttles will run all evening. www.dpva.org
Wine tasting to benefit the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society will be on Thursday, May 31st from 5:00- 8:00 p.m. at Packy’s (Hope Hotel). The cost for a ticket is $25.00. Tickets are purchased the night of the event. Hope Hotel is not on base. At Gate 12A, you make an immediate right so you do not approach the guard shack.
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Ferrante snags two more double-golds as Ohio wines continue to impress
The results are POSTED, and Ohio wines are continuing their recent streak of impressive results. This time the news comes from Tasters Guild International and its 2007 wine competition results.
This time, it was Ferrante Vineyards that brought home the heavy hardware: two double golds, for Ferrante’s 2006 Vidal Blanc and for its 2005 Signanture Series Chardonnay. The grapes for both wines are grown at or near Ferrante’s winery in northeast Ohio. And — this is significant — both are among the wines Ferrante intends to pour at the National City Ohio Wine Fest to be held June 1-2 at the Second Street Market in good ol’ downtown Dayton.
That’s good news, because sometimes, Ohio’s award-winning wines are not made in sufficient quantities to pour in festival settings, and those who get their first tastes of Ohio wines at such festivals can walk away without a full appreciation of Ohio’s wine-producing potential.
But Nick Ferrante, the winery’s winemaker, said the two double-gold-winning wines are among the five destined for the tasting bar in Dayton, and the other three are no slouches either: A Riesling Signature Series 2005, Cabernet Franc Signature Series 2005, and the luscious dessert-in-a-glass Vidal Blanc Ice Wine.
Other Ohio wineries captured gold, silver and bronze medals at the Tasters Guild tasting, and some of Ferrante’s other wines also earned similar honors.
In a telephone interview yesterday, Carmel Ferrante, whose family operates the winery, said of the double-golds: “This is really good for Ohio. These types of awards are so prestigious, and having something like this helps to educate Ohioans as well as people from surrounding states about the high quality wines that Ohio can produce.”
Well said. But don’t take Carmel’s word for it — or mine, for that matter. Come down to the Ohio Wine Fest June 1-2 and let your own taste buds decide.
Cheers!
Mark Fisher
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Wine shipping, wholesaler issues heating up in Columbus and elsewhere
The issues of direct-shipping of wines from wineries to consumers and of how wines are distributed through a three-tier system are heating up here and elsewhere, and make no mistake: consumers like us will feel an impact.
There’s news this morning that specialty wine retailers are promising a lawsuit if proposed legislation in the Illinois General Assembly is approved that will prohibit Illinois residents from ordering wine from out-of-state wine retailers.
These are exactly the kinds of issues that Ohio legislators are grappling with, but so far, they’re doing it relatively quietly. An amendment to the state budget bill that recently passed the Ohio House unanimously would have made some substantial changes in the way wines are sold and distributed in this state, and it would have done so with little fanfare or public debate, since it was so dwarfed by everything else that was in the massive two-year budget plan.
Some Ohio wine industry folks were pleased with the proposed changes; some were not. But confusion arose over the wording of the amendment and the difference between “retail” sales of wine and “take-home” sales of wine — i.e. the bottles purchased by visitors of Ohio wineries. Some Ohio winemakers suggested the wording of the amendment as it was initially written would have devastated their business. In the end, the entire amendment ended up being scuttled, and everyone’s back at square one.
Those involved in the state’s wine industry say winemakers desperately want to preserve their right to sell directly to restaurants and wine stores — in essence, to act as their own distributor, or wholesaler. A law that would force all Ohio wineries to sell their wines through a distributor rather than directly to retail shops and restaurants could dramatically increase prices to consumers, or drastically cut the profits to Ohio wineries, or both. Some wineries say they would not be able to survive.
Ohio wineries also want to be able to continue to legally ship their wines directly to consumers within the state.
Now, how are legislators going to craft new laws that bring Ohio into compliance with the U.S. Supreme Court decision that mandates equal treatment of in-state and out-of-state wineries, appease a wine distributor lobby that has shown great political muscle in Columbus and many other state capitols, and avoid decimating a young, growing wine-producing industry, while not screwing over consumers in the process?
Um, with great difficulty.
Stay tuned.
Cheers!
Mark Fisher
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Time to vote for your favorite
We received some very fine suggestions to our caption contest yesterday, and now it’s time to vote for your favorite! (Appropos, given that it’s Election Day … ) I’ve narrowed it down to four finalists but give you the chance to vote for a write-in or suggest an all-new entry as well. Cast your ballot for:
(A) “It’s father a bottle and it’s mother a glass, the glottle was condemned to a life where it never really fit in to either world.” (by Rob)
(B) “Like wine through the hourglass, so are the Hangovers of our Lives” (by overthetop)
(C) “Don’t worry Bessie, my hands are warm.” (by wine-o)
(D) “Introducing the Mulledet Glass. Business-size glass on one side, party-size glass on the other.” (by tim)
(E) One of the other suggested captions (or create an entirely new one of your own!)
Click on “Post your comment” and exercise your right to vote!
Which, by the way, we Americans don’t exercise nearly enough, so if you have an issue on today’s ballot, get out to do so. Did anyone else see the voter turnout in France’s presidential elections Sunday? It was 85 percent! Americans rarely approach the 50 percent voter turnout mark, even in the most hotly contested races. And we’re supposed to be the world’s greatest democracy? We should be ashamed. And we should also move our elections to Sunday, too, by the way. But hey, this is a wine blog, right? Sorry ….
Cheers!
Mark Fisher
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Caption contest!
I’ll let Peter Oberbeck — the local wine enthusiast who shared this photo with me — go first:
“Finally, a wine glass that makes sense!”
Your suggested caption? C’mon, don’t be shy …
Cheers!
Mark Fisher
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May we all have 80th birthday celebrations like this one
Famed British wine writer Michael Broadbent celebrated his 80th birthday with some old friends — such as Chateau Lafite and a Cockburn Port from his birth year of 1927, Decanter.com reports this morning.
The story linked to above is a fine read. You’ve got to love the quote from Broadbent’s fellow author Hugh Johnson, who sent a ‘96 Lafite to the party: “I couldn’t bear to think of Michael celebrating his 80th birthday without Lafite.”
How true. How very true.
But why wait until we’re 80 to enjoy an incredible bevy of fine wines? In the Miami Valley, every weekend is a celebration. Just click on the “Continue reading” link to see what I mean, while I give silent and reverent thanks to the Dayton-based listserv that compiles and shares this list of wine tastings, dinners, and other celebratory events. Cheers!
AIWF The American Institute of Wine and Food - BIG REDS Event Friday, May 11th, 7:00-9:30, Wright Patterson Club, WPAFB, $75 Members, $85 Non-members. For more information, contact: Jim Jordan: (937) 609-2915 VERY Important - RSVP by May 4th!
Jay’s Kitchen Door Friday, May 4, 2007 4-8 pm 2005 Chateau d’Orschwihr Gewurztraminer 2005 Domaine de Cabriac Pinot Noir 2001 Chateau Colombier Monpelou 2001 Pavillon Rouge 2002 Pavillon Rouge
Saturday, May 5, 2007 1-6 pm 2005 Rosenblum Viognier 2003 E.Guigal Croze Hermitage Red 2002 Chappellet Cabernet 2003 Chateau Giscours
Arrow Wine & Spirits - Kettering Saturday, May 5, 2007 11-5 pm 2006 chateau ste. michelle dry Riesling 2005 chateau ste. michelle chardonnay, indian wells 2004 columbia crest merlot 2005 santa barbara zcs 2004 domaine la boussiere vacqueyras 2005 sineann cabernet sauvignon, napa, lazare vineyards
Dorothy Lane Market (DLM) The Chemistry of Food and Wine Class Wednesday, May 23 6-9 p.m. $65.00 Matt Citriglia, Master Sommelier
DLM Oakwood Friday, May 4, 2007 5-8pm Michael Pozzan Sauvignon Blanc 2006 Mommessin Pouilly-Fusse 2004 Bellerouche Cotes-du-Rhone 2005 Domaine Notre Dame des Pallers Gigondas 2003 Chateau LaGarde Pessac-Leognon 2003 Brown Bag
Saturday, May 5, 2007 1-6 pm Come Celebrate Cinqo de Mayo With some Great Spanish Wines Apriori Colet Brut NV Con Olegario Albarino 2005 Sierra Cantabria Gran Reserva Rioja 1998 Ramirez Piscina Gran Reserva Rioja 1998 Cenit 2004 Clio 2004 Numanthia (Magnum) 2003 Bonus Bottles
Beers: Magic Hat Circus Boy Hefeweizen Magic Hat #9 Not Quite Pale Ale
DLM Washington Square Thursday, May 3, 2007 5-8 pm 2006 Sauvignon Republic Cellars Stellenbosch Sauvignon Blanc 2006 Natura Chardonnay 2004 Masi Modello 2003 Domaine des Pallieres Gigondas 2001 Altun Rioja Reserva
Saturday, May 5, 2007 12-5 pm “Cinco de Mayo Fifi’s Way” 2005 E Q Sauvignon Blanc 2004 Casa Lapostolle “Cuvee Alexandre” Chardonnay 2005 Natura Carmenere 2004 Clos de los Siete 2005 Erales Malbec Mystery Wine!
Dorothy Lane Springboro Friday, May 4, 2007 3-7pm 05 Ca’Tullio Pinot Grigio 04 Hill of Gold Chardonnay 99 Bettinelli Merlot 00 Richard Perry Cabernet
Saturday, May 5, 2007 12-5 pm 06 Sauvignon Republic Sauvignon Blanc 05 Backsberg Chenin Blanc 04 Whitehall Lane Merlot 01 Ladera Cabernet
Cuvee Wine Bar and Cellar, 4457 State Route 725 Bellbrook Tuesday - Thursday 11:30 - 7 pm Friday and Saturday 11:30 - 8 pm www.cuveewinebar.net Wine Tasting Menu Friday, May 4 -Thursday, May 10, 2007 Pike’s Riesling The Tryst White Godwin Chardonnay Urano Syrah Lauzeraies Lirac Foppiano Petite Sirah Delectus Argentum Draft Beer: Pyramid Brewery Curve Ball Kolsch Saturday Snacks: Duck Mousse with Port, Blue Cheese Spread with Crackers, Marinated Shrimp Salad Sunday, May 13 11:00-6:00 Mother’s Day Brunch: Chef Chris Cavender will team up with Chef Francesco for a Bari-Puglia Mother’s Day Brunch at Trattoria Da’Francesco, 3 East Market Street, Germantown 45327 Call Francesco’s (937-855-2111) for reservations. Menu: Chicken Rollotino, Osso Bucco with Orrechetti, Gnocchi Besciamella, Stuffed Eggplant Ricottaro, Italian Stuffed Toast with Berries and Walnuts, Frittata Francesco, Eggs Cristo, Penne Quattro Formaggi, Pasta Ragu, Puglia Fisherman’s Stew Bring your own Wine
Arrow Centerville 615 Lyons Rd Saturday, May 5, 2007 11 am - 5 pm Gruet Blanc de Noirs Sparkling Wine… 2005 Domaine de Menard Colombard/Sauvignon Blanc… 2004 Mas Donis Garnacha/Syrah… 2004 Mas de Gourgonnier… 2002 Havens Napa Valley Merlot… 2004 Snowden Lost Vineyard Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
Trader Joe’s, Town & Country at Stroop and Far Hills Tastings Thursday 6-8 and Sunday 4-7. This week - Spring Flyer wines. Panilonco Chardonnay-Viognier (2005) Colchagua, Chile. Panilonco Malbec-Merlot (2005) Colchagua, Chile. Panilonco Carmenère (2005) Colchagua, Chile.
Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar (at The Greene) 937-320-9548 Wine Wednesdays from 5pm to 7pm in the bar. There will be four different two ounce tastes every week and will provide different appetizers through out the night to pair with these wines. Features for Wednesday May 9, 2007 5pm to 7pm KIM CRAWFORD Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough New Zealand, 2006 GARGiulo Aprile Super Oakville, 2003 JC CELLARS Syrah Rockpile Rockpile Vineyard Haley’s Reserve 2003 Hess Estate Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley Allomi, 2004
Pacchia Thursday May 3, 2007, from 6pm to 8pm “Wines from South Africa”. Eventide Viognier, Wellington 2006 Eventide Cabernet Sauvignon, Wellington 2004 Eventide Shiraz, Wellington, 2004 Lynx Shiraz. Franschhoek 2005 Sign up for a taste of a Buller Shiraz Calliope, Australia 2002 complimented with a Hand Rolled Chocolate Truffle.
Little Sonoma, 6078 West Chester Road, West Chester, OH 45069. 513-942-9463. Located two blocks north of Union Centre Blvd. at the corner of Muhlhauser and West Chester Roads www.LittleSonomaWines.com Friday, May 4, 7 pm - Oregon Tasting, six Oregon wines. Reservations recommended.
Sat, May 5, 3-6 pm - Five Cabernets from Around the World
Grapes of Ruth Tuesday, May 8, 6-8pm Winemaker Charles Coniglio will sample his Napa Valley wines.
Serendipity Wine Store Columbus, Ohio, has been forced to cancel the event it had planned for Thursday, May 10, at the Refectory featuring Dr. Dirk Richter. Dr. Richter’s mother passed away, forcing him to cancel his trip to the U.S., according to the wine shop’s web site. Call 614-451-9774 for more information.
La Petite France 3177 Glendate-Milford Road Cincinnati, Ohio www.lapetitefrance.biz Call 513-733-8383
Australian Wine and French Dinner Tasting Friday, May 18, 2007 at 6:30 pm $60 per person
The restaurant presents a “Taste of France” featuring gourmet specialties from seven different regions of France on the last Friday of each month, they will offer a special three course dinner from the Alsace, Bordeaux, Brittany, Dijon, Normandy, Provence, and Toulouse regions of France.
The Winery at Versailles (937) 526-3232 www.wineryatversailles.com May 19 Steak Fry including steak, a buffet, dessert, coffee and a bottle of wine from selected list. Reservations required.
“Pasta Night” Wine Tasting on May 25th, from 7 to 9 p.m
Inn at Versailles Mother’s Day Brunch Buffet from 11am to 3pm
Ventana Vineyards Wine Dinner Friday, May 11, 2007 7:30 pm $75.00 per person Ventana “Gewurztraminer” - Smoked Albacore Tuna & Salmon Appetizer Ventana “Chardonnay” - Tomato, Goat Cheese & Grilled Sweet Onion Salad with Basil - Black Olive Tapenade Ventana “Pinot Noir” - Potato Gnocchi with Fresh Tomatoes, Green Olives, and Fresh Mozzarella Ventana “Beaugravier” - Wild Mushroom Bisque Ventana “Due Amici” - Sliced Smoked Beef Tenderloin with a Sangiovese / Cabernet Sauvignon Porcini Sauce and Arborio Wild Rice Risotto Green Mountain Organic French Roast Green Mountain Organic French Roast - Blue Berry Gelato Martin
FLEURS DE FETE DONATIONS needed!!! Fleurs de Fete, Sunday, May 20th from
1-4pm at Carillon Historical Park:
Fleurs de Fete is actively seeking donations from private individuals for the live auction. Enjoy a tax-deduction and recognition in the program booklet at the event (if desired.) Contact Laura Lanier (Wellness Connection) at 223-4117 ext. 112. Fleurs de Fete will feature over 300 wines and food samples from Dayton’s finest restaurants with the proceeds benefiting the Wellness Connection of the Dayton Region.
Wine Tasting at the Dayton Philharmonic Show House by Sip’s Cafe Thursday May 10 - 6:00 - 7:30 Thursday May 17 - 6:00 - 7:30 www.dpva.org You must purchase a show house ticket - wine tasting is a $3.00 donation. Parking is at Sugar Camp on W Schantz Avenue. Free shuttles will run all evening. www.dpva.org
Wine tasting to benefit the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society will be on Thursday, May 31st from 5:00- 8:00 p.m. at Packy’s (Hope Hotel). The cost for a ticket is $25.00. Tickets are purchased the night of the event. Hope Hotel is not on base. At Gate 12A, you make an immediate right so you do not approach the guard shack.
Sips Cafe and Bar Wine Dinner May 7, 2007, Cocktail Hour: 5-6pm Dinner: 6pm Reservations Required: [937] 434-7477 Cost: $60 per person
Thomas Hyland Chardonnay Bay Scallops and Maryland Crab Cakes w/ a Citrus Cream Sauce
Bin 407 Cabernet Sauvignon Smoked Regional Cheeses, Meats & Sweet Dried Fruits
Bin 138 Grenache/Shiraz/Mouvedre Blend Great Barrier Oysters “Rockafeller” w/ a Roasted Bell Pepper & Sun Dried Tomato Sauce
RWT Shiraz Aussie Peppered Bone-In Lamb
Tawny Port Queensland Triple Dark Chocolate Cake, Dark Chocolate Covered Cherries & White Chocolate Covered Strawberries
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‘Don’t worry — it’s only grape juice’
That’s the slogan of a locally produced wine show called “Fun with Grapes,” starring former Fairfield Wine owner Dennis Hall. Hall had this to say about the show, which has aired some of its segments on local cable channels already:
Yes the show is still running throughout the area. It was produced by the Miami Valley Communications Council (www.mvcc.net). Miami Valley Communications Council is a municipal communications and technology organization representing the eight member cities of Centerville, Germantown, Kettering, Miamisburg, Moraine, Oakwood, Springboro and West Carrollton. The council also has affiliate agreements with 18 other Miami Valley cities. Many of the other cities (including Dayton, Huber Heights, and Beavercreek) have picked it up and are airing it at various times. It is broadcast on the public access channel (the same channel as the city council meetings).
The show “Fun with Grapes” includes fouteen 30 minute episodes. It begins with the basics of (what wine is, how to taste, serve, store), proceeds to the major grape varietals (their characteristics and food matches) and then more in-depth on the major wine regions around the world (their history, unique climate/soil, and wines). The final two episodes move out of the studio to visit a local grape grower and a stroll through his vineyard and finally a trip to Henke Winery in Cincinnati to look at the production process. The goal of the show is help people get over the hype and snobbery associated with the wine industry and to relax and enjoy good wine with friends and food. The show grew out of the classes I taught at Fairfield Wine. The feedback has been very good. I have even had people who don’t drink wine say they stumbled on the show and wound up watching the episode. I am amazed at the number of people who have recognized me at the 2nd Street Market or the mall saying “You’re the wine guy on TV!”
The unoffical motto is “Don’t worry - it’s only grape juice”
Yeah, but sometimes it can be awfully special grape juice, no?
Cheers!
Mark Fisher
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Well, no WONDER Spanish wines are so inexpensive …
Am I reading this right? The European Union is spending a cool $567 million on subsidies to the wine industry, with a large chunk of that cash headed to Spain? For “varietal conversion, the relocation of vineyards, and improvements in vineyard management” …??
Do subsidies like this exist everywhere? Should they?
Cheers!
Mark
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Large southwest Ohio wine festival canceled
My CoxOhio colleagues are reporting that Valley Vineyards has canceled its wine festival this year. The event was to be held in late September.
A member of the Schuchter family that operates Valley Vineyards said he wants to help “clean up” the festival before coming back in 2008 with a revamped event. The festival is in its 37th year, and last year drew an astonishing 80,000 people to the winery, located in Warren County near Morrow.
I’ve never been to the festival, but have heard a lot about it. Have you attended, or do you know someone who has?
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Chile battles Australia for your wine dollar, and the world keeps shrinking
How in the world did some hack wine writer from Dayton, Ohio who has never left the Northern Hemisphere end up splashed over a wine web site based in Chile?
I’m not so sure myself. But I’m there, nestled amongst the other news and articles in the web site of Andes Wines Communications, which publishes its web pages in several languages.
My oh my, how the Internet has shrunk the wine world. And the rest of the world as well.
Anyway, one of the questions posed to me by the folks at Andes was, “What do you think about Australian wines compared to Chilean wines? Which country produces a better relationship of quality vs. price?”
How would YOU answer that question? Do you agree or disagree with the way I answered it?
Finally, regarding a comment that came in this morning to yesterday’s Paso Robles entry, the story that the comment’s author, Dennis S., refers to can be found by clicking on this Appellation America link. Thanks for the tip, and cheers!
Mark Fisher
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