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Collector's Corner
STARS, SPANGLES, AND BANNERS
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Ah, the middle of summer and heat is rising here in the beautiful Hill Country of Texas. The kids are out of school and splashing away in the pool to keep cool. The weekends are filled with outings and for some, vacation.
My wife and I are taking our ten-year old grandsons (yes, we have two) on vacation in August. We pledged to all five grandsons when they reach ten they get to go on the vacation of their choice with just Grandma and me. The oldest went on a cruise to Alaska and the second oldest went on a cruise to Hawaii . My daughter's only and my son's third both turned ten this year. One wanted to cruise to the Caribbean so he could go zip lining through the jungle (too much George of the Jungle ® I suppose), but couldn't get his passport renewed in time, so his trip got postponed. My son's boy chose to go to LEGOLAND ® in San Diego , California and invited my daughter's son along since his trip was postponed.
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So, I talked it over with Grandma and since we're going to have both boys on this vacation and they haven't been to the Grand Canyon, we decided to take a few extra days and drive taking the northern route through Flagstaff , Arizona . You're asking yourself what does all this have to do with wine? Well, I'm getting to it. First, spending a couple of weeks with two ten-year olds in a car and you don't think I'll need some? Just kidding! The both are good travelers and get along well.
Bet you didn't know that Arizona produced wine. Well, it just so happens that right off of Interstate 17 between Flagstaff and Phoenix, which by coincidence (or maybe not) is our planed route, is Alcantara Vineyard and Winery. It just so happens, as well, that their tasting room will be open around the time we will be passing through. I'm sure the boys will need a break to stretch and maybe a bite to eat. I'm planning on picking up some sandwiches before leaving Flagstaff and have a picnic on the winery deck overlooking their vineyards and the ancient cliffs (see, it will be an educational experience for the boys) of the Verde River. Then on to San Diego .
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Did you know that San Diego lies in the South Coast AVA (American Viticultural Area) in southern California ? They have twenty or so wineries just between San Diego and Oceanside not that I've counted or anything. This month's recommendation is from the Falkner Winery just north of San Diego out of Temecula , Ca. |
Derived from a native North American dialect Temecula means “land where the sun shines through the mist” and has its own AVA designation within the South Coast area.
In addition to benefiting from the altitude, which is around 1,500 above sea level, the vineyards benefit from the cool misty Pacific air. All this makes for some great winemaking. The winery is located on a hilltop with spectacular views of the vineyards and surrounding mountains. It also has a restaurant that serves up outstanding Mediterranean style food for lunch 7 days a week with panoramic views. Okay! The wine is Falkner's 2004 Merlot, which retails for $26.95 plus shipping direct from the winery at www.falknerwinery.com. The winemaker notes that this merlot has black cherry and vanilla aromas with delicious black cherry and blackberry flavors. It will pair well with veal, port, lamb, and beef dishes. And while your ordering, include a bottle or two of their 2005 Luscious Lips – Red Table Wine for $14.95 plus shipping. DELICIOUS!
Until next month,
Cheers! |
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