PLEASE JOIN US: AMERICAN WINE & FOOD FESTIVAL

Please join us at this great event for a good cause September 25, 2010. Many of the world's top chefs and wine and spirit purveyors will gather on the beautifully lighted backlot of Universal Studios, Los Angeles, to raise a celebratory glass in support of the Meals On Wheels Programs of Los Angeles.

On the evening of September 25, 2010, a pantheon of food and beverage stars will exercise their considerable talents for the enjoyment of over 2,700 food and wine enthusiasts. The opportunity to sample exceptional dishes prepared by an internationally acclaimed group of chefs will be accompanied by live music, dancing, and a silent auction.

Since its inception in 1982, this Puck-Lazaroff Charitable Foundation event has raised more than $15 million for the Meals On Wheels Programs of Los Angeles, which serve thousands of meals each day to Los Angeles’ homebound, senior and disabled citizens. Learn more and purchase tickets at information www.awff.org

AROUND THE RANCH

Our new Cabernet Sauvignon crop, July 2010

The Family gathered at the Ranch over the 4th of July and as expected it was hot but not triple digits. When we look to the South and see the typical early morning fog and cooler climate of Sonoma and parts of Napa Valley, we welcome the warm days and cool nights in Potter Valley. It makes for wonderful growing conditions for the grapes. All varietals are doing well. We are excited about the our first Sauvignon Blanc bottling early next year and a big crop of Cabernet Sauvignon that we hope will be ready for release in the Fall of 2013. For those of you that may recall, 2013 will be the 50 year anniversary for Kimwood Ranch.

No sightings of the European Grapevine Moth [EGVM] have been found in our valley or in the neighboring regions. That is good. Hopefully early action on the part of the County and grape growers have prevented the moth from establishing itself in the area. Since the moth does go through various stages of development from larvae to adult, continued monitoring will be required before we can all relax.

OUR 2007 MERLOT – BRINGIN' HOME THE AWARDS ...

The 2007 Merlot was submitted to both the Riverside International Wine Competition and the San Francisco International Wine Competition in the last few months. Both are considered to be major wine competitions in California. With over 1900 wines submitted in Riverside and 3800 wines in San Francisco, we were very pleased to have the Merlot receive a SILVER in Riverside and a GOLD Medal in San Francisco.

As soon as we get both medals in hand, we will post a picture in an upcoming newsletter. It is gratifying to have others agree with our assessment of the Merlot's quality and recognize the wine with an award.

DINING OUT WITH KIMMEL VINEYARDS

Wayne Jandoc with Gay & Gary Kimmel at Saddles Steakhouse in Sonoma

The newest restaurant to add our wine is Saddles Steakhouse located in MacArthur Place in Sonoma. MacArthur Place is an Historic County Inn and Spa often written about in major travel magazines.

Saddles Steakhouse has been consistently rated "The Best Steakhouse in Wine Country" specializing in chops and fresh seafood along with its steaks. Their wine list offers an outstanding selection of California wines and has earned The Wine Spectator's "Best Award of Excellence."

Saddles' lobby in the estate's historical barn offers comfortable leather sofas and an open air veranda for outdoor dining. The Martini Bar offers over 14 types of martinis in addition to the wonderful wine selections put together by Wayne Jandoc. Wayne grew up on the big island of Hawaii and spent many years at five star hotels before joining Saddles eight years ago. Remember to say hi to Wayne on your visit and tell him you are a Friend of Kimmel Vineyards.

View all restaurants carrying Kimmel Vineyards wines>

California Spirit XXVI...

Kimmel Vineyards is pleased to have been invited by Chef Wolfgang Puck and Sommelier Chris Miller to participate in the 2010 California Spirit XXVI Gourmet Gala benefiting the American Cancer Society on California Spirit at the PDCSunday, August 8. Celebrating its 26th year, California Spirit is a much-anticipated event with a well-established reputation as one of the most prestigious charity galas in California. Wolfgang has gathered renowned chefs from around Los Angeles to create their finest culinary creations to be served with premium California wines, live entertainment, and live and silent auctions. Approximately 800 guests will attend this event along with Sherry Lansing and Barbara Lazaroff who have both supported the event since its inception. The new 2008 Chardonnay and 2007 Merlot will be poured. The 2007 Merlot will also be served for the VIP reception preceding the event.

JOIN US AT THE USD WINE CLASSIC ...

The 2nd Annual USD Wine Classic will be held July 25 at the University of San Diego and is looking to be another great event with 600 guests in attendance. This year there are 25 wineries including our Friends from Madrigal Vineyards and Karl Lawrence.

Bruce Regalia is conducting a feature before the wine tasting event called "The Art of the Blend" from 12:30-1:45 PM. In this special pre-event tasting, Bruce will explore with the participants the components of a single vineyard Chardonnay to show how they contribute to the final blend prior to bottling. He will demonstrate the influence of oak [new vs. old] and cooperage, malolactic fermentation, barrel fermented vs. stainless steel and then show how they all meld together in the finished wine. The Family had a preview on June 29 as we tasted the components from the 2009 vintage that Bruce will share with the tasting. We think the 2009 Chardonnay is going to be very nice and will showcase Bruce's talent. There are currently over 40 people signed up for Bruce's event and they will not be disappointed.There should still be a few tickets left but do not wait until the last minute and miss a great Sunday afternoon tasting over 50 wines. Go now to www.usdwineclassic.com.

SUMMER IS HERE, AND THE SHIPPING AIN'T EASY!...

With the warm weather around the Country, it is difficult to ship wine without taking the chance they will affected by the heat. For those close enough to Gary or Jim to get local delivery, call and make your requests known. If you need it for a special occasion, let us know and we can check on delivery options. Trust that we will do what we can to get our wine to our Friends.