Archive for April, 2010

Wooden Valley Winery…..somewhere under the rainbow!!

Friday, April 30th, 2010

Rainbow over Wooden Valley Winery

On Wednesday evening, I was leaving the winery and heading home just like any normal day. As I pulled onto Suisun Valley Road, something cool caught my eye. In the sky, arching over the winery’s warehouse was a very colorful rainbow. I immediately pulled over and took this picture. When we decided it would be fun to start this photo blog, I began to carry a camera in my truck, which is how I was able to capture this great picture. Knowing that I have the camera on board keeps me alert and looking around the valley for photo opportunities to share. Here’s my challenge to you. The next time you’re planning to visit Suisun Valley, bring your camera and take some pictures. Send your favorite photo to me at info@woodenvalley.com with a description and I will choose a few unique shots to post on my blog. Salute’!

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A little bit of Nonna (My Grandmother)….

Friday, April 23rd, 2010

Basil plant with Nonna's Pasta with Pesto Recipe

Last weekend we decided to kick off spring and help guests start their gardens while enjoying a little bit of our Italian heritage. Visitors received a basil plant along with a recipe for Nonna’s Pasta with Pesto.  Although our family’s version of the recipe is a bit different from the traditional, using Half & Half instead of Olive Oil, I’m confident you’ll enjoy this easy Italian dish.  I have great memories of sitting around Nonna’s big farmhouse table with my family enjoying this dish made with ingredients from her garden. Even though Nonna doesn’t cook anymore I’m hoping you will use her recipe and enjoy it with your family. Let me know how you like the recipe.  Salute’

Nonna’s Pasta with Pesto  

2 Cups Fresh Basil Leaves

2 T. Chopped Parsley

1 Clove Garlic

Salt & Pepper to taste

1/2 Cup Grated Parmesan Cheese

1/4 Cup Half & Half

4 T.   Butter (softened)

1 Package Pasta (any type)

Blanch basil leaves and drain well. 

Place basil, parsley, garlic, cheese, and half & half in a blender or food processor. Add salt and pepper to taste. Blend until fine.

Place mixture in a mixing bowl and add butter.

Cook pasta according to package directions, drain well, and place in your serving bowl. Pour pesto sauce over pasta and toss until evenly coated. Top with grated parmesan cheese. 

Enjoy!  

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Suisun Valley Wineries take the opportunity to shine….

Thursday, April 15th, 2010

Ken Lanza offering barrel samples-Passport 09

 

This weekend will be another wonderful opportunity for the wineries of Suisun Valley to highlight their wines. It’s the second annual Suisun Valley Vintners & Growers Association’s Passport Sunday wine and food event. I would like to thank everyone who has attended one of our Association’s sponsored events and supports locally grown products from our beautiful valley. On Sunday, ticket holders will be able to taste wine and food offerings, from local restaurants, at five different winery sites. At Wooden Valley, we will be sampling Italian treats courtesy of Canepa Delicatessen of Fairfield and barrel tasting Petite Sirah, Zinfandel and Chardonnay. My brothers will be serving samples from the barrels so make sure you ask them any vineyard and winemaking questions you may have. Unfortunately, Passport Sunday tickets have sold out and not everyone had the opportunity to purchase them. For those of you who were unable to get tickets, or maybe you are ticket holders that want to spend the weekend wine tasting, Wooden Valley is having a pre-passport celebration on Saturday from 11am to 4pm. We will have cheese and wine sampling in the tasting room and I will be giving tours and barrel tasting.  The best part….everything is free! I hope to see you this weekend. Salute’

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Happy Birthday Dad!!!

Friday, April 9th, 2010

Wooden Valley's Model "A" Flatbed Truck

Today is my dad’s 70th birthday but around here, it’s business as usual. He spent his day in the shop fixing something that needs attention. Today’s project was replacing a rotten tire on the 1930 model “A” flatbed truck that we have on display at the winery. Tomorrow will be a new day and a completely different project. Over the years, he has worked to build our family winery and help promote Suisun Valley as a wine region. This photo, taken in 1982, was when he petitioned with the federal government (Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms) for Suisun Valley’s AVA and North Coast AVA designation. His vision for the valley is now starting to take shape, establishing Suisun Valley as a world-class wine region. Even though he has stepped aside to let me and my brothers manage the family business, he finds ways to stay very busy, unless of course he’s off traveling with my mother. I am very sure when he is celebrating his 80th birthday we will still find him out in the shop working on another project.

Happy Birthday Dad!

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What spring looks like to me….

Friday, April 2nd, 2010

Rows of Chardonnay on Wooden Valley's Scarlett Ranch vineyard

Chardonnay bunches on Wooden Valley's Scarlett Ranch vineyard

On my way to work this week, I actually witnessed spring. I decided to stop at our Scarlett Ranch Chardonnay vineyard to see if any new bunches could be seen and this picture shows what I found. If you look very closely, you will see a couple of very tiny grape bunches sitting at the top of the shoots. This time of year, you can literally watch the grapes growing on a daily basis. The next time you are in Suisun Valley, pick out a vine that you will remember and watch it grow and change through its growing season.

By the way, Chardonnay would be an excellent choice for your Easter brunch or dinner! Salute’

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