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Five Fun Facts About… Moscato

Friday, April 26th, 2013

Moscato, Muscatel, Muscat… what’s the difference between them? Just the names, actually.  Rather than just being one grape, Muscat includes a family of grapes in a range of colors (from white to brown, or to near black.)  For instance, Moscato is the Italian name and Muscatel the Spanish.

Here in the U.S., Moscato is making its mark and has become the hot wine of the moment. Some would say sweet versions of Moscato are ideal for the American sweet tooth; it’s also an easy wine for the new wine drinker to love.

For a perfect spring day, pack a picnic with a chilled bottle of Temecula Valley Moscato and pair it with good cheese, buttery crackers and seasonal fruit. Salud!

pipesmagazine.com

Here are Five Fun Facts About Moscato

1.  Muscat is the only fine wine grape that doubles as a table grape.

2.  Twitter currently buzzes with an average of 250 tweets an hour about people drinking their Moscato.

3.  In addition to Moscato, Muscatel and Muscat, this common white variety is also known as Muscadel, Muscat Blanc and Muscat Canelli.

4.  Virtually all pink Moscatos gain their hue from a splash of red wine, not skin contact.

5.  The breadth and number of varieties of Muscat suggest that it is perhaps the oldest domesticated grape variety, and there are theories that most families within the Vitis vinifera grape variety are descended from the Muscat variety.

Looking for a great bottle of Moscato wine in Temecula Valley?

Check these wines out!

 

Article sources:
Wikipedia, Muscat
WineIntro.com
Michigan University
Broker-wine.com
RoBeRt Haynes-Peterson/HawaiiBevGuide

 

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Wine Country Recipe: Mulled Wine, Courtesy of Ponte Family Estate Winery

Wednesday, November 21st, 2012

Blog post courtesy of Ponte Family Estate Winery in Temecula Valley.

Mulled wine, with its sweet scent of cinnamon, cloves and nutmeg, is a festive way to celebrate the holiday season. For those who aren’t familiar with the term, “mulled wine” is just a simple combination of red wine with a variety of spices, most commonly the ones listed above.

This warm and spicy drink is popular worldwide and versions of it can be found in many countries. Scandanavia’s  Glogg contains cardamom, ginger and bitter orange. The French call their mulled wine vin chaud, which features lemon, while Romanians add apples to their vin fiert. In Bulgaria, greyano vino is seasoned with peppercorns while South Brazil’s vinho quente gets its extra kick from the addition of cachaça. As you can see, the combination of warm, red wine and spices, fruit or herbs is a tradition all over the world.

A modern American take on a mulling spice mix could include cinnamon, cloves, allspice berries and orange rind.

To make it, simmer 4 cups of red wine (whatever kind you like; I used Cabernet Sauvignon), 1/3 cup sugar and 2 tablespoons of the mulling spices for about 20 minutes. Remove the spices and serve.

You can serve mulled wine in wine glasses, Irish coffee glasses, even coffee mugs, and you can garnish with all kinds of things, such as cinnamon sticks, orange or lemon wheels, apple slices, even mini candy canes. And for you Californians who are still battling the heat, there is an option for you, too: just chill the finished wine and serve over ice.

For more great food and wine recipes from Temecula Valley wine country, visit Ponte’s blog.

A toast to the holidays from Temecula Valley Wine Country!

 

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Reminder: Temecula Restaurants Need Your Vote Before November 30!

Thursday, November 15th, 2012

Do you love Temecula winery restaurants?

Then vote for them now!

 

Several Temecula wineries have been nominated in the People’s Voice: Epicurean Awards on the popular online wine magazine, Snooth.com!

Now through November 30, you have the chance to vote on your favorite food and wine pairings in eight great categories.

Each vote enters you in a drawing to win a $1200 set of gourmet cookware!

All you have to do is click here to vote for all the categories.

Nominated Temecula Wineries:

 

And don’t forget to share the the link to your voting page with your friends! http://snth.me/XW34ey

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Wine Country Recipe: BBQ Burgers from Ponte Winery

Wednesday, June 20th, 2012

Simple Grilled Burgers with Ponte’s Secret Sauce

Ponte Family Estate is well-loved for their delicious al fresco restaurant so we asked them for a great grill recipe for summer. Here’s an interesting twist on an American classic – the cheeseburger.  And the best part about this burger recipe is it’s simplicity. This is an easy dish to prep and grill with the family for 4th of July weekend.  Pair with a light white wine – and sparkling lemonade for the kids!

Make the burgers using classic ingredients:

  • Ground beef (medium) or turkey patties (well-done)
  • Shredded lettuce
  • Pickles
  • Cheddar cheese (1-2 slices)
  • A bun, lightly grilled
  • Special Sauce (see below)

 

Measure the following ingredients by taste to make the special sauce:

  • Mayonnaise
  • Mustard
  • Mild curry spice
  • Dash of salt

 

*Pair with Ponte Winery’s Isabel 2010, a light and delicate summer white.

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Get to Know… Ponte Family Estate

Friday, April 27th, 2012

Ponte Family Estate is an experience that shouldn’t be missed during a getaway to Temecula Valley wine country.  And with the opening of the brand-new Ponte Vineyard Inn in May, everyone can enjoy their experience in Temecula Valley a little bit longer.

The Story

Claudio Ponte planted vineyards in 1984 and opened the popular winery in 2003.  Ponte Family Estate includes The Restaurant at Ponte, tasting room and marketplace, vineyards, wedding/event spaces and the latest addition, the Ponte Vineyard Inn.  Guests are invited to wine, dine and stay, all while enjoying friendly service and hospitality.

The Ponte Vineyard Inn – opening its doors in May!

Ponte Family Estate welcomes visitors to its 60-room boutique, wine country hotel on May 4, which is located next-door to the winery and each room as a vineyard-view.   Book a package today and enjoy an overnight stay in Southern California’s wine country.

The Restaurants

The Restaurant at Ponte is headed by the experienced Chef Vincent Logan.  This al fresco venue prides itself on sourcing local ingredients, serving natural and sustainable meats and fish and providing top-notch service.  A great place for Mother’s Day – or anytime!

The Restaurant at Ponte Dining Hours:
Monday-Thursday 11am-4pm
Friday & Saturday 11am-8pm
Sunday 11am-5pm
(951) 252-1770

For more information on dining at Ponte, please click here.

Within The Ponte Vineyard Inn, there will be the exciting addition of two new restaurants, open to all visitors:  Bouquet and The Cellar Lounge.

Bouquet offers a “sharing and pairing” menu and is conveniently located in the lobby of the hotel with both indoor and outdoor seating. The restaurant also serves continental breakfast Monday thru Friday and sit-down breakfast service Saturday and Sunday. Lunch is served from 11:30am to 3pm on weekends only. Dinner served 6pm to 9pm daily.

The Cellar Lounge is located in the basement of the hotel and offers a variety of small plates and entrees in a cool, rustic setting.  The Cellar Lounge boasts the only full bar in wine country and a carefully selected list of locally produced wines. Dinner served 5-10pm daily.

For more information on the new restaurants at The Ponte Vineyard Inn, please click here.

The Wines

Ponte Family Estate offers an approachable, memorable tasting experience that welcomes both new and experienced wine lovers with the mantra, “If you like it, it’s good wine!”™

  • Classics – single varietals like Pinot Grigio, Sangiovese, Zinfandel, and Chardonnay
  • Blends – the best combinations go into Graciela, Super T, Meritage, and the Angry Wife lines
  • Sweet – Juliet, Isabel, and Beverino are top favorites
  • Sparkling & Fortified – Moscato, Rose Spumante, Port are perfect for dessert in wine country

The Ponte Winery Wine Club offers incredible VIP service and exciting perks for members all year-round.

Tasting

Flights include 6 wine tastings and a Ponte souvenir wine glass:
Mon – Fri $12 per person
Sat – Sun $20 per person
Open daily from 10am-5pm

Address & Phone Number
35053 Rancho California Road 92591
(951) 694-8855
(877) 314-wine

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Valentine’s Day Recipe & Video from Ponte Winery

Wednesday, February 9th, 2011

Rose  Spumante Truffles Recipe

1 ¼ cup milk chocolate, melted

½ cup Rose Spumante

¼ cup heavy cream

2 cups milk chocolate

1 1/8 cups cocoa powder

4 1/8 cups powdered sugar

Method:

1. Combine melted chocolate and wine.

2. Boil heavy cream and pour over chocolate and wine mixture. Stir slowly with a spoon or rubber spatula, until the mixture comes together. Chill in refrigerator over night.

3. Scoop the set ganache with a melon baller and freeze.

4. When frozen roll into a round sphere. Freeze again.

5. Sift together cocoa powder and powdered sugar, reserve for dipping.

6. Melt second amount of chocolate. Dip frozen truffle lightly and drop onto parchment paper.

7. When chocolate has set, dip truffles again and immediately drop coated truffles into cocoa powder and sugar mixture. Let sit in mixture for one hour.

8. Sift out truffles from mixture and serve.

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Temecula Wine Country Valentine’s Day Happenings Part 2

Monday, January 31st, 2011

Wine & Romance Sweepstakes!

Visit our Facebook page for your chance to win a pair of tickets to World of Wine weekend, March 5 & 6! Post your love story of wine and romance to our wall between now and Valentine’s Day to be entered into the drawing.  Winner will be announced via Facebook on February 15! 

Whether you’re in love or looking for love, Temecula Wine Country has something for you this Valentine’s Day! Enjoy a gourmet dinner, find your perfect pairing at a single’s event, escape to a private villa, and more! Our member wineries look forward to making this Valentine’s Day weekend unforgettable!

Ponte Family Estate- 2011 Valentine’s Dinner
Saturday, February 12th; 7:00 pm
$95 per person, $86 for Wine Club Member

Join us on Saturday, February 12th as we celebrate Valentine’s Day, Ponte style!  Our Vineyard Pavilion will be transformed into a breathtaking and romantic setting for you to woo your loved one.  Enjoy a champagne reception with butler-passed hors d’oeurves, a delectable four-course dinner prepared by our own Executive Chef, your favorite Ponte wines, live entertainment and a portrait studio for you to capture the evening. Check out the menu and purchase your tickets today!

Ponte Family Estate- Perfect Pairings, A Single’s Event
Sunday, February 13th; 4pm-7pm
$50 per person / $40 for Wine Club Members

Are you a wine savvy, busy, single professional who is looking for love? Then come to Ponte on Sunday, February 13th for our first ever singles event. Enjoy live entertainment, tray passed hors d’ouevres and a selection of your favorite Ponte wines while mingling with wine savvy people looking for love. Who knows…you might just find your perfect pairing! Purchase your tickets today!

Ponte Family Estate- Elopement/Vow Renewal, Say “I Do” (Again)
February 1st – 28th
$800 per couple

This February, celebrate your love by renewing your vows during the most romantic month of the year! The enchanting Vineyard Garden will be transformed into a wedding ceremony wonderland for couples wishing to renew their vows. You won’t need to worry about a thing, a licensed Officiant will be there when you say “I do”, the Bride and Groom Cottages are yours before the ceremony, and lunch for two at The Restaurant at Ponte is included.

Not married yet? An Elopement Package is also available. To book your romantic Valentine’s experience today, please contact Karon Cartwright at (951) 694-9444.

South Coast Winery Resort & Spa- Romantic Valentine’s Dinner at the Vineyard Rose Restaurant
February 14, 2011; 8:00pm
This Valentine’s Day bring your love to the Vineyard Rose restaurant at South Coast Winery Resort & Spa for a truly spectacular pairing of fine wine, great food and, of course, ROMANCE. Simply sit back and enjoy the moment as our talented team of staff members and “cupids” take care of the rest. The evening can be enjoyed with or without a specially selected bottle of South Coast Winery Wine per couple.  Perfectly priced at just $95++ pp with wine and $75++ pp without wine.  Check out the menu and reserve now by calling:  951-587-9463 Ext.7237.

South Coast Winery Resort & Spa- Escape to a Private Villa

Tucked away in the vineyards of South Coast Winery Resort & Spa

VALENTINE’S SPECIAL: Weekday Sun-Thur $169; Valid 2/13-17 Only

Includes:
-Overnight Stay in Luxury Deluxe Villa with Jacuzzi, Fireplace, and Private Patio -Scrumptious Mimosa Breakfast for Two -Comp Bottle of Wine in Room
-Tasting Flight for Two -Discount Passport Booklet filled with property freebies and discounts

Call 951.587.9463 & MENTION CODE: LOVE or click here to make your reservation.

Don’t forget to contact the “romance-ationists” to inquire about special “amour” add-ons such as Chocolate Covered Strawberries, Rose Petals, Sparkling Wine, or reserve a special evening dinner at our Vineyard Rose restaurant.

South Coast Winery Resort & Spa- Grapeseed Spa,  Couples Romantic Total Decadence Package

Save $40 on this decadent delight: a 50-minute couples aromatherapy massage with champagne and chocolate dipped strawberries. Priced at $105 per person.

Pair this treatment with an express mani or pedi for just $25 per person. Reserve Your Vintage Spa Escape Today!  951.587.9463 Ext. 7280

* Subject to availability. Blackout dates apply. Expires 2/28/12. Offer Code: DECADENCE

Thornton Winery- Romantic Rendezvous
Saturday, February 12, 2011; 7:00pm
$85/person (plus tax & tip)

Check out the menu and make your reservations reservations online or by calling (951) 699-0099.

Wilson Creek Winery & Vineyard- Valentine’s Dinner
Saturday, February 12th  and Monday, February 14th; 7:00pm
Come and join us for a romantic five course Valentine’s dinner complete with wine pairings! Enjoy live music and Shakespeare in the Vines will be presenting the Pulitzer Prize-nominated Love Letters by A.R. Gurney.  $99 per person; $90 per person Wine Club Members (tax & gratuity not included) Reservations Required: 951.699.9463.

Wiens Family Cellars- Valentine’s Day Picnic Challenge
Monday, February 14, 2011; 1oam-5pm

Guests are encouraged to bring their sweethearts along with delicious food & decor.  Awards will be given for “Most Creative Picnic,” “Most Elaborate Picnic,” “Most Gourmet Picnic” – handed out by winemaker Doug Wiens.  Taking place on the winery lawn.

Come out to Temecula Wine Country to make this Valentine’s Day weekend one to put down in the books!

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