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Monique Soltani

Wednesday, February 8, 2012

Wine Wednesdays

Love is in the Air at Les Chenes

A look into a local Valentine's Day getaway.

If a trip to the South of France tops your wish list for a romantic rendezvous but doesn't exactly match your budget don't fret. We are helping you get a taste of France in your own backyard. In this week's Wine Wednesday, Monique Soltani heads to Les Chênes Estate Vineyards for a sneak peak of their Valentine's Day extravaganza. Amor de Les Chenes 12 to 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 11 and Sunday, Feb. 12. Les Chenes Estate Vineyards 5562 Victoria Lane, Livermore, CA, 94550

Wednesday, January 18, 2012

Wine Wednesdays

A Day Dedicated to Cabernet

Charles R Vineyards hosts a "Cab"ulous event.

This family run winery started making wine in 2004 and hasn't looked back since. With 100 percent of their grapes sourced from the Livermore Valley, Charles R Vineyards shows us why this soil is so special it should be celebrated. Monique Soltani shows us why one of the valley's greatest grapes gets its very own day. Upcoming Events: 3rd Annual "Cab-Stravaganza!" Date & Time: 12 to 4:30 p.m. Saturday Who: Charles R Vineyards Where: 8195 Crane Ridge Road, in Livermore Cost: $5 Join us for this red wine lover’s favorite event. What’s better in the middle of winter than a hearty glass of Cab? If you are a fan of this iconic grape, this is the event for you. We will feature lots of Cab-fun — special tastings, opportunities to purchase library …

Wednesday, December 28, 2011

Wine Wednesdays

A Century of Chardonnay

This week's Wine Wednesdays segment features Karl Wente.

2012 marks a century since Wente brought Chardonnay to California. In this week's Wine Wednesdays, Monique Soltani heads to Wente Family Estates and finds out how the grape ended up in the Golden State. 

Wednesday, December 21, 2011

Wine Wednesdays

Local Winemaker Turns Passion into Profession

An inside look at John Christopher Cellars.

It was a love affair with the, Little Grape that Could, that started it all. Tom Doczy's passion for Petite Sirah was the inspiration behind his business. In this week's Wine Wednesdays, Monique Soltani heads to John Christopher Cellars and shows us the secret to his success after more than three decades in the wine business. John Christopher Cellars Blacksmith Square, 25 S. Livermore Ave, Suite 103 Phone: 925-456-WINE (9463) Hours: Thursday, Friday: 2 to 6 p.m., Saturday, Sunday: 12 to 6 p.m. Recipe Recommended by JCC to pair with their Petite Sirah: Hearty Beef Stew Clove Scented Beef from Rome (Garofolato di Manzo alla Romana) Place a large Dutch oven over medium heat and film the bottom with olive oil. Add the pancetta and let it …

Monique Soltani

8:04 am on Friday, December 23, 2011

I am so happy you liked the recipe and the story! Have a wonderful holiday! Monique:)   more ›

Wednesday, December 14, 2011

Wine Wednesdays

In the Wine Country Kitchen

Cedar Mountain Winery shares and pairs a special recipe found in Livermore Wine Country's cookbook.

Livermore Wine Country has its very own cookbook. Fifteen years ago local vintners got together to dish the secrets to their culinary creations — and today they are sharing them with you! In this week's Wine Wednesdays, Monique Soltani heads to Cedar Mountain Winery and shows us what's cooking in wine country. The Cooking a Honker cookbook is available at local Livermore wineries as well as on Amazon.com.

Wednesday, December 7, 2011

Wine Wednesdays

Jim Concannon Gives History Behind Honker Cookbook

Monique Soltani sits down with local wine legend for a trip back in time.

Call it a blast from Livermore Wine Country's past: Cooking a Honker, was published in 1996 and it's coming back to life just in time for the holiday shopping season. In this week's Wine Wednesdays, Monique Soltani chats with wine legend Jim Concannon and finds this cookbook does more than just dish out recipes, it takes you on a trip back in time. Honkin’ Holiday Food Fest: 12 to 5 p.m., Sunday Les Chenes: Sugar-Browned Potatoes with 2010 Estate Rose of Mourvedre Longevity: Tomato Basil soup paired with 2009 Tempranillo from Frydendal Vineyards in Livermore McGrail Vineyards: Turkey and Black Bean Chili, paired with 2007 McGrail Vineyards Patriot Cabernet Sauvignon Nottingham Cellars: Zesty Pumpkin Soup paired with 2009 Chardonnay …

Monique Soltani

2:32 pm on Wednesday, December 7, 2011

Thank you all SOOO much for taking the time to comment! The book is for sale at the local wineries as well as Amazon.com! Monique:)))))   more ›

Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Wine Wednesdays

Donate a Toy, Sip on Wine and Toast to the Holidays!

Local wineries to celebrate holiday season by helping bring gifts to needy children.

Livermore Valley Wine Country is toasting to an annual tradition festive enough to make even the greenest Grinch change his tune from Bah, humbug to Ho Ho Ho! In this week's Wine Wednesdays, Monique Soltani shows us how Holidays in the Vineyards has Santa Claus coming to town...literally!  Holidays in the Vineyards Date: Saturday, December 3 & Sunday, December 4 Time: 12 to 5 p.m. Cost: Tasting fee varies by winery Location: Participating Livermore Valley Winery tasting rooms Participating wineries include: Bent Creek Winery, Big White House, Bodegas Aguirre Winery, Cedar Mountain Winery, Charles R Vineyards, Chouinard Vineyards, Concannon Vineyard, Crooked Vine Winery, Cuda Ridge Wines, Darcie Kent Vineyards, Eagle Ridge Vineyard, el Sol…

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

Wine Wednesdays

Thanksgiving Dinner and Livermore Wine Pairing

How to please any palate this holiday season.

Nothing makes a Thanksgiving meal better than a bottle or two of Livermore's finest wine. If you're still stuck on what to sink your teeth into this Turkey Day you're in luck. In this week's Wine Wednesdays, Monique Soltani heads to Zephyr Grill & Bar for a non-traditional take on Thanksgiving!

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Wine Wednesdays

Winemaker's Pour House a Downtown Hot Spot

New downtown restaurant brings Livermore's wine country under one roof.

Call it a one-stop shop for Livermore Valley Wine Country. In just 30 days two women turned their dream of opening a locals only food and wine hot spot into a reality. In this week's Wine Wednesdays, Monique Soltani shows us what's on tap at The Winemaker's Pour House! Featured Livermore Valley Wineries:

Monique Soltani

5:00 pm on Thursday, November 17, 2011

Love all the love for the Winemaker's Pour House! Keep up the great work gals! Monique:)   more ›

Wednesday, November 9, 2011

Wine Wednesdays

A Place for Perfect Pairings

PICAZO Vineyards: A Food and Wine Affair

This local winery was first rooted in Merlot but has since become one of the Valley's best Bordeaux blends. In this week's Wine Wednesdays, Monique Soltani heads to PICAZO Vineyards Italian villa-style where they are blending wine, culture and cuisine. PICAZO private visits are by appointment at their vineyard site in Livermore, or at their cave in Napa, where they produce wines, feature private tours, and offer barrel and vintage tastings.

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