Gazette April 2014

Carmel’s FIRST Wine Tasting Room

It seems hard to believe that I opened the first Wine Tasting Room in Carmel 10 years ago this May! I truly can’t think of a better place I would like my business to be than in this wonderful town. Since we opened there are now 12 Tasting Rooms (Dawn’s Dream being the latest addition) and 5 more currently in review by the Planning Commission. Carmel has become such a desired destination for wineries that the City recently placed a moratorium on additional applications until their guidelines and policies can be reviewed and updated. This growth in Tasting Rooms has not only helped with the well-deserved recognition Monterey County has received as one on the world’s top 10 wine destinations, but it has led to a revitalized town which has benefited all. Just as my great-grandfather did when he founded the town of Carmel, with a vision of bringing commerce and community together, I am thrilled to have played a part in pioneering the renaissance in the town that has been sparked by the wine tasting community. If you haven’t had a chance to visit our town, or it has been awhile, we welcome you come on out and experience it for yourself.   

Anniversary Special

You already know that we are celebrating our 10th Anniversary of opening our Tasting Room with a drop-in party on April 26th from 1-5pm. We understand that some of our great friends and customers cannot make it so we wanted you to have the opportunity to celebrate with us. For ONE DAY ONLY - on APRIL 26th - we are offering the wines we were serving when we opened in 2004 at their release prices! Here is the lineup…

2002 Blackjack Pasture Cabernet Sauvignon:  $60 (reg. $105)

2002 Red Rose Hill Cabernet Sauvignon:   $35 (reg. $90)

2003 Rancho Galante Cabernet Sauvignon:  $25 (reg. $65)

2002 Estate Merlot:   $35                               (reg. $90)

Please note, there are a VERY limited number of each of these Library wines available for sale so place your order early: On-Line Only. I want to personally thank you for all your support over the last 10 years and more. We look forward to our next decade in beautiful Carmel by-the-Sea.

Summer’s Coming – Book Your Stay

Don’t put off your travel plans much longer. If you are planning to take a trip to Carmel this summer (and why wouldn’t you), remember that our studio apartment in the heart of Carmel is available for your pleasure. Our studio is a perfect fit for two with a queen bed, kitchenette, full bath, internet, and Cable equipped TV for your pleasure. It is located above our Tasting Room, only blocks from the beach and in the center of town. Walk to your favorite restaurants, take in a show at the Sunset Center, or stroll along the white sands of Carmel Beach. It just doesn’t get any better. Contact Lisa to book your holiday.

February Wine of The Month

If you haven’t had a chance to try our incredible 2010 “Olive Hill” Petite Sirah, or even if you have, we thought we would make this wine our February Wine of the Month as supplies are getting VERY low. So stock up and take advantage of FREE SHIPPING on 6 or more bottles now through the end of the month. The February 2014 Wine Enthusiast Magazine says, “ This bottling wrestles Petite Sirah’s brawny, rustic personality into submission. The variety’s big tannins remain intact, yet the fruit is incredibly ripe with flavors of red cherries and blueberries. Drink it now and for the next six years.” 89 Points. High praise indeed for such a unique wine. So order yours now before they are gone for good!

5th Annual Blending Bash

Before you know it, it will be time for our 2014 Blending Bash! Yup, that time for you to try your skills at blending your own wine. This year our Bash will be held on November 15th at the winery. You will be warmly welcomed onto the Galante property and treated to an educational and entertaining afternoon. The ticket price includes a fabulous lunch prepared by Chef Jack himself, all the wine you could ever hope to taste, an informative seminar on wine blending, and, after blending your own wine, a fun and friendly blind tasting competition. Included in the cost of the event ($500) is a full case of your own one-of-a-kind blend with your custom label to add to your wine cellar. Additional cases are available if you wish. So, if you would like to be a Master Blender then come on out and try your hand. Oh, guests of the Master Blender who would like to assist or just have a great lunch and enjoy the seminar can purchase tickets for $100 each. These tickets do not include a case of wine. Call (831-624-3800) or email Danielle to reserve your spot today!

Upcoming Events

Apr. 26: Galante Vineyards 10th Anniversary Celebration; Tasting Room, Carmel; 1-5pm

If you are in town, drop on by the Tasting Room on Dolores between Ocean & 7th, to help us celebrate our 10th Anniversary of being in Carmel. Enjoy tasty bites, a library tasting, and extra special pricing on select library wines. 

 May 3: Monterey County Wine Celebration                               Dolores Street, Carmel by-the-Sea; 1-5pm

The Monterey County Vintners & Growers Association hosts the county’s signature wine event, the Winemakers’ Celebration, on May 3, 2014 in picturesque Carmel-by-the-Sea. Celebrating the wines and winemakers of Monterey County’s world class growing region, the event will display over 100 incredible wines as Dolores Street (between Ocean & 7th) is transformed into an atmosphere reminiscent of a European village street festival. Don't miss the fantastic silent auction including lifestyle packages, special wine items, photo sessions, hotel stays, restaurant gift certificates and more! For tickets and more information visit MCVGA.

May 18-26: France Wine Cruise; Avignon to Lyon

The time is rapidly approaching and we are heading off to enjoy the delights of Burgundy and Provence with our merry group of gourmands and gourmettes! At last glance there is still one cabin available so if you have that urge for travel and adventure let us know and we would love to welcome you on the voyage. For more information contact Hath Watson.

 Jun. 9-10: Bill Mazeroski Celebrity Golf Tournament                            Nemacolin Resort, Pennsylvania

My good friend, Baseball Hall of Fame member and former Pittsburgh Pirates standout Bill Mazeroski will again be hosting the Bill Mazeroski Baseball Scholarship Celebrity Invitational Golf Tournament June 9 & 10, 2014 at the incomparable Nemacolin Woodlands Resort. This year there is an outstanding lineup of sports and film celebrities who will be participating. Dawn and I will naturally be there with wine in hand! If you have never been to Nemacolin, this is a fabulous opportunity to stay in one of the most wonderful resorts in the United States.  If you would like to play in the tournament and hob-knob with the celebrities you can register on-line. If you are planning on staying at the resort email Bob Toth directly and let him know that we invited you so he can get you the best rates. Whether you golf or not, this is one event you don’t want to miss! For more information on the Resort go to Nemacolin Woodlands Resort.

Jack’s Saddlebag – New Priest

A new Priest was quite nervous getting prepared to give his first sermon. Before going on he asked the Monsignor how he kept so calm at the pulpit. The wise man told the young priest that occasionally he substituted a glass of vodka for his water which helped calm his nerves. The young Priest took the wise Monsignor’s advice and the next Sunday, seeing the church packed with parishioners, he took a few sips of vodka before his sermon, which seemed to calm his nerves quite well. He continued to sip on the beverage during his quite enthusiastic sermon and felt pretty darn good about it all. Later that day he thanked the Monsignor for his advice and asked him how he thought it went. The Monsignor calmly informed the young Priest that all in all it was a good sermon, and he surely seemed confident, but he did have a few words of advice:

1. There are 10 Commandments, not 12,

2. There are 12 Disciples, not 10,

3. Jesus was consecrated, not constipated,

4. Jacob wagered his donkey, he did not bet his ass,

5. David slew Goliath, he did not kick the ship out of him,

6. When David was hit by a rock and fell off his donkey, don’t say he was stoned off his ass,

7. And we NEVER, EVER refer to the Father, Son and Holy Ghost as Big Daddy, Junior and the Spook!