Wine deals @ Rite Aid thru 9/29

Barefoot 1.5L @ $11.99
Clos du Bois @ $11.99
Livingston Cellars 3L @ $11.99
Gallo Family 1.5L $9.99
Red Rock @ $9.99
Robert Mondavi Private Selection Wine @ $9.99

Cheers!
Robin

Wine deals @ CVS thru 9/29

Bella Sera 1.5L @ $12.99
Woodbridge 1.5L @ $12.99
Yellow Tail 1.5L @ $12.99
Blackstone @ $8.99
Mirassou @ $8.99
Vendange @ $8.99
Barefoot @ $6.99
Carlo Rossi 1.5L @ $6.99
Arbor Mist 1.5L @ $6.99

Looking at the Mirassou Cab Sauvignon, reviews say it balances intense flavors of blackberry and black currant with hints of vanilla and brown spice, Mirassou Cabernet Sauvignon is a unique expression of California's most celebrated growing regions.

Cheers!
Robin

Wine deals @ Walgreens thru 9/29

David Stone, Coopers Crossing, Agoston or Triada Wine @ $5.99
Stesso Pinot Grigio @ $5.99
Yellow Tail @ $6.99
Barefoot @ $6.99

Go "down under" with the Australian: Cooper’s Crossing Shiraz: A combination of pepper, spice and plum fruit aromas with chocolate, toasty oak.

Cheers!
Robin

Wine deals @ Giant Eagle thru 9/26

There are quite a few wine deals at Giant Eagle this week! I was pleasantly surprised to open the ad and see the selection.

The Naked Grape @ $4.99 after rebate
Clos Du Bois North Coast Cab or Merlot @ $13.99
Lindeman's 1.5L @ $8.99 after rebate
Jacob's Creek 1.5L @ $8.99 after rebate
Menage A Trois Red/White/or Moscato @ $9.99
Apothic Red or White @ $10.99
Sebastiani Sonoma Cab @ $14.99
High Note Malbec @ $9.99
Market District Cab/Chardonnay/or Red Blend @ $9.99
Pacific Rim Sweet Riesling @ $7.99
Ravenswood Vintner's Blend Zinfandel or Cabernet @ $7.99
New! Barefoot Refresh Sweet White/Summer Red/or Crisp White

Are your wine racks full? Stock up to get ready for the holiday season! Before you know it you will be Christmas shopping and wine budget may tighten up, so hoard now.

Cheers!
Robin

2012 Drought bittersweet for Ohio wines

A follower of the blog and friend if mine recommended this article from local news affiliate 13ABC News.

"While the drought has been devastating for most farmers, Ohio grape growers have something to cheer.

A winemaker in Williams County says the weather killed 70 percent of his crop, but what survived is exceptional.  

It's the case at vineyards all across the state.  This year's grapes could lead to the best vintage wine Ohio has ever produced.

Harvest is early this year at Stoney Ridge Farm and Winery in Bryan.

"We're going to be done about the time we normally start," says Pam Stotz, co-owner of the winery.

The vineyard's crop is also smaller thanks to the drought.

"It's unbelievable the drought even scared the birds away," says Phil Stotz, co-owner.

Stotz gave up his real estate broker job and got into the wine business 11 years ago.  He says this year is bittersweet for the grapes growing on his 13 acres.

"I know we've lost probably 70 percent, but the grapes are phenomenal," says Stotz. "They have great sugars, they have low acids, they're going to make beautiful wine."

Stotz says the dry summer concentrated the surviving fruit's flavors and sugar which means higher alcohol content and lower acid.  

 "If you want to drink a Merlot or a Cab which is a dry red, you don't want any acid you want a nice soft red so there's no acid on your tongue," says Stotz.

These grapes go straight from the field to the crush.

Italian machinery crush, pump, and press the fruit for the juice.

That's then pumped into a nearly 400 gallon tank where it will ferment turning to alcohol.

When full, one tank alone will fill two thousand bottles.

 "These are the best quality grapes probably ever, just way, way low production," says Stotz.

 The wine being served in the tasting room is a 2011. However, the 2012 wines won't be ready to drink until 2013.

Phil Stotz is already thinking about next year's crop and putting in a drip irrigation system.

"Our vines are stressed but they'll survive," says Stotz.

His wife is simply looking forward to savoring a sip after a long day's work.

"I'm always looking forward to tasting the wine no matter what the year," says Pam.

Stoney Ridge Farm and Winery is located several miles off of the turnpike in Bryan.  One average Stoney Ridge produces 6,000 cases of wine a year. That's more than 70,000 bottles."

To watch the video associated with this visit: http://www.13abc.com/story/19466098/drought-bittersweet-for-ohio-wines

Say it ain't so....Pumpkin Wine?

I'm intrigued. I stumbled across this pumpkin wine on Three Lakes Winery's website. According to their website, they say:

"Once made only for our Three Lakes' PumpkinFest in October, this wine has become so popular we sell it year-round. With similar qualities of a traditional Chardonnay, this smooth, semi-sweet wine is a surprising crowd pleaser. Being the first to perfect making wine from pumpkins years ago, we have yet to discover another pumpkin wine - it IS actually made only from pie pumpkins.
This is another Original from Three Lakes Winery, and also another favorite of our customers. If you have never had Three Lakes Winery fruit wines before, my we also suggest trying one of our Cranberry blends when ordering?"

"Three Lakes Winery has been making the Original Cranberry Wine since 1972. The McCain family's unique wines are made from whole fruits and berries, no flavorings or grape wines added. If you've never tasted a fruit wine before - start with these. A whole new world of wines await you!"

To order a bottle, visit their website here:http://www.cranberrywine.com/pumpkinwine.html


Something different I wanted to share, pumpkin season is right around the corner!

Cheers!
Robin

Aldi Wine of the Month - September

Landshut Riesling is the wine of the month for September at Aldi US stores for $5.99

From Aldi's site: "This exquisite, well-balanced wine comes from the Mosel Valley in Germany known for producing some of the finest Rieslings in the world. It has a fruity bouquet with flavors of apricot and peach and is paired best with light meats, desserts or simply on its own. 750ml"

Special thanks to Cheapwineratings.com for the image below.
They also wrote a great review on Landshut you might want to read!

http://cheapwineratings.com/2012/01/24/cheap-wine-at-aldi/

Cheers!
Robin

Wine deals @ Giant Eagle thru 9/19

Bodega Elena Malbec, Chardonnay, or Red 750ml @ $5.99 after rebate
Jacob's Creek 1.5L @ $8.99 after rebate
Sutter Home 1.5L @ $8.99 after rebate
Apothic Red or White @ $10.99 after rebate

Great week to shop at Giant Eagle, lots of BOGO offers!

My pick would be the Bodega Elena de Mendoza Malbec, it is yet another very inexpensive but very yummy red wine from Argentina. It's very juicy and jammy with blueberry and raspberry notes, and offers a tart, peppery finish.

Cheers!
Robin

This Malbec has been universally applauded by bloggers, pick a bottle up this week!

Grand Opening Celebration! Halliday's Winery-Lake Milton, Ohio

Join in on welcoming a new winery to our home turf!

Halliday's Winery is hosting a Grand Opening Celebration

They will have live music, tethered balloon rides, hay rides, BBQ dinners, and great people!

We are hoping to check it out Friday possibly!

Friday, September 7th 11am-11pm
Saturday, September 8th noon-11pm
Sunday, September 9th noon-6pm

2400 NE River Rd., Lake Milton, Ohio
330-654-9463

www.hallidayswinery.com

"like" Halliday's Winery on Facebook to stay up to date on events!

Cheers!
Robin

The 3rd Annual Friendship Wine and Food Festival

Friday, September 7th and Saturday, September 8th

Once again, Friendship Park with be the location for Jefferson County’s premier wine festival. The two day event located on Rock Point, overlooking the pristine Friendship Park Lake, will be the site for all of the festivities!

The festival will feature many of the amazing wineries located right here in Ohio and will give all that join us an opportunity to taste the delights that Ohio wines have to offer!

Many local restaurants are also looking forward to joining us in this 3rd year of the festival. We are excited to have so many different vendors from the valley bringing their own special flavor to the event!

For more info visit:
Friendship Wine Festival Website

Wine deals @ CVS thru 9/8

Bella Sera 1.5L $12.99
Woodbridge 1.5L $12.99
Yellow Tail 1.5L $12.99
Blackstone $8.99
Dancing Bull $8.99
Mirassou $8.99
Barefoot $6.99
Carlo Rossi 1.5L $6.99
Arbor Mist 1.5L $6.99

Why not pick up a bottle of Dancing Bull while you are out?

Cheers!
Robin

Wine deals @ Rite Aid thru 9/8

Apothic Red or White $10.99
DaVinci Wine Chianti $10.99
Arbor Mist 1.5L $6.99
Barefoot Wine 750ml $6.99
Gallo Family Vineyards Wine 1.5ml $6.99

Try the Apothic White this time!
Cheers!
Robin

Wine deals @ Giant Eagle thru 9/5

Lindeman's or Jacobs Creek $8.99 after mail in rebate
Oak Creek $3.29
Chateau St. Michelle Riesling $8.99
Apothic Red $10.99
Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi Chardonnay or Yellow Tail Chardonnay or Shiraz $12.99
Kendall-Jackson Vintner's Reserve or Franciscan Napa Chardonnay $14.99

Hands down, my choice is Chateau St. Michelle...always. The best Riesling on the shelves.

Cheers!
Robin

Vintage Canton - September 20, 4:30-9:30pm

The Canton Development Partnership, a department of the Canton Regional Chamber, will host its annual Vintage Canton event on Thursday, Sept. 20, from 4:30 to 9:30 p.m. along Central Plaza North in downtown Canton.

Vintage Canton is a sophisticated downtown gathering, offering distinctive center city charm alongside live music, vibrant art exhibits and, of course, quality local wine and wine from around the world!

The event gives guests the chance to relax and unwind, while enjoying wine from local wineries, delicacies from downtown and greater Canton eateries and memorable live music.

Wineries, Distributors, Microbrews & Restaurants

This year, Vintage Canton will continue to bring you the very best wines from area wineries and abroad and will offer several quality microbrews in the Beer Garden. Guests will also be able to enjoy small tasting plates for a nominal charge from downtown restaurants and Stark County favorites.

Visit www.VintageCanton.org for a full list of participating wineries, distributors, microbrew selections and restaurants.

Entertainment
The whole evening will be set to a musical backdrop of the rhythms of the Ryan Humbert Band: All Strung Out, from 5 to 7 p.m., and the Jeff Poulos Blues Revue closing out the night from 7:15 to 9:30 p.m.

Ticket Pricing | $25 presale tickets!
$25 for individual presale (by Sept. 19), and $35 at the door.
Wine-free spectator tickets are available for $10.

Special Group Pricing | Groups of 20
Have a large group coming? Get your tickets for $20 each when you purchase in groups of 20 (by Sept. 19).

Ticket prices include eight wine tastings or microbrew samples, a variety of breads and cheeses (from Brewster Dairy & Biery Cheese), a collectable souvenir wine glass, and a chance to win a piece of fine jewelry from Gasser Fine Jewelers. Tickets can be purchased online, or at any of seven Fishers Foods locations.

Purchase tickets online with the form below. Tickets are also available at the Canton Regional Chamber offices (222 Market Ave. N in downtown Canton) and at all Fishers Foods locations.

NOTE: IF PURCHASING YOUR TICKETS ONLINE, PAPER TICKETS WILL NOT BE MAILED TO YOU. PLEASE BRING YOUR CONFIRMATION EMAIL WITH YOU AND CHECK-IN AT WILL CALL THE EVENING OF THE EVENT.

Info courtesy of






Canton Chamber Website

Wine deals @ Discount Drug Mart thru 9/4

Funky lLama- Cab Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Shiraz, Malbec- $6.99

Beaulieu Vineyards Coastal Estates- Cab Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Merlot- $7.99

My pick would be the Funkly lLama Cab Sauvignon! Why not, the name makes me smile :-)

Cheers!
Robin

Wine deals @ CVS thru 9/1

Clos Du Bois $11.99
Toasted Head $11.99
Barefoot 1.5ml $11.99
Bella Sera $7.99
Blackstone $7.99
Livingston Cellars $7.99
Foxmoor 3/$11

Chardonnay fans should pick up the Clos Du Bois which has been promoted quite a bit lately.
Toasted Head is well reviewed with loads of apple and citrus, however I've seen it promoted at $9.99 so not a great deal.

Cheers!
Robin

Wine deals @ Rite Aid thru 9/1

Apothic Red $10.99
Robert Mondavi Private Selection $10.99
Andre' Champagne $6.99
Redwood Creek Wine $6.99

My pick of the above would be either the Apothic Red or Mondavi.
Cheers!
Robin

$10.99 wine deals @ Walgreens thru 9/1

The following are the wines on sale at Walgreens this week.

1.5 liter Sutter Home Moscato or White Zinfandel-$10.99

Apothic Red Wine-$10.99

Chocovine Whipped or Vinesmoothie Strawberry -$10.99

My pick would definitely be the Apothic Red. Not sure about the whipped or Vinesmoothie.... Have you tried that before? If so, let us know what it's like!

Cheers!
Robin

$39 Summer Party Pack w/ 1¢ Shipping

Had this great deal emailed to me from WineInsiders.com! What a deal! Time to start stocking up for the holidays!

Go here for the Wine Insiders $39 summer party 6 pack!


Info from Wine Insiders below!
Cheers!
Robin

$39 Summer Party Pack w/ 1¢ Shipping
This special collection of 6 different fine wines from California, France and Spain includes:

NV House Party Moscato
Fragrant, fruity aromas and flavors of peach and ripe apricot, with hints of citrus and a refreshing sweetness that leads to a bright, crisp finish.
2010 Tied Knot Riesling
Balanced, delicate, soft and approachable yet refreshingly crisp with both aromas and flavors of lemon, pink grapefruit and peach.
NV Finca del Viso Airen
Crisp yet soft, fruity (with hints of green apple and apricot), and aromatic (white flowers and herb), this is a dry Spanish white wine made from Airen, grapes native to the country.
2010 Cellier des Tourelles Red
A sumptuous, French red blend of Carignan grapes (for character) and Grenache Noir (for body and rich, fruity aromas and flavors).
2010 Sanderson Ranch Pinot Noir
A California delight, soft and round, featuring aromas of ripe berry, cherry and violet with pronounced flavors of cherry-berry, tobacco and herb.
2009 Sierra Trails Old Vine Zinfandel
A complex wine offers aromas of ripe berry, dried plum, and red currants, with hints of tobacco, black pepper, spice and sweet oak
Choose to receive all six wines (3 red, 3 white), all red (2 ea. of 3) or all white (2 ea. of 3).

SKU: B2NMH, B2NRH, B2NWH

Hot Air Balloon Festival @ Mastropietro Winery Sunday 8/26

Mastropietro is probably my most visited local winery. I love the beautiful setting they have outside and the cozy atmosphere inside. Oh...and the wine is YUMMY! I hope to write more on this diamond in the rough soon. But until then I just had to share a super fun annual event they are having this weekend!

Courtesy of their website, please visit it for more info and details about the winery itself!

http://mastropietrowinery.com/

Sunday August 26th
Fourth Annual Hot Air Balloon Festival

The Winery will be open from 1:00 PM to 9:00 PM.
The Berlin Township Fire Department Volunteers will assist in parking cars.

Please note that there will be a $5.00 per person entrance fee for this event (children under 13 free of charge). This is the only event that the Winery charges an admission fee. The fee is used to help defray the various costs of the many entertainments and bringing in the balloonists.

Rachel's Restaurant & Catering will be preparing food on premise from 1:30 to 7:30 PM - you order directly from their cooking area and they will prepare your fresh meal and deliver it to you.

The John Reese Quartet will be playing jazz from 4:30 to 8:00 PM.

This is a kid-friendly day. There will be two clowns performing magic tricks, fashioning balloon animals and entertaining the kids with their antics from 1:30 to 3:30 and then again from 4:00 to 6:00 (gotta give them a break you know!). There will also be Face Painting by local students up on the Gazebo during that same time frame. An attended Bounce Around will be set up near the front pavilion from 1:30 to 6:30 PM (Note: kids must remove shoes and wear socks to go inside the Bounce Around). The Berlin Township Fire Station will have kid-friendly snacks and drinks available for purchase throughout the afternoon near the gravel drive.

Six hot air balloons are scheduled to arrive around 5:30/6:00-ish depending on the weather. Rick will set up his Balloon Gondola in advance so you can see and touch what the balloonists actually fly in and, if you want to take a photo or two, Rick is not opposed to that. Balloon take off is totally regulated by FAA guidelines and the weather. The winery has no say in whether the balloons actually take off, nor when they take off. In past years, the balloons have inflated and have taken off somewhere between 6:30 and 8:00 PM.

Interested in a ride? Weather permitting, a balloon ride is $170.00 per person (this is discounted from the normal $200 to $225 fee). Children under 10 cannot ride, and children 11+ must be accompanied by a parent. Payment is by check or cash only. If planning to fly, it is suggested that you wear cotton clothing, tennis shoes and bring a light jacket just in case it gets chilly. Pilots reserve the right to deny access to their aircraft to anyone who is not acceptably fit or capable of a flight. If you want to reserve a flight, please email Rick at rakoh77@yahoo.com

Wine deals @ Marc's thru August 28

This week at Marc's there are only two wines featured on promo.

Turning Leaf @ $6.99

Yellow Tail 1.5 liter @ $12.99

My pick would be the Yellow Tail Pinot Grigio. This is always a no fail "go to" value wine that can be counted on in a pinch!

Cheers!

Robin

How to chill wine in 6 minutes

We have a great plug in wine chiller that chills the wine in 7 minutes. It circulates the water and cools it quickly. In the summer I do like my white wines chilled just a touch more than what it reaches. I found this article interesting from the Huffington Post:

How to chill wine in 6 minutes

Cheers!

Robin

Wine deals @ Marcs thru August 21st

Pepperwood Grove Wine $5.99
Blackstone Wines $7.99
Bella Sera Wines $7.99
Matthew Fox Wine $3.29

My pick of the above is the Bella Sera Pinot Grigio- said to be crisp, refreshing, and a great compliment to pastas, herbed chicken and fish!

Summer's nearing an end, eat and drink on your deck or patio while you still can bask in the sun!

No long reviews today! Busy week...

Decisions, decisions

Found this great decision tree that should help you when buying your next bottle of wine. If only there were a decision tree for life...
Courtesy of  Winefolly.com
Cheers!
Robin

Wine Tasting 101.5 Part 2: To cork or not to cork?

There has been quite a bit of discussion in the last few years regarding the ever growing use of screw top caps on wine bottles.

Are screw top wines inferior? Do they lack class? I\'ve done some research to help us understand the whole story.

There are 3 dominant types of wine closure methods on the market: Natural cork, Synthetic cork, and Screw cap.

Natural corks have been around for a very long time. The pros to a natural cork is that it lets the wine breathe so that it can properly age. It has the romance we know and love with the "uncorking" experience that is enjoyed at a fine restaurant. Cons are that wine can end up damaged or "corked". The chemical called TCA used to sanitize the cork can compromise and ruin the wine. 5-10% of wines with cork closures on the shelf are "corked".

Synthetic corks are made out of plastic and while they still give you the uncorking experience, they are not ideal. Cons are they are not great for long term cellaring, they actually let more air in than corks or screw tops and that could harm the wine. These are most common in lower cost wines. If you plan to drink it quickly, don\'t sweat it.

Screw caps are actually the best seal. There have been studies done to ensure the wine ages okay with the screw top and they were successful. There are plenty of good wines on the market with a screw top cap. Many wineries are transitioning every year. New Zealand has led the way in this trend, pay attention to the New Zealand wines on the shelves.

So to wrap this up, if you plan to drink a wine in the near future, don\'t worry about the closure. Base your wine buys by what\'s inside the bottle, not what\'s on top. However, if you are planning to cellar it long term, I would lean toward natural cork.

Cheers!
Robin

Wine Gift Bags Winner!!

Congrats to aleighoop for winning the 2 fabric wine gift bags! Send me a private message at Wine and Dimes on facebook or email me at robintittel@yahoo.com by noon tomorrow with your mailing address!

20th Annual Wine & Food Festive-Seven Springs Mountain Resort

  Ok…not Ohio, but close enough for a day trip right?
My husband just received this email from Seven Springs Mountain Resort and thought I should share with all of you!
………………………………..
Who's Ready for the 20th Annual Wine & Food Festival?
August 25-26, 2012
Taste Pennsylvania's finest wines at Seven Springs Mountain Resort! Don't know the difference between cabernet and merlot? No need to worry. The Seven Springs Wine & Food Festival offers a tantalizing experience for anyone who loves exceptional wines. LEARN MORE...
Lodging Available Friday, August 24!
Saturday night of the festival is booked, but there are rooms available for Friday! Lodging starts at $201 per person, based on double occupancy, and includes breakfast. Reservations are filling up fast. Make yours today by calling (866) 437-1300. …………………………………… Cheers! Robin

Apothic Red Wine @ Giant Eagle $10.99 SAVE $11!

Available thru 8/15

Who knew a red wine could taste and smell like butterscotch? Very interesting...


"Apothic 2010 Red

The brambly spice of Zinfandel, dark fruit flavors of Syrah, the bold notes of Cabernet Sauvignon and the smooth elegance of Merlot unite to create this captivating red blend."

"Apothic Red reveals intense fruit aromas and flavors of rhubarb and black cherry, complemented by hints of mocha, chocolate, brown spice and vanilla. The plush, velvety mouthfeel and the smooth finish round out this intriguing, full-bodied red blend."

Info provided by: http://caldones.com/wine/21/
http://www.wineweekly.com/wine-reviews/red-blend-wine-review-apothic-red/
http://www.apothic.com/

Giveaway! Two beautiful handmade wine bags!

Ok, time to work on building a following on my blog!

I have two beautiful handmade wine bags up for grabs. (wine bottle not included!) These bags are made out of high end home dec fabrics.

Here are the rules:
1: follow my blog. Either click "follow" on the right side of this blog page or "like" Wine and Dimes page on Facebook.
2: comment on this blog post telling me your absolute favorite wine!

That's it! I will randomly choose a winner next Saturday, August 11 around NOON. I'll message the winner via FB to get mailing address.

These bags really dress up a wine bottle for gift giving!

Spread the word!!!! Don't miss your chance to win!!!!

Starborough Sauvignon Blanc $10.99 @ Giant Eagle

Available thru Wednesday, August 8.

New Zealand seems to be the source of quite a few recently promoted Sauvignon Blancs. From what I have read the Marlborough district has a strong reputation for the grape. Tasting notes from multiple sites left my mouth watering...except for the one that said it finished with a crisp taste of cabbage. :-/ I'm not so sure about that one. But regardless there are enough good reviews out there of this one that I know it would be a good pickup next time I'm in the supermarket.

Starborough®

"2011 Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc

The Marlborough district of New Zealand’s South Island has set the world standard for crisp Sauvignon Blanc wines. Marlborough is on the east coast of the island, with a ridge of mountains to the west, limiting rainfall and making it one of the sunniest areas in the country. The landscape is pierced by deep, fjord-like bays, called “sounds,” which enhance the maritime influence and extend the growing season for wine grapes. The long, cool growing season helps the wines of this region to develop rich layers of flavor with a distinctive, refreshing character.

About the Wine:

Our 2011 Starborough Sauvignon Blanc has layers of citrus and tropical fruit with hints of fresh green characters, which make the wine a true expression of the Marlborough region. Flavors of passion fruit, guava and kiwi layered over a citrus framework culminate in a crisp, approachable palate.
Viticulture Notes:

In the 2011 growing season, warmer than average temperatures in November and December produced larger bunches and bigger berries in Marlborough. Dry conditions and cooler weather into late February created an excellent harvest, allowing the Sauvignon Blanc grapes to retain their natural acidity and build concentrated flavors."

Info found at: http://www.starboroughwine.com/

Cheers!
Robin

Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad presents: "Grape-Escape" Wine-Tasting Excursion

August 17, 2012
7-9 pm - Departing from Boston Mills

4th Annual Napa Valley Wine Train

We have been on the CVSR train for the bunny express around Easter. Such a fun time!

I have heard this is a great time as well!

Sit back and relax as you discover 5 different wines, all while traveling through Cuyahoga Valley National Park. This excursion is 2 hours in length and round trip. You must be 21 or older to ride. No one under 21 will be admitted.

While on board, you will sample 5 different wines, each served with a chef-prepared hors d' ouevres. Everyone receives a commemorative CVSR tasting glass.

 For additional info or to purchase tickets: http://www.cvsr.com/default.aspx

Vintage Ohio Wine Festival - August 3-4

We have gone to Vintage Ohio Wine Festival twice. It is certainly a fun atmosphere with plenty of Ohio wineries in attendance. A great way to sample and get to know which wineries you might want to visit in person.

The second year we went on a Saturday and the lines were very long. I recommend going on Friday to avoid such the huge crowd. Let me know how it was if you go!

8800 Eucid Chardon Road
Kirtland, Ohio 44094
800.227.6972
Lake Metroparks - Lake County Ohio

For additional information visit:
http://www.visitvintageohio.com/index.htm

Thorny Rose Cabernet $9.99 @ Giant Eagle

NEW! Save $6! Available thru Wednesday 8/1

This wine was a little bit more difficult to find some reviews on. The only information of substance I have found is on the winery's website itself.

The winery claims this wine to be: "Smooth and delicious. Blackberry, strawberry and cherry, oh my! Cocoa and spice and everything nice."

They even provide a recipe that you can use the wine in, (see below).

"Thorny Rose Sauvignon Blanc grapes are grown in the world-renowned coast of Marlborough in the South Island of New Zealand – a region known for its fresh and lively fruit. Thorny Rose’s other varietals are made using grapes grown in the Yakima Valley, Columbia Valley, Horse Heaven Hills and Wahluke Slope of Washington. Situated on a latitude of 46ºN, the region is similar to that of the world class regions of France. The Cascade mountain range maintains a dry climate (less than 10 inches of rain a year) with its rainshadow effect, while the range’s snow melt provides the region with pristine rivers and an ideal irrigation source. Warm days followed by cool nights bring out the grapes’ natural acidity and the region’s incredible variety of microclimates allow for many different types of grapes to be grown."

This one intrigues me because I can't find much out there about it. I do plan on picking this up this weekend on my trip to Giant Eagle. 

 Information provided by: http://thornyrosewines.com/ view their website for information on other wines they are making which are also on sale this week at Giant Eagle!

Cheers!

Robin

 

Twilight at the Cleveland Zoo - August 3

I have a very good friend who goes to this every year and always has a blast. From the pictures, it looks like more fun than I've ever had at the zoo!

Don’t miss the summer’s BEST music festival celebrating Cleveland’s vibrant local music scene!

GENERAL ADMISSION 7:00 p.m. to Midnight
Complimentary beer, wine, soft drinks, hors d'oeuvres and 18 of Cleveland's hottest bands in the wildest venue in town!
eTickets: $65 May; $70 June; $75 July — Block of 10 $650

Participating Bands:
1988
Almost Famous
Armstrong Bearcat
Arrival — The Journey Tribute
Craic
Disco Inferno
Jah Messengers
Joe Bell & The Swing Lizards
Otis & the Shoreway Saints
Robbing Mary
Run Avril Run
Shady Drive
The Avenue
The Chozen Few Band
The Curve
The Madison Crawl
The Roadhouse Band
Wanted – Bon Jovi Tribute

Info provided by zoo website:

http://www.clemetzoo.com/

Wine Tasting 101.5 part 1

I am by no means an expert on wine. I don't claim to be and never will. If you want Wine Tasting 101, you should probably consult a qualified sommelier. I can offer you Wine Tasting 101.5 from a humble farm girl who loves good wine at a great price.

Let's start with your first and most important lesson: How to enjoy the wine you are drinking to the fullest.

When you open a new bottle of wine, there are 4 key steps to enjoying that bottle of goodness.

Step 1: Put on your glasses. LOOK at the wine. Read the label on the bottle, what does the wine maker tell you that you should be tasting. This is a good way to prepare yourself and you will start to train your palette. Pour a glass. Look at the wine in the glass...can you see your hand thru the glass? The thickness of the wine is called viscosity. Tip the glass to see how the wine coats the inside, as it runs down the insides of the glass it drips lines, these are called legs. Look at where the wine meets the glass at the top. This is called the meniscus, a darker one=full body.

Step 2: SWIRL. Now would be a good time to change out of that white shirt and put on a black one. This has the potential for a wine mishap. I don't want you slurping off the table so I recommend this: keep your wine glass ON the table. Press your fingers on the top of the base and start to move the glass in a circular motion on the tabletop. Swirling the wine exposes more of it to air and releases more aromas!

Step 3: SNIFF! Stick your nose into your glass and inhale deeply. What do you smell? Does it match what's on the bottle? If not, that's not a wrong answer, everybody's sniffer picks up different things.

Step 4: Finally... TASTE!
Restrain yourself. Take a small sip. Hold it! Let it roll back on your tongue and now...CHEW it. You will figure it out. Ok, now very carefully you need to open your mouth just a little bit and suck in some air. I bet you're glad you changed out of that white shirt now. The point of this is to expose the wine sitting on your tongue to more air. The flavor will explode. Swallow and savor. How long is the finish of the wine, in other words, how long can you taste the wine after it is headed down to your belly? The longer the finish, the better the wine. A long finish can last up to or longer than a minute.

I hope these steps help you enjoy your next new wine test. Or maybe you will discover something new about an old favorite? Let me know how it goes!

Cheers!
Robin

Kitchen Sink Red Blend @ Marc's $8.99

Available thru July 31st

I never look at the Marc's ad. To be honest it stresses me out, too many little pictures all crammed on one page. But I looked at it this week. FOR YOU! ;-) I haven't highlighted a red wine in quite a few days, so I'm overdue. Those of you that know me well know that in the summer I'm a white wine kind of girl and in the winter I'm a red wine girl! So that is one reason why I have skewed toward white thus far.

There will be plenty of reds in our future, trust me!

This wine is true to it's name in that it's a little bit of everything. Blending so many different standard wine flavors, it sounds to me like something my mother would throw together and bake in the kitchen. Sometimes things that sound far fetched End up to be family recipes.

"A general blend of California varietals, this simple, but tasty, red wine doesn't pretend to be something it's not. Called the "kitchen sink" for a reason, it's made of Zinfandel, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petite Sirah, and there's no mistaking a hint of each varietal inside. The smoothness comes from the Merlot, the deep, inky color and splash of fruit flavors from the Zinfandel, and the depth from the Cabernet Sauvignon and Petite Sirah.

It's like a dark chocolate bar in a glass. With flavors of blackberry, chocolate and oak, this deeply satisfying red can be had for a ridiculously low price (around $8). The whole bottle was gone in no time."- The Houston Press

Houston Press Blog Review


"Fresh, Blackberry, Plum, Medium-bodiedCalifornia- This wine is a blend of Zinfandel, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petite Sirah that together create a wine with complex structure, ripe tannins, fresh red and dark berry flavors and a hint of creme de cassis. The winemaker has created a harmonious artisanal blend." -Totalwine.com

Let me know if you pick this one up!
Cheers!
Robin

Cleveland Wine Festival - July 27-28

This festival offers a variety of tastings, seminars and cooking demonstrations in a relaxed, scenic setting on the shores of Lake Erie. Festival guests can sample from more than 270 wines from around the world – including Ohio wines – and learn about new and exciting varieties from the experts. Some of the area’s best restaurants will sell their signature dishes. 

Adult Wine Tasting Ticket
$28 in advance or $35 at the door.

There are no additional handling or processing fees for online orders. This ticket includes a souvenir wine glass, ten tastings, Festival Program, Food & Wine seminars, cooking demonstrations, musical entertainment, and the opportunity to purchase wine at a discount.

Designated Driver Ticket
$10 in advance or at the door.
This ticket includes two non-alcoholic drinks, Festival Program, Food & Wine seminars, cooking demonstrations, musical entertainment, souvenir wine glass upon departure. Under 21 admitted free when accompanied by paid adult.

Additional Information:

http://www.clevelandwinefestival.com/ 

Monkey Bay Sauvignon Blanc @ Acme $8.99

Available thru Friday 7/27

I've found all good reviews on this Sauvignon Blanc. It was referred to as an exceptional sauvignon blanc in this price point. Crisp, light and wishing you had more!

TASTING NOTES

Color: Shining yellow with green tints and brilliant clarity.
Aroma: A vibrant bouquet of ripe grapefruit, kiwi and pineapple with a hint of freshly cut grass. You’ll think you’ve wandered into Paradise.
Palate: A fresh, lively approachable wine overflowing with grapefruit, lemon and passion fruit and infused with a delicate, herbaceous character.
Food Pairings: Great on its own or pair it with chicken, sea bass or shell fish.
Think summer. Think the sun deck.
Grape Variety: Sauvignon Blanc
Vineyards: Marlborough, on New Zealand’s South Island

Info found at: http://www.monkeybaywine.com/

Chateau St. Michelle Riesling @ CVS $8.99

Available thru 7/28

Not only is this my favorite Riesling...this is by far, my FAVORITE white wine of any kind! I have yet to have someone taste this wine and not LOVE it.

"Sweet peaches and juicy ripe pears fill the nose on this wine. Slightly sweet and surprisingly tart in the mouth, with some green apple, this wine had very nice acidity to balance out the sweetness."

"Chateau Ste. Michelle is Washington State’s oldest winery, dating back to 1934, and the largest producer of Riesling in the country."

At typically $9.99-$12.99 retail buy a couple bottles of this beauty, and save a few bucks!

All info found at:
href="http://www.vindulgeblog.com"

Nobilo Sauvignon Blanc @ Giant Eagle $9.99

Available thru Wednesday 7/25

This looks like one that I'm definitely going to pick up!! A tropical citrus Sauvignon Blanc is right up my alley. Especially when it's 90 degrees outside!

Nobilo Sauvignon Blanc awarded 91 points!!

"Nobilo Regional Collection Sauvignon Blanc 2010 received 91 points and a Great Value distiction at the 2011 Ultimate Wine Challenge held in New York City on May 2.

This is fantastic recognition for a New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc on a global scale!

A Quintessential Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc which treats you to aromas of ripe tropical and citrus fruits which flow through to the palate and a crisp dry finish. A fresh,fruity liquid pleasure."

Information found at: http://nobilo.co.nz

Looking for something to do tomorrow?

Why not check out the Hudson Wine Festival?!



This event benefits the Humane Society of Greater Akron. Located along Village Way in First & Main, the festival features over 250 wines plus international food, entertainment, artists, and pet-related activities for the entire family. Wine tasting tickets are $20 in advance, $25 at the door and include 10 tastes plus a souvenir glass. All other activities are free. www.hudsonwinefestival.com

Ruffino Lumina Pinot Grigio @ Giant Eagle $8.99

Available thru Wednesday, 7/25

This white wine is said to be jumping with pear and hints of citrus. Mmmmm!!!

"Lumina is an innovative wine in many ways:

· It is Ruffino's first Pinot Grigio
· It represents Ruffino's first official extension beyond its Tuscan roots'...

'Lumina is produced from carefully selected grapes coming from the Northeast Italy's finest vineyards. It is a wine that shows complexity and elegance. It merges the qualities of a very popular grape variety with the virtues of a historical vine-growing area, perfect for the production of fine quality white wines.

Lumina is a Pinot Grigio with a well recognizable personality. Its medium-bodied structure and full aromas makes it stand out in the broad Pinot Grigio category. This wine, which was first introduced in 2002, has in fact been so well reviewed by consumers world-wide that its production has grown well beyond 1,000,000 bottles per year in only 4 years."

Info provided by: www.ruffino.com

Simi Sauvignon Blanc @ Giant Eagle $9.99

On sale thru Wednesday 7/25.

www.wineweekly.com rated this jewel at 91 points!

Straight from Sonoma County..."This brilliantly clear, pale-straw-colored Sauvignon Blanc leads with fresh and appealing aromas of Meyer lemon, lime zest, stone fruit, grapefruit, and lifted mineral notes followed by a lively palate which reprises the lemon and lime themes of the nose. This refreshing and brightly acidic wine at first appears delicate but then reveals nuance after nuance, finishing with a long, lingering impression of citrus and mineral notes."

Info found at www.simiwinery.com

Colby Red @ Walgreens $10.99

On sale thru 7/21

Colby Groom is now 13 years of age. Just prior to his 10th birthday he underwent back to back open heart surgeries. He is now a seasoned
volunteer with the American Heart Association and was inspired to
raise money for heart research through creating a wine with his Dad,
notable winemaker Daryl Groom and Colby Red was born.

Tasting Notes
Deep red with vibrant purple hues, the 2009 Colby Red is a unique blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, Syrah, Petite Sirah and Merlot. This wine shows enticing aromas of red and black fruits, which continue on a rich, smooth palate. The Cabernet Sauvignon lends flavors of blackberries, boysenberries and plum, which are enhanced by lovely spicy notes from the Syrah and Zinfandel, along with a slight toasty, vanilla character from oak aging. Easy to drink and enjoy, this wine is very much a crowd pleaser.

Info courtesy of:
www.cellar360.com
www.colbyred.com for more info!

Cheers!
Robin

Cheers to wine and saving money!

I've decided to start this blog to ensure that all women in Ohio are informed of great deals on wine at our local stores! ;-) Well, men can read it too I suppose...

As I was browsing the local ads I was looking at the wine on sale and thought to myself: "I just wish I knew if this was good!". Now with a little research I can read reviews and find that out, but it would take a lot of time. So if I'm going to take the time to look this information up every week, it only makes sense that I share it with you.

This blog will inform you of wines in the area that you can pick up for a great price. My goal is to find you super deals in the $5.99-$7.99 range, but I will set a max price of $14.99. I will also occasionally post to inform you about upcoming events in the area. Wine Tastings or "Taste of..." events should not be passing us by!

I am open to suggestions on what else you would like to see here, "wine alerts", or any other information worth sharing.

Wash all your wine glasses and make sure your corkscrew is in working order! It's going to be a fun ride.

Cheers!

Robin