With the hot days of harvest upon us, it’s time to plan a few meals that provide ease, can be (partially) made ahead, and are literally cool. Here’s an old standby. INGREDIENTS: 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded 1 medium cucumber 1 pound fresh egg noodles 2 tablespoons sesame oil 1 tablespoon brown sugar 3 tablespoons […]
Cold Asian Noodle Salad Read More »
It’s hot today (109° in Healdsburg), and it will be hotter tomorrow (111°). Not exactly a picture-perfect start for Harvest 2017, but things should cool down a bit by Labor Day. This heat wave on top of a long, warm summer should mean an early and big crop. We brought in some Pinot Noir for rosé
The 2017 Crush is On! Read More »
With temperatures about to climb to the 100 degrees mark for the umpteenth time this summer, folks in the winery are starting to get nervous. This feeling deepened when we learned a neighbor is planning to pick for rose next week. With a full schedule of bottling lined up for August, things may get hectic
In the last few years, this simple salad has become a summertime staple. Just remember; the better the ingredients, the better the results. INGREDIENTS: 3 pounds seedless watermelon, cut into 1 inch cubes 1 tablespoon lemon juice, plus zest from ½ the lemon 2 tablespoon olive oil, plus 1 tablespoon for drizzle ¼ cup mint
Watermelon, Feta, And Mint Salad Read More »
With the 4th of July right around the corner, our culinary thoughts naturally turn to the grill. On hot days (and evenings) it’s nice to get something done that both tasty and quick. The following accomplishes both. INGREDIENTS: 1/3 cup tahini sauce (soy will do) 1 tablespoon chopped ginger 2 chopped cloves garlic 1 tablespoon
Asian Grilled Steak Read More »
We’ve had our first heat wave of the year, with temperatures approaching truly hot (110!). It finally cooled off and lately, we have enjoyed warm days and cool nights. Good for the soul and good for the grapes. Things in the winery are as expected; we are busy bottling wine and will continue until the
Last Crazy Days of Summer Read More »
We are constantly on the lookout for a simple, good tasting dish that goes well with one of our wines. In summertime that wine of often Taft Street Russian River Sauvignon Blanc, and the following shrimp and rice combo works particularly well with it. INGREDIENTS: 1 ½ cups long grained rice 1 tablespoon olive oil
One Dish Easy Supper Read More »
All of a sudden we are into full summer mode. The weather has warmed, the hills have browned, and the visitors have arrived. We started our concert series with a great show by Steve Pile and Lazyman. The place was packed, the vibe was perfect, and we are happy to be back in our comfort
The Summer Season Has Begun Read More »
Winter has ended – abruptly. Last week cool and wet weather, which has been with us since November, changed to midsummer skies and temperatures. Looks like we’re headed into the 90’s over the next few days, and very few people are complaining. In this year’s North Coast Wine Competition the Taft Street 2016 Russian River
The Best of the Best Read More »
Our BEST OF THE BEST 2016 Russian River Valley Rose of Pinot Noir has drawn accolades from many. One is the grower of the award winning wine. Arturo Ibleto is known in Sonoma County as “Pasta King.” He’s partial, but he thinks the Best of the Best rose goes best with pasta. Here’s one of
Shrimp Pasta With Rose Sauce Read More »
