It’s Winter Wine Release Weekend at Sugar Clay Winery

Sugar Clay Winery in Thurman, Iowa, has a great afternoon and evening planned for the release of their new wines.

On Saturday and Sunday, March 1^st and 2^nd, from 1:00 – 5:00 p.m. you can enjoy their 3 new wines with a delicious food pairing. Take the recipes to recreate at home. It’s just $5.00 a person. 

On Saturday night the fun continues from 6:30 – 9:30 p.m. with Open Mic Night. There is no admission fee – and you can step up to the mic or just enjoy the entertainment. Sugar Clay invites you to bring your guitar, harmonica, fiddle, “bones” or “spoons” for an open jam session. “All-U-Can-Eat” soup for $5.00 starts at 6:00 p.m.

If you’re looking for a fun break from winter – and your weekend routine – this is it! Plan a spur-of-the-moment weekend getaway and spend the night in Omaha, just 40 miles from Sugar Clay Winery. Have fun! 

Cheers!
Barbara Rasko, Publisher

Make Mine Wine

www.MakeMineWinemagazine.com

Tassel Ridge Winery Releases 2007 Iowa Edelweiss!

Tassel Ridge Winery’s Edelweiss is popular! That means it sells out quickly – actually in just a few months last year.

 

The 2007 Iowa Edelweiss will be released March 1^st and 2^nd, so take the short drive to Tassel Ridge Winery this weekend, enjoy some hors d’oeuvres with your wine and pick up enough Edelweiss to last you a year!

 

This semi-sweet wine is very fruity and flavorful with the scene of ripe pineapple followed by hints of Mandarin orange, pineapple, pear, and green apple on the palate. Doesn’t that sound refreshing and wonderful!

 

Tassel Ridge Winery is one of the fifteen wineries on the Heart of Iowa Wine Trail. You can purchase the 2008 Heart of Iowa Wine Trail Passport there, get your passport stamped, and be on your way to earning elegant commemorative wine glasses. That’s what you receive when you have collected the fifteen stamps in your passport – one from your visit to each of the fifteen wineries. Think of the fun you’ll have!

 

Cheers!

Barbara Rasko, Publisher

Make Mine Wine

www.MakeMineWinemagazine.com

Midwest Wine Country Viticulturists

You may be warm and comfortable working in your corporate office … or nice and cozy working from home … or multi-tasking with your laptop open and a favorite show on television.

Let me tell you how some of our Midwest Wine Country viticulturists are doing this winter. As our Editor, Kent Darr reported in his interview with David Klodd in the Spring 2007 issue of Make Mine Wine, you have to like the cold to stay in the vineyard and look at, evaluate and prune 6,300 vines. Dead vines must be marked. Trellises must be repaired. And each vine must be pruned in the winter, before the roots send the first juice up the vines and the plants bud.

When tourists flock to the wineries in the summer, they’ll marvel at the lush green vines and never give a thought to the bundled and gloved growers and producers who spent winter days tending their vines. This year, the frequent snows and frigid weather is making the job particularly difficult. In a recent newsletter Jim Cushman from Park Farms Winery near Bankston, Iowa, said, “Last I checked there was close to 36 inches on the ground making winter pruning a somewhat arduous task.”

If you enjoy visiting your local winery, why don’t you call the winemaker today and let that person know you appreciate what they are going through this winter! By the way, if you would like to tend vines full time, you may be interested in the new position, Viticulture Technician, at Iowa State University.  As part of the Midwest Grape and Wine Institute, you would be involved in some interesting and important work. 

And of course, it wouldn’t be this cold and snowy every day! 

Cheers!
Barbara Rasko, Publisher

Make Mine Wine

MakeMineWinemagazine.com 

Summerset Adventure Tour: Seaside Excursion and Balcony Cruise to Spain

Over-your-head piles of snow may be just the motivation you need to make plans for the Summerset Adventure Tour to Spain! You’ll be able to taste Wine! Visit a Barcelona cellar and the Sagrada Familia!  Shop!  Relax! Tour a Mediterranean Village!  Walk the beach!  Take a cooking class! Stroll through an art museum! Make new friends! Have fun!

These tours fill up quickly, so, if you are interested, attend one of the informational parties – either February 23rd or March 1st, from 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. at Summerset Winery (between Des Moines and Indianola). 

The cost of the trip if $4,960.00 (per person/double occupancy), and a deposit of $450 is needed by March 1st. For more information, contact Summerset Winery at (515) 961-3545. 

If you can’t make the trip, at least ignore our Midwest Wine Country snow, and relax with a great bottle of Summerset Wine! 

Cheers! 

Barbara Rasko, Publisher

Make Mine Wine

www.MakeMineWinemagazine.com

Celebrate Valentine’s Day at Tassel Ridge Winery: Prime Rib, Live Music and Fine Wine

Spending romantic time together is important for couples, and that is often hard to do with work, family and schedules. Several wineries on The Heart of Iowa Wine Trail have wonderful dinners and dances planned on either Thursday, February 14^th or Saturday, February 16h.  That means you can have two big date nights next week!

You deserve it and, with the wonderful romantic choices from the wineries, I know you’ll enjoy it!

Tassel Ridge Winery, at Leighton, offers Prime Rib Wine and Food Pairing Dinners on Thursday, February 14 and Saturday, February 16 at 7:00 p.m. The menu will be the same for both dinners, and each course will be paired with select Tassel Ridge wines:

• Appetizers including Spicy Bacon Sticks, Fresh Fruits and Gourmet Cheeses, including locally produced cheese
• Mixed Green Salad with Vintage Dressing inspired by Lawry’s in Chicago and Beverly Hills – paired with Tickled Pink (special Valentine’s Day edition!)
• Prime Rib with Sautéed Mushrooms, Garlic Mashed Potatoes, and Fresh Asparagus with Hollandaise Sauce – paired with Twilight
• Silky Homemade Triple Chocolate Cheesecake – paired with Finalé Premier Red

The Food and Wine paring dinners at Tassel Ridge are wonderful, as is the live music. Here are the details: advance reservations and payment are required; $50 per person, and space is limited! To make your reservations, call Tassel Ridge Winery at 641.672.WINE (9463) or e-mail Sarah Thompson at sthompson@tasselridge.com. Reservations for the February 14 dinner will be accepted through Monday, February 11, and reservations for February 16 will be accepted through Thursday, February 14.

 While you’re at Tassel Ridge Winery for one of the dinners or during the Sweethearts and Chocolate event on the 15th and 16th, be sure to try, Sweet Roxie Red, especially if you are a fan of their Red, White, and Blue. This new wine is sweet and fruity with cherry and green apple notes on the nose and cherry and plum on the palate.Cheers!Barbara Rasko, PublisherMake Mine Wine

MakeMineWinemagazine.com

Ground Hog Shadow, Snow, and Cabin Fever Cure: Winery Fun

Yes, the snow is expected to fall for days, and winter is not likely to turn to spring anytime soon, but that doesn’t mean you are doomed to boredom. Your local wineries are prepared to show you a good time.

 

Start by making reservations for one of these Valentine Day and weekend events: February 14^th – the 5-course dinner with wine, hosted by Tony and Sue Putz, and catered by Man with a Pan Catering, at La Vida Loca Winery, or February 16^th – The Valentine’s Day Ball hosted by Ron and Linda Mark at Summerset Winery, or February 16 & 17^th – The Heart of Iowa Wine Trail’s Sweethearts and Wine Event.

 

Do you prefer dinner theater? Sugar Grove Vineyard’s Call of The Wild is an all-new fast-paced comedy and music revue for lovers of the Great Outdoors—and everyone else.  The dates are February 9^th and 16^th, and the menu is:

Appetizer: Marinated Elk Tenders (beef-like), skewered and marinated with vegetables (this elk was raised right at Sugar Grove!)
Salad: Mixed Greens with Toasted Pecans, Dried Blueberries and Poppyseed Dressing
Entrée: Choose Smoked Amana Chop in Maple Bourbon Glaze OR Encrusted and Baked Catfish; both accompanied by Wild Carrots and Wild Rice Mushroom Bisque
Dessert: Hazelnut Torte
Beverage: Coffee, tea, water and one complimentary glass of Sugar Grove wine or sparkling beverage. Reservations required. $55 per person includes meal, wine, show, and gratuity. Call 641-787-9463 for more information. 

Check the Events and Festivals list on www.makeminewinemagazine.com for Valentine Day’s events at other Midwest Wine Country wineries in Illinois, Michigan, Nebraska and Wisconsin.

Cheers!

Barbara Rasko, Publisher

Make Mine Wine

MakeMineWinemagazine.com

Enjoy the Wining and Dining and Dancing at the Valentine’s Day Ball at Summerset Winery

 I enjoy providing information on events that you might enjoy — and I can tell you this event will be a great one!

Have you been to Summerset Winery? If not, now is the perfect time to go. If you’ve been there before, you know what I’m talking about!

Make reservations to be there at 6:00 p.m., Saturday, February 16^th for the wine reception, wine with dinner catered by Christiani’s VIP Catering, photo by Maharry Photography and dancing to live music performed by Ashanti. Winemaker Ron Mark and his wife Linda are great hosts … I know you’ll have a marvelous time.

Call the winery at 515-961-3545 to order tickets ($50 each). The Christiani’s dinner will feature:

Hors d’oeuvres
Cheeses from Europe and America
Relish Tray and Dip
Grilled Asparagus and Caps Marinated in Virgin Olive Oil
fresh lemons and Spices

Verona Buffet
Garden Salad with Christiani’s Signature Dressing
6 oz. Boneless Breast of Chicken Prima Vera
Sliced USDA Choice Roast Beef with Horseradish Cream Sauce
Cheese Stuffed Ravioli with Basil Marinara
Penne with Meatballs and Sausage
Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Green Beans with Pimentos
Fresh Baked Rolls and Butter

European Sweet Table
Assorted Cakes, Pies and French Pastries
Miniature Cream Puffs
Petit Fours
Miniature Chocolate Cream Puffs
Coffee and Cappuccino Bar

Wonderful! 

And then there is the wine!

 You may already have a favorite Summerset Wine, but if not, go to www.SummersetWine.com and learn more about each wine. Then, when you are at the Winery, taste and buy the ones you like best. Don’t forgot to prolong the experience – buy a few bottles to enjoy at home. 

Cheers!
Barbara Rasko, Publisher

Make Mine Wine

MakeMineWinemagazine.com 

Award-Winning Tassel Ridge Wines Key to Smiles and Relaxation on Valentine’s Day

When I ask people if they enjoy a glass of wine, faces brighten with smiles, and I hear sighs anticipating relaxation. Women especially welcome a glass of wine signaling it’s time to quit working, sit down, relax and enjoy.

 

If the special someone you love likes wine, you know exactly what I mean.

 

So, if you want a smiling, relaxed Valentine, I suggest you bring home beautiful bottles of award-winning wine from Tassel Ridge Winery.

 

Red, White, and Blue is a traditional, sweet Concord-based blend and is best served chilled. This award-winner won Gold at both the 2007 Tasters Guild Wine Lovers International Consumer Competition and the 2007 Mid-American Wine Competition.

 

Fruit Stand Blackberry Wine, think old-fashioned blackberry jam, has won five International awards: Chairman’s Best of Class 2007 and Gold 2007 Long Beach Grand Cru Wine Competition, Double Gold 2007 Tasters Guild Wine Lovers International Consumer Competition, and Gold 2007 International Wine Competition.

 

For pre-dinner sipping, chill Prelude, a semi-sweet wine offering fruit notes. It is made from Iowa St. Pepin grapes and Muscat grapes grown in California. Prelude won several awards including Gold at 2007 Tasters Guild International Wine Competition, and Bronze at the National Women’s Wine Competition.

 

Stop in the Tasting Room or check the Tassel Ridge Web site for a complete list of their winning wines. Read the descriptions and pairing tips to find the ones you want to try.

 

You will also find a wonderful collection of treats at Tassel Ridge. Gourmet truffles are the perfect companion to the fine Tassel Ridge dessert wines. Surprise with wine-flavored pop-corn! Try Catawba, Concord or Vignole. I love the Candlelight Caramel Sauce – yes it is flavored with Tassel Ridge Candlelight wine – and is fabulous over ice cream. You might also like the cheese toppers and dipping oils.

 

I love to browse in the Tassel Ridge Gift Shop and if you like all things wine, you will too!  (The gift shop and tasting room is done in green marble!).  I love sparkling glass, so of course, I love the stunning bottle stoppers. Wine books, set-the mood music, caps, t-shirts, note cards, as well as bottle openers, chillers, charms and trivets make this a wonderful place to find unique gifts.

 

Spend some time tasting the Tassel Ridge wines to find your favorites. Maybe it will be Brett’s Blush, from Zinfandel grapes, or the oak-aged Twilight, from Cabernet Sauvignon grapes. Think about creating a personalized label (birthday, anniversary, etc.) and have it placed on your favorite bottle of Tassel Ridge Wine – minimum order is 1 case – it’s a fun and memorable gift!

 

One more suggestion: do you want to avoid the crowds and enjoy a romantic dinner at home? Make delicious Grilled Scallops and Saffron Rice (paired with Tassel Ridge Candleglow White) or Pan Fried Jerk Seasoned Pork Loin Medallions (paired with Tassel Ridge White Blossom (dry) or Iowa Edelweiss (semi-sweet). The recipes are on the Web site, too.  Enjoy!

 

It’s easy to get to Tassel Ridge, but if you don’t care to make the trip, you can view all of their delightful wines and gifts in their new on-line catalog. Click on the Tassel Ridge Catalog at www.tasselridge.com. Enjoy!

 

Cheers!

Barbara Rasko, Publisher

Make Mine Wine

MakeMineWinemagazine.com