Watercolors & Wine - Monday's July 25 - August 22 @ the Winery

I was always one of those kids that got an "E" for effort in art and all things creative. Actually it more of an "E" for save your effort for something you might actually be good at, like math. I was always a left brained gal, but as I get older, certain things that were off limits for me are becoming interesting.... things like layups, the idea of running marathons, and painting pretty pictures.

So maybe the 26.2 miles will have to wait until my kids can get them selves ready in the morning without my assistance, but the Winery has an interesting offering this summer that I might just have to schedule around. Ken Mitchell will be giving a 5 week (1Monday each week) workshop on watercolors, and it just sounds like a lot of fun. The last time I held a paintbrush and a cocktail at the same time did result in disaster, but still, I'm a lot older now.

Anyway, the details are below, you can get more info directly from the source. Maybe I'll see you there!

Artists of all stripes are invited to join renowned watercolor instructor Ken Mitchell in a watercolor workshop this summer at Westport Winery. This course will be held in the winery’s gathering room over five Mondays, July 25, August 1, 8, 15, and 22, from 9am to 4pm. This course is for all levels, from beginners to experienced artists. The final class will include a group critique which students may invite guests to attend. Mitchell has a BA and MA in Fine Arts from Colorado State University. He has taught art at all levels for the past 30 years and has won numbers awards for his watercolor and oil paintings. From murals to stage sets to illustrations, Ken has excelled as a professional artist his entire life as he has also taught others the techniques to pursue their own dreams. The course fee for this class is $100. This fee includes instruction only. Students need to bring their own paper, pencils, watercolors, brushes, and non-glass containers. Lunch is available to purchase during class. Sack lunches and outside food and drinks are not allowed. Students need to provide the following supplies. These can be purchased from Cheap Joe's Art Stuff at 374 Industrial Park Dr., Boone, N.C. 28607 (1-800-227-2788) or Daniel Smith Art Supply at 4150 First Ave. South, Seattle, WA 98134 (206-223-9599) or online. 1. Watercolor paper: white 140 or 300 lb., 2 sheets 22"x30", cold press (we will be cutting them into 2-4 sheets each during workshop). 2. Brushes—synthetic, blend or sable (synthetics and blends are less costly). Rounds #0, #4, #10 and a flat 1-1/2" or any brushes you prefer if already a painter. 3. Beginner should look for the seven colors with a * after them. All paints are in 15ml tubes. Ken prefers Windsor Newton, Grumbacher or Daniel Smith brand paints: yellow (aureolin*), orange (cadmium yellow), red (alizarin crimson*, rose madder* or Indian red), violet (permanent mauve or mauve), green (Hooker's green and sap green*), blue (cobalt blue or Joe's blue* or ultramarine blue* or cerulean blue or manganese blue), brown (burnt umber*), and white (Chinese white). 4. 16"x 12" plastic (no glass please) watercolor palette or a large white plastic plate or similar size 5. Water container (medium sized plastic cup like a white plastic butter container) 6. Roll of paper towels 7. Other--painting sponge, additional painting equipment or materials you normally use (if you already paint), a board to tape your paper to (optional) and a roll of masking tape (optional).

Winery Eclipse Concert Series Starts on June 26!

Tickets for Westport Winery’s Eclipse Concert on Saturday, June 26 are now on sale. This evening of music, food, wine, art, and lunar magic begins with hors d’oeuvres at 6p.m. The Ericka Corban band will begin playing at 7p.m. Guests may purchase wine, beer, and sodas before and during the concert. This is the first of the winery’s Twilight Concert series held outdoors in the gardens adjacent to the vineyards.

Westport Winery’s much anticipated new red wine Bella, will be released for its first tasting at this event. Bella is a bold blend of Tempranillo, Primitivo, Refosco, Barbera, Merlot and Syrah, barrel-aged to perfection. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of this wine benefits the Mt. Rainier Chapter of the American Red Cross.

In addition to music from the Twilight movie, the band will be performing rock, jazz, country, and original songs by Ericka Corban. The other members of her band are Mattaniah on the ukulele and accordion, Mike Peterson on drums and percussion, Jeff Perrin on the bass guitar, and Joe Perry on the electric guitar.

At 6p.m. that evening the Roberts family will unveil the latest commissioned art in their sculpture garden by Mike Peterson a renowned metal artist (and drummer in the band). Peterson elected to create a sculpture for the wine Shorebird Chardonnay. This wine benefits the Grays Harbor Audubon Society.

The price to attend the concert is $20 per person and space is limited. Tickets include the concert and hors d’oeuvres. All ages are welcome at the winery which is open daily from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. for wine, cheese, chocolate and charcuterie tasting. In case of inclement weather the performances may be moved indoors. Westport Winery is located on the corner of Highway 105 and South Arbor Road (halfway between Aberdeen and the Westport ‘Y’). For more information call Westport Winery at 648-2224.

Destination Turin Culinary class at the Westport Winery

Even though we've been having amazing warm and sunny weather the past few weeks, February and Valentine's day always causes me a bit of wanderlust. Just as I was imagining a week abroad, I recieved this announcement for a cooking class featuring the Piedmont region of Italy. I will admit, I had to look up Turin, but it sounds wonderful. If you're experiencing some wanderlust, the entire announcement is listed below.

Also, if you haven't been in lately, the Winery is now carrying award -winning Estrella Family Creamery cheese, created locally in Montesano. Very worth the trip!

Join us at Westport Winery for the second stop following the travels of Jules Vernes’ intrepid adventurer Phileas Fogg as we travel to the Piedmont region of Italy. On Sunday, February 21, from 3p.m. to 5p.m. Chef Erin Worth, will share with students some of the secrets in creating authentic Piedmontese cuisine in her class called Destination Turin. Each of these five courses will be expertly paired with Westport’s award winning wines with an emphasis on selections made similar to those in the Italian tradition.

The class will start with bread and Bagna Coda (Bah-nya Kaw-dah) a classic dip comprised of olive oil, garlic, anchovies and spices. As an appetizer the class will learn to create an antipasto called Uova alla Sarda (Ew-oh-vah ah-la sar-dah) or Sardinian hard-boiled eggs paired with Pinot Noirvana. The next course will feature Panzanella (pahn-sahn-ella), a bread, tomato, and cucumber salad paired with Night Watch. The soup of the day is Mestra di cicerchie (may-strah dee chi-chair-kee) or chick-pea which will be paired with Charterboat Chick’s Cabernet Sauvignon. An entrée of Agnolotti(ah-nyuh-LAHT-tee), a Piedmontese stuffed pasta filled with meats and cheeses will round out the dinner menu paired with Jetty Cat Red. However, no meal is complete without dessert. And this is where Chef Worth will teach you to make Zabaglione (za-bal-yone) with a cookie that is hand dipped in chocolate to go with the custard complimented by Going Coastal, Westport’s sparkling Gewurztraminer.

The price to attend this class is $30 per person or $25 for wine club members. Reservations are required to attend this latest culinary adventure. For more information call Westport Winery at 360-648-2224.

Another great culinary class at the Westport Winery...

The Westport Winery has announced their latest culinary class, which looks fabulous. One of these days, I will get a babysitter and check out Chef Worth.

From the Winery Announcement:

It’s time to begin the tour of the culinary world in eight days in 2010 at Westport Winery. Following the path of Jules Vernes intrepid adventurer, Phileas Fogg, the winery has crafted a calendar of world foods to explore this year.

The first destination is Paris, France, on Sunday, January 17, from 3p.m. to 5p.m. At this class the winery’s chef, Erin Worth, will teach and serve a five-course menu created for Francophiles. The appetizer course will feature petatou de chevre fraise, a potato tart, topped with fresh goat cheese from Estrella Family Creamery. This will be followed by bouillabaisse, a classic French shellfish and fish stew featuring fresh local seafood. A salade Niçoise will be served next, this is butterhead lettuce topped with potatoes, green beans, egg, olives, tomatoes, and tuna. The entrée will feature roulade de boeuf, braised beef stuffed with vegetables, breads, and meat. This gustatory experience will finish with a classic chocolate silk Napoleon pastry with vanilla Anglaise.

As always each course will be paired with one of Westport’s wines. The price to attend this class is $30 per person or $25 for wine club members. Reservations are required to attend this latest culinary adventure. For more information call Westport Winery at 648-2224.

Secrets From The Sea Beachcombing Great Lecture at Westport Winery

Beachcombing is one of the best things about living on the coast. If you have ever wanted to know more about everything from sand dollars to agates, you are invited to attend the next free Great Lecture at Westport Winery. Secrets From The Sea will be presented by Gene Woodwick of the Ocean Shore InterpretiveCenter on Sunday, October 18 from 3-5pm. This class is open to all ages and is free to attend. Pre-registration is required as space is limited.

Gene became an Olympic Peninsula ethno-centric after she and her husband moved to Forks to teach in 1960. She cooked at the Sappho logging camp of Rayonier, Inc. when he was head teacher at the Beaver Elementary School. She later worked for the Port Angeles Evening News and the Associated Press as a hard news reporter covering the area from Lake Cresent south to Lake Quinault and from the ridge of the Olympic Mountains to 200 miles out into the Pacific Ocean. During this time she covered the development of Ocean Shores. She worked for over 32 years at King County newspapers as reporter, editor, and columnist for four newspapers specializing in land use, inter-governmental issues, logging and tourism.

Gene moved back to the coast in 1984 and worked for newspapers in OceanShores and as a freelance writer. She also worked at the Grays Harbor Economic Development Council, Grays Harbor Tourism and the Chehalis Fisheries Enhancement Task Force. In 1987 she was hired to develop the Interpretive where she now serves as the curator under the directorship of Neil Eldridge. Gene continues to write for the Puget Sound Historical Maritime Museum journal The Sea Chest and the Washington State Museum's journal The Columbian.

For more information call Westport Winery at 648-2224.Westport Winery is located on the corner of Highway 105 and South Arbor Road (halfway betweenAberdeen and the Westport ‘Y’). The winery is open daily, year around from 11amto 6pm.

Cranberry Festival Week! Grayland/Cranberry Coast

Just in time for the 14^th Annual Cranberry Festival the Westport Winery is offering its latest culinary learning opportunity with a class called Cranberry Crazy. On Sunday, October 11, Chef Erin Worth will create, sample, and share five recipes utilizing locally grown cranberries. The five-course menu includes: Cranberry Mulled Wine, Bibb and Butternut Salad with Pumpkin Seeds and Cranberry Vinaigrette; Chorizo, Kale and Cranberry Bean Soup, Cranberry-Orange Quick Bread, Ruby Chicken, and Pear-Apple Cranberry Crisp. The price to attend this class is $25 per person or $20 for wine club members. And don’t forget to stop by the winery to taste one of three wines made with cranberries on your way to the Cranberry Festival in Grayland on Saturday and Sunday, October 10 and 11.

Reservations are required to attend this latest culinary adventure. For more information call Westport Winery at 648-2224.Westport Winery is located on the corner of Highway 105 and South Arbor Road (halfway between Aberdeen and the Westport ‘Y’). The winery is open daily, year around from 11am to 6pm.

Crush me, Squeeze me, Make me wine (at the beach)

Are you looking for a grape-stomping good time? Just head to Westport Winery on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, October 2, 3, and 4 to participate in their annual Crush Me, Squeeze Me, Make Me Wine At The Beach Festival from 11am to 6pm. The winery will provide bins of grapes for you to stomp your way into purple-footed bliss. The featured “stomp grape” this year is Merlot with plenty of fresh wine grape sampling to boot.

On Saturday, October 3 at 5pm the winery will hold their Lucy and Ethyl Look-Alike Contest featuring guest judges...last year’s Lucy and Ethyl. This contest is open to men, women, children, and dogs with one pair of winners selected from each category. All ages are welcome to attend this fun-filled event featuring live music from classical guitarist Scott Lindenmuth along with Italian wedding soup as the hearty repast to get you in the mood of this Tuscan tradition.

This event is free and all ages are welcome at the winery. Wine is available to purchase by the taste, glass, or bottle. Reservations are not necessary to participate in this event just stop by Westport Winery located on the corner of Highway 105 and South Arbor Road (halfway between Aberdeen and the Westport ‘Y’). For more information call Westport Winery at 648-2224.

Congratulations to our Westport Winery!

Grays Harbor’s own Westport Winery garnered amazing recognition in the summer issue of Wine Press Northwest, the region’s preeminent publication on the wine industry. The magazine evaluates wines from Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and Canada and publishes reviews of those they find worthy of an “Outstanding”, “Excellent”, or “Recommended” rating. Seventeen of Westport Winery’s initial offering earned high acclaim.

Wines rated “outstanding” are considered to “have superior characteristics and should be highly sought after.” Those rated “excellent” are known as “top-notch wines with particularly high qualities.” And wines which are “recommended” are “delicious, well-made wines with true varietal characteristics.” The editors of this prestigious journal headquartered in the tri-cities—the heart of Washington’s wine country—state “recent releases are evaluated under strict conditions to ensure objectivity.” The panelists know neither the producer nor the variety. At least three of four of the professional evaluators have to vote the wines into contention for these awards.

Among their red wines, their 2007 Charterboat Chick’s Cabernet Sauvignon and 2007 Boom Runner Reserve Merlot were rated “excellent”. The 2007 Surfer’s Last Syrah garnered an “outstanding” while the Swimmer’s Last Syrah was “recommended”. The winery’s Jetty Cat Red was rated “excellent” with the note that “This is an up-and-coming winery…”

In an article titled “Proud to be Pink” Westport’s non-vintage Bog Berry Blush was “recommended” as “an enjoyable sipper with unmistakable aromas and flavors of cranberries and raspberries.”

In the white wine category the 2007 Shorebird Chardonnay received an “excellent” which may be one reason this vintage sold out before the end of 2007. The Roberts family is particularly proud of their Elk River Riesling and Captain Grays Gewurztraminer and that was proven correct with the wines garnering an “outstanding” and an “excellent” respectively. As the basic components of Bordello Blonde and Lighthouse White it is therefore no surprise that these two wines were rated "outstanding” and “recommended.”

Westport as especially pleased to earn an “outstanding” rating in the sparkling wine category for their carbonated cranberry wine, Rapture of the Deep, made exclusively from Ocean Spray fruit. Also on the fruit wine front both their Little Wild Blackberry Riesling and Message In A Bottle—their all blackberry wine—were “recommended.” And it was no surprise to find their top two most popular wines, Duckleberry Grunt and Red Sky At Night with “excellent” rank, proving that the Grays Harbor community knows how to evaluate wine as well as anyone in the industry.

Shiver Me Timbers, their 2007 vintage Ice Wine earned an “excellent” review. This wine is another that sold out earlier this year. The 2008 Shiver Me Timbers will be released over Pirate Daze weekend and is a Late Harvest Riesling.

The acknowledgements wrapped up with a “recommended” given to their port-style wine called Shelter From The Storm. Of it the editors said, “A blend of Northwest cranberries, blackberries and blueberries is created in a tasty style that’s akin to a SweeTart.”

For this new business, these accolades from industry critics confirm what their guests have been saying for over a year when they wrote, “A tribute to the Grays Harbor estuary on theWashington coast…”

Westport Winery’s 2009 Bottling and Production Tour & BBQ

Westport Winery’s second free bottling and production tour for 2009 is scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, June 6 and 7. Bottling will begin at 8am both days and will run until 6pm. The winery already has plenty of volunteers who will be working on the bottling line, so this is simply a chance to come and observe the process while enjoying the scenic vineyards and farm. There is no charge to watch the action and all ages are welcome. Bill Hamlin, of Custom Mobile Bottling in Benton City will again keep the line rolling. You are encouraged come to meet or reacquaint yourself with Bill and see his incredible bottling truck.

The winery will be bottling their 2008 reds including the much anticipated Pinot Noirvana. (This wine will not be released for purchase until September 25 during the Kurt Cobain Memorial Committee’s Lounge Acts weekend.) The winery is also bottling several new fruit blends this weekend for release throughout the summer including Pineapple Express and Dawn Patrol.

As part of the weekend’s open house, guests are invited to enjoy a barbecue picnic from 11am to 3pm. Catered by Sherrie Rust and Jaymie Towle of Westport Event and Wedding Planning, visitors may purchase of lunch of beef bratwurst or hot dogs on hoagie rolls, homemade pasta rotini with fresh vegetables, potato salad, Heath and chocolate chunk cookies, chips, and a beverage. The price for this lunch is $10. Reservations are not required for this fun outdoor picnic.

Vehicle access to the production barn is limited so guests should wear appropriate footwear as the trail to the barn is not paved. Those with mobility issues should check in at the tasting room and someone from the team will escort them to the production area.

The winery is open daily, year around from 11am to 6pm, and after hours by reservation. For more information call Westport Winery at 648-2224. Westport Winery is located on the corner of Highway 105 and South Arbor Road (halfway between Aberdeen and the Westport ‘Y’).

Yappy Hour at the Westport Winery

Love tasting wine? Love your pet? Love Sunday afternoons relaxing in the sun? You can have it all every Sunday, 1pm to 3pm from June through August at Westport Winery.

Join the lovely folks at the Westport Winery for Yappy Hour on the Winery patio with your canine companion. (No adult beverages for the pets, water bowls are provided.) It’s the perfect time to hone those socialization skills (yours and your pets). All ages—dogs and people – are welcome at the winery. Wine tasting and purchasing wine by the glass or bottle is available to those over 21.

A portion of the proceeds from the sale of various wines benefits local animal-friendly charities: including the Coastal Animal Rescue and Adoption (CARA), Harbor Association of Volunteers for Animals (HAVA), and Grays Harbor PAWS.

Westport Winery is located on the corner of Highway 105 and South Arbor Road (halfway between Aberdeen and Westport). For more information call Westport Winery at 648-2224. The winery is open daily from 11am to 6pm year around, and additionally until 9pm on Friday and Saturday evenings from June through August.

After the Yappy Hour, come and bring your pup to the beach for a well deserved vacation! Dogs love the beach!

Fleur de Lis Festival for Flag Day at Westport Winery!

Join the Westport Winery in celebrating Flag Day with their Sweet Flag Irises or Fleur de Lis Festival on Saturday and Sunday, June 13 and 14 from noon to 5pm. This free event will highlight all things Francophile in a tribute to the long history of French wine, cheese and chocolate making.

In the new culinary herb garden the Roberts family has built a Petanque Court. The game is similar to Bocce with the goal to throw aluminum balls as close to the “jack” as possible. This is a sport often played in French villages. Throughout the weekend the winery will host a Petanque challenge with prizes for the winners.

This new garden space will increase the area available for the winery’s sculpture garden. Sculpture garden artists will be selling some of their work in the garden in the style of a French market. Classical guitarist Scott Lindenmuth will be playing in the winery’s Gathering Room on both days.

And Chef Erin Worth will offer Fleur de Lis French Onion Soup for those who wish to purchase food while listening to music and tasting wine. A series of French cheeses and chocolates will also be available for tasting and purchase.

All these festivities will be set against the backdrop of the winery’s 10,000 irises (which may or may not be in bloom on this date, but everyone is keeping their fingers crossed.) There is no charge to attend this inaugural Fleur de Lis Festival.

Westport Winery is open daily between 11am and 6pm to guests of all ages and is located on the corner of Highway 105 and South Arbor Road (halfway between Aberdeen and the Westport ‘Y’).

April 19: Westport Winery Great Lecture Series: Birds & the Bees

Do you know about the birds and the bees? If not, maybe you should attend Westport Winery’s next Great Lecture called “Learning About The Birds And The Bees”. Although it may not include what you first think, you will garner valuable information. This seminar will feature Dianna Moor and Erin Potter, both longtime gardeners who will teach you about the best habitat to create in your own garden to promote healthy pollinators. This free class will be held at the winery on Sunday, April 19 from 3-5pm.

Dianna Moor has been a Master Gardener since 2006, an avid birder for a decade, and serves on the board of the Grays Harbor Audubon Society. In her portion of the class Moor will talk about gardening with native plants in order to provide food, shelter, and nesting opportunities for birds. “I hope those who attend my talks will go home and look at their gardens through new eyes.” She wants you to ask yourself if your garden is full of plants that look lovely for a few short months, but don't provide anything for the birds, butterflies, or bees.

Moor said the second step in the analysis of your garden is listening. “Do you hear any birds in your yard besides crows, starlings and house sparrows? If that is all you are hearing, you probably have too much lawn.” Moor will teach you what to plant to attract birds, and how to keep them in your yard. You will also learn how you can help rid your space of bugs, mosquitoes, and yes, crane flies! It's all about the plants. She said it’s also critical to use products in your home garden that promote a healthy environment for animals, plants, and people.

Erin Potter, a member of the Organic Beekeeping Society said her instruction will offer a similar view in terms of bees. She will begin with an overview of the conventional hive structure. She will then educate everyone on the cycles and functions of worker bees, drones and queen bees. And she will finish her conversation with details on the natural cycle of a honeybee colony in a temperate (four-season) climate.

Potter has been gardening for eight years and bases many of her organic beekeeping practices on the organic gardening practices she has learned. Potter is a mother and instructor at Grays Harbor Community College. She is also a Lieutenant Commander in the Coast Guard Reserves where she writes emergency plans and practice emergency exercises.

In coordination with the Roberts family, Erin is placing a hive on the winery property on April 26. This is just one strategy implemented by Westport Winery and Vineyards By-the-Sea in the Salmon Safe program’s habitat enhancement section.

Westport Winery is open daily between 11am and 6pm. For more information or reservations on this class call the winery at 360-648-2224. Westport Winery is located on the corner of Highway 105 and South Arbor Road (halfway between Aberdeen and the Westport ‘Y’). For early notification on all of Westport Winery’s Great Lectures, Culinary Classes, Concerts, and Festivals email: WineClub@WestportWines.com to have your email address added to their early notification list.

Westport Winery Grand Opening

I was able to get a sneak taste of the new Westport Winery wines, and also dropped in on their debut at the Half Moon Bay Bar and Grill... I will try to post photos and more details soon, but definitely if you can make it to their grand opening on Sunday March 30, you really should. What the Roberts family has done there is really something amazing. Their facility is beautiful, the wines are great, and they have a huge selection of wines, which is impressive for their first year.

The winery is not quite halfway to Westport from Aberdeen on highway 105 (if you're familiar with Lily Lane, they are just to the East). You can stop, taste the wines, buy your favorite bottle, and stock up on snacks and supplies for a beach picnic.

Westport Winery Debut, March 22, 2008

On March 22, 2008, 6:30 PM, the Roberts will be debuting their wines at a special Winemakers Dinner at the Half Moon Bay Bar and Grill.

Wines that will be available for tasting include the Grays Harbor Gewurztraminer, Elk River Riesling, Compass Rose, Surfer's Last Syrah, Shorebird Chardonnay, Mermaid's Merlot, Charterboat Chuck's Cabernet, Ancient Mariner's Asian Pear, Red Sky at Night (Raspberry Wine with Chocolate flavor).

The wine will be accompanied by a four course meal including such delights as baked brie, grilled pear, and cabrales crostini; procuitto wrapped scallops, seared prawns with braised leeks; hazelnut crusted wild salmon with beet risotto and butter roasted parsnips; grilled new york steak with sauteed wild mushrooms; and tiramisu and candied citrus.

Entertainment will be provided by the Electric Park Jazz Band, along with wine tasting notes by Kim and Blaine Roberts and their winemaker Dan Wood.

It should be a night to remember, and a great way to welcome the Westport Winery to our little town, so don't miss it! The dinner, including the wines is $75 per person. Reservations are required, and can be made at the Islander front desk at 360-268-9166. The address is 421 E. Neddie Rose Drive, Westport, WA 98595. Josh Wood, the Half Moon Bay Bar and Grill manager can answer any questions you have, and he can be reached at 360-268-9166.

Westport Winery 2008 - 2009 Releases

The Westport Winery is expected to open near the end of March, depending on Construction. They will also have a 90-person gathering room and 250-person display garden for events. I have been watching their 40' tall lighthouse go up over the past several weeks, which I believe will also be open to the public as part of their winery tours.

Sneak peek at wines expected in the next year from the Westport Winery:

Rapture of the Deep: A cran-boggling bubbly. Divers call it nitrogen narcosis. Oh how those little bubbles change everything. Fortunately, our sparkling wine doesn't negatively affect your central nervous system. In fact, you can forget nerves all together as you relax and drink to the mysteries of the deep blue sea. This is your celebration. A portion of the proceeds from this wine benefits the Driftwood Theater.

Pinot Noirvana: Grays Harbor is known for its creative souls and none have left greater footprints than the band Nirvana. This wine is created to honor their impact on the community. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of this wine benefits the Kurt Cobain Memorial Committee.

Any Port in a Storm: Imagine stormy seas and howling winds. All you want is a safe harbor and healthy repast. This is it. In our book - and anyone else's - a fine port is well-suited to accompany a deep, dark chocolate. Together these foods have more antioxidants than... well anything we can think of, so enjoy. You only go around once.

In 2010, we can expect the Maritime Muscat, Bordello Blonde, Smoky Nor'wester Pinot Precoce, Seashell Selgerrebe.

Half Moon Bay Bar and Grill Winemakers Dinner

Well, this past weekend's clam dig was a bit of a bust, as the weather was cold, gray, and rainy - basically miserable weather for digging in the sand. But it was perfect weather for warming up with a glass (or 5) of wine and a fantastic meal.

I was lucky enough to get to hang out in the kitchen at the Half Moon Bay Bar and Grill's Winemaker's Dinner on Saturday night, and it was a quite a scene. Chef Donny Silver reminds me that his restaurant has consistently received 100% marks from the health department, which makes me feel a lot better about the numbers of meals I eat there. The "back of the house" as those in the know call it, provides an amazing show when they are serving as many meals at one time as they were on Saturday (51 entrees in 25 minutes).

They served a 6 course dinner, which was paired with a selection of 6 different spanish wines - starting with an apertif of marcona almonds and chorizo sausage, a seared scallop on what looked like something yummy, followed by calamari (half moon bay style), a baked goat cheese dish, and then the entree was a choice of (1) seafood paella, (2) new york strip with some kind of creamy blue cheese on it, and (3) rack of lamb. Dessert was a choice of rice pudding, almond flan, or chocolate cake. Mmmmm.... the sights and smells in the kitchen were amazing. Chef Donny and his assistants Jose and Patricia are like artists, putting their special touch on every dish. It was a great experience, and I didn't even have to wash any dishes!

Crush Me, Squeeze Me, Make Me Wine At The Beach

Mark your calendars!

The First Annual "Crush Me, Squeeze Me, Make Me Wine At the Beach" festival will take place at the Westport Winery on the first weekend of October 2008. The Westport Winery and Vineyards by the Sea will host a grape-stomping-good-time with free music, chowder, and wine tasting, as they harvest our grapes.

More info to follow as it becomes available!