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.

Recently, my friend Nick and I were discussing the ridiculousness of the Beer Advocate’s Top 100 List. As you go through the list, you’ll notice that the majority of all the beers listed are Double/Imperial Stouts and Double/Imperial IPA’s. At the time, Russian River’s Supplication (ranked #13) caught our eye because of the words “American Wild Ale”. Curiosity got the best of us and we decided to try a bottle. If you haven’t tried an American Wild Ale, or a Sour as it’s so diminutively called, you’ll probably be caught off guard like we did. Imagine popping a Warhead into your mouth without realizing what it was. The face I made was probably similar to that of a child biting into a lemon.

After the initial surprise had subsided, and don’t get me wrong, it was a lengthy inquiry of “what the $#!@ did I just put into my mouth?” I started analyzing what I was experiencing. The smell was that of lemons, tart cherry, earthy aroma of yeast, and a little apple cider. Flavors of tart, sour cherries, bready/malty yeast, sour lemon, and that distinct smell of brettanomyces (Brett for short) pretty much dominate the palate. A light bit of hops were apparent in the middle and a tad bit of woodiness sum up the finish.  Did I mention it was sour? So. Very. Sour.  

The puckering mouthfeel is like no other beer type I had ever tried in my life. The beer attacks the salivary glands in a way that is both alarming and pleasurable, and lingers for quite some time. It has a minimum carbonation and should be enjoyed on it’s own, no food necessary.

I was extremely pleased with this beer and have since purchased 3 more bottles to enjoy at a later date. Maybe next time though, I’ll read the label before drinking.

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!

Bet you didn’t know January 26^{th 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 26^th and help us celebrate Australia Day by tasting some great examples of what I’m talking about!

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!

Tajarin

Seems like the only articles I write are about Seattle eateries. Well, it just so happens that I really like Seattle eateries!

Our most recent trip was to Seattle to celebrate New Years eve. The fact that I even made it to midnight is a feat all on its own, but I did – and had a blast doing it!

Spinasse
1531 14th Ave., Seattle, WA; 206-251-7673

We ate at Spinasse on the night before New Years. This was our second trip to this Capital Hill restaurant. Their website sums it up – they’ve been labeled as producing Pasta Porn! All of their pastas are handmade at the restaurant and the quality comes screaming through on all of their dishes.

My wife and I shared the Tajarin. A signature of the restaurant since it opened, this egg-y Piemontese pasta comes simply dressed with butter and sage, or (as in the photograph) topped with ragu. We’ve had both, but prefer the ragu version. I know this will invoke fights at the restaurant, but . . .

The other dish was the Pansoti con noce,  their winter green “potbelly” ravioli with walnuts. We also shared the Cavoletti di Bruxelles - Brussel sprouts with pine nuts and Carote al forno – Red Scarlet Nantes carrots roasted with sage. Our starter was a plate of oven roasted leeks swimming in a Bechemel sauce. Seriously, if you were a vegetarian, you would call this place “Veggie Porn” – they were all that!

Since this is technically an Italian restaurant, their entire wine list is comprised of Italian wines. Trust your server to find something that will compliment all of the foods at the table. You won’t be disappointed. We weren’t!

Lark
926 12th Ave., Seattle, WA; 206-323-5275

New Years eve had us dining at Lark. It’s a quaint, house-type structure that is very cute inside – warm and comfortable. They had a prix fixe meal this evening so I won’t go over the entrees as I’m not sure they’re offered on their regular menu. Needless to say, each of the four courses were magnificent. They also have a decent wine selection with $$ selections that won’t break the bank.

Cannon: Whiskey and Bitters Emporium
928 12th Ave., Seattle, WA

After our dinner, the icing on the cake this evening was a stop next door at Cannon: Whiskey and Bitters Emporium. This is one for the Bucket List! If you want a really, really well made cocktail, by people who give a damn about what you are going to drink  - it doesn’t get any better than this. Check out this photo show to see what I mean. Best Whiskey Sour I’ve ever had – period! A special thank you to our hostess who found me at the door pouting and let the four of us in. (We found a sign on the door that said it was closed to reservations that evening). She happen to have 3 seats at the bar.

NOTE: This bar is serious fun for serious drinkers. If you are a Bud Light guy – fugettaboutit!

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

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

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

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!