Classy Syrahs for Fall and the Holidays

Looking for new tasty styles of red wines to share with friends and family throughout the holidays? Then it's time to get to know the elegant, spicy and powerful Syrah/Shiraz wines that have quickly come into fashion over the past decade.

To introduce your palates to stunning new releases from the 2004 and 2005 vintages, Vine & Barrel will hold its First Annual Fall Syrah Tasting with members of the Rhone Rangers and Petaluma Gap wine associations on Saturday October 20.

Think of it as a delicious way to find out why these tremendous wines work so well with a wide range of red meats, lamb, duck, braised chicken, gourmet sausage, stews, pasta dishes, grilled veggies, artisan cheeses, and many other styles of delectable cuisine enjoyed in the cooler months of fall and winter...

.Also, stay tuned for more information about our exclusive Pinot Noir Madness for the Holidays tasting on November 10th.

Cheers,
Jason Jenkins
Christopher Sawyer
Simone Haslam
Proprietors of Vine & Barrel Wine Shop
Petaluma

Oct 20: First Annual Fall Syrah Tasting Extravaganza, 3-6 pm ($15)

Oct 27: Vine & Barrel's One-Year Anniversary Bash, 3-6 pm ($15)

Oct 31: Vine & Barrel Halloween Party - Wine tasting and chocolate pairing ($15)

Nov 10: Pinot Noir Madness for the Holidays ($20)

(Note: Tickets to each of these delicious events can be purchased in advance at Vine & barrel or by calling us at (707) 765-1112 or via email at info@vineandbarrel.com)

Oct. 3: Tasty Malbec wines from Argentina, France and America, at Vine & Barrel 6:00 pm ($5)

Oct 17: Special Gourmet Salt Dinner at Carneros Bistro in Sonoma. (See below for more info).

Oct 24: Ghouls, Ghosts, Goblins and Wines-Wine & Film Pairings with a Halloween Twist, at Vine & Barrel 6:00 pm ($5)

Vine & Barrel & beyond. . .

Amphora Winery's 3rd Annual
Breast Cancer Grape Stomp, Sept. 30

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, so help stomp out cancer by attending the enjoyable annual grape event held at Amphora Winery in Dry Creek Valley.

-->[if gte vml 1]> -->[if !vml]--> -->[endif]-->In addition to watching the fun ladies-only grape stomping activities, all attendees can taste the stunning new release of Due Sorelle, a wine made with grapes from the first stomp in 2005, and bid on silent auction items for sale.

The $50 donation to Sutter Breast Care Center, includes free a t-shirt or visor. Plus, for every bottle of Due Sorelle sold for $35, the winery will donate an additional $30 to the fight against breast cancer.

In short, it's a win-win situation for everyone involved! 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tickets available at (707) 431-7767 or info@amphorawines.com.

Savor award-winning wines and other taste-tempting treats at the annual Harvest Fair going on at the Sonoma County Fairgrounds in Santa Rosa, October 5-7. For times, activities and ticket information, visit www.harvestfair.org.

Wicked Weekend at
Alexander Valley Vineyards, Oct. 6

Do the Monster Mash to Manzanita Moon or be tempted by the ghoulish goodies and tantalizing treats, a.k.a. Oysters on the Half-shell and Grill Rack of Lamb prepared by Chef Jeff Young. All this paired with the delicious new releases of their three new Zinfandels: Temptation, Sin Zin, and Redemption. $30/person. For more information, contact Toni Echols at 800-888-7209 or te@avvwine.com. Alexander Valley Vineyards 8644 Highway 128, Healdsburg. www.avvwine.com.

Day on the Farm at Landmark
Winery and Vineyards, Oct. 13

-->[if gte vml 1]> -->[if !vml]--> -->[endif]-->In Kenwood, celebrate the intriguing connection of Landmark Winery and the historic agricultural legacy started by John Deere in the 1800s at this festive fall event. In addition to tasting the delicious new wine releases, other highlights will include: sampling fine cuisine prepared by Landmark's Dueling Chefs, horse drawn wagon rides, bocce, live music, and other fun activities! For reservations, contact Jane Rogers at (707) 833-0224 or jane@landmarkwine.com.

Annual Spotlight on Zinfandel in
the Heart of Sonoma Valley, Oct. 13 & 14

On October 13 & 14, mingle with other friendly wine lovers while sampling dozens of new Zinfandels at wineries in the Heart of Sonoma Valley. Enjoy wine tastings, verticles, barrel samples, education seminars, delicious snacks, and much more. Participating wineries include: St. Francis, Imagery Estate, Blackstone, Eric Ross, Kaz Winery, Kunde Estate, Loxton Cellars, Mayo Family Winery, VJB Cellars, Wellington Vineyards, and The Wine Room. Sat & Sun, 11 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Contacts: (866) 794-9463 or www.heartofthevalley.com.

Gourmet Salt Dinner at
Carneros Bistro in Sonoma, Oct. 15

As a nod to the passion that superstar chef Janine Falvo and sommelier Christopher Sawyer have for working with tasty salts from around the world, Carneros Bistro at The Renaissance's Lodge at Sonoma will hold a special dinner highlighting the incredible diversity and depth of this versatile ingredient.

This five-course menu will include Triple Salt Live Scallops; Salt Cod Beignets, Duck, Duck, Goose (a flavorful trio of Duck Proscuitto Salad, Duck Confit, and Hibiscus Salt Cured Foie Gras) and other delicious treats. $50 per person/ $70 with wine pairings. For reservations or more info, call Carneros Bistros at (707) 931-2042.

-->[if gte vml 1]> -->[if !vml]--> -->[endif]-->Passionate for Pinot Noir? Then mark your calendar to attend the Fourth Annual "Pinot on the River" Festival at the Russian River Vineyards Wine Center in Forestville, October 26-28.

This marvelous three-day event will feature multiple Pinot Noir tastings, seminars, dinners, and Sunday's Grand Artisan Pinot Noir Tasting featuring new releases from more than 80 participating wineries, fantastic foods paired with wines, and much more. $75 for the Sunday Grand Tasting or $725 for a full weekend pass. For more info, visit www.pinotfestival.com, email info@pinotfestival.com, or call (707) 922-1096.