Finally, the slideshow you've been waiting for!

I've long been wanting to attend wine tasting at the Rusty Grape Vineyard's and was not disappointed last Friday the 14th when I took a group of friends with me to check it out. There were twelve of us, and everyone loved it. I've heard from several of my friends that they plan on going back. It was friendly and fun and one of our new favorite places to go. Great Reviews!

Rusty Grape Vineyards is family run by Heather and Jeremy Brown who add a personal touch to their Tuscan themed tasting room. Everyone working the tasting was enjoyable and so personable you felt like a neighbor stopping in. The grounds are scenic and accented by an enchanting courtyard and welcoming patio.

This local vineyard is a great example of a local Clark County winery with a cozy atmosphere, friendly people and good wine.

My favorite wines for the evening were the Sangiovese and the Strawberry wine. And just for fun, there was jewelry for sale so I bought a pretty freshwater pearl and citron necklace.
Bonus!

Their tasting room is open every Friday from 4:30-8:00, Saturdays varying from 12-5:00 or 8:00 and Sundays by Appt. (see calendar of events)
Check it out!

Friday March 7th I, along with two of my wine tasting accomplices, went to the Salut! tasting of Spanish wines. While I've been to Salut! numerous times to attend the Wine 101 class and to buy wine, this is the first of their wine tastings I've been to.

We had a great time. Not surprisingly, the the atmosphere was warm and welcoming. We arrived around 6:45 so the tasters were well on their way to having a great time. The owner, David Gray, was behind the counter helping pour as well as mingling in the crowd getting feedback from the tasters. Along with the staff, two canine buddies were there to greet the wine crowd. Regretfully, I didn't get their names but they were friendly and showed me where their treat jar was located. It was almost as if we were sharing a couple bottles of wine with a group of friends in someone's living room rather than a business.

My favorites for the evening were the Burgant 2006 Albarino for $12.99 a bottle, Alto Almanzora 2005 Este for $8.99 a bottle, and my very favorite was the Bodegas mas Alta 2005 Artigas Priorat at $39.99 a bottle (Spanish .. I don't know what they are either except white, red, red.) Besides the flavorful wines offered at wine tasting David has a comprehensive and eclectic selection of wines for sale. A great selection to choose from and all have been taste tested!

On Saturday I took a couple friends and drove out to Bethany Vineyards. Unfortunately there is a "Closed 4 Remodel" sign in the driveway. I guess that would explain why the 'events' page on their website is blank right now. There is a general message on the web page that their tasting room is open on Saturdays from 11-6 so when they re-open I will make it a point to go to one of their tastings. It's in a scenic area and looks like a great place for a spring Saturday.

Since we were unable to taste the Bethany wines we decided to try one of the other wine venues listed on the blog. We chose Vinetopia. I was well aware that Vinetopia was a different atmosphere for wine tasting. My impression of Vinetopia is a postmodern wine ATM machine. The wine tasting room is located off the side of the restaurant in Cinetopia. The walls are lined with bottles of wine behind glass. In order to taste the wine of your choice you purchase a plastic card for $3 and add money to your balance. Then you insert your card in the slot above the wine of your choice, push the little red electronic wine button and it dispenses an accurate ounce for a predetermined dollar amount ranging from $1.40 to $12.00 into the wine glass you're holding under the spout. It's all very mechanical and antiseptic. (Cold and impersonal). There wasn't anyone there hosting or available to tell us about the different wines, and there wasn't information posted about the wines available. However, there were two computers available if you so chose to look things up. (Just what I want to do when wine tasting).
I wasn't able to take any photo's of Vinetopia for the blog as I was told absolutely no photos, but have attached a link to the photo I could find on their website. Vinetopia. And for your viewing pleasure have attached comparison photos of Salut! and Vinetopia.

I'm sure Vinetopia has a specific clientele; those that know what wines they want to taste with no frills involved, or those that don't know any better. Clearly, Vinetopia isn't my cup of tea (glass of wine).

Due to the high attendance at the wine tasting event Friday last (February 29th) at Discount Tobacco and Wine I am once again compelled to sing their praises. South American wines were featured. My two favorites for the evening were a 2007 Cono Sur Organic Chardonnay from Chile and a 2006 Punto Final Malbec from Argentina. Both were reasonably priced at around ten dollars per bottle.
True to the ongoing theme of Clark County wine tasting there were tasters of all ages and varieties, (over twenty-one). There were beginning tasters, social tasters and a few experts in the room, including the owner, Rich Franklin who deemed himself the "Willy Wonka of Wines" for the night. Possibly because of the afore mentioned generous pour, almost comparable to the everlasting gobstopper.
I saw one taster in his sweats, most in jeans and a few in slacks but the overall impression for the evening was an across the board enjoyment of the wines in a casual atmosphere.
Because themes have not been discussed thus far in the blog I want to list some upcoming events:

March 7: K'Syrah, "First Friday: featuring Zinfandels (5 wines), 5-8 pm $10, dinner $25.00
Salut! Spanish Wines (7 wines) 5-8 pm, $10
Rusty Grape, 4:30-8 pm
Vanc. Gift & Wine Cellar, Argentinean Wines, 6-8 pm, $10
March 8: Rusty Grape, Tasting Room open 12-8
March 14: K'Syrah, Pinot Noir, CA vs. OR, (5 wines), 5-8 pm, $10, dinner $25
Salut! Cost + 10% (18 wines), Friday 5-8 pm $10, Sat. 12-6 pm $5, Sun. 12-5 $5
Rusty Grape, 4:30-8, Live Music!
Vanc. Gift & Wine Cellar, Gooleridge Wines, 6-8 pm, $10
March 15: Rusty Grape, Tasting Room open 12-8
March 19: Salut: Wine 101, 7-9 pm, $35
March 21: Rusty Grape, 4:30-8
Vanc. Gift & Wine Cellar, Gnarly Head Wines, 6-8 pm, $10
March 22: Rusty Grape, Tasting Room open 12-8
March 28: Rusty Grape, 4:30-8
Vanc. Gift & Wine Cellar, Zin Night, 6-8 pm, $10
March 29: Rusty Grape, Tasting Room open 12-8, Italian Wine makers dinner
April 4-6: English Estates, Grand Re-Opening, complimentary wine tasting


To follow: Additional events from Bethany Vineyards and Discount Tobacco & Beverage

Cheers!
Marcie