tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27560390811440257802024-03-13T01:37:02.583-07:00WinePHXGet your Wine PHiX!Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger27125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2756039081144025780.post-29909798863869751252012-07-23T20:08:00.000-07:002012-07-23T20:10:19.268-07:00Three Amazing Gay Days in Wine Country - Day OneIn addition to the Gay Wine Weekend events, I was able to make a few stops at some wineries for a few tastings.<br />
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We started day one as you always should - with some bubbly! <a href="http://www.domainecarneros.com/" target="_blank">Domaine Carneros</a> is home to some great sparkling wines, and an amazing property. The replica of Chateau de la Marquetterie in Champagne, France sits atop a knoll in Carneros and overlooks amazing scenery of vineyards. Domaine Carneros was started in 1987 by Champagne Taittinger, a world renowned Champagne house in France. While tasting through the Sparkling Wine offerings, I was struck by the incredible complexity of each of the wines. From the pear and citrus notes of the Brut which lingers with a creamy toasted vanilla finish, to the beautiful strawberries and cream notes in the Rose, and finished the tasting off with the beautifully balanced Ultra Brut, with notes of caramel, apple and a little bit of spice. Each of the wines we tasted are exclusive to the winery. Domaine Carneros does have some distribution, but it mainly consists of the non-vintage versions of each of the wines, which I have also had, and you can't go wrong with them either!
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Next stop was across the street at <a href="http://www.cuvaison.com/" target="_blank">Cuvaison Estate Wines</a>. Known for their beautiful Carneros Chardonnay, as well as their Mount Veeder Cabernet, Cuvaison is consistently producing top tier wines and receiving critical acclaim for their wines. Most recently, Wine & Spirits gave their 2008 Mount Veeder Cab a score of 91 and the 2009 Carneros Pinot Nior a score of 90. Additionally, Wine Advocate scored their flagship Brandlin Cabernet Sauvignon with a 92+. Having tried each of these wine, I would heartily agree with such high praise. Not only are the wines spectacular, but the Carneros tasting room is definitely worth checking out. They also have a Calistoga tasting room, which I haven't had a chance to check out yet. But it is on my short list for the next time I am in town.<br />
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Then on to <a href="http://www.tinbarnvineyards.com/" target="_blank">Tin Barn Vineyards</a>, where they broke my heart as soon as I walked in, when they told me they were out of their Sauvignon Blanc. Temperatures had climbed into the low 100s at that point, and I was looking forward to their incredibly crisp Sauv Blanc that bursts with aromas of citrus and melon. We were however treated to a vertical tasting of their Syrah. As we tasted through the 2006, 2007, and 2008 Syrah, the difference in each of the vintages was pretty surprising. In talking to winemaker Michael Lancaster about those differences, he shared how his wine making style has evolved over the years and also how he approached each vintage differently. If I had to pick out of the three vintages, I would have to say the 2007 was my favorite. The 2007 seems to have reached a point of balance that the 2008 will most likely achieve within the next year. However our favorite of the tasting had to be the 2009 Los Chamizal Vineyard Zinfandel. Bringing together the perfect balance of sun ripened cherries and a toasted oak finish, this Zin is a can't miss for any summer BBQ.<br />
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Finally we headed to <a href="http://www.gunbun.com/" target="_blank">Gundlach Bundschu</a> (see pronunciation in the cleaver logo below).<br />
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This amazing property, set at the base of the Mayacamas Mountains which separate the Napa and Sonoma Vallies, has been home to the Bundschu family for six generations. While all of the wines impressed, the unique Tempranillo Rosé and the Tempranillo had to be my two favorites. This European-style rosé offers aromas of tangerine, freshly-picked peach, and strawberry with crisp flavors of wild red raspberries, kiwi fruit and hibiscus tea. The Tempranillo, according to Gun Bun's website, has intense aromas and flavors of blackberry and mission figs, with layers of dark cocoa, fresh tobacco leaf and black pepper.<br />
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From there we headed to the <a href="http://www.eldoradosonoma.com/" target="_blank">El Dorado Hotel</a> to check in for the weekend. El Dorado is quaint little boutique hotel, with only 25 rooms or so. The rooms are very comfortable, and all give a different view of the Somona Square and surrounding area. In addition to the hotel, El Dorado Kitchen has some amazing food. Check out the sliders!<br />
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That night brought the Twilight T-Dance at Atwood Ranch, for <a href="http://www.gaywineweekend.com/" target="_blank">Gay Wine Weekend</a>! Check out this post for more on that.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2756039081144025780.post-52406605093059989412012-07-09T10:30:00.000-07:002012-07-12T20:57:01.276-07:00Gay Wine Weekend 2012To say that the 2nd Annual Gay Wine Weekend organized by <a href="http://www.outinthevineyard.com/" target="_blank">Out in the Vineyard</a>, was a smashing success, would be an understatement! Sonoma opened its doors to over 300 visitors for three days of events, and those in attendance could not have felt more welcome. Wineries, restaurants, hotels and shops all across Wine Country showed such gracious hospitality, it is no wonder members of the LGBT and allied communities are flocking to participate in Gay Wine Weekend. Having grown from the Twilight T-Dance, into three days of tours, winemaker's dinners, a cabaret night, and a Big Gay Wine Auction and Recovery Brunch, there is something for everyone.
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: -webkit-auto;">"Out in the Vineyard" at Atwood Ranch</span></td></tr>
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I have said it before - <a href="http://twitter.com/markvogler" target="_blank">Mark</a> and <a href="http://twitter.com/outgary" target="_blank">Gary</a> of <a href="http://twitter.com/outinvineyard" target="_blank">Out in the Vineyard</a>, really know how to put on an event. Once again, the setting, weather and sunset at the Twilight T-Dance, could not have been more perfect. As over 400 guest at Atwood Ranch danced the night away to New York DJ Corey Craig, the breathtaking sunset over the Sonoma Valley painted the perfect backdrop for a night Out in the Vineyard.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: -webkit-auto;">The dance floor is filling up as DJ Corey Craig spins the latest dance hits.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: -webkit-auto;">The sunset could not have been more breath taking!</span></td></tr>
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Not only was the weekend about having a great time, eating amazing food, and drinking world class wines. It was also about doing good, and giving back to the community. Proceeds of the events benefit <a href="http://www.f2f.org/" target="_blank">Face to Face, Sonoma County AIDS Network</a>, and this year, at the Big Gay Wine Auction alone, approximately $14,000 was raised. Auction lots included wines from all over Wine Country, overnight stays at wineries, day trips and tours and even a winemaker dinner with world renowned winemaker Mark Lyon of Sabastiani Wines. The final tally is still coming in, but Out in the Vineyard projects to have raised $18,000-$20,000 for Face to Face. As Rick Dean, Executive Director of Face to Face pointed out at the auction, funding for agencies like Face to Face is scarce, so to raise nearly $20,000 in a weekend ensures they are able to continue to provide essential services to those in Sonoma County.<br />
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Be sure to mark your calendars for June 14-16, 2013. The 3rd Annual Gay Wine Weekend is bound to be the can't miss event of the summer!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2756039081144025780.post-7255123769160489302012-06-12T21:11:00.000-07:002012-07-12T21:13:30.800-07:00“Queers!” #11: There goes the neighborhood!<span style="background-color: #660000; color: white;"><br /></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #660000; color: white;"><span style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">Podcast:</span><span style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"> </span><a class="powerpress_link_pinw" href="http://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/qtalkaz.com/audio/QTalkAZ_Queers_011.mp3" style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px; outline: none;" target="_blank" title="Play in new window">Play in new window</a><span style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"> </span><span style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">|</span><span style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"> </span><a class="powerpress_link_d" href="http://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/qtalkaz.com/audio/QTalkAZ_Queers_011.mp3" style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px; outline: none;" title="Download">Download</a><span style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"> </span><span style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">(Duration: 56:10 — 28.4MB)</span></span></h1>
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<span style="color: white;"><a class="lightbox" data-group="group6" href="http://qtalkaz.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/Queers_Food_Show_site.jpg" style="outline: none;"><img alt="Queers! Eat, Drink and Be Fabulous!" class="alignleft size-full wp-image-370" height="165" src="http://qtalkaz.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/Queers_Food_Show_site.jpg" style="border: 0px; float: left; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-right: 10px; margin-top: 5px; padding: 3px;" title="Queers! Eat, Drink and Be Fabulous!" width="250" /></a>The first time the show was ‘live’, we went completely off the rails more times than we could count!</span></div>
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<span style="color: white;">Featured wine on the show: <a href="http://azstronghold.com/strongholdwines/" style="outline: none;" target="_blank" title="Stronghold Mandala Wines">Stronghold Mandala White</a> from Arizona Stronghold</span></div>
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<span style="color: white;">Some stories and topics from this episode:</span></div>
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<span style="color: white;">Nathan gloats about heading out to <a href="http://www.outinthevineyard.com/" style="outline: none;" target="_blank" title="Gay Wine Weekend">Gay Wine Weekend</a> in Sonoma in a few days, and the rest of us are jealous! For more info, <a href="http://qtalkaz.com/2012/05/16/queers-10-what-happens-in-the-vineyard-stays-in-the-vineyard/" style="outline: none;" target="_blank" title="“Queers!” #10: What happens in the vineyard, stays in the vineyard…">check out our interview</a> with the producers of the event!</span></div>
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<span style="color: white;">Claudine reviews <a href="http://ohsobrewery.com/" style="outline: none;" target="_blank" title="O.H.S.O. Eatery and nanoBrewery">O.H.S.O. Eatery and nanoBrewery</a>, located in east Phoenix. Tasty eats and many brews on tap, but we wish the name stood for something more fantastic. Check out Claudine’s <a href="http://echomag.com/previews/without-593.php" style="outline: none;" target="_blank" title="Full Review">official review</a> in Echo Magazine. Also, Claudine dishes on the imminent closure of <a href="http://www.azcentral.com/thingstodo/dining/20120530padres-owners-sell-phoenix-restaurant-los-dos-molinos" style="outline: none;" target="_blank" title="Padre's Sold">Padre’s on Camelback</a>.</span><br />
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<span style="color: white;">What happened to the corner of <a href="http://www.bizjournals.com/phoenix/morning_call/2012/05/habit-burger-opening-at-7th-avenue.html?ana=e_phx_rdup&s=newsletter&ed=2012-05-29" style="outline: none;" target="_blank" title="Dueling Burger Joints">7th Avenue and McDowell lately</a>? We lost My Florist Cafe nearly two years ago, and then the redevelopment began and we’ve got nothing but chains, chains and more chains! And, what’s up with two burger joints on opposite sides of the street? You don’t want to miss our lively discourse on these latest developments.</span></div>
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<span style="color: white;">Joe continues his ice cream report from last show and does the full review of <a href="http://www.sweetrepublic.com/" style="outline: none;" target="_blank" title="Sweet Republic Ice Cream">Sweet Republic Ice Cream</a>. Located in northeast Scottsdale and owned by two best friends, the purveyors of this amazing ice cream make every flavor by hand everyday. They celebrate their 4th anniversary Wed June 13 (tomorrow) and will have prizes and free ice cream, so head up there and check it out! Whether you’d like a traditional flavor like Madagascar Vanilla or something a bit off the wall, like Honey Blue Cheese. Trust Joe on this one, as a lover of ice cream, this is the most amazing ice cream you’ve ever had in your life!</span></div>
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<span style="color: white;">Catch our next tasty LIVE episode on Wednesday, July 18th at 6pm for the amazing 1-year anniversary show! In the meantime, send us email at <a href="mailto:queers@qtalkamerica.com" style="outline: none;" target="_blank" title="Email Us!">queers@qtalkamerica.com</a> or leave us a voicemail at (888) 791-9294.</span></div>
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2756039081144025780.post-15091435887677163122012-06-07T21:10:00.000-07:002012-06-07T21:10:32.624-07:00YogaVin at Sutra MidtownTwo of my favorite things come together at <a href="http://www.sutramidtown.com/" target="_blank">Sutra Midtown</a> in Phoenix as they present YogaVin. A unique Sutra creation that blends the rich spoils of a flowing, breath-synchronized yoga class with the tantalizing and vibrant flavors of premium wines. I mean really, what sounds better than that?<br />
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YogaVin starts with a meditative, candlelit flow class, designed to unwind your mind and vibrate your soul, and Sutra Midtown's yoga instructors have the ability to do that like no other yoga studio I have gone to. Then to top it off, immediately following your yoga session, you enjoy selections of savory wines and enticing appetizers. An evening centered on balance, both in our lives and on the mat, celebrating the riches of life.<br />
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The next YogaVin is next week! June 15th from 7:00pm - 9:00pm. Sutra Midtown is located at: 2317 North 7th Street, in Phoenix. Call Matt and Rebecca for more information - (602) 253-9525, or check out www.sutramidtown.com for more information! And don't worry, if you can't make it this time, this is a regular event, so sign up for their newsletter to stay on top of everything they have going on. Also, join them on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/SuTRAmidtown" target="_blank">facebook</a> and <a href="http://www.twitter.com/sutramidtown" target="_blank">twitter</a>.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2756039081144025780.post-11506063425795895642012-06-06T13:52:00.002-07:002012-06-06T13:54:38.187-07:00“Queers!” #10: What happens in the vineyard, stays in the vineyard…<br />
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<span style="color: white;"><span style="line-height: 19px;">Podcast:</span><span style="line-height: 19px;"> </span><a class="powerpress_link_pinw" href="http://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/qtalkaz.com/audio/QTalkAZ_Queers_010.mp3" style="line-height: 19px; outline: none;" target="_blank" title="Play in new window">Play in new window</a><span style="line-height: 19px;"> </span><span style="line-height: 19px;">|</span><span style="line-height: 19px;"> </span><a class="powerpress_link_d" href="http://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/qtalkaz.com/audio/QTalkAZ_Queers_010.mp3" style="line-height: 19px; outline: none;" title="Download">Download</a><span style="line-height: 19px;"> </span><span style="line-height: 19px;">(Duration: 53:19 — 26.3MB)</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: white;"><a class="lightbox" data-group="group7" href="http://qtalkaz.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/Queers_Food_Show_site.jpg" style="outline: none;"><img alt="Queers! Eat, Drink and Be Fabulous!" class="alignleft size-full wp-image-370" height="165" src="http://qtalkaz.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/Queers_Food_Show_site.jpg" style="border: 0px; float: left; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-right: 10px; margin-top: 5px; padding: 3px;" title="Queers! Eat, Drink and Be Fabulous!" width="250" /></a>On this tasty edition of “Queers!”, we raise our glasses to our newest official member of the clan, Meschelle Hornstein! She has been a guest for several episodes and she decided to officially fill the 4th host spot that was Libbie Miller once held. Speaking of Libbie, check out her <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g2BGtM3gjR8" style="outline: none;" target="_blank" title="Libbie Miller @ Ignite Phoenix">recent presentation at Ignite Phoenix</a>, all about her journey to becoming a Wino!</span></div>
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<span style="color: white;">We’re super-excited to have Meschelle on-board, so let’s dive right into this edition of “Queers!”</span></div>
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<span style="color: white;">Topics for this show:</span></div>
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<span style="color: white;">Interview with Out in the Vineyard about the upcoming <a href="http://www.outinthevineyard.com/" style="outline: none;" target="_blank" title="Gay Wine Weekend 2012">Gay Wine Weekend</a> in California’s Sonoma Valley June 15-17.</span></div>
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<span style="color: white;">Congrats to Meschelle for recently graduating from Le Cordon Bleu in Scottsdale! She tell us all about her culinary school experience.</span></div>
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<span style="color: white;">Claudine talks up <a href="http://fnbrestaurant.com/" style="outline: none;" target="_blank" title="Baratin Restaurant">Baratin</a>, a new restaurant that just opened in Scottsdale from the culinary minds at FnB.</span></div>
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<span style="color: white;">Joe chats about summer’s favorite food to keep you cool: ice cream! Where did ice cream come from? He relates some fun facts about this sweet treat and previews his upcoming review of <a href="http://www.sweetrepublic.com/" style="outline: none;" target="_blank" title="Sweet Republic Ice Cream">Sweet Republic Ice Cream</a> in Scottsdale.</span></div>
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<span style="color: white;">Wines featured on this episode:</span></div>
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<span style="color: white;"><a href="http://www.lacrema.com/sonoma-coast" style="outline: none;" target="_blank" title="La Crema Chardonnay">La Crema Sonoma Coast Chardonnay</a> and <a href="http://www.imagerywinery.com/" style="outline: none;" target="_blank" title="Imagery Estate Winery">Imagery Estate Winery</a> Dragonleaf Sirah</span></div>
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2756039081144025780.post-38080042785224532262012-05-19T12:26:00.000-07:002012-05-21T10:39:16.704-07:00Nathan OUTloud #14: Gay Wine Weekend 2012<div style="color: white;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Segoe UI',Calibri,'Myriad Pro',Myriad,'Trebuchet MS',Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">Podcast: </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Segoe UI',Calibri,'Myriad Pro',Myriad,'Trebuchet MS',Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><a class="powerpress_link_pinw" href="http://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/qtalkaz.com/audio/014nathanoutloud.mp3" style="outline-style: none; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank" title="Play in new window">Play in new window</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Segoe UI',Calibri,'Myriad Pro',Myriad,'Trebuchet MS',Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"> | </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Segoe UI',Calibri,'Myriad Pro',Myriad,'Trebuchet MS',Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><a class="powerpress_link_d" href="http://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/qtalkaz.com/audio/014nathanoutloud.mp3" style="outline-style: none; text-decoration: underline;" title="Download">Download</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Segoe UI',Calibri,'Myriad Pro',Myriad,'Trebuchet MS',Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"> (Duration: 41:44 — 20.3MB)</span></div>
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The organizers of the <a data-mce-href="http://www.gaywineweekend.com" href="http://www.gaywineweekend.com/" style="outline-style: none; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Gay Wine Weekend</a>, in Sonoma, California. <a data-mce-href="http://twitter.com/markvogler" href="http://twitter.com/markvogler" style="outline-style: none; text-decoration: none;">Mark Vogler</a> and <a data-mce-href="http://twitter.com/outgary" href="http://twitter.com/outgary" style="outline-style: none; text-decoration: none;">Gary Saperstein</a> join me to discuss wine, wine country and and being <a data-mce-href="http://twitter.com/outinvineyard" href="http://twitter.com/outinvineyard" style="outline-style: none; text-decoration: none;">Out in the Vineyard</a>. Mark and Gary have really out done themselves this year and it is only the second year for Gay Wine Weekend! Listen as they take you through all of the events of this incredible 3-day event. We also talk about the amazing wines we are drinking during the show from, Imagery Estate Wines, Benziger and Penfolds, all sponsors of Gay Wine Weekend.<img alt="" class="size-medium wp-image-2140 aligncenter" data-mce-src="http://qtalkaz.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/330b3eeabd-195x300.jpg" height="300" src="http://qtalkaz.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/330b3eeabd-195x300.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="330b3eeabd" width="195" /></div>
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Gay Wine Weekend kicks off Friday, June 15th, with a VIP Reception at the host hotel, <a data-mce-href="http://www.macarthurplace.com/" href="http://www.macarthurplace.com/" style="outline-style: none; text-decoration: none;">E</a>l Dorado Hotel. Following the reception, there are three different winemakers dinners - two of which are already sold out.</div>
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The events continue on Saturday, with three different wine tours to choose from. Followed by the premier event of the weekend - The Twilight T-Dance at Atwood Ranch, under the stars and "Out in the Vineyard". Followed by "Apres-T" After Party at El Dorado Hotel.</div>
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The weekend wraps up on Sunday morning with the Big Gay Wine Auction and Recovery Brunch at <a data-mce-href="https://www.ramekins.com/" href="https://www.ramekins.com/" style="outline-style: none; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Ramekins's Culinary School & Inn</a>, located just blocks from the town square of Sonoma. This will benefit Face to Face, Sonoma County AIDS Network.</div>
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For more details on Out's in the Vineyard's Gay Wine Weekend, visit <a data-mce-href="http://www.outinthevineyard.com/" href="http://www.outinthevineyard.com/" style="outline-style: none; text-decoration: none;">www.outinthevineyard.com</a>.</div>
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If you have any questions, comments or suggestions, please feel free to contact me at <a data-mce-href="mailto:%20comments@nathanoutloud.com" href="mailto:%20comments@nathanoutloud.com" style="outline-style: none; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">comments@nathanoutloud.com</a>. You can also call the Nathan OUTloud comment line at (209) 202-3688 (209.20.BeOUT)</div>
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Follow me on twitter at <a data-mce-href="http://twitter.com/nathanoutloud" href="http://twitter.com/nathanoutloud" style="outline-style: none; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">@nathanoutloud</a> & join me on the Nathan OUTloud <a data-mce-href="http://www.facebook.com/nathanoutloudfans" href="http://www.facebook.com/nathanoutloudfans" style="outline-style: none; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">facebook fan page</a>.</div>
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<b>Come OUT | Be OUT | Live OUTloud™</b></div>
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The organizers of the <a data-mce-href="http://www.gaywineweekend.com" href="http://www.gaywineweekend.com/" style="outline-style: none; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Gay Wine Weekend</a>, in Sonoma, California. <a data-mce-href="http://twitter.com/markvogler" href="http://twitter.com/markvogler" style="outline-style: none; text-decoration: none;">Mark Vogler</a> and <a data-mce-href="http://twitter.com/outgary" href="http://twitter.com/outgary" style="outline-style: none; text-decoration: none;">Gary Saperstein</a> join me to discuss wine, wine country and and being <a data-mce-href="http://twitter.com/outinvineyard" href="http://twitter.com/outinvineyard" style="outline-style: none; text-decoration: none;">Out in the Vineyard</a>. Mark and Gary have really out done themselves this year and it is only the second year for Gay Wine Weekend! Listen as they take you through all of the events of this incredible 3-day event. We also talk about the amazing wines we are drinking during the show from, Imagery Estate Wines, Benziger and Penfolds, all sponsors of Gay Wine Weekend.<img alt="" class="size-medium wp-image-2140 aligncenter" data-mce-src="http://qtalkaz.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/330b3eeabd-195x300.jpg" height="300" src="http://qtalkaz.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/330b3eeabd-195x300.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="330b3eeabd" width="195" /></div>
<div style="color: white; font-family: 'Lucida Grande','Lucida Sans Unicode',verdana,arial,Tahoma,Verdana,sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
Gay Wine Weekend kicks off Friday, June 15th, with a VIP Reception at the host hotel, <a data-mce-href="http://www.macarthurplace.com/" href="http://www.macarthurplace.com/" style="outline-style: none; text-decoration: none;">E</a>l Dorado Hotel. Following the reception, there are three different winemakers dinners - two of which are already sold out.</div>
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The events continue on Saturday, with three different wine tours to choose from. Followed by the premier event of the weekend - The Twilight T-Dance at Atwood Ranch, under the stars and "Out in the Vineyard". Followed by "Apres-T" After Party at El Dorado Hotel.</div>
<div style="color: white; font-family: 'Lucida Grande','Lucida Sans Unicode',verdana,arial,Tahoma,Verdana,sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
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The weekend wraps up on Sunday morning with the Big Gay Wine Auction and Recovery Brunch at <a data-mce-href="https://www.ramekins.com/" href="https://www.ramekins.com/" style="outline-style: none; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Ramekins's Culinary School & Inn</a>, located just blocks from the town square of Sonoma. This will benefit Face to Face, Sonoma County AIDS Network.</div>
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For more details on Out's in the Vineyard's Gay Wine Weekend, visit <a data-mce-href="http://www.outinthevineyard.com/" href="http://www.outinthevineyard.com/" style="outline-style: none; text-decoration: none;">www.outinthevineyard.com</a>.</div>
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If you have any questions, comments or suggestions, please feel free to contact me at <a data-mce-href="mailto:%20comments@nathanoutloud.com" href="mailto:%20comments@nathanoutloud.com" style="outline-style: none; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">comments@nathanoutloud.com</a>. You can also call the Nathan OUTloud comment line at (209) 202-3688 (209.20.BeOUT)</div>
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Follow me on twitter at <a data-mce-href="http://twitter.com/nathanoutloud" href="http://twitter.com/nathanoutloud" style="outline-style: none; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">@nathanoutloud</a> & join me on the Nathan OUTloud <a data-mce-href="http://www.facebook.com/nathanoutloudfans" href="http://www.facebook.com/nathanoutloudfans" style="outline-style: none; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">facebook fan page</a>.</div>
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<b>Come OUT | Be OUT | Live OUTloud™</b></div>
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2756039081144025780.post-90211750375750201442012-04-18T21:01:00.000-07:002012-05-08T21:07:28.271-07:00Queers! #9: Gourmet Pride Festival Food Mashup!<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;"><br /></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 19px;">Podcast: <a class="powerpress_link_pinw" href="http://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/qtalkaz.com/audio/QTalkAZ_Queers_009.mp3" style="outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank" title="Play in new window">Play in new window</a> | <a class="powerpress_link_d" href="http://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/qtalkaz.com/audio/QTalkAZ_Queers_009.mp3" style="outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: underline;" title="Download">Download</a> (Duration: 53:59 — 26.9MB)</span></h1>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;"><a class="lightbox" data-group="group6" href="http://qtalkaz.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/Queers_sm.jpg" style="outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="Queers! Eat, Drink and Be Fabulous" class="alignleft size-full wp-image-1785" height="250" src="http://qtalkaz.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/Queers_sm.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; float: left; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-right: 10px; margin-top: 5px; padding-bottom: 3px; padding-left: 3px; padding-right: 3px; padding-top: 3px;" title="Queers! Eat, Drink and Be Fabulous" width="250" /></a>We’re sad to report that Libbie has retired her microphone and will only be joining us on ‘special occasions’. No, it wasn’t personal, she still loves us! On this edition of “Queers!”, special guest Meschelle Hornstein returns. Oh my , could she become a regular? Only time will tell.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;">As usual, we forgot to intro ourselves, but you’ll figure it out by the end of the show (or see our page info on <a href="http://qtalkaz.com/" style="outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank" title="QTalk Arizona">QTalkAZ.com</a>).</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;">The wine featured on this episode is <a href="http://www.seanminorwines.com/wines/2010-sauvignon-blanc-sonoma-county" style="outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank" title="Sean Minor Wines">Four Bears USA Sean Minor 2010 Sauvignon Blanc</a> from Sonoma County. And it’s quite fruity and a perfect summer wine! Thank you Nathan for supplying the vino!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;">Also speaking of summer, since we have seemed to skip spring once again, it’s time to talk citrus. Joe explains where citrus came from, what you can really do with a lemon and what comes to our minds with we think of that yellow tangy fruit!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;"><span id="more-2007"></span>Claudine talks to us about the <a href="http://www.yelp.com/biz/the-fry-bread-house-phoenix" style="outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank" title="Fry Bread House">Fry Bread House</a>, a hole-in-the-wall place that was nominated for a James Beard Award! Quite a variety of, well, fry bread choices on the menu that should appeal to just about anyone–even our vegan guest Meschelle!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;">Nathan talks to us about his recent experience on the Big Gay Wine Train in Napa Valley and the upcoming <a href="http://www.outinthevineyard.com/events/gaywineweekend2012/" style="outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank" title="Gay Wine Weekend 2012">Gay Wine Weekend</a> in June. For detailed info and a great interview with the event producers, check out <a href="http://qtalkaz.com/2012/01/11/queers-6-street-eats-food-truck-festival-big-gay-wine-train-more/" style="outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank" title="Queers! #6: Street Eats Food Truck Festival, Big Gay Wine Train and more!">this archived episode of Queers!</a></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;">And to wrap it up, it’s Pride Season! Phoenix Pride is this weekend and we hope to see all of you at our booth!! Come enter to win a Lytro camera, but most of all, just come and hang out with us and check out some of our live video broadcasts that we’ll do from Pride! We’ve got a parade entry and live commentary and, way too much going on. Check our Facebook pages and the QTalk AZ home page for more details!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;">BUT, how can you make ‘pride festival’ food fabulous? Can the non-gourmet be turned gourmet? And yes, oh dear, we’ve got an answer to that very question!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;">Shoot us an email at queers@qtalkaz.com to suggest show topics, new dives that we should check out, wine you enjoy or just give us a shout-out! Or you can leave us a voicemail at (888) 791-9294.</span></div>
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<a href="http://www.phoenixpride.org/" style="outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank" title="Phoenix Pride"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;">See you at Phoenix Pride!</span></a></div>
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2756039081144025780.post-15177572095676708142012-03-16T20:59:00.000-07:002012-05-08T21:07:20.514-07:00Queers! #8: Size matters, after all...<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;"><br /></span><br />
<h1 class="title" style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', Calibri, 'Myriad Pro', Myriad, 'Trebuchet MS', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 20px; font-weight: bold; letter-spacing: -1px; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0.25em; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-shadow: rgb(255, 255, 255) 1px 1px 1px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white; line-height: 19px;">Podcast: <a class="powerpress_link_pinw" href="http://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/qtalkaz.com/audio/QTalkAZ_Queers_008.mp3" style="outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank" title="Play in new window">Play in new window</a> | <a class="powerpress_link_d" href="http://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/qtalkaz.com/audio/QTalkAZ_Queers_008.mp3" style="outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: underline;" title="Download">Download</a> (Duration: 54:37 — 30.3MB)</span></span></h1>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;"><a class="lightbox" data-group="group6" href="http://qtalkaz.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/Queers_sm.jpg" style="outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="Queers! Eat, Drink and Be Fabulous" class="alignleft size-full wp-image-1785" height="250" src="http://qtalkaz.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/Queers_sm.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; float: left; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-right: 10px; margin-top: 5px; padding-bottom: 3px; padding-left: 3px; padding-right: 3px; padding-top: 3px;" title="Queers! Eat, Drink and Be Fabulous" width="250" /></a>(Please note, there are some audio issues/annoying static in this episode during our ‘outburst moments’. Ah, the wonderful combination of new recording equipment and a rowdy cast of characters! But, we’ve got the problem solved for future shows.)</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;">On this wild and crazy “Queers!”, accents break out in an around-the-world culinary tour, we talk with Joe Wilson, owner of our beloved <strong><a href="http://www.ticozaz.com/" style="outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank" title="Ticoz Resto-Bar">Ticoz</a></strong>, Nathan dishes on wine glasses, Joe shares <strong><a href="http://girlmeetsfork.com/" style="outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank" title="Girl Meets Fork">grilled-cheese-throwdown</a></strong>bites, Libbie pours on wines from far, far away and Claudine takes on a trip to <strong><a href="http://phoenix.provincerestaurant.com/" style="outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank" title="Province Restaurant">Province</a></strong>! Plus, we welcome our special guest Meschelle Hornstein from<strong><a href="http://stfrancisaz.com/" style="outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank" title="St. Francis">St. Francis</a></strong>–all this and a whole lot more on this episode of Queers!</span></div>
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<a class="lightbox" data-group="group11" href="http://qtalkaz.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/meschelle-hornstein.jpg" style="outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: underline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;"><img alt="Meschelle Hornstein" class="size-medium wp-image-1786" height="300" src="http://qtalkaz.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/meschelle-hornstein-212x300.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" title="Meschelle Hornstein" width="212" /></span></a><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;">Guest Meschelle Hornstein</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;"><a href="http://www.facebook.com/QEDBF" style="outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank" title="Queers! on Facebook">Find Queers! on Facebook</a>and follow the ‘Fab Four’ on Twitter:</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;"><a href="http://twitter.com/nidocamen" style="outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank" title="@Nidocamen">@Nidocamen</a> (Joe), <a href="http://twitter.com/hollygolightly_" style="outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank" title="@hollygolightly_">@hollygolightly_</a> (Claudine), <a href="http://twitter.com/winephx" style="outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank" title="@winephx">@winephx</a> (Nathan) and oops, Libbie’s twitter account flew away!</span></div>
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2756039081144025780.post-22267092087957205772012-02-07T20:58:00.000-08:002012-05-08T21:05:04.898-07:00Queers! #7: Love, equality and…sniff, sniff…is that a campfire I taste?<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;"><br /></span><br />
<h1 class="title" style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', Calibri, 'Myriad Pro', Myriad, 'Trebuchet MS', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0.25em; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-shadow: rgb(255, 255, 255) 1px 1px 1px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 19px;">Podcast: <a class="powerpress_link_pinw" href="http://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/qtalkaz.com/audio/QTalkAZ_Queers_007.mp3" style="outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank" title="Play in new window">Play in new window</a> | <a class="powerpress_link_d" href="http://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/qtalkaz.com/audio/QTalkAZ_Queers_007.mp3" style="outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: underline;" title="Download">Download</a> (Duration: 1:09:24 — 31.8MB)</span></h1>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;"><a class="lightbox" data-group="group6" href="http://qtalkaz.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/Queers_Food_Show_site.jpg" style="outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="Queers! Eat, Drink and Be Fabulous!" class="alignleft size-full wp-image-370" height="165" src="http://qtalkaz.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/Queers_Food_Show_site.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; float: left; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-right: 10px; margin-top: 5px; padding-bottom: 3px; padding-left: 3px; padding-right: 3px; padding-top: 3px;" title="Queers! Eat, Drink and Be Fabulous!" width="250" /></a>That celebrated (or<em> dreaded</em> depending on your Facebook status), heart-shaped holiday is upon us, so listen in to hear which Valley venues made our best and worst list. What would you do if someone took you to the gay Denny’s to celebrate your love? We even ask Siri for her recommendations! And, for those of us who <em>love</em> Arizona, we can’t forget that Valentine’s Day this year marks the Arizona Centennial — yep, we’re an even 100 years old!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;">The news coming out of Washington State gave the EDBF crew reason to raise a glass or two and toast to marriage equality. Our festive choice? <a href="http://www.kvintners.com/cellar/product.php?productid=164&cat=3&page=1" style="outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Charles Smith Chateau Smith Cabernet Sauvignon 08</a> is a delicious bottle from winemaker <em>and Sammy Hagar’s doppleganger</em>, <a href="http://www.charlessmithwines.com/" style="outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Charles Smith</a>. </span><img alt="Charles Smith" class="alignright" height="142" src="http://www.winefoot.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/2009_taste_wa_charles_smith_interview_main.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; float: right; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 10px; margin-top: 5px; padding-bottom: 3px; padding-left: 3px; padding-right: 3px; padding-top: 3px;" title="Charles Smith" width="216" /></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;">This month’s episode features a special guest, Derek Bryant, who is a visiting chef and micro brew aficionado from Albuquerque, New Mexico. In honor of the exciting news coming from the northwest, Derek brought us a selection of Washington State brews from <a href="http://www.fishbrewing.com/leavenworth-biers/" style="outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Leavenworth Biers</a> and <a href="http://www.scuttlebuttbrewing.com/Site/HOME.html" style="outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Scuttlebutt Brewing Company</a>, to butch up our beverage choices. Also, listen closely as he describes his latest creation, Bacon Cupcakes.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;">We thought that Libbie being under the weather would dampen the humor on the show, but as it turns out, she issues more one-liners and random outbursts that keep the whole group in stitches!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;"><a href="http://rogue.com/beers/voodoo-bacon-maple.php" style="outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="Rouge's Voodoo Doughnut Bacon Maple Ale" class="alignleft" height="282" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/403351_338850786154573_338815919491393_1007208_398510888_n.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; float: left; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-right: 10px; margin-top: 5px; padding-bottom: 3px; padding-left: 3px; padding-right: 3px; padding-top: 3px;" title="Rogue's Voodoo Doughnut Bacon Maple Ale" width="97" /></a>A great big special thanks to our new neighbors, <a href="http://www.cactuscandy.com/" style="outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Cactus Candy</a>, for sending over a sample of a hometown favorite and a wonderful alternative to chocolates for your sweetie.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;">The troop rounds off the tasting with some <a href="http://rogue.com/beers/voodoo-bacon-maple.php" style="outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Rogue Voodoo Doughnut Bacon Maple Ale</a>, yup, it is as interesting as it sounds. Tune in to hear the reactions, good, bad and ugly. Beer, it’s back to being for breakfast again.</span></div>
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</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2756039081144025780.post-2002495231209591392012-01-21T13:36:00.000-08:002012-01-21T13:36:09.306-08:00The Big Gay Wine Train Returns!<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Our friends at <a href="http://www.outinthevineyard.com/" target="_blank">Out in the Vineyard</a> are at it again! After a hugely successful first year of the Big Gay Wine Train, plans for the 2nd Annual Event have been announced. With last year's event selling out within days of being announced, this year the train is going to be much bigger, but is still bound to sell out so get your tickets now!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitsNM8yUTbaf_P5I2jOVlNSTVIW2hIkjlP9sTpXCF5icnhWlkBaG6MdjeZfAU_pHOLzH0mHmse-NzlTpudY8rjqALBme3ziBXGK0Tg9IOLQTCFwPMfY9EltkGLpPalu-HLL1gtLD22ncA/s1600/RTEmagicC_Gay-Train-Graphic-Train-onl_09.jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitsNM8yUTbaf_P5I2jOVlNSTVIW2hIkjlP9sTpXCF5icnhWlkBaG6MdjeZfAU_pHOLzH0mHmse-NzlTpudY8rjqALBme3ziBXGK0Tg9IOLQTCFwPMfY9EltkGLpPalu-HLL1gtLD22ncA/s1600/RTEmagicC_Gay-Train-Graphic-Train-onl_09.jpg.jpg" /></a></div>
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Some of the details from Out in the Vineyard:<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Climb aboard The BIG GAY Train for a truly unique culinary and wine adventure with 4 of Wine Country's most exciting gay winemakers and winery owners!</span></blockquote>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">The Big Gay Train 2011 sold out in DAYS! Don't miss this unique LGBT winemaker event of the year!</span></blockquote>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Saturday, March 31st at 6:30pm The Big Gay Train pulls out of the station for the second annual gay winemaker adventure!</span></blockquote>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDAlLhhscHZFAWEYKQJ0Lee4QdgKpm5-69lctF-1LArdOFQzvcyqTVHjqRxln5zE2qVGw0iYUNSxC0lW0dO2qs-lfQr0qdOdM4uV4ZeyzrV4IOVaXWb4I05Woupb798ptRzQ8LRs_9QBk/s1600/537dd77148.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDAlLhhscHZFAWEYKQJ0Lee4QdgKpm5-69lctF-1LArdOFQzvcyqTVHjqRxln5zE2qVGw0iYUNSxC0lW0dO2qs-lfQr0qdOdM4uV4ZeyzrV4IOVaXWb4I05Woupb798ptRzQ8LRs_9QBk/s1600/537dd77148.jpg" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Featuring:</span></blockquote>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://www.navarrowine.com/main.php" target="_blank">Navarro Vineyards</a> has been growing grapes sustainably and bottling wine in Mendocino's Anderson Valley since 1974. For almost 40 years Navarro Vineyards has produced wines that have received numerous accolades in wine books & magazines and wine competitions. You won't find Navarro wines in stores as they prefer to sell their hand-crafted wines directly to the people who enjoy them.</span></span></blockquote>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbarRxn0GLZ9TCDZpFbPO6gBenM_1gN3uXwYss0qc3eihKZrC2Jh5ROobxgRyFA7L1vQEqn6ACA1Xbzi6BsA67Wh_tnmRb1B8idXxFeQkzeWP5LEFfPdaH9yLOL8g0UKPclTmHsObwk-o/s1600/30f6e5d837.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbarRxn0GLZ9TCDZpFbPO6gBenM_1gN3uXwYss0qc3eihKZrC2Jh5ROobxgRyFA7L1vQEqn6ACA1Xbzi6BsA67Wh_tnmRb1B8idXxFeQkzeWP5LEFfPdaH9yLOL8g0UKPclTmHsObwk-o/s1600/30f6e5d837.jpeg" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://www.bjornstadcellars.com/" target="_blank">Bjornstad Cellars</a> limited wines are vineyard designations, originating from within the appellations of the Sonoma Coast, Russian River Valley and Sonoma Mountain. These celebrated vineyards came to be because of their unique blend of location, environmental influence and the people that passionately tend them.</span></span></blockquote>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2jx-VUO-im5h2TzympSsiDCJDhrB7rJXf3q6E5ZbavfKhomROmZ-D1bnYE-g1nPdHVYesM7_txeNkCkDboyJhRTedoW1T2EvFLPuMD06fTsEfO2mP-SvzY2ccDZDALkQrx1KhyGyJ1Nc/s1600/c4e8e47e4e.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2jx-VUO-im5h2TzympSsiDCJDhrB7rJXf3q6E5ZbavfKhomROmZ-D1bnYE-g1nPdHVYesM7_txeNkCkDboyJhRTedoW1T2EvFLPuMD06fTsEfO2mP-SvzY2ccDZDALkQrx1KhyGyJ1Nc/s1600/c4e8e47e4e.jpg" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">With over a century of winemaking experience in Sonoma, <a href="http://www.sebastiani.com/" target="_blank">Sebastiani Vineyards</a> focuses on crafting small lots of super-premium wines from Sonoma County.</span></span></blockquote>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqw92rnE7we0VQ7U7LpoW0Q-JVtrXY1hP_vXJyrSt8E6wscSrpHCZp_gLGK5t6vnZFj0r1h4OH4DdOkaW94_yRlg5U1QF_4LEpEoBULOiSeLaa1G95mbCT5bFszOGzhOo4fkW2A5sZ2H0/s1600/f916fa4f1c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqw92rnE7we0VQ7U7LpoW0Q-JVtrXY1hP_vXJyrSt8E6wscSrpHCZp_gLGK5t6vnZFj0r1h4OH4DdOkaW94_yRlg5U1QF_4LEpEoBULOiSeLaa1G95mbCT5bFszOGzhOo4fkW2A5sZ2H0/s1600/f916fa4f1c.jpg" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Partners Joey Wolosz, Jeff Durham and Scott Tracy started <a href="http://poemcellars.com/" target="_blank">Gentleman Farmer</a> to create wine for the table, wine that can be paired with food. With this goal in mind, the partners hired up-and-coming talented winemaker Jason Moore (Modus Operandi, Troubadour), who was inspired by their vision and focus on crafting blends of quality and value.</span></span></blockquote>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Gentleman Farmer wines are meant to be shared when people celebrate their lives.</span></span></blockquote>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">"Take The GAY Train" for an extraordinary evening to celebrate OUR Wine Country with the winemakers in the family.</span></span></blockquote>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Tickets: $160 Gourmet Express Car / $175 VIP Vista Dome Car</span></span></blockquote>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">Tickets by phone. Call Napa Valley Wine Train at 800-427-4124 and ask for THE BIG GAY TRAIN!</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">!</span></span></blockquote>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">If you plan on staying in the area for the weekend, be sure to check out the host hotel - The Chablis Inn. The Chablis is offering an amazing Big Gay Discount for the weekend with rooms from only $99 a night! Visit <a href="http://www.chablisinn.com/" target="_blank">www.chablisinn.com</a> or call 707-257-1944 for more details.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Also, check out an interview with one of the organizers of the event, <a href="http://www.twitter.com/markvogler" target="_blank">Mark Vogler</a> on the latest episode of <a href="http://qtalkaz.com/2012/01/11/queers-6-street-eats-food-truck-festival-big-gay-wine-train-more/" target="_blank">"Queers! Eat, Drink & Be Fabulous!"</a> on <a href="http://www.qtalkaz.com/" target="_blank">QTalkAZ</a> for all of the details you need to make this can't miss event in the Napa Valley.</span></div>
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</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2756039081144025780.post-298305875378001592012-01-11T20:57:00.000-08:002012-05-08T21:06:52.558-07:00Queers! #6: Street Eats Food Truck Festival, Big Gay Wine Train and more!<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;"><br /></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 19px;">Podcast: <a class="powerpress_link_pinw" href="http://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/qtalkaz.com/audio/QTalkAZ_Queers_006.mp3" style="outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank" title="Play in new window">Play in new window</a> | <a class="powerpress_link_d" href="http://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/qtalkaz.com/audio/QTalkAZ_Queers_006.mp3" style="outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: underline;" title="Download">Download</a> (Duration: 52:11 — 23.9MB)</span></h1>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;"><a class="lightbox" data-group="group6" href="http://qtalkaz.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/Queers_Food_Show_site.jpg" style="outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="Queers! Eat, Drink and Be Fabulous!" class="alignleft size-full wp-image-370" height="165" src="http://qtalkaz.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/Queers_Food_Show_site.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; float: left; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-right: 10px; margin-top: 5px; padding-bottom: 3px; padding-left: 3px; padding-right: 3px; padding-top: 3px;" title="Queers! Eat, Drink and Be Fabulous!" width="250" /></a>The word of this episode: <strong>Jamburrito</strong>!!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;">Your favorite food and wine show is back with an episode full of culinary and vineyard-y goodness!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;"><a href="http://www.saltriverfields.com/events.aspx" style="outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="Street Eats Food Truck Festival" class="wp-image-1328 alignright" height="194" src="http://qtalkaz.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/streeteats_foodtruckfestival-300x232.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; float: right; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 10px; margin-top: 5px; padding-bottom: 3px; padding-left: 3px; padding-right: 3px; padding-top: 3px;" title="Street Eats Food Truck Festival" width="250" /></a>Coming up <strong>THIS SATURDAY</strong> in our own backyard, 30+ food trucks descend on Salt River Fields at Talking Stick for the <strong><a href="http://www.saltriverfields.com/events.aspx" style="outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank" title="Street Eats Food Truck Festival">1st Annual Street Eats Food Truck Festival</a></strong>, presented by <a href="http://www.phoenixnewtimes.com/" style="outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank" title="Phoenix New Times">New Times</a>! Food trucks have become a gourmet phenomenon over the past few years, not to mention being helped by Food Network’s “The Great Food Truck Race” hosted by Tyler Florence. And speaking of Tyler, he’ll be making a special guest appearance at the Food Truck Festival on Saturday. Aaron Studebaker from Salt River Fields gave us an awesome interview and talks about how the event came to be and gives us the inside scoop on what’s planned for this massive event. And, you can WIN TICKETS to the event by answering the trivia question on the show and e-mailing us the answer–first person to email with the right answer wins! A <strong>big thank you to Ronnie at New Times</strong> for getting us the tickets to give-away on our various shows!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;"><a href="http://www.outinthevineyard.com/events/big-gay-train/" style="outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="The Big Gay Wine Train" class="alignleft" height="151" src="http://qtalkaz.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/gaywinetrain-300x151.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; float: left; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-right: 10px; margin-top: 5px; padding-bottom: 3px; padding-left: 3px; padding-right: 3px; padding-top: 3px;" title="The Big Gay Wine Train" width="300" /></a>Nathan brings us a great interview with Mark Vogler from <strong><a href="http://www.outinthevineyard.com/" style="outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank" title="Out in the Vineyard">Out in the Vineyard</a> about the upcoming The Big Gay Train</strong> that is calling ‘All Board!’ in March! They invite you to join them for their exclusive ALL GAY Winemaker Dinner aboard the world famous Napa Valley Wine Train! The event officially goes on Saturday, March 31: Enjoy an elegant, perfectly paired, five-course dinner in old world luxury, from Acclaimed Chef Kelly Macdonald. Looking for more wine-related gay fun? Check out their Gay Wine Weekend, June 15-17 in Sonoma Valley.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;">Claudine tells about the amazing experience that she had when she recently checked out <strong><a href="http://www.yelp.com/biz/rice-paper-phoenix" style="outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank" title="Rice Paper">Rice Paper</a></strong>, a relatively new Vietnamese restaurant in Central Phoenix. This new gem has amazing Pho and also specializes in their rolls, which are made with a very thin wrapper (hence the Rice Paper name) which makes them somewhere in-between an egg roll and traditional sushi rolls. Definitely put it on your list!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;"><a href="http://www.girlmeetsfork.com/" style="outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="Girl Meets Fork" class="alignright size-medium wp-image-1329" height="192" src="http://qtalkaz.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/girlmeetsfork-300x192.png" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; float: right; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 10px; margin-top: 5px; padding-bottom: 3px; padding-left: 3px; padding-right: 3px; padding-top: 3px;" title="Girl Meets Fork" width="300" /></a>Joe dishes about how he just came back from stuffing himself silly at <strong><a href="http://www.girlmeetsfork.com/" style="outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank" title="Girl Meets Fork">Girl Meets Fork’s</a> Pancake Quest 2012</strong> — an ultimate showdown of eight local chefs vying for the honor of the best pancake in town. I especially liked those from Orange Table, Smart Kitchen and Elemental Sugar. If you’re curious about their pancakes from those three, here they are: Buttermilk pancake with fresh ricotta and prosciutto, Meyer lemon butter, ground cherry maple syrup; cream cheese-infused, reduced port wine pancake with fresh raspberry coolie; and grain-free, gluten-free pancake with mesquite flour, pochi berry with chai-infused butter. The event was hosted by Perk Eatery, who put out some pretty amazing spiced sweet potato pancakes with a praline bacon crumble and whiskey bourbon sauce. An incredible event, to be sure!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;">Girl Meets Fork is run by foodie and PR gal Susie Timm and is a boutique marketing firm for the restaurant and specialty food industries. She blogs on her site about food and loves to organize food-related events. Check out her next event: <strong>The 2nd Annual Grilled Cheese Throwdown</strong> February 26 at the Hotel Valley Ho.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;">Last but not least! Check out this month’s Places, Spaces and Faces Community Dinner on Saturday, January 21st from 6-9pm, at Kitchen Sink Studios in Downtown Phoenix. PSF is a giant community ‘potluck’ dinner and features a different theme every month and brings the community together for a totally fun night! Meet new people and discover foods and recipes that you may have never heard of! <strong><a href="http://www.facebook.com/events/232517863489626/" style="outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank" title="Places, Spaces and Faces Community Dinner">Click this link for the official Facebook event</a></strong>.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;"><strong>Wine that we’re drinking on this episode:</strong> <a href="http://www.callaghanvineyards.com/our_wines_grenacheWaynes_2009.html" style="outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank" title="Callaghan Vineyards Grenache">Callaghan Vineyards Grenache</a></span></div>
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2756039081144025780.post-74572513639286353732011-12-02T20:56:00.000-08:002012-05-08T21:06:43.448-07:00Queers! #5: The Trouble with Trifle<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;"><br /></span><br />
<h1 class="title" style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', Calibri, 'Myriad Pro', Myriad, 'Trebuchet MS', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 20px; font-weight: bold; letter-spacing: -1px; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0.25em; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-shadow: rgb(255, 255, 255) 1px 1px 1px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 19px;">Podcast: <a class="powerpress_link_pinw" href="http://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/qtalkaz.com/audio/Queers_EDaBF_005.mp3" style="outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank" title="Play in new window">Play in new window</a> | <a class="powerpress_link_d" href="http://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/qtalkaz.com/audio/Queers_EDaBF_005.mp3" style="outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: underline;" title="Download">Download</a> (Duration: 1:00:51 — 35.7MB)</span></h1>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;"><a class="lightbox" data-group="group6" href="http://qtalkaz.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/Queers_Food_Show_site.jpg" style="outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="Queers! Eat, Drink and Be Fabulous!" class="alignleft size-full wp-image-370" height="165" src="http://qtalkaz.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/Queers_Food_Show_site.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; float: left; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-right: 10px; margin-top: 5px; padding-bottom: 3px; padding-left: 3px; padding-right: 3px; padding-top: 3px;" title="Queers! Eat, Drink and Be Fabulous!" width="250" /></a>Nope, there’s nothing really wrong with Trifle, but it IS a Star Trek geek reference! Our holiday-themed episode has great wine and champagne recommendations for you, along with holiday food traditions around the world, how to not completely kill your diet during this ‘season of eating’ and more hilarious one-liners than you can shake a stick at!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;">We share our own holiday memories with you on this very special show, plus, give the gift of QTalk Arizona this holiday season! Tell a friend about our fabulous Food and Wine Show, plus our whole lineup of great shows on your local queer podcast network!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;">From all of us at “Queers!”, have a safe and joyous holiday season!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;">Joe, Claudine, Nathan and Libbie</span></div>
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2756039081144025780.post-23088712613514493782011-10-29T20:55:00.000-07:002012-05-08T21:06:11.063-07:00Queers! #4: Great Wine Buys, Pumpkins Debunked and Surviving Thanksgiving!<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;"><br /></span><br />
<h1 class="title" style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', Calibri, 'Myriad Pro', Myriad, 'Trebuchet MS', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 20px; font-weight: bold; letter-spacing: -1px; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0.25em; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-shadow: rgb(255, 255, 255) 1px 1px 1px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 19px;">Podcast: <a class="powerpress_link_pinw" href="http://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/qtalkaz.com/audio/Queers_EDaBF_004.mp3" style="outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank" title="Play in new window">Play in new window</a> | <a class="powerpress_link_d" href="http://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/qtalkaz.com/audio/Queers_EDaBF_004.mp3" style="outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: underline;" title="Download">Download</a> (Duration: 1:05:20 — 37.8MB)</span></h1>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;"><a class="lightbox" data-group="group6" href="http://qtalkaz.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/Queers_Food_Show_site.jpg" style="outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: none;"><img alt="Queers! Eat, Drink and Be Fabulous!" class="alignleft size-full wp-image-370" height="165" src="http://qtalkaz.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/Queers_Food_Show_site.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; float: left; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-right: 10px; margin-top: 5px; padding-bottom: 3px; padding-left: 3px; padding-right: 3px; padding-top: 3px;" title="Queers! Eat, Drink and Be Fabulous!" width="250" /></a>OK, it’s not quite turkey day yet, but we’ve got a Thanksgiving-related show for you anyway! Nathan gives us some great wine pics from the Wine Enthusiast Magazine Top 100, Joe debunks pumpkin, Claudine raves about Mu Shu Grill and Libbie pairs turkey and wine! And, what does Siri recommend for your pumpkin pie fix?</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;">Notes and helpful links form this episode:</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;">Libbie and Nathan <a href="http://www.winedayatatime.com/2011/10/running-for-my-wine-19-songs-to-fill-3-1-miles-of-agony/" style="outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank" title="Libbie's Blog Entry">recall</a> their adventures at the recent <a href="http://www.arizonawine.org/grapestomp.html" style="outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank" title="Wine Stomp">Wine Stomp</a> in Southern Arizona. We can tell you that they didn’t win, but they at least tried!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;">Nathan talks to us about some great inexpensive wines from the <a href="http://www.winemag.com/" style="outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank" title="Wine Magazine">Wine Enthusiast Magazine Top 100</a>.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;">Joe gives us the low-down on pumpkin through the ages and why it has become such a craze these days, plus other Thanksgivings around the world.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;">Claudine dishes about her experience at <a href="http://www.mushugrill.com/" style="outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank" title="Mu Shu Grill">Mu Shu Grill</a> — she just can’t say enough good things about it!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;">Is it possible to pair some wines with the venerable turkey? Libbie’s got the full glass of information on that one! Plus, is it ok to get a bit tipsy and relaxed to make the holidays go over well? And how to do it with class and style!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;">What’s up with the <a href="http://www.azcentral.com/business/articles/2011/10/22/20111022rebound-retail1023.html" style="outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">new developments</a> at 7th Ave and McDowell? Is it ok that they are putting in <a href="http://www.bizjournals.com/phoenix/news/2011/10/19/local-retailers-in-phoenix-losing.html?ana=e_vert" style="outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">national chains</a> just to redevelop the area? We’d like to see otherwise, but at least they are re-using existing buildings.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;">And to round out, we highly recommend buying local and supporting your independent shops and restaurants this holiday season, it keeps our local economy headed in the right direction!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;">From all of your tipsy hosts at your favorite food and wine show…</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;">Have a safe, indulgent and truly ‘happy’ Thanskgiving!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;">Joe, Claudine, Nathan and Libbie</span></div>
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2756039081144025780.post-15247516815838732402011-09-22T20:54:00.000-07:002012-05-08T21:05:54.049-07:00Queers! #3: More wine, please!<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;"><br /></span><br />
<h1 class="title" style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', Calibri, 'Myriad Pro', Myriad, 'Trebuchet MS', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0.25em; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-shadow: rgb(255, 255, 255) 1px 1px 1px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 19px;">Podcast: <a class="powerpress_link_pinw" href="http://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/qtalkaz.com/audio/Queers_EDaBF_003.mp3" style="outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank" title="Play in new window">Play in new window</a> | <a class="powerpress_link_d" href="http://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/qtalkaz.com/audio/Queers_EDaBF_003.mp3" style="outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: underline;" title="Download">Download</a> (Duration: 1:02:45 — 44.3MB)</span></h1>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;"><a class="lightbox" data-group="group6" href="http://qtalkaz.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/Queers_Food_Show_site.jpg" style="outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="Queers! Eat, Drink and Be Fabulous!" class="alignleft size-full wp-image-370" height="165" src="http://qtalkaz.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/Queers_Food_Show_site.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; float: left; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-right: 10px; margin-top: 5px; padding-bottom: 3px; padding-left: 3px; padding-right: 3px; padding-top: 3px;" title="Queers! Eat, Drink and Be Fabulous!" width="250" /></a>We were so busy trying to get as many details into this episode that we even forgot to introduce ourselves! (Going around the room during our ‘Queers’ intro it’s Joe, Nathan, Claudine and Libbie — for those playing along at home).</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;">Claudine and Libbie, along with their partners, took a trip to San Francisco, Sonoma and Napa that has both Nathan and Joe totally jealous and they give us the details of their adventures. From walking the wrong way and down a hill in SF to their relaxing and wine-sampling travels in wine country, we get the entire divine tale.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;">Nathan tells us about the wonderful trip he took recently to the Harvest Festival in the wine country of the Verde Valley of Arizona and Joe mentions the fabulous weekend (which started off with a wine tasting) up in the Red Rocks of Sedona enjoying their Pride festivities.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;">Ever wanted to add something a little extra special to your dessert? How about <a href="http://microliquor.com/cream-alcohol-infused-whipped-cream/" style="outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank" title="Liquor-Infused Whipped Cream">liquor-infused whipped cream</a>? Yes, there is such a thing! (Joe heard about it, strangely enough, on the <a href="http://twit.tv/nsfw" style="outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank" title="NSFW Show from TWiT.TV">NSFW show on TWiT</a>)</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;">Joe gives his full review of <a href="http://www.thebreadfruit.com/" style="outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank" title="The Breadfruit">Rum Bar and the Breadfruit</a> in Downtown Phoenix. Hint: order the scallops, they’re totally hot!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;">As we enter fall, what’s your favorite food of the season? We share our own favorites and stories.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;">Shameless plugs for our co-hosts blogs:</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;">Libbie (<a href="http://winedayatatime.com/" style="outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank" title="Libbie's Blog">winedayatatime.com</a>) | Nathan (<a href="http://winephx.com/" style="outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank" title="Nathan's Blog">winephx.com</a>)</span></div>
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</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2756039081144025780.post-72661578502918741762011-08-25T20:51:00.000-07:002012-05-08T21:05:44.224-07:00Queers! #2: Cheese is the Wine of Food<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', Calibri, 'Myriad Pro', Myriad, 'Trebuchet MS', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">Podcast: </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', Calibri, 'Myriad Pro', Myriad, 'Trebuchet MS', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><a class="powerpress_link_pinw" href="http://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/qtalkaz.com/audio/Queers_EDaBF_002.mp3" style="outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank" title="Play in new window">Play in new window</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', Calibri, 'Myriad Pro', Myriad, 'Trebuchet MS', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"> | </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', Calibri, 'Myriad Pro', Myriad, 'Trebuchet MS', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><a class="powerpress_link_d" href="http://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/qtalkaz.com/audio/Queers_EDaBF_002.mp3" style="outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: underline;" title="Download">Download</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', Calibri, 'Myriad Pro', Myriad, 'Trebuchet MS', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"> (Duration: 1:08:09 — 57.3MB)</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;"><a class="lightbox" data-group="group6" href="http://qtalkaz.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/Queers_Food_Show_site.jpg" style="outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="Queers! Eat, Drink and Be Fabulous!" class="alignright size-full wp-image-370" height="165" src="http://qtalkaz.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/Queers_Food_Show_site.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; float: right; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 10px; margin-top: 5px; padding-bottom: 3px; padding-left: 3px; padding-right: 3px; padding-top: 3px;" title="Queers! Eat, Drink and Be Fabulous!" width="250" /></a>On this edition of Queers! Eat, Drink and Be Fabulous…</span></div>
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<strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;">Wine Focus:</span></strong></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;">Nathan introduces us to three great summer wines that can be had for $10. (Get ‘em at Total Wine)</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;">Libbie talks about the upcoming <a href="http://www.azwinefestivalatthefarm.com/" style="outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank" title="Arizona Wine Festival at the Farm at South Mountain">Grape Stomp and Festival</a> at The Farm at South Mountain, that Arizona is now a bona-fide Wine Destination and that is is coming up on Harvest Season in Arizona Wine Country.</span><br />
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<strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;">Food Focus:</span></strong></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;">Joe de-mystifies bacon and where it comes from, the bacon mania that has gripped the world, the question “is bacon better than sex?” and his favorite places to get your bacon fix!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;">Claudine discusses the newest trend in restaurants: iPads replacing menus!</span></div>
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<strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;">Restaurant Reviews:</span></strong></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;">Joe talks about a little-known CenPho dive to get great food, awesome sandwiches and even a giant breakfast burrito:<a href="http://cranberryhillsaz.com/" style="outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank" title="Cranberry Hills Eatery and Catering">Cranberry Hills</a></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;">Claudine shares her divine recent experience enjoying brunch at <a href="http://stfrancisaz.com/" style="outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank" title="St. Francis">St. Francis</a>.</span></div>
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<strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;">Rumors / Gossip:</span></strong></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;"><a href="http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20521615,00.html" style="outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank" title="Anthony Bourdain vs Paula Deen!">Anthony Bourdain vs Paula Deen!</a> No, not celebrity deathmatch — but Anthony says Paula is the greatest threat to America! Is she the Butter Terrorist??</span></div>
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2756039081144025780.post-76452162493505854452011-07-31T19:29:00.001-07:002011-08-05T14:05:36.152-07:00Dane CellarsAfter over two decades working in the wine industry, winemaker <a href="http://danecellars.com/about-us">Bart Hansen</a> founded <a href="http://danecellars.com/">Dane Cellars</a> in 2007. Named after his son who was born the same year, Bart brought his experience from working for such world renown wineries as Kenwood Vineyards, Benziger Family Winery and Imagery Estate Wines. Drawing from this experience, Dane Cellars produces two Cabernet Sauvignon wines, a Zinfendel and a Chenin Blanc. I recently tasted the <a href="http://danecellars.com/2009-dry-chenin-blanc">Clarksberg Chenin Blanc</a> and the <a href="http://danecellars.com/2007-sonoma-valley-cabernet-sauvignon">Sonoma Valley Cabernet Sauvignon</a>.<br /><br />The thing with Bart Hansen's wine is, as the old adage goes - he's so good, he makes it look/taste so easy. In a world where words like big and robust are what winemakers strive for to please critics, I often feel the finesse and careful balance that must go into producing wine is over looked. It is clear with both of these wines that great care goes into producing quality wines, focused on using quality fruit, all while making them very approachable, not only in price, but also in style - these wines are very food friendly and easy to drink.<br /><br /><a href="http://danecellars.com/2009-dry-chenin-blanc"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 142px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJAvTpBxWlPwATOshc0mNNMhWN1VUBj49tvWKwavaQCLt2Ew6cCt14R2GAAXMSwOZHczJw_ylIHVk9KMWShYJ22MpEg1k1MDkhNF2i56peAE61jUXv1OarIpXqEe54cLKekv9Ucn9qLJ0/s200/DSC_7070.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5637085214913912754" border="0" /></a>As Bart recently said in a <a href="http://danecellars.wordpress.com/2011/07/27/i-was-asked-why-chenin-blanc/">blog post</a> of his own:<br /><blockquote>I was asked, why Chenin Blanc? My first thought was the sarcastic answer, why not Chenin Blanc? But then I thought about it. When I first started in the wine business Chenin Blanc was planted throughout the north coast. But as the popularity of Chardonnay and other varieties grew the acres in Sonoma and Napa started to shrink and so did the amount of wineries producing Chenin. There are very limited plantings in Sonoma/Napa these days, also Monterey, Mendocino, & Santa Barbara counties. We produced a Dry Chenin Blanc when I worked at Kenwood Vineyards, and it was a great wine but like so many other producers Sauvignon Blanc & Chardonnay were dominating the white wine market. So the Chenin Blanc that we received was used as a blending grape in the Vintage White Table wine. So when we started our winery it was a chance to make a wine I enjoyed drinking and to try to pay it the respect that I think it deserves.</blockquote>I can honestly say that with this wine, he has paid Chenin Blanc a tramendous amount of respect. The crisp nose, that bursts with great citrus fruit is just the beginning. Upon tasting this wine, refreshing tropical fruits dominate the taste. There is a perfect balance of acidity and a smooth finish that leaves your taste-buds wanting more. At $15 a bottle, this is a summer white I could drink everyday.<br /><br />Rating: A<br /><br /><a href="http://danecellars.com/2007-sonoma-valley-cabernet-sauvignon"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 130px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8r1GXSiQrmj6DH1BXeqGA2FyHkqczQScr60o-hBnXIUm0U-JpUbzK5jl_Q6QTPP-ZaTy8RERZb_2RdwlHH_nweNz8QbnSaf7niUQUyQ_2FfY3w7H9gQoZzMnvF957bdFNzRd9Lx4ena8/s200/DSC_7071.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5637087775958021570" border="0" /></a>Upon pouring the 2007 Sonoma Valley Cabernet Sauvignon I was impressed by the very nice, deep fruit on the nose, but it was when I took the first taste that I realized that Bart Hansen truly knows what he is doing. Despite the deep, rich texture, the beautiful fruit, the balanced toast with a hint of spice - there is a simplicity to this wine. I had to take another sip to make sure I tasted it correctly. I am actually not sure simplicity is the right word, because there is all the complexity in structure and flavor that should be there in a Cab, but it just all comes together in a way that really speaks to this winemakers talent and appreciation for the winemaking process.<br /><br />I could easily see this $24 bottle of wine stand up next to wines twice the price. Check out <a href="http://danecellars.com/">Dane Cellars</a> website to purchase this, and Bart Hansen's other wines.<br /><br />Rating: A<br /><br />(These wines were generously provided by Dane Cellars as tasting samples.)Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2756039081144025780.post-81971696916553487452011-07-30T23:34:00.001-07:002011-08-05T14:05:10.217-07:00Andrew Murray Vineyards<center><a href="http://www.andrewmurrayvineyards.com/"><img src="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/07/30/s_5279.jpg" style="margin:5px" border="0" width="281" height="77" /></a></center>To say that Andrew Murray strives for perfection in each of his wines might be a bit of an understatement. In tasting his 2010 RGB, 2008 Espérance and 2009 Watch Hill Vineyard Syrah, I was very impressed with the consistency in balance and obvious craftsmanship by whom Food & Wine Magazine named "Taste Maker of the Year" and described him as, "One of the most fearsome talents in food and wine."<br /><br /><a href="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/07/30/5280.jpg"><img src="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/07/30/s_5280.jpg" style="margin:5px" align="left" border="0" width="80" height="281" /></a>The 2010 RBG is a wine inspired by an early visit that Andrew made to the Rhone Valley. Andrew was tasting a white Chateauneuf-du-Pape and got very excited when he realized the wine smelled like "Juicy Fruit". He has been chasing that aroma for over 10 years and he feels that he has finally achieved it. I would have to say I agree.<br /><br />This blend is 50% Roussanne and 50% Grenache Blanc, both from the Camp 4 Vineyard in the Santa Ynez Valley. Upon pouring this wine into my glass and taking a smell, I was surprised and excited by the "Juicy Fruit" aroma, which blended perfectly with some light floral notes and a bit of honey. Such a great and refreshing smell for a hot Arizona summer night.<br /><br />With the first taste, a very crisp and balanced, as well as fruit forward first impression consisting of a bit of pear with a bit of that honey from the nose. The body and structure were very impressive for a white wine and the finish lingered with a pleasant balance that was consistent through each step of tasting this wine.<br /><br />At $25 a bottle, only 200 cases of this wine were produced. This wine is a perfect summer wine and paired beautifully with the cheese board and fruit that we started the night off with. It is available online at <a target="_blank" href="http://www.andrewmurrayvineyards.com/">Andrew Murray Vineyards'</a> website or in the Los Olivos, CA tasting room.<br /><br />Rating: A<br /><br /><a href="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/07/30/5281.jpg"><img src="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/07/30/s_5281.jpg" style="margin:5px" align="left" border="0" width="79" height="281" /></a>The 2008 Espérance is a true Rhone style GSM blend. Consisting of 60% Grenache Noir, 25% Syrah and 15% Mourvedre and at $30 a bottle, 400 cases of this Central Coast wine were produced. As the name of this wine states, Espérance translates into Hope from French, Andrew Murray "hopes" to inspire your senses, as his were over a decade ago on his visit to Southern France.<br /><br />With the body and structure of the Grenache very evident, as well as providing the fruit forwardness of that grape, the Syrah adds a bit of spice, both on the nose and in the mouth, as well as providing the body and finish that the Syrah is known for. The Mourvedre steps in to provide a very nice floral note that rounds out this very balanced and incredibly food friendly wine.<br /><br />When I first opened this bottle, I poured and tasted a bit too early and the wine was a touch hot on the nose and finish, so I decanted it and set it aside for about an hour and this wine opened up into a truly complex wine. This wine was clearly my favorite of the three I tasted. Andrew has created a masterpiece with this wine.<br /><br />Rating: A+<br /><br /><a href="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/07/31/4546.jpg"><img src="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/07/31/s_4546.jpg" style="margin:5px" align="left" border="0" width="82" height="281" /></a>The 2009 Syrah, Watch Hill Vineyard comes from the cool Los Alamos Valley, which allows the grapes to reach a nice maturity level that is evident in this full-bodied, yet not over powering, Syrah. I must admit, I am not a big fan of overly peppery, big Syrah wines. While the characteristics of a Syrah were clearly there in this wine, the balance and complexity set this wine apart.<br /><br />The nose is bursting with deep red fruits, a touch of spice, some smoky oak and a hint of gun powder. I couldn't stop smelling this wine! The taste delivers on each of the aspects of the aroma, but add to that a very delicate floral note, provided by the 5% Viognier that was added to this vintage. The finish doesn't disappoint on this wine either and it left me longing for a big smokey rack of bar-b-que ribs to really pull out all of the complexity that this wine has to offer.<br /><br />Although this was probably my least favorite of the three wines, that isn't saying I would not drink it again. It is coming with me to the next big summer bar-b-que I go to. At $36 a bottle, only 212 cases were produced.<br /><br />Rating: B+<br /><br />This sampling of Andrew Murray's wines made it clear as to why Robert Parker, Jr. called Andrew, "One of the shining stars in the Santa Barbara Firmament", and his wines "a breath of fresh air given their exceptionally high quality and realistic prices."<br /><br />(These wines were generously provided by Andrew Murray Vineyards as tasting samples.)Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2756039081144025780.post-30526943701598651152011-07-26T20:49:00.000-07:002012-05-08T21:05:27.162-07:00Queers! Eat, Drink and Be Fabulous! #1: Arizona Wines<div class="post-std clear-block" style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', Calibri, 'Myriad Pro', Myriad, 'Trebuchet MS', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; overflow-x: hidden; overflow-y: hidden; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white; line-height: 19px;">Podcast: <a class="powerpress_link_pinw" href="http://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/qtalkaz.com/audio/Queers_EDaBF_001.mp3" style="outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank" title="Play in new window">Play in new window</a> | <a class="powerpress_link_d" href="http://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/qtalkaz.com/audio/Queers_EDaBF_001.mp3" style="outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: underline;" title="Download">Download</a> (Duration: 52:33 — 42.2MB)</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;"><a href="http://qtalkaz.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/Queers_Food_Show_site.jpg" style="outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="Queers! Eat, Drink and Be Fabulous!" class="alignleft size-full wp-image-370" height="165" src="http://qtalkaz.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/Queers_Food_Show_site.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; float: left; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-right: 10px; margin-top: 5px; padding-bottom: 3px; padding-left: 3px; padding-right: 3px; padding-top: 3px;" title="Queers! Eat, Drink and Be Fabulous!" width="250" /></a>We’re introducing ourselves as friends who have come together to share our shared passions for food and wine with our listeners. We’re trying to convey our interests and loves by just being casual about it, we’re not professional critics — just foodies!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;">Libbie starts us off, talking a bit about wines produced locally here in Arizona. The three main growing areas are Sonoita, Wilcox and the Verde Valley. Libbie and Claudine share about their recent trip to the northern Arizona wine country. And speaking of Arizona wines, <a href="http://www.fnbrestaurant.com/" style="outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">FnB Restaurant</a> in Scottsdale only features Arizona wines. FnB is an absolutely incredible culinary experience, if you haven’t made it over there yet, you’ve gotta go!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;">Nathan recalls his recent trip to the first ever <a href="http://outinthevineyard.com/" style="outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Gay Wine Weekend</a> in Sonoma, California. We sum it up as “Drink with a Purpose”, as it benefitted both Face to Face – Somona County AIDS Network and the Sonoma Community Center. It was a truly magical event that should become a wonderful tradition for years to come.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;">Claudine starts off our segment about de-mystifying foods. And this time, it’s dairy — specifically, eggs! Cage-free? Do the chickens all hang out and have egg-laying parties? What’s the difference between organic and non-organic? You’ll be egg-ceptionally knowledgeable after this episode!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;">Joe gives his review of recent visit to the new <a href="http://www.blackchile.com/" style="outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Black Chile Mexican Grill</a> at Biltmore Fashion Park. Looks like it’s a chain, but evidently not. What’s was his rating? Listen and find out!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;">If you have a great wine or a wonderful restaurant that you’d love us to check out and talk about, just drop us an email! Or even better, leave us a voicemail! (440) 84-QTALK (78255)</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;">Featured wine on this episode: <a href="http://www.doscabezaswinery.com/" style="outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Dos Cabezas ‘Pink’</a></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;">Other helpful links mentioned on the show:</span></div>
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<a href="http://arizonawine.org/" style="outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;">AZ Wine Grower’s Association</span></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Bonne-Lait/208454455854219" style="outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;">Bonne Lait in Cottonwood</span></a></div>
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<a href="http://winephx.com/" style="outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;">Nathan’s Blog</span></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.winedayatatime.com/" style="outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;">Libbie’s Blog</span></a></div>
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2756039081144025780.post-7905522187234399542011-07-07T11:09:00.000-07:002011-09-15T10:35:21.350-07:00Gay Wine Weekend 2011Let me just start by saying that <a href="http://twitter.com/outgary">Gary Saperstein</a> and <a href="http://twitter.com/markvogler">Mark Vogler</a> know how to put on a world-class event and <a href="http://twitter.com/outinvineyard">Out in the Vineyard</a>'s <a href="http://www.outinthevineyard.com/">Gay Wine Weekend</a> is bound to be the "can't miss" annual event for the LGBT community in California Wine Country.<br /><br /><center><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/nathan.treanor/WinePHX?authkey=Gv1sRgCIWdmZmI6bPBGQ#5626775539381782610"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb6LEpDjN9CWxrgvPomw2qwbrQtwFM08RLRktrFBiCjawnvwDGhkWJ5tT5zMjrylPSEm1z0mN0cUpb5LTgjkciYNkxBrs1TZKDw-1y1pr24SBCznxKNmdgOGsXyHSf5BtC-F6QO3HCzSU/s288/0.jpg" style="margin:5px" height="210" width="281" border="0" /></a></center><br />The First Annual Gay Wine Weekend was held June 17-19 in Sonoma. The weather, the events and the setting couldn't have been more perfect! Over 300 people attended the various events, starting with the VIP Reception at <a href="http://www.macarthurplace.com/">MacArthur Place</a> on Friday evening. Not only were there three great wineries pouring at this event - <a href="http://www.poemcellars.com/">Poem Cellars</a> (whose Cab Franc was among my favorites of the whole trip - more on that in a future post), <a href="http://www.highway12winery.com/">Highway 12</a> and <a href="http://westwoodwine.com/index.html">Westwood</a> - there were also tasty hors d'oeuvres and cocktails provided for those in attendance. As we left the event we were also handed a fun schwag bag that had items from the various sponsors. After the reception, "An Evening of Gay Comedy" was held to benefit the Sonoma Community Center, headlined by the very funny Judy Tenuta and featuring four other comedians, the evening was filled with laughs and helped raise much needed funds for a very worthy cause.<br /><br /><center><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/nathan.treanor/WinePHX?authkey=Gv1sRgCIWdmZmI6bPBGQ#5626775543104294194"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeZa-IGm_SKdsaZb7FEDkY0k0o9qCTx_LnH21HdQAs25NwS0X9ORkqKt4NYIeVv4uCEEK9K13cx2gS5xTo6j6M5biESzibagV0WmPwwlSgfYILUhY_9nVhmnQ-_3WaQo9GPYuehy-n8aM/s288/1.jpg" style="margin:5px" height="400" width="400" border="0" /></a></center><br />Saturday was all about wine tasting. Many of the participating wineries were offering tasting and wine specials, so we headed out to take advantage of those! Our day began as every day should, with bubbles! <a href="http://www.gloriaferrer.com/">Gloria Ferrer</a> was offering complimentary tastings to Gay Wine Weekend All-Access VIP ticket holders. The grounds, views and winery are spectacular. We sat on the outdoor patio and enjoyed three different sparkling wines. Our group's favorite was the <a href="http://www.gloriaferrer.com/royal-cuvee/">2002 Royal Cuvee</a>, which for $32/bottle, it is a very solid sparkling wine. This 67% Pinot Noir and 33% Chardonnay bubbly has received critical acclaim, as well as five Gold Medals at various wine competitions across the country.<br /><br /><center><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/nathan.treanor/WinePHX?authkey=Gv1sRgCIWdmZmI6bPBGQ#5626775545885493954"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNbLbhF0rpcrruke2eEHLMNgiITEoNzLNRF08_12L4eNUr54IRF8lXM8zvmRMgursVTURanElqcwoE27b8dk-5zntIZmLAOVg2pU1cPTTiJy_Q_81ypreDclzs4ryCu6pCFh1KF5qBuM0/s288/2.jpg" style="margin:5px" height="400" width="400" border="0" /></a></center><br />After enjoying the patio and bubbles at Gloria Ferrer, we headed to the much anticipated and highly recommended <a href="http://www.kunde.com/mountain-top">"Mountain Top Tour"</a> at <a href="http://www.kunde.com/">Kunde</a>. Although they weren't a participating winery, we were told it was a can't miss, with views of the Sonoma Valley that are second to none. More on <a href="http://twitter.com/#%21/KundeEstate">Kunde</a> in a future post.<br /><br />After two great tastings and the tour of Kunde, it was time to stop by one of Sonoma's most beloved restaurants, <a href="http://www.thegirlandthefig.com/">the girl & the fig</a>. Opened in 1997 by Sondra Bernstein, the girl & the fig is a must for anyone visiting Sonoma. Located in the historic Sonoma Square, it is the perfect lunch or dinner spot. The rustic French inspired menu has something for everyone and the freshness and quality of the food is truly something special.<br /><br />With just a few hours to go before the Twilight T-Dance, we were able to do two more tastings, first we hit Ledson - beautiful location, not my favorite wines or tasting room experience - then we finished the day at <a href="http://www.imagerywinery.com/">Imagery Estate Winery</a>. Imagery was a participating winery and provided free tastings. The tasting room walls are lined with the original works of art that are used on each of their bottles of wine, which provides for a very unique experience, as well as beautiful bottles of wine that not only contain great wine, but actual pieces of art. My favorite wine was the <a href="http://www.imagerywinery.com/07_syrah">Dragonsleaf Syrah</a>, which as the tasting notes accurately describe, is full of:<blockquote> "<span class="teaserWrapper">dark, rich flavors of blackberry and raspberry with a rustic, spicy tobacco finish. Soft tannins slowly unveil an earthy quality, reminiscent of a redwood forest floor, while toasty oak essence wraps around all the flavors for a savory, evenly packaged wine.</span>"</blockquote>Imagery was a great way to finish the day of tasting and I look forward to opening that bottle of Dragonsleaf Syrah soon.<br /><br /><center><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/nathan.treanor/WinePHX?authkey=Gv1sRgCIWdmZmI6bPBGQ#5626775556893019122"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtbeBEGck-qJOTgqBYSg6MZlStE2A-Ivw_-cc_YasaD1LUR7402LgDewMULahq5cKSSFheIk3y1o96wAMtQxu6_F-kKbiEnvPbP8_3wkPn7sIe0hoog8zHYfsWiZ4VDIHAAXSXNm0GHcc/s288/3.jpg" style="margin:5px" height="218" width="250" border="0" /></a></center><br />It was then time to head to the spectacular <a href="http://www.atwoodranch.com/grapes.html">Atwood Ranch</a> for the Twilight T-Dance. To say that this venue is gorgeous, doesn't do it justice. The evening began with a VIP reception on a beautiful patio, with wines being poured by <a href="http://www.sojourncellars.com/">Sojourn Cellars</a> and <a href="http://www.audelssa.com/">Audelssa</a> - my favorite of the bunch was the Sojourn Cellars Spring Mountain Cab - hoping to get some soon, so I can write more about it.<br /><br /><center><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/nathan.treanor/WinePHX?authkey=Gv1sRgCIWdmZmI6bPBGQ#5626775559288833938"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiII67W1M-myWVgGHppLwLdwNRyHnxjY5LRtj2KMNHRbUiuwEsfeJdAmASmKnVNJAV-_GfHCd4TqcS9Fp7s5BxL4f-11nwIomHHyfFrBwvJI_gfW49Q0ssoWccjyrQG6_M_4Z3IjepU4H8/s288/4.jpg" style="margin:5px" height="400" width="400" border="0" /></a></center><br />Following the reception, everyone was ushered down to the barn for an evening of wine, food and dancing. Wine was being poured by a dozen different participating wineries and to pick a favorite out of the bunch would be nearly impossible. The very generous support of <a href="http://www.benziger.com/">Benzinger Family Winery</a>, <a href="http://www.imagerywinery.com/">Imagery Estate Winery</a>, <a href="http://www.ericross.com/">Eric Ross</a>, <a href="http://deerfieldranch.com/">Deerfield Ranch Winery</a>, <a href="http://www.muscardinicellars.com/">Muscardini Cellars</a>, <a href="http://www.enkiduwines.com/">Enkidu</a>, <a href="http://www.loxtonwines.com/">Loxton</a>, <a href="http://www.bwisevineyards.com/">B Wise Vineyards</a> and <a href="http://www.keatingwines.com/">Keating Wines</a> at the T-Dance, made for a very fun night with some really great wines. Additionally, the food truck round-up provided options to fit everyone's taste and some great grub!<br /><br />Despite all of the great food, wine and being able to spend time with friends and make new friends, the highlight of the evening for many was the spectacular sunset. It couldn't have been more perfect and many joked that those putting on the event did quite an amazing job staging the sunset for the event.<br /><br /><center><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/nathan.treanor/WinePHX?authkey=Gv1sRgCIWdmZmI6bPBGQ#5626775559379803330"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixLHGrXbKC9LOpt5VFMCrISIivQX1LROICBAP6YZxlDrK50sTO43wmLZ3H7eibfPePKOAqzbS7Ir4xSg3akH_qop1_zfFSPwOInvmtnG97l-6JhHbNFYtoCWADeAQ2HrVI7iJmYCikmMs/s288/5.jpg" style="margin:5px" height="400" width="400" border="0" /></a></center><br />The Big Gay Brunch and Wine Auction on Sunday morning closed out the weekend with a bang. Hosted by <a href="http://www.eldoradosonoma.com/el_dorado_kitchen.html">El Dorado Kitchen</a>, the event was filled with Mimosas, Bloody Mary's and laughs, as the 60 or so people in attendance bid feverishly over several wine lots and a wine country experience, with all proceeds benefiting Face to Face, Sonoma County AIDS Network.<br /><br />To say the weekend was a smashing success is an understatement. And to think this is just the beginning of what Mark & Gary have in mind for what future Out in the Vineyard events will look like, I am already anxiously awaiting June 2012.<br /><br />Additional Gay Wine Weekend coverage:<br /><a target="_blank" href="http://sonoma.towns.pressdemocrat.com/2011/06/news/gay-wine-weekend-draws-350-400-to-sonoma-valley/">Gay Wine Weekend draws 350-400 to Sonoma Valley</a><br /><a target="_blank" href="http://www.pressdemocrat.com/apps/pbcs.dll/gallery?Dato=20110619&Kategori=PHOTONEWS&Lopenr=619009998&Ref=PH&pl=1">Big Gay Brunch & Wine Auction</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2756039081144025780.post-72290411112984418892011-06-09T20:24:00.001-07:002011-06-09T20:29:41.617-07:00Gay Wine Weekend 2011 | St. Francis Winery 2006 Red<br /><br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/nathan.treanor/WinePHX?authkey=Gv1sRgCIWdmZmI6bPBGQ#5616428140934286818'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTeQRNcb8_YGxwJPbEP2bGgsSYSWCusZJPjY1B4ZRRcOcb7nRfcOhnGxWcBUTVICOOTKh4fkfTR8ctnNEPJJD-oCmR0A6Gg9AL2cJzQ8Kuov9DIw4q-ip2Pb1h39kszI-ugijiPrTTm5g/s288/0.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' align='left' style='margin:5px'></a><br />Opened up a bottle of the 2006 "Red" from Gay Wine Weekend participating winery, St. Francis Winery. This Sonoma County red blend is made up of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Zinfandel. Coming in at under $10, this is a very drinkable everyday wine, with full body to support pairing with heavier meals - I'm thinking lasagna, anything from the BBQ or even comfort foods.<br /><br />Pouring this wine into the glass provides a special treat, the deep, dark ruby color is very crisp. The nose on this wine definitely full of ripe fruits, with a touch of spice. The wine is a little bit hot - label says 14.7% alcohol by volume. Upon taking a taste, you can taste the dark fruits and some oak. This wine provides a long, dry finish.<br /><br />Although this is definitely not the most elegant, balanced or refined wine - at under $10 a bottle, this wine is worth checking out and I will buy it again.<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2756039081144025780.post-25596065908505362352011-05-31T12:10:00.000-07:002011-05-31T12:11:07.092-07:00Nathan OUTloud #13 | Gay Wine Weekend (Crosspost from NathanOUTloud.com)<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjspiLRCedxKL35p44G9y8Cjv7Zj_-N3o0WiQJjpnEPBzqqKJ3fIgdnLWhdJfC8_ALRYseLp_YsuXw7pFYOYon6PGbMZLVf7FXP8ZejJzJmDDyF4oKDM1LO8BCPIAIbCK3SIBrn-dXITGQ/s1600/4397d7a093.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 211px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjspiLRCedxKL35p44G9y8Cjv7Zj_-N3o0WiQJjpnEPBzqqKJ3fIgdnLWhdJfC8_ALRYseLp_YsuXw7pFYOYon6PGbMZLVf7FXP8ZejJzJmDDyF4oKDM1LO8BCPIAIbCK3SIBrn-dXITGQ/s320/4397d7a093.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5612959108159748306" /></a><br /><div><object type="application/x-shockwave-flash" data="http://web.mac.com/pgamble/podcast/audio-player/player.swf" id="audioplayer1" height="24" width="290"></object></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div><a href="http://web.mac.com/pgamble/podcast/013nathanoutloud.mp3" target="_blank" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 63px; height: 63px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVuxjF2I8I7JmBT2CM31fSI79_k_sz-nl3sKKNv2Y6Rw7xBj32aMZVucWRitaOm0_g8XgWxyPzKOaE91La7M48aXQc5FMgXIDmbwnYLgtdtk_PIYpaqDeJnAZnWWR7RlONp7lX8h0Gkzg/s200/mp3+icon.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404939741680359938" border="0" /></a><a href="http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?id=314166615" target="_blank"></a></div><a href="http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?id=314166615" target="_blank">Click here to download Episode 13 on iTunes. Don't forget to subscribe!</a><div>In conjunction with <a href="http://www.winephx.com/">WinePHX.com</a>, a newly created wine blog, I continue my series and in episode 13, you hear my interview with the organizers of the very first <a href="http://http://www.outinthevineyard.com/events/gww2011/">Gay Wine Weekend</a>, in Sonoma, California. <a href="http://twitter.com/markvogler">Mark Vogler</a> and <a href="http://twitter.com/outgary">Gary Saperstein</a> are the founders of <a href="http://twitter.com/outinvineyard">Out in the Vineyard</a> and have put together a line-up of events, special guests and host wineries, that cannot be missed.<div><br /></div><div>Gay Wine Weekend kicks off Friday, June 17th, with a VIP Reception at the host hotel, <a href="http://www.macarthurplace.com/">MacAurther Place</a> and is open to all <a href="http://www.outinthevineyard.com/events/twilight-t-dance-tickets/">VIP All-Access ticket holders</a>. Following the reception, Gay Comedy Night will be held at the Sonoma Community Center. All proceeds benefit the Sonoma Community Center.</div><div><br /></div><div>The events continue on Saturday, with the premier event of the weekend - The Twilight T-Dance. A benefit for Face to Face, Sonoma County AIDS Network - this event will feature over a dozen participating wineries, under the stars and Out in the Vineyard at Atwood Ranch.</div><div><br /></div><div>The weekend wraps up on Sunday morning with the Big Gay Brunch and Wine Auction. This event is also for VIP All-Access ticketholders and will also benefit Face to Face, Sonoma County AIDS Network.</div><div><br /></div><div>For more details on Out's in the Vineyard's very first Gay Wine Weekend, visit <a href="http://www.outinthevineyard.com/">www.outinthevineyard.com</a> and don't forget to follow my new blog at <a href="http://www.winephx.com/">www.WinePHX.com</a></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 20px; font-family:Arial, sans-serif;font-size:13px;">If you have any questions, comments or suggestions, please feel free to contact me at <a href="mailto:%20comments@nathanoutloud.com" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(46, 60, 151); text-decoration: none; ">comments@nathanoutloud.com</a>. You can also call the Nathan OUTloud comment line at (209) 202-3688 (209.20.BeOUT)<br /><br />Follow me on twitter at <a href="http://twitter.com/nathanoutloud" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(46, 60, 151); text-decoration: none; ">@nathanoutloud</a> & join me on the Nathan OUTloud <a href="http://www.facebook.com/nathanoutloudfans" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(46, 60, 151); text-decoration: none; ">facebook fan page</a>.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center; "><span style="font-weight: bold; ">Come OUT | Be OUT | Live OUTloud™</span></div></span></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2756039081144025780.post-14968347264490781962011-05-23T13:31:00.000-07:002011-05-23T13:53:19.929-07:00Ceja Vineyards | 2007 Carneros Pinot Noir<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg76kd5YJ9vqvfj7_mddbkgRSOWkYRhyphenhyphenC6Kk7SOFyYAJxOO2U0Fu-vj4767-zx4oaGkMPZs2FQkYydxrDWD56oJbsNiHxvDHZ0OueVo_nBgiuQ9pPYKh_qDLWpl4bQjiZPZKX39_2hvP0c/s1600/2003+Pinot+Noir1.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 144px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg76kd5YJ9vqvfj7_mddbkgRSOWkYRhyphenhyphenC6Kk7SOFyYAJxOO2U0Fu-vj4767-zx4oaGkMPZs2FQkYydxrDWD56oJbsNiHxvDHZ0OueVo_nBgiuQ9pPYKh_qDLWpl4bQjiZPZKX39_2hvP0c/s320/2003+Pinot+Noir1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5610016931516348146" /></a><br />The minute I opened the bottle of <a href="http://www.cejavineyards.com/product/2007-Carneros-Pinot-Noir?pageID=43c8cc0e-c4fe-1873-489c-d78e2cbb78c5&sortBy=DisplayOrder&">2007 Carneros Pinot Noir</a>, I knew we had another winner. In the glass, the color and clarity are impeccable. Red ripe cherry color, that has both depth and also a softness to it, that you don't always find. The nose on this Pinot Noir bursts with fruit and earthiness. much like my description of the <a href="http://winephx.blogspot.com/2011/05/ceja-vineyards-2008-carneros-chardonnay.html">Ceja Chardonay</a>, it is abundantly clear that at Ceja Vineyards, it is all about the fruit. Fresh strawberries and darker fruits give this wine an accessibility with food that make for very easy pairing. Add to that the subtle spice and herbs of the Pinot Noir grape, and you will be hard pressed to find a food that this wine doesn't compliment.<div><br /></div><div>The smooth and balanced textures of this wine linger with each sip, giving it a finish that I am sure many winemakers wish they could accomplish in their wines. Winemaker Armando Ceja has created another masterpiece, or should I say, he has let incredible fruit produced by Ceja, become the a masterpiece by letting nature take its course.</div><div><br />(This wine was generously provided by Ceja Vineyards as a tasting sample.)</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2756039081144025780.post-17048156564211115792011-05-20T10:41:00.001-07:002011-05-20T11:24:15.533-07:00Gay Wine Weekend 2011 | Where to Stay?<a href="http://www.outinthevineyard.com/events/gww2011/">Gay Wine Weekend</a> has teamed up with some great properties in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Sonoma</span> and the surrounding areas as Official Host Hotels. <a href="http://www.macarthurplace.com/">MacArthur Place Hotel and Spa</a> is just minutes from <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Sonoma's</span> historic Plaza and is offering special rates for June 17-19. MacArthur Place will also host the VIP Reception on Friday night from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm for <a href="http://www.outinthevineyard.com/events/twilight-t-dance-tickets/">All-Access VIP ticket holders</a>. For booking info or to make your reservation, call 800) 722-1866 and mention Gay Wine Weekend. You can also check out the property and other details at <a href="http://www.macarthurplace.com/">www.macarthurplace.com</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.macaurthurplace.com/"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6r-zkffsP4niaiXtAWQ2FotQIiDwtrTngDH1jCCPT1JRflazOpWIkjvaE43G_90zCQEJYi69PAwnDWpwTVLzyAKHHOTcIVTW45vv4V6no8gF5HI2lA4b1BnPwrm12KzkD3GOIfi29_kI/s320/67_CarriageHouseatNightGal.jpg2" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5608864668900748770" border="0" /></a>Also playing host to Gay Wine Weekend is a Santa Rosa historic landmark, <a href="http://www.flamingoresort.com/">Flamingo Conference Resort and Spa</a>. Just 30 minutes north of downtown <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Sonoma</span>, Flamingo Resort offers the classic charm of the resort hotels of the 1950s and all the contemporary amenities, including a world class health club and spa. It is the perfect location for exploring Northern California’s premier Wine Country in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Sonoma</span> and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Napa</span>. For more information, visit <a href="http://www.flamingoresort.com/">www.flamingoresort.com</a> or call (707) 545-8530<br /><a href="http://www.flamingoresort.com/"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 191px; height: 246px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWO9aTEUFvcMF7c-S_51wpJLS5PtrrqBd9OTsQpBaT2AcJ2xOeevgsb1duYk9hjZBHLUJMF0Gc8BYZLItltS9upQVbxeCqC9eLFntxyaQQwo2_sPX15ctqL1buVrrlKTM634bvJKPk5_U/s320/lobby.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5608865110738465490" border="0" /></a>In addition to the host hotels, there are two partner hotels that are offering special packages for Gay Wine Weekend!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.thelodgeatsonoma.com/">The Lodge at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Sonoma</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Renaissance</span> Resort and Spa</a> is <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">nestled</span> in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Sonoma</span> Valley and just minutes from everything that <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Sonoma</span> has to offer. It is also conveniently located for easy access to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Napa</span> and is less than an hour north of San Francisco. The Lodge is offering the "Living Out Proud" package which includes: Cottage room, Breakfast for 2 daily, Sparkling wine upon arrival and 2 daily spa passes. To book this package visit <a href="http://www.thelodgeatsonoma.com/">www.thelodgeatsonoma.com</a> and once you have entered your reservation dates, click on the "Room Packages" tab at the top. You can also call (707) 935-6600 and ask for the "Living Out Proud" package.<br /><a href="http://www.thelodgeatsonoma.com/"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 79px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiycvZ9GETslmokwJRULhyphenhyphenatqg67AFuV8FCISqqIotSOLZ-CVdU_1a2F6-s-ozTP4xMmFB7QGFubNJ9yD51mACV8TPrZ9ZziSrYno9WyYLJmN4OGw8yolxgUoWzo4erpAIOI6nBImFJFoc/s320/Sea_World_7da036.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5608865405388417314" border="0" /></a>If you plan on gathering a group of friends and prefer to stay in a villa for Gay Wine Weekend, <a href="http://www.beautiful-places.com/special_offers/gay_wine_weekend"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">BeautifulPlaces</span></a> specializes in vacation rentals throughout the wine country ranging from cozy vineyard cottages to hilltop estates. Recognized as one of the world’s best villa specialists by Passport, Travel & Leisure, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Conde</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">Nast</span> Traveler, and Robb Report, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">BeautifulPlaces</span> will provide complimentary tickets to the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">Twilight</span> T Dance with rentals of 3 or more nights. To book your stay, call (800) 495-9961 or visit the <a href="http://www.beautiful-places.com/"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">BeautifulPlaces</span></a> website.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.beautiful-places.com/"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 56px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbMO3FjUqTANBJvSV6BKCy4_IJN1Wpv_zyIZWK99U89KbvBgV6XmR9vQucWjuhZwhLaxgfkt_p2lG8MPs9xpIJ8rPYaaEXaL4F_ttHMrbPcZiBo4dPm4I_FMP7iA8RgqDhsI4zYRidFMM/s320/lgo-beautifulplaces.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5608865753915195330" border="0" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2756039081144025780.post-35988326430980605002011-05-15T20:04:00.001-07:002011-05-20T11:13:07.489-07:00Out in the Vineyard | Gay Wine Weekend 2011<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJhyphenhyphenosakNpNmn0vwmIZ0floLS9thPZHyOEZsPlLutPrp2ais8EH68MTlMc-q5jJWlcovM5lMWpKjOp9-h-M_ZIS4zWsnEJpTOJcFyxSE2G6DZclRfHFMwMSAWZWgV_EBpKFABSTRkzx2w/s1600/4397d7a093.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 211px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJhyphenhyphenosakNpNmn0vwmIZ0floLS9thPZHyOEZsPlLutPrp2ais8EH68MTlMc-q5jJWlcovM5lMWpKjOp9-h-M_ZIS4zWsnEJpTOJcFyxSE2G6DZclRfHFMwMSAWZWgV_EBpKFABSTRkzx2w/s320/4397d7a093.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607462591917505330" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.outinthevineyard.com/">Out in the Vineyard</a>, the very first Gay Wine Weekend will take place June 17-19, 2011 in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Sonoma</span>, California. <a href="http://twitter.com/markvogler">Mark <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Vogler</span></a> and <a href="http://twitter.com/outgary">Gary <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Saperstien</span></a> organized the first Gay <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Napa</span> Wine Train and realized that Wine Country was really missing an opportunity to host a Gay Wine Weekend, or possibly eventually a week-long event, much like Aspen Ski Week.<br /><br />California Wine Country offers an incredibly unique lifestyle. Less than an hour outside of San Francisco, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Sonoma</span> is an escape from the urban life. A slower pace, breath-taking landscapes and amazing wine, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Sonoma</span> makes for the perfect host city to <a href="http://www.outinthevineyard.com/events/gww2011/">Gay Wine Weekend</a>. Last year at an LGBT event, the mayor of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Sonoma</span> came to announce a proclamation that was unanimously passed by the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Sonoma</span> City Council that declared the city of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Sonoma</span> as an LGBT tourist destination. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Sonoma</span> has opened up to welcome the LGBT community and provide an Wine Country experience that is second to none.<br /><br />Gay Wine Weekend will consist of events throughout the weekend, starting with a VIP Reception on Friday night, June 17<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">th</span>. This event is available for attendees that purchase the VIP All-Access tickets. Following the reception is An Evening of Gay Comedy at the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Sonoma</span> Community Center featuring Judy <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Tenuta</span>. Individual tickets are available to this event, which benefits the Community Center. Additional acts including Katya Smirnoff-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">Skyy</span>, Janine <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">Brito</span>, Scott <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">Silverman</span> and Dave <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">Karraker</span> have been recently announced, making for a full night of laughs.<br /><br />Before the events resume Saturday night, attendees are free to roam <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">Sonoma</span>, visiting wineries and taking in the beautiful sites of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">Sonoma</span> and the surrounding areas. Saturday night, the Twilight T-Dance at the beautiful Atwood Ranch benefits <a href="http://www.f2f.org/">Face-to-Face, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">Sonoma</span> County AIDS Network</a>. At the T-Dance, the host wineries will be pouring their wines from 7:00 - 10:00 pm. Those host wineries include, <a href="http://www.poemcellars.com/">Poem Cellars</a>, <a href="http://www.benziger.com/"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">Benziger</span> Family Winery</a>, <a href="http://www.gloriaferrer.com/">Gloria <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21">Ferrer</span></a>, <a href="http://www.audelssa.com/"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_22">Audelssa</span> Estate</a>, <a href="http://deerfieldranch.com/"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_23">Deerfield</span> Ranch Winery</a>, <a href="http://www.enkiduwines.com/">Enkidu</a>, <a href="http://www.ericross.com/">Eric Ross Wines</a>, <a href="http://www.imagerywinery.com/">Imagery Estate Winery</a>, <a href="http://www.loxtonwines.com/"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_24">Loxton</span> Cellars</a>,<a href="http://www.sojourncellars.com/"> Sojourn Cellars</a>, <a href="http://www.stfranciswinery.com/">St. Francis Winery & Vineyards</a> and <a href="http://westwoodwine.com/index.html"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_25">Westwood</span> Winery</a>. In the coming weeks, <a href="http://winephx.com/"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_26">WinePHX</span></a> will be tasting and posting reviews of the wines you will be able to taste/drink that night.<br /><br />Gay Wine Weekend wraps up Sunday with the Brunch and Auction which is also open to those holding VIP All-Access tickets. This brunch and auction will also benefit Face-to-Face, providing much needed funds for the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_27">Sonoma</span> County AIDS Network.<br /><br />If you are interested in attending the very first Gay Wine Weekend, more details and tickets can be found at <a href="http://www.outinthevineyard.com/">www.outinthevineyard.com</a> and follow them on twitter <a href="http://twitter.com/outinvineyard">@<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_28">OutInVineyard</span></a>.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2756039081144025780.post-41067326180602442982011-05-05T10:47:00.000-07:002011-05-20T11:13:29.344-07:00Ceja Vineyards | 2008 Carneros Chardonnay<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHf5TelI5QLlGYWhqXfFv8oGa74ftabiOFr4WFffpPKzeVjj8V3m-c_e75EdRoHguZeb_PfHyTomrlhSZ4o2HarMDRaJY1a_awtzWyveDYnVkuxcAcqWWJGGDXwasZFnEINEDGJV9dQAQ/s1600/2003+Chardonnay1.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHf5TelI5QLlGYWhqXfFv8oGa74ftabiOFr4WFffpPKzeVjj8V3m-c_e75EdRoHguZeb_PfHyTomrlhSZ4o2HarMDRaJY1a_awtzWyveDYnVkuxcAcqWWJGGDXwasZFnEINEDGJV9dQAQ/s320/2003+Chardonnay1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5603296022504071282" border="0" /></a>An interesting thing happened when I opened the<a href="http://www.cejavineyards.com/product/2008-Napa-Carneros-Chardonnay?pageID=43c8cc0e-c4fe-1873-489c-d78e2cbb78c5&sortBy=DisplayOrder&"> 2008 Carneros Chardonnay</a> from <a href="http://www.cejavineyards.com/">Ceja Vineyards</a>, poured it into my glass and took a nice long whiff - I wasn't hit with an oaky, butter bomb! Now I will be the first to admit that I am not a fan of what some California Chardonnays have become - I feel it has become more about what process the winemakers are using to make the wine, as opposed to letting the fruit really guide the process. As with other Ceja wines I have tasted, this wine is all about the fruit, and not just the juice that has been barreled, but the care that goes into growing a grape that makes great wine.<br /><br />This Chardonnay highlights the true characteristics of the fruit and the vineyard. From the crisp nose, that presents pretty distinct citrus, as well as a fresh, ripe pear. And that is just the beginning of what this wine has to offer. The palate on this wine is very complex, despite of the fact that the wine-making process did not include malolactic fermentation, which generally gives Chards their body and structure, providing the deep buttery taste and texture. For a wine this crisp, the structure is incredibly balanced and also lingers in the mouth. This fullness is achieved by a 9 month French barrel sur lie aging process, leaving you with a rich wine, that is all about the fruit.<br /><br />As I am pretty sure the Ceja's would recommend, I had this wine with a plate of slightly spicy chicken fajitas, some flavorful Mexican rice and guacamole. The slight sweetness of the wine, worked beautifully with the spicy dish. This truly is a wine I could drink all summer.<br /><br />(This wine was generously provided by Ceja Vineyards as a tasting sample.)Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0