Important Notice:  We will be closed Tuesday, March 16.  We will re-open on Wednesday at noon.

Beginning on Friday (March 12), and continuing through the following week, we’ll pour Flights of  Mixed Reds and Whites.                                                                                             

Our Mixed Red Flight will include:

• Cana 2007 Ryland Malbec Contra Costa Co
• Grey Wolf 2007 Instinctual Grenache-Syrah Paso Robles
• Joyce 2006 Merlot Francis Vyd Hames Valley Monterey
• Asuncion Ridge 2007   3 Sum Paso Robles
• Opaque 2006 Petit Verdot Paso Robles

Our  Mixed White Flight will include:

• Preston 2008 Sauvignon Blanc Dry Creek
• Kaena 2008 Hapa Blanc Santa Ynez valley
• Cleb 2008 Vino Blanco Santa Ynez Valley
• Spann 2007 Chardonnay-Viognier North Coast
• Martin Alfaro 2007 Chardonnay Meyley Vyd Santa Cruz Mountains

Based on sales last week, the most popular  red wines were the Costa De Oro 2008 Pinot Noir Santa Maria Valley and the Tin House 2005 Pinot Noir  Edna Valley.  The best selling white was the Boekenoogen 2008 Chardonnay Santa Lucia Highlands. 

Wine Classes.   We are planning to offer more Wine 101 classes later in the year  The next two such classes will be on May 15  and August 7.   An additional 101 class will be in  November.   These classes will cost $35.00.  In between these classes, we will schedule a variety of “Subject Specific”classes.  Some of these classes may cost more than $35.00 depending on the wines/curriculum.   We’ll update you on those classes as they are developed.  Seating is usually limited to 12 persons and reservations are necessary.  You can either go to Elizabeth’s site at www.winewisdomandwit.com, where you can click on “C W&C Class” and pre-pay via Paypal or call 626-358-6500 and reserve your space in the class  In that instance, please plan to pay  at the class by check or cash directly to Elizabeth.

Our next Wine Class will be on March 20 at 3:00pm.  The class will focus on different wine regions of California.  The class will cost $35.00.  Please see the above paragraph for details on registering for this class.

This Saturday evening, we invite you to join us  and meet our newest artist, William Martin.  This past week, we installed his  show of black and white photography on the West Wall.  His pictures cover a wide range of geography from California to Maine.  His focus is on the outdoors, but you can almost walk into his stunning photo titles “Maine – Waiting” and imagine so much of the past.  Bill will be in the shop from 6 to 8:00pm  this Saturday evening.

Stop by Sunday afternoons when we’re joined by Norman Davis who plays classical and light jazz pieces for a couple hours.  His guitar playing provides a relaxing back drop to the whole wine and cheese experience. The music starts at 3:30PM.

Tax Free Wednesdays.   On Wednesdays,  all retail purchases will be discounted 9.75%.    As previously noted,  this discount will not compound with others already available.

The Cheese Corner

We’re not into green beer or wine, and I don’t even want to think about green cheese!  Next week though, many will celebrate St. Patrick’s Day  and Jeff has insured that we have the larder full of Irish cheeses.  In addition to thhose Celtic favorites that are so often in stock, Jeff has brought back Ardrahan, a saltwater washed rind cheese from the west of County Cork.  The attractive nectarine colored rind and duo of chalky and creamy  textures will only increase your enjoyment  with a pint of stout.  Not here in the shop of course, but Jeff can steer you to the wine best suited to Ardrahan.

Oh, and those other Irish cheeses that are likewise available are Cahill’s with Porter, Cahill’s with Whiskey, Cashel Blue and Tipperary Cheddar.   Faith n’ Begarrah!  Something for every palate!

Upcoming Events:

On March 19, we will host Winemaker Jon Phillips in the shop.  Jon will present five wines from Inspiration Vineyards located in the Russian River Valley.  The tasting will be from 5:30 to 8:30pm.  Jon  will be pouring a Chardonnay, a Viognier, two Zinfandels and a Pinot Noir.

Bistro 45 will offer a Wine Dinner accompanied by the wines of Hahn Estate, Santa Lucia Highlands, on the evening of March 29.  Watch for details at www.bistro45.com Bistro 45 is located at 45 S. Mentor Ave., Pasadena, CA.  Contact the restaurant at  (626) 795-2478.

On Tuesday, May 4, Noir Food and Wine will feature Winemaker Dan Goldfield. As many as ten Dutton Goldfield wines will be poured, all paired with a dinner menu created by Claud Beltran. Go to the web site at www.noirfoodandwine.com to make you reservations.