6.15.12 Wine Feature
Meeker Lobster Cove Chardonnay
“Refreshing,” “crisp,” and “fruity” are the perfect words for
this non-typical California
Chardonnay. Loads of
tropical fruit aromas and flavors. No
oak. Only 14% malolactic. Did
we mention no oak?
Great with seafood or any light summer dish, or for sipping beside your
own island lagoon . . . that is, of course, presuming that
you have your own island lagoon, in
which case we’ll bring the wine.
"SEAFOOD'S FAVORITE CHARDONNAY!"
6.06.12 Wine Feature
Woop Woop is a collaboration between Ben Riggs, the winemaker of Penny’s Hill, and Tony Parkinson, owner of Penny’s Hill. Woop Woop is Australian slang for the middle of nowhere in the Outback as in, “just been to Woop Woop and back.”
Winery Notes/Critics Reviews
Winemaker, Ben Riggs and his team enthused as the fruits of their labour evolved into a full-bodied and flavoursome wine, deep-hued with richly scented aromatics and a long, soft and juicy palate. Of lush mouthfeel, bursting with blackberry, blueberry jam and liquorice, this wine guarantees a true Australian Shiraz experience for consumption over the next 5 years.
5.10.2012 Weekly Feature
CHIMANGO
Mendoza - ARGENTINA
Chimango is a line of five wines (Cabernet Sauvignon,
Malbec, Chardonnay, Torrontés, Tempranillo) from Familia Zuccardi produced from
organically grown grapes.
5.10.2012 Weekly
Feature
Thalian Hall Center for
the Perfoming Arts!
Friday, May 11
Thalian Hall Main
Attractions Season Finale!
The John Brown Jazz
Orchestra
Thalian Hall Center
for the Performing rts, Inc.
A night of brass,
class, rhythm & swing in a cavalcade of Big Band hits kicked up a notch under the guidance and
indisputable finesse of jazz master John Brown. With the group’s new recording
“Setting Standards” and the Rodrigo Dorfman documentary film “One Night in
Kernersville” about the making of the album, a film which walked away with the
Jury Award for Best Short Film at the Full Frame Documentary Festival, the John
Brown Jazz Orchestra is riding a musical wave that’s full-tilt swing. There are
“big bands” – and then there’s John Brown’s big band. No confusion there!
Telephone 910.632.2285 or 800.523.2820 • www.Thalian.com
4.16.2012 Weekly Wine Feature
Pope Valley, CA
Appellation: Napa Valley
Classic notes of black pepper and spice highlight the lush fruit aromas of this James Creek Zinfandel. On the palate, silky layers of blackberries unfold with intriguing coffee and vanilla nuances. This wine has a wonderful history, rich in family tradition. As siblings, Viticulturist Scott Brown and Winemaker Cindy Johnston helped their family plant this Zinfandel vineyard in 1972, when they were 8 and 12 years old. For nearly three decades they have trained and nurtured this vineyard in Pope Valley. Over the years, family and friends have enjoyed the wine, and a new generation of children has continued the tradition of helping in the vineyard.
The Deck House
205 Charlotte Ave
Carolina Beach, NC 28428
(910) 458-1026
The Deck House Restaurant in Carolina Beach is one of Pleasure Island’s most famous dining attractions featuring a wide variety of excellent dining options in a one of a kind atmosphere. Offering culinary creations from seafood and land-lubber menu items there is something to satisfy even the pickiest of diners at the Deck House in Carolina Beach.
The Deck House is located in a building that was originally a local Presbyterian Church in the 1940’s where the people of Pleasure Island gathered to worship. It has kept charm and the rustic feel of a historical building.
The menu is filled with local fresh entrees! With all of the great selections available the regular menu is only be topped by the Deck House’s daily “Blackboard Specials”.
BEAUFORT WINE & FOOD WEEKEND
P.O. BOX 104 | BEAUFORT, NC 28516
252-728-5225
/weekly.html
8th Annual Beaufort Wine & Food Weekend April 25 – 29
This event features various tastings, gala events, wine dinners, seminars, historic home dinners, a grand Vin de Mer outdoor tasting village, & so much more.
We invite you to come experience this one-of-a-kind event in the quaint seaport town of Beaufort, NC where you can enjoy waterfront views from Inns & B&B's, fabulous shopping & a dose of history that will keep you coming back for years to come.
Top-notch celebrity chefs featured at the 2012 event include: Sandra Guiterrez, food writer and author of the recent best-selling cookbook, The New Southern-Latino Table; Recipes That Bring Together the Bold and Beloved Flavors of Latin America and the American South; Scott Howell, Chef-Owner of Nana’s in Durham, NC, 2012 James Beard Semifinalist for Best Chef Southeast who’s restaurant has also been recognized as one of the 20 best organic restaurants in the country by Organic Style Magazine; and Nathan Thurston, Chef of The Ocean Room at The Sanctuary Hotel on Kiawah Island Golf Resort, Charleston, SC, who’s awards include first place at The Annual Adluh Grits Competition, the Le Grand Cuisinier Gold Medal, two gold medals, three silver medals, and one bronze medal in American Culinary Federation sanctioned competitions. Other celebrity chefs include: Keith Rhodes of Catch Restaurant located in Wilmington, NC; Chris Kastner of CK's Real Food in Hailey, Idaho and nationally recognized Chef Amy Tornquist of Watts Grocery, Durham, NC.
e
Port of Call Restaurant Bogue Sound Dining
Try our Seafood Sunset- a large red bell pepper stuffed with a crabmeat, shrimp and herb mixture. Topped with mozzarella and broiled until bubbly and brown. It’s so good it’s like eating the sunset! Goes GREAT with either Artisan Sauv Blanc or Casa Bianci Chianti!
http://www.spportofcall.com/index.html
A casual dining restaurant with a panoramic view of beautiful Bogue Sound! Located in the HEART of Salter Path, NC. We offer a mouth-watering menu adorned with certified angus beef, fresh local seafood, traditional Salter Path dishes, and many Port of Call originals. We have all ABC Permits and an extensive beer and wine menu that is sure to please. While you're here, be sure to explore the rich heritage of the Salter Path people and become part of the evolution of this quaint fishing village.
1160 Salter Path Road Salter Path, NC 28575
(252) 222-7677
Our story begins when we moved to Eastern, NC from Croatia in 1985, we wanted to create a comfortable and quaint restaurant serving truly authentic Italian style cuisine. Today, head chef Jadran, dad, is honored to personally prepare your dish combining our old family recipes with fresh local ingredients. With his 30+ years of cooking experience you can expect to enjoy a meal unlike any other.
For us, the dinner table has always been a place for family and friends to come together and enjoy great Italian food. Vojka, mom, encourages you to continue our tradition here. So come in and relax, share stories and enjoy our warm and friendly service, as we prepare the finest Italian cuisine especially for you.
Mayfaire Town Center
6801-105 Parker Farm Drive
Wilmington, NC 28405
Phone: 910-679-4783
http://www.rokoitalian.com/
Hours: Everyday from 4pm-11pm
Easter Hours: 12pm-5pm
We invite you to try some of the most authentic and original Italian cuisine in Wilmington, NC. Chef Jadran Peros has customized the menu to feature local and seasonal favorites.
Now Open!
France
VarietySparkling - Imported
This wine has fresh fruit aromas that flow through to the palate along with crisp clean flavours of apples and pear. There's a wonderfully dry finish that leaves the mouth feeling refreshingly clean. Perfect for celebrating all year round!
Malbec Rose 2008
Pink wine does not equal “blush” or “white zinfandel”
The most important thing you need to understand about rosé is that it is NOT the sweet blush wines of old. Gone are the days that all pink wines equaled sweet sugary kool-aid. They are, however, made all over the world and in many styles and ranging from dry to sweet, so learn what style you like. I prefer the dry style hands down.
This 100% Malbec wine has attractive rose color with violet hues offering up ripe strawberry, cherry and raspberry aromas & flavors. The soft fruit tastes finish with just a hint of refreshing, delicate dryness. Pairs well with fresh seafood, summer salads, light pastas and Asian cuisine.

www.cravinwine.com/
Cravin' Wine is a wine store opened in 2010 in New Bern. (that's in Craven County), NC. We have a large selection of both international and domestic wines.
1706 A Highway 70 East New Bern, NC 28560
(252) 514-2675
We schedule a sit-down wine tasting (5 wines with 5 appetizer food pairings provided by a local restaurant)
each month. It's a great way to try new wines and learn about the wine, the vineyard, and some general
information about wines. Whether you're just learning to appreciate wine or have an experienced palate,
you'll find something new to like! The price is $20/person.
Malbec Rose 2008
Pink wine does not equal “blush” or “white zinfandel”
The most important thing you need to understand about rosé is that it is NOT the sweet blush wines of old. Gone are the days that all pink wines equaled sweet sugary kool-aid. They are, however, made all over the world and in many styles and ranging from dry to sweet, so learn what style you like. I prefer the dry style hands down.
This 100% Malbec wine has attractive rose color with violet hues offering up ripe strawberry, cherry and raspberry aromas & flavors. The soft fruit tastes finish with just a hint of refreshing, delicate dryness. Pairs well with fresh seafood, summer salads, light pastas and Asian cuisine.
Santa Digna Rose Cab
Chile
The wine is fragrant and floral, with a temptingly fruity sensuality. On the palate, the wine is voluptuous, with a silky texture that only Pacific Cabernet Roses can offer. Cherry color. Perfumed notes of plum and strawberry with hints of grapefruit. Full-bodied with fine acidity on the palate. Elegant and sensual with a prolonged aftertaste.
Napa Valley and Amador Valley

Delicious from start to finish! Perfect harmony of ripe fruit and savory earthiness.
Savory and earthy aromas with tastes of fresh blackberry and raspberry and notes of cola, menthol and red licorice, all leading to a long, lingering finish.
All Shenandoah Valley Amador County, 50% Spinetta Vineyard & 50% Manby Vineyard.Delicious from start to finish! Perfect harmony of ripe fruit and savory earthiness.
Savory and earthy aromas with tastes of fresh blackberry and raspberry and notes of cola, menthol and red licorice, all leading to a long, lingering finish.
All Shenandoah Valley Amador County, 50% Spinetta Vineyard & 50% Manby Vineyard.
Patriarche Macôn-Villages 2008
Our most unique architectural features are the nine 2-person private balconies from which you may view the battleship USS N. Carolina while enjoying a perfectly prepared item from our extensive menu.
A taste for every palate can be found on a menu that can
best be described as Southern regional with French, Mediterranean and Asian
influences. Add to this professional service from a friendly and knowledgeable
staff, a comfortable and intimate dining atmosphere and a comprehensive,
international wine list, and you have the recipe for the complete dining
experience.
http://www.riverboatlanding.com/
2 Market Street
Wilmington, NC 28401
(910) 763-7227
THE WILSON CREEK STORY
Nestled at the end of Rancho California Road in Temecula Valley lies our family estate vineyard and winery. When the Wilson family acquired a 20-acre winery in 1996, our intentions were simple. We wanted to run a fun, family business producing great wines from the conducive climate and soil of the Temecula Valley.
The Orange Mimosa is a sparkling citrus delight that captures the essence of the popular cocktail. Tasty and refreshing! A combination of our Almond Sparkling Wine and natural orange flavors. A perfect crowd pleaser!
Our version of the famous Italian Bellini. Crisp, clean, not overly sweet. A combination of our Almond Sparkling Wine and natural peach flavors.
Wilson Creek Orange Mimosa Sparkling Wine:
Ok, so the Orange Mimosa says that it is Almond and Orange flavored. When I pop the cork, I definitely smell the Almond, but then I also smell Orange. I’m trying to figure out if it is orange or almond…but really, it is just both. And, strangely, the smells/flavors compliment each other nicely. I like it. I take a sip….heaven in a bottle…if it exists…is this. I am sipping a mimosa…but there isn’t orange juice in my glass! It is kind of crazy how much this tastes just like a sweet mimosa, light on the OJ, with a twist of almond.
Wilson Creek Peach Bellini Sparkling Wine:
This wine is peach and almond flavored. I took a sniff of the wine…yep…peach. But not just peach, the sweetest summer peaches you could ever imagine. I took a sip…wow…was the smell spot on or what!?!?! Ok, I can honestly say, I have a new favorite. I thought the Orange Mimosa was heaven in a bottle…{well, it is}…the Peach Bellini must be heaven’s twin sister! Oh My…it tastes like juicy, sweet peaches just picked off the tree…squeeze them into a glass, add some sparkle {I love sparkle}…and WOW! You have this amazing sparkling wine.
Chardonnay
Chardonnay, America's most popular white wine grape, produces
wines of elegance and finesse. The classic Chardonnay flavor association is
applelike, but oak ageing often changes the tastes toward peach or pineapple,
always with attractive richness on the palate. "Balanced ageing in
stainless steel and small oak barrels creates a supple, full-flavored
Chardonnay. Straw-gold color; subtle citrus and oak aromas and a long, crisp
finish. Excellent as 'a wine by the glass' and with pasta, mild ripe cheeses
and shellfish."
Tasting
Notes
Balanced aging in stainless steel and small oak barrels creates a supple,
full-flavored Chardonnay. Straw gold color; bright citrus and pineapple aromas,
rich texture in the mouth and a long, creamy finish.
The Marrakesh restaurant is an exotic dining experience that
transcends mere dining, pulling you out of your daily routine and transporting
you into a Mediterranean palace for the rest of your evening.
They have an amazing International Wine List. They also offer valet parking!!! We can not wait to try it!
21 N Front Street, Wilmington, NC 28401
New Zealand Wine is internationally known for its quality – especially its Sauvignon blanc.
The cool climate and long autumns are ideal for wine making, allowing the grapes to ripen slowly and to develop the full flavour that characterize New Zealand wine. New Zealand wines are known for their distinct taste and intense flavour, such as white Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, and Riesling, bottle fermented sparkling wines, and red Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Pinot Noir
Many of the Lafond Winery Wines are produced only in small lots but unlike Santa Barbara Winery, where the small lots are from various and sometimes unusual grapes, these are mostly lots of exceptional Pinot Noir, Syrah and
Chardonnay grapes. Some entirely from a particular clone that wine maker, Bruce McGuire, considers exceptional and should be kept separate. These small lots may vary from year to year but Bruce has established, from experience
over time, blocks in the vineyard that he refers to as A, B and C, differentiated, for the most part, by soil quality and vigor.
This wine is a good choice to pair with many cows’ milk cheeses such as Brie or Camembert and, as a nice surprise; the fantastic washed-rind triple-creme Cow Girl Creamery Red Hawk.
Richer foods such as roast chicken or whole, farm raised striped bass are also ideal pairings
Starry Night Wines
Bruce Walker is co-founder of Starry Night Winery. He is also past President of the Board of Directors for "ZAP" which means Zinfandels Advocate Producers. He has been passionate about Red Zinfandels for over 30 years and is very well known for the wines produced from Starry Night. In fact, the winery was written up by the Wall Street Journal as being one of the the best wineries to visit in Sonoma and Napa Valley. That is a very big compliment for this winery!
I recently had the opportunity to spend time with Bruce. He came out to our Trade Show the end of January and actually traveled with me to New Bern and did a Wine Dinner at Persommons. We had an awesome time and were able to taste through his whole portfolio. We have three of his Red Zinfandels, his Moonhead Red, which was actually the best mistake ever made at a winery, his Cabernet Franc, his Petit Sirah and soon to have back his absolutely delicious Chardonnay. You can't go wrong with any of his wines. He only produces 7,000 - 8.000 cases per year. He's a small winery that gives a big punch!
2009 Moonhead Red Petite Sirah and Zinfandel Blend
When one of our workers mistakenly pumped Petite Sirah into a Zinfandel tank, we weren’tsure what to do…until we tasted it! There was no question that this blend had to be bottled.
Made from Petite Sirah (58%) and Zinfandel (42%). This wine has all the best features
of the two varietals. It has rich, dark stone fruit flavors with white pepper and anise notes.
It can be enjoyed on its own, or will pair nicely with hearty pasta, beef, lamb, pork or chicken.
It is especially good with anything barbecued!!
Spring is just around the corner, and there is no better way to ring it in than by popping some bubbles or sharing with friends.
The beautiful thing about these wines is that they can be enjoyed right on through the summer.
Proseccos are becoming the sparkling wines of choice. There are so many good ones made, and they are such great values, that I think Champagne needs to watch out.
NV Luna Argenta Prosecco, Veneto, Italy
Prosecco Light and elegant, this is a perfect aperitif or match for south east Asian cuisine. Crack open a bottle morning, noon or night and you're guaranteed to be impressed!
Prosecco is the grape variety behind the eponymous sparkling wine of the Veneto region in north-eastern Italy. It is used in both still and sparkling wines.
Mendoza region of Argentina.
Wait Malbec
Malbec
Our 100% Malbec red wine has beautiful crimson color with seductive aromas & flavors of ripe berries, mature plums, hints of violet, spice and soft oak undertones in the lingering finish. While enjoyable by itself, it pairs well with punget cheeses, beef, chicken.
The hands that work the soil feed the soul.
The Fairvalley Workers Association, founded in 1997, was
set up by the employees of Fairview Wine and Cheese Estate in order to develop
and manage their own property
A huge hit our Wine Trade Show.
A lightly oaked wine, vibrant purple/red in color,
layered with sweet plum and berry notes.
Spicy black fruit and ripe soft tannins play out on the finish. Made in a bright, modern style.