Fabulous and Forty; Jordan Celebrates

This year May will hold an extra special significance to one of my favorite wineries; Jordan Winery and it's family. Forty years ago on May 25th Tom and Sally Jordan signed the deed on their first piece of land in Alexander Valley which was to be Jordan Winery. That same day their son, John, was born.

In celebration of this 40th anniversary and John's 40th birthday Jordan Winery has a spectacular year of events and competitions in the works.
Some highlights include:

4 on 4 Top 40 Art Competition that challenges local artists in Miami, Los Angeles, New York and Dallas to create a work of art work that marries the elegance of Jordan with their city's style and flavor.

Trivia and Contests Follow Jordan's Facebook and Twitter pages and participate in fun trivia quizzes and contests with fantastic prizes!

Videos Join the Jordan Family and Winemaker Rob Davis as they share special memories and moments monthly

Jordan Seeking Jordan Share your special Jordan moment with the family and John will select his favorite to feature each month.

Or celebrate by visiting the winery for a tasting and tour (advance reservations are required) of their gorgeous property. No plans to travel? Order a bottle (or more!) from their online Jordan Shop of their elegant and lively 2009 Chardonnay (perfection with roast chicken) or their age worthy and sophisticated 2007 Cabernet Sauvingon (a juicy lamb burger plays well with this wine!) and toast to Jordan for being fabulous and forty!

Last Minute Valentine Libations

It's Valentine's eve and I thought I would post some last minute wine and beer suggestions to help you delight and indulge tomorrow or just anytime you want to treat your Sweetie!

First and foremost, when I think of romance, and celebration I think of Champagne and for me Ruinart is simply the best...

NV Ruinart, Rose, Champagne, France (55% Pinot Noir, 45% Chardonnay); starting with the luminous rose gold color to it's intoxicating bubbles and notes of wild strawberries, raspberries, roses and roasted herbs it makes my heart skip a beat! Heavenly with duck breast, seared ahi or even a rich lamb burger (SRP $60)

2011 Chateau Bonnet, Rose, Bordeaux, France (50% Merlot, 50% Cabernet Sauvingon); Rose is perfect for every season and this dry rose is sophisticated, fun and juicy and would be delightful with salmon or pork at a fantastic everyday price (SRP $13)

2010 George Dubouef, Fleurie, Beaujolais, France (100% Gammay); Fleurie (translates to "flowery") is known as the Queen of Beaujolais and this wine is elegant, velvety and floral with notes of violets, spice, raspberries and plums...pair with roast chicken or a rich chocolate cake with a raspberry coulis (SRP $16)

Ommegang Chocolate Indulgence, New York, US; Rich dark Belgian chocolate, dark malt with Perle hops that impart flavors of mint and spice..feeling frisky...why not pair this with some chocolate crepes (SRP $14)

Guinness, Stout, Dublin, Ireland; Smooth and creamy with hints of coffee and cocoa I have loved Guinness with everything from Oysters to a coffee rubbed filet (SRP $8)

Southern Tier, Choklat Imperial Stout, New York, US; This is probably the richest, most decadent beer I have ever tasted with the marriage of bittersweet dark Belgian chocolate, chocolate malt and Chinook and Willamette hops. Love chocolate covered strawberries? Have a glass of this in one hand and strawberries to feed your love in another... (SRP $10)

These are a few of my favorite things....

Whether you are a fan of Valentine's Day or not I always look at it as a day to take the time to tell those closest to you how much you love and care for them; significant others, family and friends. And of course a day to look forward to wines, chocolates and good food!

With that in mind I thought I would pick a few of my favorite things that I think are unique and delightful treats for your sweet.

As far as I am concerned chocolate must be had and my absolute favorite chocolatier is Woodhouse Chocolates located in St. Helena in Napa Valley. As we eat with our eyes first, before you have entered their store you know you are in for a feast for your eyes as well as your taste buds. It appears as if you are stepping into a glorious jewel box with glass cases full of decadent truffles and chocolates. My favorite must haves from their jewel case are the Pistachio, and the Thai Ginger chocolates. Other musts I collect every time I visit (and are also available to order online) are the Dark Chocolate Caramels with Fleur de Sel and their Milk Chocolate with Golden Grahams Bar!

Now that your chocolates have been collected... onto the wine! Imagine you are in the Napa Valley as you sip on Swanson Vineyards' Instant Napa Cabernet Sauvingon that celebrates Swanson's 25th Anniversary. This wine is comprised of carefully selected fruit from small blocks of premium Cabernet Sauvingon, Merlot and Petite Verdot from all across the Valley. Silk cascades across your tongue as you experience cassis, black cherries and espresso finishing with a delightful tug of tannin. Prefer a white wine? I adore their Viognier with it's crisp acidity and no need for a bouquet of flowers if you have this wine (although it never hurts)! It's floral notes of honeysuckle and orange blossom are simply intoxicating! (food pairing hint...Viognier pairs heavenly with black truffle risotto!)

Chocolates and wine collected...now it's time to snuggle up with a good book. As it is Valentine's Day one of my new favorite finds is La Figa Visions of Food and Form . This book (available on Amazon) is a collection of 20 recipes and sensual photography by Matt Freeman where the models are wearing nothing but edible creations from the James Beard Award Winning Chef Tiberio Simone. Browse the beautiful pages of the vibrantly captured living art, divine recipes (Drunken Figs is my favorite!) and see where the night takes you!

"For me the sensuality of food closely resembles the pleasures of sex. From the first bite of a meal, the body is catapulted into rapture through the last climactic bite. A delicious morsel is as sweet as the first kiss" - Chef Tiberio Simone