Budbreak has finally arrived in the Sierra Foothills. The Lupines and Poppies are blooming and we have lots of sunshine. Come visit Stevenot Winery to experience the beauty of the vineyards in Spring and taste what is new at the winery. Did I mention that our recently released 2006 estate grown Stevenot Cabernet Sauvignon is fabulous? Cheers!

Join Irish Family Vineyards April 19th and many other wineries as we poor some of our favorite wines.

Wine tasting in Livingston
The seventh annual Court Theater Wine and Cheese Affair will take place at the Veterans Hall in Livingston on April 19 from 2 to 5 p.m. The tasting will feature the wines from Frogs Tooth and Irish Winery from Murphys and various Gallo wines from Livingston. Tickets are $30 and are available at the Livingston City Hall or by calling (209) 394-7456.

Spring is upon us and the warmer weather is just around the corner. Now is the perfect time to visit Irish Family Vineyards and stock up on your white wines, perfect for drinking chilled on a hot summers day.
Current white wine selections include: Pinot Grigio, Viognier, Chardonnay, Malvasia Bianca, Gewürztraminer, Kilkenny White (Chenin Blanc, Pinot Grigio and Viognier blend)and our popular Apricot wine.
Visit the tasting room Mon,Tues,Fri,Sat or Sun. or order online at www.irishvineyards.net

Join Irish Family Vineyards at Columbia State Park for a great wine tassting experience.

Columbia College Foundation hosts Columbia Wine Tasting on Apr. 19, 2009

One of the most popular events every spring in the Sierra foothills is the Columbia Wine Tasting – now in its 33rd year. Representatives from over 50 wineries will be represented at this year’s tasting at Columbia State Historic Park on Sunday, Apr. 19 from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.

Sponsored by the Columbia College Foundation, the well-attended event draws patrons not only locally but also from throughout the state. It’s a benefit for the Columbia College Culinary Program and proceeds go toward scholarships for deserving culinary students and purchases of essential program materials and equipment that otherwise would not be possible.

The college’s culinary program is accredited by the American Culinary Federation. The ACF is the national accrediting commission for culinary and pastry education programs at post-secondary institutions and secondary programs.

Those attending the wine tasting will also be treated to scrumptious hors d’oeuvres, prepared by local food purveyors. That includes the Columbia College culinary students, who continually try to outdo their tasty creations from each previous year.

Most of all, the Columbia Wine Tasting is the way to spend an enjoyable afternoon strolling through one of California’s famous historic state parks, a completely restored gold rush-era mining town. Wine and hors d’oeuvres will be served at several convenient tasting stations located on the park grounds.

Event tickets are $45 each and available through a message phone at (209) 588-5089. Information and printable reservations forms can be found online at gocolumbia.edu/Foundation -- then click on “Foundation Upcoming Events.” Interested individuals can also contact the Columbia College Foundation, 11600 Columbia College Drive, Sonora, CA 95370.

www.irishvineyards.net

Join the Chiarella family at Angels Share Wine Shop in Modesto on April 24 from 6 to 8 pm. Meet the winemaker/owners, enjoy stimulating conversation, and sip delicious wines including new releases: Our '07 Estate Barbera and Sierra Foothill Zinfandel! Nathan and Carlyn look forward to meeting you, and can't wait to reunite with wine club friends from the valley! This is THE way to start your weekend--don't miss out. See you there!

(Angels Share is located at 2101 Sylvan Ave, ste 101, Modesto, CA 95355)

Book your spot today!
Live Murder mystery with Dinner. $85.00 per person.
Dinner by Ken Churches Catering.

Mrs. Witherspoons Reading of the will and murder by Murder Productions.com - San Francisco
Here is a brief write up of the action:


THE SETTING for this mystery takes place at cocktail hour, followed by dinner that begins with the presentation of the $80 Million Dollar Will from the late Dolly Witherspoon's estate. The Witherspoon name became famous during the last century, ever since Sir James Witherspoon came from England to California at the end of the Gold Rush. His fortune was made in the timber industry that thrived off the railroads and building of major cities throughout the Western States. His young widow, the 20-year old stage singer and actress, Dolly Witherspoon, outlived him by 60 years. Her reputation is well-known as she is one of San Francisco's wealthiest widows.

Dolly Witherspoon, 1926

The dinner guest list includes an eclectic mix of famous people all eager to hear if their name is listed as a recipient on the will. The suspects are an odd mix; including the likes of playboy Biff Bodine, super-model Nada Klugh, Nurse Lippkiss, Gertrude Whiner and Sean Connery. Screams are heard just before dinner and a dead man suddenly appears lying on the floor. Detective Schlitt arrives on the scene to untangle this sordid and often comedic tale of clues, alibis and lies.

All participants will be mailed an invitation with the name of the Character that they will arrive as (all famous people) we ask that you get into character through dress, hairstyle, voice, mannerisms, etc.


Great fun will be had. Door prizes for the best costume.

You do not want to miss his fun event.
Mention this blog and receive $15.00 off of each ticket.

April is typically the time of year that our vineyard manager is robbed of his sleep, and 2009 has already claimed two nights. Following on the heels of 2008, remembered for some of the worst frost damage we have seen in 30 years, 2009 is looking more promising. We have run our frost protection system for the last two nights with great success, and are anticipating warmer temperatures in the coming days and weeks. While frost protection is very challenging and exhausting, the following morning's arrival into work reveals an icy winter wonderland, as the vines are covered in water which freezes and insulates the emerging buds from snapping off. It reminds us that there is beauty to be found in an otherwise ugly circumstance.

We have released our 2007 Gran Reserva Muscat Canelli, much to the delight of its loyal followers. 100% estate grown, the wine displays intense rose petal, dried apricot, peach and mango, with a creamy toffee finish. At 7.5% residual sugar, it's sure to please as a decadent treat after dinner, or alongside a spicy sushi appetizer. We'd love to hear your impressions and pairing ideas: info@stevenotwinery.com Cheers!