Wine Club News

“EXTENDED FAMILY” February/March 2006

Issue 28

WILSON CREEK WINERY & VINEYARDS “Fine Wines & Quality Times!”

Wilson Creek’s 7th Annual

New Year’s Eve Gala

The “Midnight at the Oasis” New Year’s Eve Gala was a spectacular success. From live camels, genies, belly dancers, unlimited premium wine and beer, and dancing to live music, the evening was both fun and elegant. Join us next year!

Gerry toasting with his own harem!?

The balloon drop 12:00 AM.

John & Kim Kelliher of The Grapeline.

Midnight at the Oasis Left: Before the guests arrived.

Bill & Jenifer Wilson

The Wilson family toasting the crowd from the stage.

Mick kissing Deanna at midnight, with Rosie not wanting to intrude. Above right: Events Manager, Christie Radican and her friend John in the background. Left: Donny Ho and Cindy Palumbo (from Palumbo winery... they have great reds by the way).

Snorkeling in Curacao.

2nd Annual Wine Club

“EXTENDED FAMILY” WINE CLUB

•

W ILSON C REEK W INERY & V INEYARDS

Caribbean Cruise Review

Wine Club member at Half Moon Cay (MS Zaandam in background).

Turquoise blue waters, white sandy beaches, azure skies, forty fun Wine Club members... We could not ask for a more fabulous 10-day Caribbean cruise. We DO have the best members around! We visited Aruba, Curacao, entered the Panama Canal, Costa Rica, Half Moon Cay, and Ft. Lauderdale. Rosie and Gerry Wilson hosted the cruise with the help of Mick and Deanna Wilson and our Distribution Manager Chuck and his wife Glynie. Wine Club members enjoyed a free cocktail party, group shore excursion, custom labeled champagne, and a private wine tasting on board. band a reggae g in y jo n E on Cay. Half Mo

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Ernie and Loretta Woolner at the Panama Canal.

The cocktail reception in Ft. Lauderdale the night before we boarded the ship.

lson (no Kelly Wil as the d n a k r rn Ma on the ste . relation) ts Ft. Lauderdale r a boat dep

Sarah Wilson enjoyed her 1st birthday on board, and was extremely popular with the crew and guests. Here, she is with grandpa Gerry, enjoying her cake.

Plan to join us on our next cruise –

to Alaska!

Join us as we visit Alaska – the last great wilderness – on the Holland America ship ms Zuiderdam, August 19th-26th. Call Carlson Travel at (800) 777-6540 for details and reservations.

ger on mana board ti u ib tr is ur d s’ on Chuck (o ator of member in d r ie o Glyn . and co his wife h it w ) events

Walk for the Cure Join the Walk for the Cure in their efforts to cure Juvenile Diabetes. This annual event is held at the Winery Saturday, May 20, at 7:30 AM. Check out their web site at www.jdrf.org for more details.

Connecting with Arnold Staff members, Steve and Lori Robles pictured with Arnold Schwarzenegger at an event where we poured Wilson Creek wines.

Navy “Sailor of the Year”

Vine Pruning

Todd Elliot, dear friend of the family and Wine Club member, is featured in a spotlight article in Navy News. He is a Craftmaster on a landing craft (ACU-1). Todd has been awarded “Sailor of the Year” for the Naval Beach Group, and is up for the West Coast “Sailor of the Year.” You go Todd! Todd is husband to Dee, our beloved accounting manager.

The vines this time of year are in dormancy (sort of sleeping). We prune the branches to make room for new growth in Spring.

Custom Labels for USS EISENHOWER (CVN 69) We welcome another NIMITZ class aircraft carrier to our custom label program, the prestigious USS EISENHOWER. We are working with them on a label design that they can proudly hand out to friends, colleagues, and dignitaries. The officers buy the wine out of their own pocket, and the Captain uses it for white glove dinners at home and on deployment. So far we have done labels for the following aircraft carriers: USS CONSTELLATION, USS STENNIS, USS NIMITZ, USS PELELIU, USS REAGAN, USS TRUMAN, USS ROOSEVELT, and now the USS EISENHOWER. It really is a joy and honor to provide these elite ships with world-class wines.

Did you read this?

☛

Bottling Line Left: Our “fix everything” guy (Bob Faley, Maintenance Engineer) is overseeing the bottling of the 2003 Merlot, that is tasting GREAT, by the way. We’re projecting that this one will be an award winner. It should be released mid-February.

Consulting Bill Wilson consulting a team visiting from Iraq who are starting a winery in the village of Mangesh, Iraq. How great is that! We could not imagine that happening five years ago.

BUSINESS “FRIENDS OF THE FAMILY” – BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT Each newsletter we will highlight a business that is part of our rapidly growing Business “Friends of the Family”. Joining this is a great way to not only get great wine, but customized labels, web site exposure, advertising opportunities, free wine tasting, priority reservations and discounts, and other perks for a small annual cost. Our spotlight this shipment is on:

METRO TRANSMISSION Metro Transmission, located in San Marcos, California, is a family-owned and operated business. Mike and Brenda Johnson, along with Brenda’s brother Rick Grant and his wife, Michelle, are co-owners. Brenda’s brother John, her dad Bob, brother-in-law Hung, Michelle’s cousin Darrell and Luis (our Spanish speaker) complete the Metro family! Originally from Minnesota, the family came to California in 1983, leaving behind a successful transmission business for California weather. Metro Transmission was the first transmission shop to open in San Marcos, and they are proud to be celebrating their 23rd anniversary in October. Metro Transmission employees have over 80 years combined experience. At Metro, they stand behind their work, as well as their word. Brenda, Michelle and staff go the extra mile to take care of their customers, offering a seldom found two-year, 24,000 mile nationwide warranty! Metro Transmission is a place where customers send their friends. Metro has earned a strong reputation in the community, and believes that networking with other businesses has been an important factor in their success. ”We became members of Wilson Creek’s Wine Club, because we love the family’s friendly attitude and the attention to customer service that they provide. (The wine is awesome, too!) Now, being a “Business Friend of the Family”, we are thrilled to be receiving extra exposure through their web site as well as the opportunity to network with new friends made along the way!”

Brenda Johnson, Michelle Grant and Brenda’s daughter, Katie Bramfield . Hmmm? Transmission shop looks remarkably like the barrel room at Wilson Creek!

”Call Brenda or Michelle today at (760) 471-0223 for service on your car, truck, SUV or RV... we are happy to assist you with all your transmission needs! While here, we hope that you’ll see for yourself why our customers send their friends!”

Find out how your business can be featured in our newsletter and how you can generate NEW BUSINESS & ENJOY FREE WINE & CHAMPAGNE at the same time! Call us TODAY to find out more about the Business “Friends of the Family” Business Directory!

Father of the Year Gerry Wilson was selected as the 2005 Father of the Year by our local chapter of The American Diabetes Foundation (yep, not just our family). On a national level, this prestigious award has recognized such outstanding Americans as Colin Powell, Gerald Ford and Rudolf Guliani. All of us who know and love Gerry agree that all those outstanding Americans are in real good company with our Dad! ;-) He will be given the award at the annual American Diabetes gala this May 26th. We pictured Gerry with Rosie because they are a team and wonderful role models for us kids.

“HE DIDN’T TELL ME HOW TO LIVE; HE LIVED, AND LET ME WATCH HIM DO IT.”

- CLARENCE BUDINGTON KELLAND

Future Winery Owners Here are some pictures we shot while our kids were doing their various jobs around the winery. The girls (Cassidy and Cambria) are the daughters of Bill and Jenifer Wilson, and the boys (Gavin and Hayden Johns) are the sons of Libby and Craig Johns. Little Sarah Grace Wilson (1 year) is the daughter of Mick and Deanna Wilson. The kids really help around the winery: from arc welding, to lab work with chemicals, to disking the vines with tractors, and moving pallets in the warehouse ;-) Hey, we’re training them to eventually run the winery, right? Uh, what child labor laws? Our kids do not charge us a lot (especially Sarah – we pay her in milk and diapers. What a deal!) and they do not log their overtime. Sarah Grace Wilson mov ing pallets an rearranging d the warehou se.

Cassidy and Cambria welding and fixing the electrical circuits on the bottling line. Pruning a five acre lot of Cabernet.

Ready to help process your order in the tasting room/gift shop. Left: Checking the stainless steel tanks.

Above: Pricing (and trying on) clothing. Left: Moving pallets of Champagne.

Rewiring a high powered electrical panel. Hey, how else will they learn? I know, it’s shocking.

Getting ready to disk the vines with the tractor.

Testing the acidity levels in a Merlot. Fixing the transmission in the delivery van.

T HIS HIS S HIPMENT HIPMENT’ SS

F E AT U R E WINES 2002 MERLOT We have kept this big wine reserved for our Wine Club for a while. We have not had the public taste or touch it in months. Why? We wanted it to age in the bottle even longer so it will soften even more for our Wine Club. So we buried this “treasure” in our storage warehouse; out of sight, out of mind. Believe me, there were many times we could’ve pulled this back out for sale to non Wine Club members, but we resisted saying, “Freeze – back off – slowly step away from the Merlot, slowly. Now put the bottle down and no one will get hurt. You do not mess with premium wine that is sitting and aging for the Wine Club.” Unfortunately, we reserved just enough for this shipment, so there will not be any for sale. That’s the last of it – sorry. That is the downside of a good wine, it is tough to keep around and it sells out fast. Tasting notes: Flavors of currant, plum, and black cherry with a touch of earthy flavors. Aged in French oak for 20 months and bottle aged for an additional 18 months (bottle aging is rare today in America vs. Italy). Pairs well with rack of lamb, prime rib, grilled salmon, pastas with marinara sauces, and full-bodied cheeses. Of course it is great just on its own, sip by sip.

When to open: Typically, crisp white wines do not age well over time (due to lack of oak and tannin), so a rule of thumb is to drink a white wine within 2-3 years of the year on the bottle. In short, it is good now, but will still be good within a few years. Fine artist, Gloria Coker (who painted the Jazz picture on the bottle) loved the Quartet after we sent her some bottles. Here is her response after she enjoyed the Quartet with family and friends: “When the wine arrived at our house my family and I were all ecstatic! The label was designed so that the art was truly enhanced. It looked sophisticated as well as colorful. I could not have been more pleased. Please thank the label designer for me. We celebrated its release at a dinner with our family – our two children and their spouses and our 3 grandchildren. The comments included ‘best white wine ever tasted’. We will enjoy sharing our bottles with friends. Our friends and business associates were disappointed that they could not purchase it locally. But they were given the web site address so you never know what will happen in the future. This picture will appear on my web site soon at www.gloriacokerfineart.com.”

PRICE OF THIS SHIPMENT 2002 Merlot Quartet Blanc Subtotal w/ 20% Wine Club Discount Tax in CA only – Shipping varies

$24.95 $18.95 $35.12

When to open: It is good to drink now, but could get even better with a few more years of aging.

QUARTET BLANC Made from a proprietary blend of 2004 Chardonnay, Viognier, Semillon (SEH-mee-yawn), and Sauvignon Blanc. This is a “Bordeaux blend” because all four varietals thrive in the Bordeaux region of France (and Temecula as well). While making the Quartet Blanc, our winemaker, Mike Calabro, wanted to continue the Bordeaux tradition of making white wines that are not overpowering, but subtle. Some California Chardonnays, for example, can overpower you with tons of oak, vanilla, and fruit flavors. In contrast, the French generally make their whites more elegant, subtle, and refined; where the flavors do not jump out at you but work in harmony with each other. It’s the “old world” style of France, Italy, and Spain vs. the “new world” style of America, Australia, Chile, South Africa, and Argentina. Kind of like the difference between an elegant Bentley and a fast Corvette. This Quartet is more of an “old world” wine made in the new world. Why “Quartet”? Glad you asked! The name “Quartet” came about because of our Sunset Jazz in the Vines concerts but also because, like a jazz quartet, these four grapes work in harmony together. Tasting notes: Undertones of grapefruit, pear, ripe peaches, and green apple. Serve it chilled. It is an elegant, flavorful, and crisp wine that pairs well with cheeses, salads, chicken dishes, fish, turkey, and Alfredo sauces.

UPCOMING RELEASES Reds released by the time you get this newsletter: 2004 Barbera A very popular Italian varietal. Fruit forward with a hint of oak. You will love this one. 2003 Merlot Exceptionally smooth and fun to drink. Tons of character and fruit. Another great Merlot. Whites released by late Spring: 2005 Muscat Canelli 2005 Chardonnay 2005 Viognier 2005 Sauvignon Blanc And... White Cabernet is back! We’ll keep you posted when it will be released (hopefully late February). Reds to be release early summer: 2004 Zinfandel 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon 2004 Bordeaux blend 2003 Syrah 2004 Syrah White 2004 Syrah

Wilson Creek Winery Temecula Valley Winegrowers Association Event

WINE & CHEESE PAIRING Saturday, March 4th @ 5:30PM - 7:30PM An exclusive event for Wine Club members and their guests! Join us to learn about pairing a wide array of international cheeses with your favorite Wilson Creek wines. Taste some of our upcoming releases out of the barrels or the tanks! Bring some friends to this enjoyable and informative evening! Cost is just $20 for Wine Club members and $25 for guests. RSVP NOW as spaces are limited.

JR ‘S RETIREMENT & WINE PARTY Sunday, May 7th “Say it ain’t so...” But it is true! Our very own JR Richardson is retiring and moving to New Mexico to enjoy a life of golf and wine tasting. (Hey, isn’t that pretty much what he does NOW?!?) Anyway, in recognition of the years of friendship and great service that JR has given to our guests and especially our “Extended Family” members, we’re throwing a party for him and we’d like you to come. We’ll eat, drink (including barrel tasting!) and be merry to honor our friend, JR. Mark May 7th on your calendar NOW and, we’ll be sure to let you know the final details! Let’s send JR off with a great big “Extended Family” party!

Mother’s Day Celebration Sunday, May 14th @ 11AM

Take your mom, grandmother, or even your mother-in-law out to celebrate her day in the beautiful Wilson Creek gardens. Champagne, music, and gourmet food will create the perfect day! Details to follow. Mark you calendar!

WALK FOR THE CURE Saturday, May 20th @ 7:30AM Start now recruiting your friends, family and co-workers to join you at Wilson Creek Winery. You can walk (or run) through our lovely vineyards and, at the same time, raise much needed funds to help find a cure for Juvenile Diabetes, an illness that affects 18 million Americans. Call JDRF today at (866) 645-0101 or visit their web site at www.jdrf.org to find out how to participate! Anyone interested in putting together an “Extended Family” Wine Club team? Give us a call! What a difference we can make, together!

CALIFORNIA REGIONAL WINE TASTING March 11, @11:00AM - 4:30PM Location: Grand Ballroom, South Coast Winery Resort & Spa The essence of the California wine culture is captured in this one of a kind event. Come celebrate the sense of taste and place that makes California wines so special. Discover for yourself why wine growing regions are more than just a place in a tourist guide, as you enjoy a unique wine tasting showcasing the distinctive wines of fourteen regional appellations. All the premier wine regions will be represented: Amador, Calaveras, Lodi, Mendocino, Monterey, Napa Valley, Paso Robles, Santa Cruz Mountains, Sonoma County, Livermore Valley, San Diego, Sonoma Valley, Santa Barbara and Temecula Valley! Your ticket price includes a souvenir wine glass and the opportunity to taste over 100 wines while you graze on elegant hors d’oeuvres prepared by guest chef Dan Saito. Tickets are just $45 and are not refundable. Call the Temecula Valley Winegrowers Association at (800) 801-9463 or visit their web site at www.temeculawines.org for more details. Temecula Valley Winegrowers Association Event

BIG RED WEEKEND April 22 & 23 @ 10:00 AM - 4:30 PM each day A special event for the red-wine lover or anyone who enjoys a fun day in wine country. Spend a gorgeous spring weekend with us and experience why the area’s new motto, “Taste the Place” is so true. Winery owners are pulling out all the stops to delight you and exceed your expectations. You’ll soon understand what all the media buzz is about as our winemakers focus on sharing their wonderful Merlot, Zin, Cab, Syrah, Rhone & Italian varietals with you. One ticket price gives you two beautiful days to visit our 20* winery members. Enjoy our big sophisticated reds and the amazing foods that complement them perfectly. You even get a beautiful souvenir wine glass! Ask questions of winemakers as you sip, swirl and taste our fruit-forward wines. Perfect for every wine lover (even you “I only like white wines” types), relax and enjoy the stunning views and award-winning wines. Tickets: $80.00 per person/ $60.00 designated drivers (no wine). Ticket is good for one visit only to each participating winery over the two day event. All sales are final; no refunds or exchanges. (* Winery participation subject to change without notice) Call the Temecula Valley Winegrowers Association at (800) 801-9463 or visit their web site at www.temeculawines.org for more details.

“SUNSET JAZZ IN THE VINES” CONCERT SERIES Wilson Creek Winery & Vineyards presented a spectacular “Sunset Jazz in the Vines” concert series in 2005, and the dates are now set for 2006. Mark your calendars for: June 17th Aug 19th July 22nd Sept 16th Check our web site at www.wilsoncreek winery.com for artist updates.

For more event information call the Winery today @ 951-699-WINE (9463) or visit us online @ www.wilsoncreekwinery.com

Visiting Wineries 101 How to enjoy a great day of wine tasting. By Mick Wilson My wife, Deanna, and I have visited numerous, numerous wineries. (Research, right?) We have learned over the years that there are some tips anyone can learn that will make your wine tasting experience even more enjoyable. A winery is not just about the wines, but about the “wine experience.” We want to pass along some ways to make this wine experience a great experience. So here are my top dozen tips on how to have a great day wine tasting. If you have any more to add, please send us a quick email. We LOVE to hear from our “Extended Family”. 1. Choose a Designated Driver. Yes, the tastes are small, but they add up over a day. If you visit four wineries, that is roughly the same as four glasses of wine. With today’s laws, that would put most people over the legal limit. So, decide who’s going to drive before you head to the first winery. Don’t assume that “someone will be sober enough to drive” at the end of the day. Nothing ruins a great day at the wineries like a DWI arrest, or worse. Tip: If you don’t want to designate a driver, hire one of the limo or shuttle companies to drive you around (i.e. The Grapeline). But beware that even though you took a tour, someone still might have to drive once the tour shuttle drops you off at the end of the day. So think ahead, or stay at a hotel in town where many shuttles can drop you off directly. (See listings for The Grapeline and several limo services in our on-line Business “Friends of the Family” Directory!) 2. Don’t Try to Visit Every Winery. In Temecula, we have over 28 wineries. Do the math! Choose three or four wineries that you’d like to try and take your time at each one. Wine tasting is about more than just the wine. Rushing to visit several wineries in one day takes away from the experience. However, there is one exception to the above . 3. Bring a Picnic Lunch. One of the things I enjoy most about a day in Wine Country is having a picnic lunch among the vines. Many wineries have beautiful patios or decks where you can spread out and enjoy lunch. But, if you’re going to drink wine with lunch, make sure it’s from the winery where you’re eating. In most cases, they’ll even lend you glasses. Drinking wine from another winery on someone else’s property is not polite (and many times it is illegal for a winery, under their license, to have other open wines on the property. Ours is one of them.) If you hit a winery late morning and then eat at the second winery, you will gain the constitution to visit at least one more, possibly two wineries before the day is out - particularly if you follow guidelines one and two. 4. Drink water. A good rule of thumb is to drink one bottle of water per winery: My wife Deanna and I did The Grapeline Wine Country tour in Paso Robles (a franchise of The Grapeline in Temecula). A great tip they share with their customers is to drink a bottle of water per every winery visited. They have a cooler of bottled water available to their guests. Pretty smart. It’s a great idea, because the water keeps you from becoming dehydrated (and more intoxicated) by the wine.

5. Avoid wearing perfume or cologne. Yes, it’s a minor point, but a key one. Sure you might want to impress your date by smelling nice, but it does interfere with the tasting experience (for you and others around you). It is confusing when you are trying to pick up the berry aromas in a wine and you smell “Seduction” instead. 6. Go through the actual tasting process. Typically, you want to taste from light white to heavy reds, leaving the sweet wines for last. The saying is “white before reds and dry before sweet.” If you drink a dry wine after drinking a sweet wine it usually tastes bitter. And when you taste, do not forget the process: A) See: Look at the wine against a white surface. Is it colorful or brownish? Key word is “clarity.” B) Swirl/Smell: Hold the glass by the stem, always. Then swirl your glass to aerate the wine (getting air into the wine). Swirling opens up a wine and releases aromas and flavors. C) Slurp: You can either just taste, or many like to slurp. Take a small taste and while the wine is in your mouth, simply breathe through the wine. It’s like sucking up a spaghetti noodle, or a reverse whistle. This aerates the wine in your mouth and involves your nasal senses more. D) Savor: Move the wine around in your mouth. Pay attention to your senses. Think about the wine. Is the finish long, or does it just go away quickly? Is it balanced, acidic, tannic, crisp, buttery? Do you like it, love it, or think it might be the perfect liquid to peel off old wallpaper? 7. To rinse or not to rinse? This is my personal opinion here: You do not have to rinse between tastes. I have read that rinsing between tastes actually waters down the next taste. Plus, water ruins a healthy Ph balance in a glass that wine leaves for the next taste. The only time I would rinse would be from a red wine to a dessert white wine, so that the white wine does not look pink. Oh ya, rinse after your last taste if you are taking the glass with you (and remember, those nice crystal glasses Wilson Creek Wine Club members’ taste out of stay at the winery). 8. Don’t finish wines you don’t like. If you try a wine, and it is to tannic or acidic, pour the rest out. Every tasting bar has a dump bucket for just this reason. If you want to taste a particular varietal, just reds, or just whites, you can do that. Some wine growing regions specialize in certain wines, so it is often fun to try that same varietal at different wineries to compare the difference (Santa Barbara: Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, Paso Robles: Zinfandel and Syrah, Napa: Cabernet, Oregon: Pinot Noir, Sierra Foothills: Zinfandel). 9. Don’t finish every good wine. Swirl the wine, smell the wine, taste the wine, then dump the rest out. It’s not considered bad etiquette and you will be able to taste more wines in a given day without becoming intoxicated. continued on next page

Visiting Wineries 101 continued 10. Use the crackers. The bread and crackers are there to refresh your pallet so one taste does not blend into another. Don’t gobble a plate or bowl of them, just take a bite between tastes so your pallet is set up for the next wine. 11. Ask questions. Once you get to the tasting bar, don’t be a passive taster, engage the wine server and ask a lot of questions. They are excited about the wines and want to share their knowledge with you. Remember, a winery visit is about the full experience, not just the wines. Ya never know, the servers may pour you a wine that is not on

the menu, or better yet, do some barrel tasting. Connect with the servers and they will likely remember you the next time you visit. I typically like to ask the servers what wineries THEY like to visit, so I get the inside scoop of a region I am unfamiliar with. 12. Venture outside your comfort zone. Occasionally I like to move outside my preferred types of wine (I like reds, and typically just go for reds). Sometimes the wine server mentions an outstanding Chardonnay or Viognier, etc. So I take the risk and go for it. I am usually not disappointed.

What Goes“Good” With Wine? Hint: It’s a cheesy answer. Well lots of things go GREAT with wine but one of the all-time winning combinations is wine and cheese, of course! Consider what these two great tastes have in common: • Both date back to ancient times (wine 10,000 years – cheese 4,000 years). • Both are a product of fermentation, and most producers maintain high quality standards and appellations. • Both are a reflection of their “terroir”, a French word that is the collective term for the conditions of climate, soil, altitude, topography. Grapes grow in the same area that grows the feed for the cows, sheep and goats that produce the milk that makes the cheese. • Both are alive and will continually change as they age. Researching information for this article, we were amazed at the hundreds of varieties of cheese available worldwide and right here in Southern California. Just like pairing a wine with a meal can enhance both, finding just the right match of cheese and wine can make both taste better and add to the experience. What is it that makes this combination so magical, and how can you tell what pairs with what? Actually, it’s a matter of chemistry. Almost all wine is highly acidic and it’s the acidic taste that makes your mouth water and creates that burst of saliva and it’s enzymes, which help boost the flavor of food. Tannin, which is the astringent substance in the skins, stems, and grape seeds and in oak barrels, gives red wine its body and texture and allows wine to develop more complex flavor over time. However, protein (like a well-grilled steak or a wedge of cheese) can smooth tannin’s impact on the tongue, which is why wine and cheese or red wine and steak are classic combinations. The protein and fat in cheese or beef coat your tongue and mellow the tannic taste, and the tannin keeps the cheese or beef from tasting greasy and heavy. There is a school of “cheese-thought” that believes that the best wine and cheese pairings are a matter of “terroir”, pairing regional wine with the same region’s cheese. However, with advances in technology of irrigation and transportation, terroir might not be as important a factor as it once was. Today more “foodies” are suggesting pairings of complimentary tastes, regardless of where the tastes were produced. Sweeter wine with saltier cheese. Creamy cheese will taste better with a wine with higher acidity. Other general guidelines include: • The harder the cheese, the higher level of tannin a wine can have. • The whiter and fresher the cheese, the crisper and fruitier the wine. • Heavy rich cheeses will partner with light reds and Chardonnay.

• Strong veined cheeses usually demand a sweeter wine. Our Winemaker, Mike Calabro, suggests the following cheese pairings for the wines included in this shipment. • Our Quartet Blanc is a dynamic blend of four white varietals from the Temecula Valley – Semillon, Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier, and Chardonnay. Mike suggests a mild flavored cheese such as cream cheese, Créme Fraiche, mozzarella, fontina or Monterey Jack. • Our 2002 Temecula Merlot has nuances of rich blackberry, raspberry, and oak with nice tannins. Mike suggests Old Cheddar, Gouda or Manchego. (Those of you who live in the Temecula Valley might like to try this wine with some award-winning Gouda cheese from Winchester Cheese Company. See their web site at www.winchestercheese.com) Now, in the interest of science and good advice, we conducted a Wine and Cheese Pairing test with our intrepid Winery Staff. (Hey, it’s a tough job, but someone’s got to do it!) On a sunny, warm Friday afternoon, we lined up 11 different types of cheese and paired them with each of the wines that are included in this shipment. The results were surprising! The pairing which received the highest score was our 2002 Temecula Merlot with a lovely, richly-veined Gorgonzola cheese. Close second favorites with the Merlot were our own local Gouda cheese and a tasty sharp cheddar. Favorite pairings with our Quartet Blanc were a nice imported Havarti and a fresh mozzarella cheese. The best thing about pairing is that you might have to try many combinations before you find one that suits your palate. Then, the vintage year of your favorite wine will change and you might have to start the experiment all over! Want to learn more about wine and cheese pairing? Join us for a fun and informative afternoon of international cheeses and delicious Wilson Creek wines on Saturday, March 4th from 5:30 PM ‘til 7:30 PM. A Wine Club (and guests) exclusive event! Price is just $20 for Wine Club members and $25 for each guest. Call (951) 699-WINE (9463) to reserve your place today!

Our intrepid winery staff at work.

What Rosie’s got cookin’– Rosie Wilson found this gourmet make-ahead appetizer at epicurious.com from Gourmet Magazine, July 1994.

Spicy Cumin Cheese Straws 4 oz extra-sharp Cheddar cheese, shredded fine (about 1 1/4 c) 1/2 tsp ground cumin 1/4 tsp cayenne (or to taste) 1 sheet (about 1/2 pound) frozen puff pastry thawed Egg wash (made by beating 1 large egg with 2 tsp water) 1 tablespoon cumin seed Coarse sea salt (to taste) These cheese straws may be assembled and frozen ahead of time and then baked at the last minute. Alternatively, they can be put together and baked the day before serving and kept in an airtight container, though they will not be as crisp as just-baked cheese straws. Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less. In a small bowl toss together cheese, ground cumin, and cayenne. On a lightly floured surface roll out pastry into a 14 by 12 inches rectangle and brush with some egg wash. Cut pastry in half crosswise, forming two 12 by 7 inches rectangles. Sprinkle cheese over 1 rectangle and top with other rectangle, egg wash side down, pressing it firmly to force out any air pockets. Roll pastry out slightly to make layers adhere (rectangle should be about 12 1/2 by 7 1/2 inches). Brush pastry with some remaining egg wash and sprinkle evenly with cumin seed and sea salt. With a pastry wheel or sharp knife, cut pastry into strips about 7 1/2 inches long and 1/2 inch wide. Twist strips and arrange on baking sheets, pressing ends onto sheet to keep strips twisted. Cheese straws may be prepared up to this point two weeks ahead. Freeze cheese straws on baking sheets 1 hour, or until frozen, and transfer to a resealable freezer bag. Do not thaw cheese straws before proceeding. Preheat oven to 425 degrees and grease two baking sheets. Arrange half of cheese straws about 1 inch apart on one baking sheet and bake in middle of oven 10 to 12 minutes, or until pale golden. Bake remaining cheese straws in same manner. Serve cheese straws warm at room temperature. Makes about 24 cheese straws.

The Great

New Year’s Champagne Taste Test! Long-time “Extended Family” member, Margaret Powell, tells the story of a champagne taste test with some surprising results! (Not surprising to those of us who LOVE Wilson Creek Almond Champagne!). At a New Year’s Eve gathering not long ago, Margaret’s daughter, Debbie, was ready to go. A Champagne taste test, that was the plan, to see which bubbly was the best in the land! Guests were asked to bring champagne. Bottles were gathered of varying fame. All were placed in plain brown bags and all the guests prepared to brag! ”The champagne that I brought is the best! It is sure to win the test!” But, lo, when all the tasting was done only one champagne had really won. The guests exclaimed “Oh my gosh!” ”The stuff in bottle 5 is REALLY posh!” Margaret and Debbie shared a look and a smile and kept the secret for a while. The Dom Perignon was indeed delicious Cristal was delightful and Moet was luscious, But after all the sipping was done, Wilson Creek’s Almond Champagne had won! So, Chocolate Port was poured for all to enjoy. The other guests were not really annoyed, Cuz they had found a new taste treat! Wilson Creek Almond Champagne is hard to beat!

Remember - We still hope to make a Wilson Creek “Extended Family” Cookbook, so email your favorite recipes today! [email protected]

CHECK THIS OUT! FREE FABULOUS FOOD ALFRESCO! That’s a fancy way of saying that you can win a free gourmet picnic lunch at Wilson Creek Winery for four people. That’s right, your day will include catered box lunch picnic, complimentary bottle of chilled Almond Champagne and four of the highly coveted “Extended Family” Wine Club glasses, TO KEEP! On a day of your choice, your gourmet picnic will be arranged for you in our relaxing lower garden, complete with linens, flowers, the works! All you have to do to enter is go to the Wine Club section on our web site and click on the WIN A GOURMET PICNIC link. Good Luck!

Editor’s note: For sharing her story, Margaret gets a complimentary bottle of our Almond Champagne with a customized label to enjoy. Thanks Margaret! (Poetic license by Wine Club Manager, Lisa Cherry)

WINE CLUB

Members’Feedback NEW Wine Club member James Parker of Riverside, CA writes... “We visited your winery on January 1, 2006 and Cyndy did a great job serving us. She did the little extra things that made our visit memorable. In fact, we joined the Wine Club that day. She did a good job.” John Wortsman of Los Angeles, CA writes... “ We just got a bottle of Almond Champagne from friends with the J.D.R.F logo on the label. As the father of a daughter with diabetes... I thank you for your support.” Erin Heim writes... “Your concierge service is wonderful – thanks! It looks like the hotel situation is not working for us so we will have to pass on the New Year’s eve tickets... we will definitely mark our calendars for next year and make reservations far in advance. Thanks again!”

Wine Club Information CHECK OUT OUR WEB SITE! Wilson Creek Winery's web site is up and we're getting great feedback from you, our valued "Extended Family" members! Please note that we need to have your email address on file in order for the online store to recognize you as a Wine Club member. So, if you haven't already provided us with this information, please email us at [email protected] today! Remember, as a member of our "family," you can rest assured knowing that we will never spam nor share your information with anyone! Meanwhile, we invite you to visit our site at www.wilsoncreekwinery.com!

MOVING? Let us know when and where and we’ll send you FREE Almond Champagne to celebrate! That’s right, give us your update in advance and you’ll have a certificate good for a FREE bottle of Almond Champagne waiting for you when you get there! However, don’t go and move just to get free champagne!

FREE PERSONALIZED LABEL FOR REFERRING A FRIEND Remember, you get a FREE bottle of Almond Champagne with a personalized label on it with each person you refer to the Wine Club. Just have them write your name on the application when they sign up, so we can ship the FREE Champagne to you.

WINE CLUB GLASSES Remember, those large Wine Club glasses you taste out of STAY AT THE WINERY so we can wash them for other Wine Club guests. They are available for $9.95.

Ruth Denton of Orleans Park, Illinois writes about our wonderful shipping department: “My shipment was received yesterday! What a wonderful surprise!!! It was packaged great and all arrived safely... thank you for your fabulous service!!! I never dreamed I’d receive this so quickly. Now I just have to wait to try it!!!!” Suzette Caddell of Villa Park, CA writes... “I went there in July and was greeted by JR. He was very friendly, gave plenty of advise and I was convinced to join your Club. I am returning this week and hope he is still there.” (Editor’s Note: At our recent employee award event, JR was awarded The Nordstrom Award for service above and beyond the call of duty! A well deserved congratulations to JR from all of us!) Nancy Fields of Simi Valley, CA writes... “I visited your winery last weekend, and cannot say how happy I am with your wines. I have told so many of my clients about your wonderful Almond wine, chocolate port wine, and sherry wine. I told them all they must come there and sample your wines and buy some. My husband and I bought a case!!”

NEW TASTING ROOM MANAGER Meet Steve, our new Tasting Room Manager. His job is to make your visit fun, informative, and memorable. Steve encourages customer feedback, good and bad. So if you have any comments or suggestions, you can email Steve at [email protected] Seriously, he welcomes it! He wants to make this place even better, so when you visit, you will have an amazing experience.

Steve

EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT – Meet Barbara, our Wine Club Administrator who comes to us from Barbara Saranac Lake, NY by way of Tucson, Arizona. Barb, her husband and two daughters have been in the Temecula Valley for about 7 months and are enjoying their new town. Barb loves talking to our Wine Club members either on the phone or in person and is looking forward to the Jazz Season where she gets to meet and greet our “Extended Family” members at the complimentary Champagne Receptions hosted for ticketed members and their guests!

We’d love to hear from you! Call (951) 699-WINE, visit our web site at www.wilsoncreekwinery.com, or email us at [email protected] 35960 Rancho California Road • Temecula, CA 92591 • (951) 699-9463 • Fax: (951) 695-9463