Starting next week, Camelback Inn will host a trio of “Meet the Winemaker” wine tastings at its restaurant, Rita’s Kitchen. Guests can mingle with the winemaker–the featured winemakers hail from California and Oregon–in Rita’s Kitchen’s indoor dining room and on the outdoor patio area (complete with couches, water features and a fire pit). Guests can interact one-on-one with the winemaker.) Feel free to ask questions about the grape, growing region and suggested food pairings.) Wine samples are offered along with passed appetizers from Rita’s Kitchen. The menu features fresh Southwestern cuisine with Mexican influences. Rita’s Kitchen’s specialties include such traditional fare as huevos tancheros, chicken enchiladas, and flat iron steak.
Each “Meet the Winemaker” wine tasting is $30 per person. For reservations, call 480.905.7945, www.camelbackinn.com.
Here’s the “Meet the Winemaker” schedule:
Redwood Valley, California
Martha Barra, Owner
www.barraofmendocino.com.
Organically Grown; Charlie Barra just finished his 59th harvest this fall.
Double Gold winning 2004 Petite Sirah, 91 Point Chardonnay and Silver winning Zinfandel
Wednesday, February 3, 2010: Hanna Winery and Vineyards
Sonoma County, California
Christine Hanna, President
www.hannawinery.com.
100% estate winery with 252 acres in three of Sonoma Valley’s finest appellations. They craft 13 award-winning wines, including Russian River Valley Sauvignon Blanc and Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon.
90 Points for Hanna 2008 Sauvignon Blanc
Willamette Valley, Oregon
Liz Chambers, Owner
www.panthercreekcellars.com.
“Panther Creek wines are Oregon’s most beautifully packaged and also the most concentrated and age worthy wines now being made in Oregon…Panther Creek has established itself as one of the most consistent, high quality Oregon wineries.”- Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate
