Summer Passport Series – Week 14: South Africa

One of our most popular events continues with a trip around the wine world!

Last stop for the Summer Passport Series: South Africa! Often overlooked, this exotic country has a long history of wine production dating back to 1659 when the Dutch began to colonize the region in what is now Cape Town. Harry Tatian from the Country Vintner returns to present us with a showcase of what South Africa has to offer.

This is also First Friday so that means a beer tasting is on the books as well featuring a great lin-up of new arrivals including several new seasonal releases.

Every Friday, from June 3rd to September 2nd (14 weeks), we’ll feature a different country or region at our wine tastings. With each country you “visit” (wine tasting you attend) your passport will be stamped. As the summer progresses, coupons will be awarded at different levels as your passport fills with stamps: 

 4 Stamps = 15% off Coupon 

8 Stamps = 20% off Coupon 

12 Stamps = 25% off Coupon 

With 4 Stamps you will earn your first coupon. Keep your passport and continue to work towards the next level. At 8 Stamps we’ll give you your next coupon (for 20% off) and with 12 Stamps the final coupon (for 25% off). Coupons may be redeemed anytime through September 30. It’s that easy…earn 3 money saving coupons just for tasting great wines from around the world. 

 Bring this passport to your first tasting and begin your wine travels! If you forget your passport, we’ll have extras available. 

The Fine Print 

• It’s just like a real passport so only one per person.
• You must be present to have your passport stamped.
• Passports are only stamped during scheduled tastings on Fridays, 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
• Coupons can not be used in conjunction with case discounts or other discounts.
•  Coupons apply to wine and cheese purchases only (sorry beer drinkers).
• Coupons are valid thru 9/30/2011.

Summer Passport Travel Itinerary 

• June 3rd – Argentina
• June 10th – New Zealand
• June 17th – USA: Pacific Northwest
• June 24th – France
• July 1st – USA: California
• July 8th – USA: Virginia
• July 15th – Italy
• July 22nd – Chile
• July 29th – Austria
• August 5th – Spain
• August 12th – Portugal
• August 19th – Germany
• August 26th – Australia
• September 2nd – South Africa

November Feature – Carr Valley Cheese, Wisconsin

Carr Valley Cheese hails from over four generations of cheese making. Sourcing milk from local dairy farms, Carr Valley cheese turns out 100 different cheese varieties! Many of these cheeses are one-of-a kind American originals made by Certified Master Cheese maker Sid Cooke. We are pleased to offer two of these unique, award winning selections, the Menage, and the Mobay at special pricing through the month of November.

Mobay Cheese-This is a delicious cheese based loosely on the French recipe, Morbier. Created as two halves, one half of goat milk, the other of sheep milk with a grapevine ash center separating the two halves.

Menage Cheese- A Spanish style cheese crafted with a blend of three milks sheep, goat and cow. Aged for intense flavor and a drier texture.

Friday Wine Tasting – Mix Bag

Campellares Rioja - Santa Digna Carmenère – Santa Digna Sauvignon Blanc – Miguel Torres “Las Mulas” Cabernet Sauvignon – Bodegas Bernabé Navarro Beryna Alicante

A bit of an unintentional Old World vs. New World theme this evening with a fun and eclectic mix bag of wines being poured by Elite Wines with selections from Spain and Chile.

 As usual tastings are free and open to the public and a great way to discover something new.

New Product: The Virginia Chutney Company

A very exciting product from the Virginia Food Expo! The Virginia Chutney Company produces chutneys  based on traditional Southern recipes that are sweet and savory. Since they are all natural and full of fruit, you will not find any fat or artificial preservatives. Chutneys are beautiful paired with cheeses, roast chickens, hams, salmon or, here is a real twist…peanut butter and chutney sandwiches!