Grapevine Radio Show airing Saturday, August 23, 2008

An exciting show that opens with internationally known author and TV-Radio show host (Nat Decants) Natalie Maclean.

Followed by David and Beth Nagangast winemaker/owners of Paso Robles newest winery, Cinquain Winery.

For dessert we have Chef Tom Fundaro of Villa Creek Restaurant in Paso. His handmade shortbread black pepper crackers alone have left patrons swooning.

Winemaking Not for Amateurs

Or... "Don't Try This at Home, Part Deux"

Jane Anson in Bordeaux
October 23, 2008 – Two amateur winemakers died last weekend treading grapes for home-made wine.

Daniel Moulin, 48, and Gérard Dachis, 50, of Roiffieux, northern Ardeche died from carbon dioxide poisoning. They were crushing grapes in the traditional manner with their feet, in a vat that was approximately four square metres in size.

The grapes belonged to a small-scale winemaker who had recruited three friends to help vinify his 2008 vintage. The wine was intended purely for personal use. It is thought that, with inadequate ventilation, they were rendered unconscious by the carbon dioxide fumes that are produced during fermentation. The two men did not regain consciousness, despite attempts to resuscitate them.

The owner of the estate, and the other friend who was helping with the winemaking, survived.
A fireman and the third friend were also treated for inhalation of carbonic gas in a hospital in Annonay. An autopsy to confirm the cause of death is due to be carried out this week, Le Post newspaper reports.

Source: www.decanter.com

The photo is a Wine Spa in Japan, containing real red wine. The huge wine bottle is 3.6m tall. Bathing in wine is a rejuvenation treatment for the body, and it has been said that the Queen of Egypt, Cleopatra loved to bath in wine.
There are regular performances of pouring real wine into the spa a few times a day.
Come San Luis Obispo County wineries, let's build one of these!

The Spice Girls and Boys Invade U.S.

I'm dreaming of dinner at Thai Palace with a bottle of Wolff Vineyards dry Riesling. Heaven.
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By Sarah Hills, 02-Oct-2008

The Hispanic and Asian influence on the US food and beverage market is growing stronger as ethnic flavors become mainstream and the spending power of these cultural groups increases, according to an industry expert.

Asians and Hispanics are no longer a minority in large cities across the US and census figures predict that they will form a majority by 2050, according to John Corella, spokesman for the Expo Comida Latina and All Asia Food industry event which will take place this month.

The result is more food and drinks specifically targeting these groups, as well as capturing a wider market of consumers who enjoy their culinary influence.

Corella said: “There are a lot of products coming out that are uniquely flavored to address the cultural shift.

“The US is becoming spicier”

He gave the example of lime flavored products with chili, which is typically Hispanic. There are also more fresh and frozen vegetables of Asian origin and the ingredients used in products can also target certain markets.

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