Write Off the Vine: Texas Wine News – October 30, 2009

Write Off the Vine: Texas Wine News – October 30, 2009

Omni Hotels Features Flavors of Texas 

This fall, Omni Hotels across Texas are giving guests and locals alike the opportunity to experience the genuine local fare of the Lone Star State reinvented by Omni Hotels’ chefs.  From October 15th through December 30th, the Texas-based brand will offer menus featuring the “Flavors of Texas,” ranging from the authentic yet upscale Bison Chili with Grilled Jalapeno Cheddar Bread, Dr Pepper Braised Short Ribs served with Burnt Corn Pudding and Free Range Chicken in a Whiskey BBQ Sauce to Gulf Coast favorites including Texas Surf & Turf with Chili-Rubbed Shrimp and Bacon-Wrapped Tenderloin.

The specialty menu FEATURES FOODS GROWN/MADE IN TEXAS, BY TEXANS and includes brands such as: specialty cheeses from the Mozzarella Company in Dallas, Pure Luck Goat Farm & Dairy in Dripping Springs and the Veldhuizen Family Farm in Dublin; grass-fed meats from Thunder Heart Bison in Carrizo Springs and L & M Ranch near Floresville; and Buddy’s Natural Chicken in Gonzales County.

Featured wines are from Texas’ best: Llano Estacado, Becker Vineyards, Messina Hof Winery and Fall Creek Vineyards.
 
For more details, go to: http://bit.ly/2FWmlw

2009 Holiday Wine Trail Tickets are almost SOLD OUT!

Holiday Wine Trail tickets are available and getting close to being SOLD OUT!   Purchase your tickets today so you don’t miss out on this fabulous event.
 
‘Tis the season for wine, Texas Hill Country’s most divine. The most coveted trail tickets in the west have been released just in time for the holiday fest. The 2009 Holiday Wine Trail is upon us, get your ticket now to receive the wreath of bough.

For three festive weekends, December 4-6, 11-13 and 18-20, you can participate on the self-guided tour, visiting each of the 24 Hill Country Wineries, collecting dated signature Christmas ornaments to decorate your individual grapevine wreath included in the ticket purchase.  To help save on the holiday budget, ticket holders will also receive a 15% discount on 3-bottle wine packages from each winery.  Note: Each winery is different; some will choose the 3-bottles while others will let you choose your own 3 bottles.  What a great way to stock up on your favorite wines for the holiday festivities or those last minute gifts.  Tickets are $60.00 per grapevine wreath which includes your 24 ornaments and the 3 bottle purchase option.  This does not include complimentary tastes at the wineries.  Specific wineries charge for tasting, please see the list of wineries on the website to see which wineries charge and which do not. 
 
Join us for one or all three weekends to experience the holiday cheer and celebrate all that accompanies fines wine in the Hill Country.  There are a limited number of tickets available and every year is a quick sell out, don’t delay and miss out on all the joy the Texas Hill Country wineries have to offer. Go to: www.TexasWineTrail.com

Pleasant Hill Winery Introduces Its 2008 Sangiovese

Pleasant Hill Winery introduces its 2008 Sangiovese with Caprese Bruschetta.  Enjoy a Tour and Tasting; do the wine and food pairing, and stay for the music.The Sangiovese Food Pairing is a 2-day event.

Enjoy it Saturday, November 7, 2009; 11:00 – 6:00 pm; followed by “Tunes Under the Tent” with Chris Austin Martinez performing live @ Pleasant Hill Winery
Saturday, November 7 (only)6:00 – 9:00 PM; and Sunday, November 8, 2009; noon – 5:00 pm.

More info and directions at: www.PleasantHillWinery.com or email: Texaswines@yahoo.com

Texas Wine Month drawing to a close
By Ron Saikowski Wine Walk

October has been designated “Texas Wine Month” by the Texas Department of Agriculture.

The Texas Wine Industry has catapulted from the eighth largest wine-producing state in 2000 to the No. 4 position, according to USDA’s preliminary reports in 2009.

Our wine industry is worth over $1.35 billion dollars and continues to grow. Our populous state has such a thirst for Texas wines that very little of Texas’ wines ever make it beyond our border. Such a pity for the rest of the country because Texas wines are gaining a national/international reputation for excellence.

More at: http://www.hcnonline.com/articles/2009/10/22/conroe_courier/lifestyles/1023_wine_walk.txt

Texas Wine Report Card from TD Williams: Wine enthusiast, Aspiring Sommelier

Last weekend Andrea and I headed off to the Texas Hill Country for the 19th Annual Fredericksburg Food & Wine Festival. We had a fabulous time and the Fredericksburg Chamber of Commerce couldn’t have asked for better weather. Highs in the upper 60’s to lower 70’s with low humidity. A perfect ‘cool’ Texas Fall weekend.

The main event for the festival was the Patron’s Brunch at Marketplatz in the center of downtown. We had some excellent food and several good wines. Below I’ve subjectively provided grades both for my overall impression of Texas Wine as well as individual grades for wineries and their wines.

Criteria:
• Winery Property: ambiance, views, architecture, landscaping, etc.
• Tasting Operations: ability to handle crowds, approach to tastings, layout, adequate staffing
• Wines: Overall impression of portfolio, sight, nose, palate
• Knowledge of Staff: understanding of viticulture, enology, pairing recommendations, etc.
• Staff Service: welcoming, friendly, courteous, attentive, common sense, combined with knowledge 

Results at: http://www.tdwine.com/2009/10/29/texas-wine-report-card/

What Wine Do You Serve with Chicken Fried Bacon? The State Fair of Texas Winning Fried Food

Jack Keller thinks: “I gave this one a lot of thought and think I would go with a Texas native, Poteet Country Winery’s White Mustang.  I came to this selection after recalling my wife and I sharing a bottle with BLT sandwiches with three layers of bacon.  It worked really well, which is no surprise — White Mustang goes with a lot of foods and is as Texan as longhorns on a trail drive.”

For more opinions, go to: https://vintagetexas.com/?p=1220 (Click comment icon in upper right)

Thanksgiving at Messina Hof Winery and Resort
 
Let us serve you this Thanksgiving! Come visit us at The Vintage House Restaurant at Messina Hof Winery & Resort on November 26 from 11am-5pm for a Thanksgiving feast.
Soup

Pumpkin Bisque or New England Clam Chowder

Salad

Messina Hof Champagne Salad or Messina Hof House Merlot Salad

Entrees

Roast Turkey with Giblet Gravy served with Seasoned Cornbread Stuffing and Green Bean Casserole
or
Prime Rib of Beef au Jus served with Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes
and Cabernet Mushrooms
or
Baked North Atlantic Cod with Fresh Dill and Cornichon Butter Sauce
and served with Jasmine rice & Green Bean Casserole

Desserts

Pumpkin Cheese cake, Chocolate Mousse Cake or Tiramisu

More info at: www.messinahof.com; For reservations, call (800) 736-9463 ext 231