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Posted by Greg Schroeder on February 7, 2012 at 8:48 pm
Yes, it’s that sappy time of the year again – Valentine’s Day. If this is your first year at it, just know that it can go really well or it can be a total disaster. Somewhere in between works, but who wants to achieve mediocre?
My own personal advice is this: Do some level of planning before the big day because your significant other will know if you didn’t and that is the key to avoiding a disaster.
For the clueless guys, and some ladies too, who don’t know where to start planning for this day, I’m going to give you some suggestions in order to avoid a disaster:
First, think of your significant other’s expectations. Is she the easy-to-please type who expects nothing more than flowers? Or, is she the kind of girl who wants a thoroughly-planned, thrilling Valentine’s Day to remember forever? Keep in mind – whatever you do this year has to get progressively better next year! Or, does she want nothing more than one full night of your undivided attention, which brings to mind that TV commercial with the guy checking his phone for sports updates while out to dinner with his girl – uh, don’t do that! What’s most important with any of these scenarios is to consider his or her ‘maintenance level,’ determine what you can afford, and then start planning. Of course, plan sooner rather than later.
Wine & Dine
Pick the right restaurant! Do you have a Wendy’s date or a Morton’s date? I’m sure that 100 percent of Orange County’s restaurants are offering a special for the night, so here are a few selections I’ve found to get your wheels turning:
Amazing Grapes – Come on, this is our blog! Of course we’ll be pitching our place . . . and for good reason! Not only do we have you covered with a large selection of Rose’ Champagnes, we have just about any still wine you could think of. If you’re planning on cooking a special dinner at home, swing by for lots of pairing suggestions to compliment whatever it is your making.
The Grape - Amazing Grapes Wine Bar also has a special evening planned. Click here to sign up for a special notification.
Hanna’s Steak House – South Orange County’s and Rancho Santa Margarita’s nicest restaurant has a special A La Carte menu planned for the evening with three seating’s available at 5, 7 and 9 pm. I strongly suggest calling early for reservations.
Piccolino Ristorante – For pure romance, Italian dining is where it’s at. Sal, the owner, is a marvelous host who will make the evening special for you both. Picoolino has a great Italian wine list or drop by our store and pick up a bottle to enjoy there. A modest corking fee of $18 will apply. Click here to see their special Valentine’s Day menu.
Pina’s Bistro – My favorite Italian restaurant is having a Valentines Special meal. You can read my review of this restaurant in Greg’s Food and Wine Reviews or go to the restaurant website here. Strongly urge you to make reservations at this gem!
Get Away. Way Away!
Here’s a great idea – Escape the home to get the romance and privacy you crave, especially if you have children. There are a number of options just a quick drive away where you and your Valentine can cozy up. And you don’t have to go far either; bet you didn’t know we have a cozy new hotel with a great spa right in our back yard! Check in to Ayre’s Suites in Mission Viejo, just off the 241 Toll Road.
Flowers That Will Blow Her Mind
My wife will kill me for sharing my florist with you, but hey . . . that’s what blogging is all about. If you absolutely want to blow your wife’s mind, you have to get an arrangement for her from White Lilac. Guaranty you’ll make her day!
Outside the Box . . . of Chocolates . . . Duh
If dinner is too boring for you, or you can’t afford a weekend getaway, try something a little different to impress your Valentine. Try writing your loved one a love letter. I have never met one woman who wouldn’t prefer a love letter over dinner, a trip or flowers. And for heaven’s sake – skip the box of chocolates from the grocery store. Nothing will kill the mood faster than a box of Russel Stovers – ugh. If she has to have chocolate, find a See’s Candy store or order something online from the plethora of chocolatiers who make gourmet treats.
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Posted by Jeffrey Hall on January 25, 2012 at 7:39 pm
Or maybe it’s better asked this way: Is wine elitist?
I have heard this a lot from blogs and wine writers as of late. I am very confused!?! I work in the Wine Industry and have for over 12 years now, Elitist? Hmm, not how I would describe it. The great majority of us are middle class working folks, hardly elitists. Yes, I have some friends who work as Sommeliers for some very exclusive establishments, but none of them are elitist. The group of people that own this store are certainly not elitists.
So, where does this “elitist” stigma come from? Is it the wine itself?
And it’s not from the customers I have had in the store as they range from some of the worlds wealthiest to everyday people that just want a nice $10 wine for dinner. To further debunk the elitist tag, I can tell you with authority that the more money people have does not make them a wine elitist. In fact they tend to like to find the same good value wines that the rest of us do.
So, why the disconnect? Why do some want to see wine as elitist? Does anyone who listened to President Obama’s state of the union address last night remember hearing anything about wine being a culprit?
To my knowledge, wine is an agricultural product picked by people in fields off of plants. This would seem to put wine in the same category as apples or cabbage; at least up to this point. It is after the grapes are picked that the transformation into wine takes place. Have you ever visited a winery’s cellar room when they are making wine? That’s hardly an elitist hangout. How about the bottling line . . . , nope, none there either. I got it, it must be in the Tasting Rooms right? Well occasionally, but for the most part they are a really fun bunch of people too.
So, is wine elitist? Absolutely not! If it is at all intimidating to you, please stop by and ask me all the questions you want. I often marvel at the people I see in the grocery stores staring at labels and guessing which wine will be good as there is NO help for you in these stores at all. That’s why you should shop for wine in a wine store that specializes in helping you make a good decision. That . . . is what I am here for!
There are no “stupid” questions – I have probably asked all of them at one time or another myself – so, never feel that you are being dumb or showing that you don’t know much. Trust me, some of the best information I get comes not from industry people, but our customers who have learned about wine in their travels, asking questions. You would be amazed what I have learned.
So go ahead, ask away. You’ll be happy you did!
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Posted by Jeffrey Hall on January 16, 2012 at 10:02 pm
Bet you didn’t know January 26th is “Australia Day. ” Yes, it is just a day in the middle of winter to most of us. But on that day in 1788, the First Fleet under the Command of Captain Arthur Phillip sailed into Sydney Cove, which is named after the Home Secretary, Thomas Townshend, 1st Viscount Sydney. Since the 13 colonies had recently gained their independence, the British needed someplace to send their prisoners, so it seems from the start that our paths were crossing.
Why should any of us care about Australia, I mean besides the wine, Crocodile Dundee and of course Nicole Kidman.
[Pause for a minute to ponder Nicole and that gorgeous dress she had on at the Golden Globe Awards last night.]
The Aussie’s are probably more like us Americans than any other country in the world. Aside from the fact that they have had our back in every conflict since World War One, they are the only nation that has always had our back. Besides, they appreciate us as much as we appreciate them.
With Australia Day coming up, I thought we should have an Australia Day Wine Tasting featuring a few wines from the different regions of Australia. Perhaps a Shiraz, a Cabernet, maybe a blend too and something bubbly to celebrate? We will also have some fun loving people in to help celebrate and it promises to be a very good time. I am told we cannot get any Kangaroo fillets for the occasion, but I am pretty sure Chef Mike can whip up a fine shrimp dish or something appropriate.
If you’re thinking “I’m over Australian wines,” well you wouldn’t be alone. Like the ants that populate Orange County, Australian wine was a commercial juggernaut that seemingly came out of nowhere boasting mind boggling scores from Parker and others. Problem was that these wines were exhausting to drink and they wore us out – quickly. Hmm, sounds familiar, right Napa Valley?
Then, a few years ago, the Australian invasion ground to a halt. It seemed that all of a sudden nobody wanted Australian wines anymore. Fast forward to today’s efforts from Australia – they’ve radically reformed themselves after this wake-up call. You have to try Australian wines now as you won’t be disappointed. Gone are the high alcohol, throat burning, fruit-bombs. Their wines have never been purer, finer or more profound. I swear!
So, please stop by Amazing Grapes on January 26th and help us celebrate Australia Day by tasting some great examples of what I’m talking about!
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Posted by Greg Schroeder on January 9, 2012 at 4:37 pm
It’s morning and my mind is on breakfast so I thought I’d take a moment to share with you a new suggestion to start your day! I’m talking beer with breakfast, but more specifically, BananWeisse for breakfast!
This has got to be my favorite “mixed drink” now. You take Looza Banana Juice, which you can find at any Albertson’s Grocery Store in the natural foods aisle and mix it with a good, German Hefe Weisse (wheat beer), like the Schneider Hopfen Weisse we carry at Amazing Grapes Wine Store.
Proportions: Fill a glass like the one in the photo about a 1/3 of the way full and top it off with the beer.
I know this isn’t original, but I’ve never had it before and I shared it with my serious beer drinking son and his friends, who had never had it before, so I’m sure this will be new to most of you.
The Heffe Weissen beer has a hint of banana in it already so the combination just works. You’ll be amazed at how easy it is to enjoy this – too easy in fact.
FYI – This is a common breakfast drink in Germany. Did you know that beer is considered, and licensed, as a food in Munich? This allows children to purchase and drink beer. Not condoning childhood drinking by any means.
Enjoy!
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Posted by Greg Schroeder on December 30, 2011 at 8:06 pm
Just one day to New Years Eve, and that means Champagne, so why not look at 2012 through Rosé colored glasses and try an amazing French Rosé Champagne, Robert Parker’s favorite, at a spectacular price!
One of the most gifted Champagnes during the holidays, for many Champagne lovers, Champagne Billecart-Salmon NV Brut Rosé is the house for rosé! Beautifully balanced in its layers of perfumed red fruit, berries and flowers. Clean mineral notes frame a silky, sensual finish. Billecart-Salmon’s NV Brut Rose is one of the most consistently delicious roses readers are likely to find.
Champagne Billecart-Salmon NV Brut Rosé@ Amazing Grapes $74.98 (three or more for $64.98) – WS 92/RP 94 points
“Billecart-Salmon is one of my favorite Champagne houses, and their non-vintage Rose is a consistent winner. A delicate pink color is accompanied by gorgeous sweet cherry, strawberry, and mineral-like scents, assertive medium-bodied flavors, a delicate, crisp personality, and surprising depth as well as persistence. A beautiful berry character in the finish adds to this impeccable rose’s captivating style.” RP – 94 points
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Posted by Greg Schroeder on December 29, 2011 at 10:53 pm
New Years Eve wine means Champagne, but if you have a crowd at your house like I will, how do you serve French Champagne without breaking the bank? Why not try my favorite French Champagne under $50 Nicolas Feuillatte NV Brut Blue Label.
Nicolas Feuillatte created his brand in 1976, after inheriting a vineyard near Reims, and Champagne Nicolas Feuillatte is an exception in a world where the leading brands have built their image and reputation on a history of more than a hundred years.
Like a breath of fresh air, this wispy Champagne energizes the palate with its floral, ginger and bread dough notes. A light-medium body Champagne it is well-proportioned and harmonious, it ends with a mouthwatering tang. Traditionally, aged for three years and a blend of 40% Pinot Noir, 20% Chardonnay and 40% Pinot Meunier.
I must say I like this better than Moet Chandon Imperial and even Veuve Clicquot, and if you like Rose Champagne, well they make a wonderful Rose as well. Pick up some for your New Years Eve celebration and Happy New Year to you! – Kirk Green, Amazing Grapes Wine Buyer/Sommelier
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Posted by Greg Schroeder on December 16, 2011 at 11:33 pm
Spent a late night Wednesday processing orders and packing up holiday gifts of wine, yes the ‘elves’ are hard at work in the Amazing Grapes workshop. This nice part is that unlike Santa’s Workshop, we Amazing Grape elves get a chance to sample wine from time to time, so on this evening, I had a chance to try out the 2008 Altamura Cabernet Sauvignon, Wooden Valley.
Full and ripe with dark berry fruit it is as intense as it gets, the 2008 Altamura Cabernet Sauvignon, Wooden Valley has a very soft finish with a nice mix of tannins and acid.
The Altamura Vineyards and Winery was established in 1985 by Frank and Karen Altamura, and is the only winery in Wooden Valley located within the Napa Valley appellation. They take a hands on approach and their meticulous farming practices have made Altamura’s Cabernet Sauvignon one of the Valley’s best. In 2010 in fact, Wine Spectator awarded the 2007 Altamura Cabernet Sauvignon a lofty 96 Point score and placed it at #5 for the year’s Top 100 wines for 2010.
Wine Spectator gave the 2008 Altamura Cabernet Sauvignon, Wooden Valley 94 points, and I would agree. I have just a few odd bottles left, so if you are still looking for a good gift bottle, give me a call.
Kirk Green, Sommelier
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Posted by Greg Schroeder on December 14, 2011 at 6:09 pm
Last Sunday I spent the day, all day at a Christmas tree lot. No, I was not having trouble deciding between flocked and no-flocked, and no, my wife did not forget me while she went shopping at the mall. I was volunteering my time to raise money for my son’s High School marching band.
The kids helped people choose, purchase and load trees. It was a beautiful day and everyone was in a festive holiday mood. I of course did my best to supervise the kids loading trees on the top of cars, and most of the trees made it home in one piece, except for this one family, the Griswolds, who demanded to load it themselves. In the end it was a great way to help support the music program, and isn’t that what Christmas is all about – giving, with no expectation of receiving anything in return.
There are many gifts you with give this year, and many I’m sure receive, but why not give the give of your time? Time is something we can never buy, and yet it is the ultimate gift of yourself, minus blood or the odd organ donation.
This year why not give the gift of your time to your favorite charity, your friends or your family this holiday season. It is the one gift that will always fit, never be returned and will be treasured forever. You will feel good and you will be amazed how much time is truly worth…priceless.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
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Posted by Greg Schroeder on December 13, 2011 at 11:33 pm
I don’t know if this is world breaking news, but it did catch my eye. Starbucks is adding wine and beer to their menu at a few locations, in order to test the waters. I seriously think they should have done this from the get go! What were they waiting for, it’s a total no brainer! Coffee Shops do most of their business in the early part of the day, the obvious add on to the menu is booze and a Happy Hour. Cafes across France and most of southern Europe have been doing this successfully for years, not to mention they sell tobacco to boot. It comes as no surprise to me that they were victorious, and that the guinea pig locations have doubled their afternoon traffic since adding beer and wine.
I work at Amazing Grapes Wine Store and we have one of the most over the top selections of Craft Beers ever to be seen. I also have a mind that never stops and this whole Starbucks deal got me thinking, why doesn’t Starbucks come up with their own line of Craft Beers. They could do cool flavored beers similar to the coffee drinks they’re so famous for. I tried the Young’s Double Chocolate Stout during my research for this story. This was the real deal, I tasted the dark chocolate, but it wasn’t so sweet that I forgot I was drinking a beer. Just look at the frothy foamy glass of beer and how can you not envision the same thing but with a Starbucks logo? I for one will be the first in line at my local Starbucks should they start doing their own beers!
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Posted by Greg Schroeder on December 8, 2011 at 8:01 pm
For most of us that enjoy good wine & food, you remember a certain place and time when you first experienced a particular varietal or dish for the first time. It is etched on your memory like a great holiday experience, your first love or the first time you tried Port.
I remember fondly the first time I had French Onion soup, or as they say outside of the USA, Soupe à l’oignon. I was at a business conference in Montréal and I stepped out for lunch with my good friend Lance Elko. Walking the streets of Montréal in the late autumn there was crispness to the air and we decided to duck into a small bistro for a bite. I had never had onion soup and when Lance ordered it, I decided to take a chance.
When it arrived it was covered with 
bubbling, toasted gruyere cheese and was an amazing combination of flavors that makes me hungry just writing about it. The same thing happened for me with Port when I first tried it at a small restaurant in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada.
Erna’s Elderberry House in Oakhurst, California was just a restaurant back in 1988 when I first went. Of course saying it was ‘just’ a restaurant is not doing it justice. What I mean was that in the early spring of 1988 they had not added the Château du Sureau, Villa Sureau, Spa du Sureau, nor had they received the Wine Spectator, Zagat or numerous other awards, but they did a very nice job on lunch and dinner and I had a chance to wander down to the wine cellar for a taste of Port.
The wine cellar was empty save for me and my dinner companion who implored me to use my company expense account and enjoy a glass a Port. The cellar room, carved out of a hillside, was a cozy nook with two small tables, a fine wood bar and walls covered with native stone. We decided on a Vintage Port and proceeded to imbibe in its warming flavors. A full-bodied, with rich opulent black fruit and fragrant brambly aroma, the Port warmed us in a very cool room and was a perfect end to a great meal.
Since then, I have always thought of Port as the perfect cold weather finish to a meal. Thanksgiving, Christmas or anytime when the weather is cold a nice Ruby or Vintage Port is my first choice for a great after dinner drink. It reminds me of the tall ponderosa pines, the smoke of a fireplace and cool weather I enjoyed in my time in Oakhurst.
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Yes, it’s that sappy time of the year again – Valentine’s Day. If this is your first year at it, just know that it can go really well or it can be a total disaster. Somewhere in between works, but who wants to achieve mediocre?
