We in wine country are currently enjoying our annual mock spring, with blue skies and temperatures in the 70’s. It is usually followed by another couple of months of wintry weather (for us), but we are enjoying it while we can. It gives growers the opportunity to access their vineyards for seasonal pruning; an added …
It’s the time of year for roasts, stews and hearty soups. A wonderful (and easy) accompaniment to any of the above is this month’s dish – cheesy popovers. Simple ingredients, quickly put together and a crowd pleaser; you can serve this with any Taft Street wine. INGREDIENTS: 1 tablespoon melted butter, plus more for greasing …
A real calm has overtaken the winery. Our production facility (winery) has been closed the past two weeks as our cellar staff is enjoying a much need and well deserved post harvest rest. In the meantime, Mike Martini, along with Sue and Jake, are rounding up the year’s books. Next week it’s back to “normal” …
We used to look forward to October for its great weather and harvest. That has been changed of late and this year was no exception. Dry weather conditions and high winds brought another series of wildfires to the area, which disrupted the lives of hundreds of thousands of people. The disruption has not ended, as people …
Over the past week we have been living out of our suitcases, as fires have covered the region. We have stayed with various friends who often had other displaced guests. Meals were makeshift, but we usually managed to get together something more than palatable. Here’s what we did last night. INGREDIENTS: 8 boneless chicken thighs …
With the days getting cooler and shorter it is time to turn to more hearty fare. One of my favorites is chowder, in almost any variation. This month I’ve picked seafood as starting point; feel free to add /substitute your own favorites as desired. INGREDIENTS: ¼ cup butter 1 onion, diced Salt and pepper ¼ …
Along with seasonal weather (warm days/cool nights), the harvest is moving along. It is not the madness we have often experienced, with trucks lined up to deposit their loads. In fact, we have to date taken in less than half of what we have contracted, and we very well could be bringing in grapes far …
With Labor Day weekend upon us, we have yet to see any grapes in the fermenters. This marks the first time in 5 years we have had to wait until September for the harvest to begin. Late spring rains have pushed the harvest back a bit, but things should start rolling next week. We are …
Finally tomato season has arrived! It was a bit late this year due to spring rains, but now we see (and taste) an abundance of some of the juiciest and most flavorful fruit this side of grapes. This particular dish would make a great outdoor brunch or lunch. INGREDIENTS: 3 tablespoons butter 1 onion, diced …
It is hard to believe but summer is half gone. The hills are “golden,” the Russian River is full of vacationers, and the wineries are starting to gear up for harvest. The weather is wine and human friendly, with warm days and cool nights. Growers report good sized crops, perhaps a week or so later …
