Happy Holidays!

Cheers!
Angela, Darren, Terri, Sheri, Alex and Lisa

In the Vineyard

As the vines approach their dormant stage, it is important to maintain soil structure and fertility in order to protect the vines through winter and keep them healthy. We do this by “seeding the vineyard.” This year, we planted a legume and barley mixture between each row of grapes. Planting “cover crops” helps manage the soil in various ways: It protects the soil from erosion, improves soil structure and soil fertility, while increasing water holding capacity. The roots of cover crops bind soil particles together and prevents soil particles from moving. The roots also help to create macropores when the plants die, and a void is left from the decomposing roots. This space assists in the movement of water and air throughout the soil. Along with increasing soil nitrogen, cover crops also increase the soil cation exchange capacity, bettering the soil’s ability to hold and exchange nutrients, making the vineyard more fertile.

Did You Know?

Wow, the Holiday season is upon us! Which means hosting or attending dinners, parties, family gatherings, or going wine tasting in Paso Robles! Here are some tips to enjoy this time of year.

Whether it's a party or a busy day of tasting, don’t forget to have a large breakfast so you can enjoy responsibly. Eating fatty or greasy foods will help coat the lining of the stomach and slow alcohol absorption. Drinking plenty of water throughout your tasting is key to both fully enjoying the wines and staying safe. Don't be afraid to use a dump bucket. You will not offend anyone.

Don’t forget when you are going wine tasting, attending a wine event, dinner or a party where wine will be served; refrain from wearing perfume or cologne, it overpowers the subtle scents in the wine and disrupts the tasting experience.

Food pairings for the holidays:
We all know that Rosé and Pinot Noir pair very well with turkey; but did you know that you can also pair Syrah, Zinfandel or Viognier with turkey!
For Prime Rib: Cabernet Sauvignon, Petite Sirah, and Cabernet blends such as Mitchella’s Innuendo Noir (Bordeaux Blend) pair nicely.
Don’t forget dessert!  Pair our Riportella Bianco with cobbler, stone fruit or citrus desserts.  Our Riportella VII, tawny style port, pairs nicely with pecan pie and cookies.  For chocolate desserts, including fudge, truffles, or a yule log, pair our Riportella 2011 vintage port.  Cheers!

Last Day to Place Orders

To Receive By Christmas:
California - December 21
Out of State - December 14

To Receive By New Years Eve:
California - December 28
Out of State - December 21

Be sure to ask about our special holiday gift packages!

Wine of the Month

2011 Innuendo Noir

10% off, Wine Club Members receive an additional 10% off*
No additional discounts apply.  Offer valid while supplies last or until 12/31/15.

Dark ruby red, with complex cassis, blueberry, blackberry, cherry, dried herb, cinnamon, and leather flavors that are framed in a medium body, balanced mid-palate, moving into a long finish that lingers. Enjoy now and for the next 12 to 20 years.  $45

Pairs with Melkbus Truffle Gouda, Marco Polo, Fourme d’Ambert, Empanadas (recipe follows) and Molten Chocolate Cake.
106 Cases

Empanadas

Ingredients:
1 C  shredded chopped chicken
1 Tbsp. Mexican seasoning (1/2 cumin and 1/2 garlic powder)
4 Tbsp. Cowboy Ike’s Cabernet Jelly (or to taste)
1 Tbsp. of finely chopped canned Chipotle peppers
1 (15-ounce) box refrigerated pie crusts  (recommend Pillsbury)
1/2 C golden raisins
1/2 C shredded Mexican cheese
1 egg

Directions:
Preheat oven to 400˚F.   Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.  In a medium bowl combine chicken, golden raisins, seasoning, cheese, jelly and chopped Chipotle peppers.  Unroll pie dough, using a 3-inch round cutter,  dusted with flour and cut out as many rounds as possible, 10-12 per sheet, should have between 20-24 rounds.   Beat the egg lightly in a small bowl, set aside.  To assemble empanadas, fill the center of each round with  approximately 1/2 Tbsp. of the mixture.  Brush half of the perimeter of each dough round with the egg wash.  Fold over 1 side of the round to make a half-circle.  Crimp the edges with tines of a fork.  Place empanadas on prepared baking sheets.  Brush each top lightly with egg wash and sprinkle each with a little of the remaining cheese.

Bake in a preheated oven for 18-20 minutes until golden brown.
Enjoy with our Innuendo Noir!

Upcoming Events

Back Roads Wineries Passport 2015
October 12-December 20, 2015

Pop-In & Be Merry
December 12, 2015
12-5pm
www.backroadswineries.com

Merry Christmas!
The tasting room will be closed Thursday, December 24 and Friday, December 25.

Blending Seminars
January 30 & 31, 2016
11am-2pm
Purchase Tickets

Super Bowl Sunday
Sunday, February 7, 2016
The tasting room will be closed.  Enjoy the game!

Valentine's Day Winemaker's Dinner & Vertical Cabernet Tasting
Saturday, February 13, 2016
Purchase Tickets

Rhone Rangers Experience at Broken Earth Winery
Sunday, February 14, 2016
More information

Old San Simeon Village, Afternoon Tasting 1-3pm, Sunset Tasting 4-6:30pm

Vintage Paso: Zinfandel Weekend
Friday-Sunday, March 18-20, 2016

Dungeness Crab Feed
Saturday & Sunday, April 2 & 3, 2016

Watch Club Members, the Lanes, on Let's Make a Deal!
April 5, 2016
*Correction: The episode has not aired as printed in our November Update.  Tune in to CBS on April 5 to see Chris and Mike Lane on the game show.