Annual Santa Clause Party

BookCliff Vineyards would like to invite you to our annual Santa Clause Party at the winery. On Saturday, December 4th from 1:00 - 6:00 pm, we will celebrate Santa Claus Day. The tradition of Saint Nicholas Day, usually on 6 December, is a festival for children in many countries around the world when Santa brings treats and sweets. This year he is again bringing Colorado wine and appetizers to our winery for you. There will also be some great discounts including 20% off a case (12 bottles) of wine and VIP members take an additional 5% off. So join us for a glass of wine and help ring in the holiday season.

Date: Saturday, December 4th

Time: 1:00 - 6:00 p.m.

Place: The BookCliff Tasting Room and Winery

Drinking Colorado wine with others is better than drinking alone

Written by Jacob Harkins from ColoradoWino.com

"The tasting room is open. Well, the virtual one is about to be anyway. Following in the footsteps of wine social media guru Rick Bakas, we’ll be hosting the First Ever World Wide Colorado Wine Virtual Tasting.

The premise is simple: Drinking wine with others is better than drinking alone. Join us by popping a bottle of Colorado wine from about 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 10. Best part is you can do this in the comfort of your home.

The key to making this work is to use your computer or mobile device to talk about the wine you are drinking and Colorado’s industry in general. If you are a Twitter type, use the hashtag #colwine. Try Hootsuite, Tweet Deck or any other number of programs that allow you to add the feed for #colwine to make following the evening a breeze. If you prefer Facebook, we’ll be using the event page to post comments."

Click here to read the rest of the article.

New Wines

If you are a red wine lover come on over. We have Merlot, Ensemble, two Syrahs, Tempranillo, Cabernet Franc, Petite Sirah and of course the Friday's Folly to taste - a total of eight red wines. My favorite is the Petite Sirah 2009. Barely in the bottle it already received a gold medal and my sense is that it can achieve even more recognition. This dry red has a smooth finish for its young age, earthy yet elegant with lots of flavor in the body though lighter in alcohol at 13.5% - a perfect match with food. A beef roast, simply prepared, pairs well - I like mine marbled with some fat, marinated and cooked in a crock pot until the meat is soft an flakey. I also can imagine risotto with mixed mushrooms from Hazel Dell fresh from the Boulder Farmers Market. Come by soon to check out the new wines!

Back in the Saddle

Crush is here again. Where does the time go? Chardonnay grapes are crushed and the juice is just waiting to be turned into wine. We crushed about 3 tons of Chard yesterday for our first day this year. It went smoothly and was a pretty easy day. The grapes looked great and should make a nice wine. We are blessed that we didn't lose our vines with the cold weather last winter and we look forward to some great 2010 wines.

Beer Vs. Wine Slap-down Dinner

Upslope Brewing and BookCliff Vineyards are ready to pair off their brews with food prepared by Eric Skokan, chef and owner of the Black Cat Farm Table Bistro. Six rounds of local handcrafted wine, beer and food. Find out yourself what is the better match - beer or wine. There is limited seating. Make sure to call in your reservation for this one of a kind event.

Lucky 20 blend (dry white) & Pale Ale

-Crisp squash blossoms with Fromage Blanc and roasted chilies

2009 Viognier & Belgian Style Pale Ale

-Salad of greens from the Black Cat Farm with grilled Colorado peaches and spiced rabbit

2009 Dry Muscat Blanc & India Pale Ale

-Confit of pork shoulder with braised cabbage, apples and cardamom

2008 Merlot & Munich Dunkel

-Roasted duck breast with duck confit, plums and arugula

2009 Reserve Syrah & Foreign Stout

-Leg of lamb smoked in hay with figs, black pepper and polenta

NV Barrel Aged Black Muscat & Quadruple

-Anjou pear tart with roses, caramel and hazelnuts

When: Monday August 30th

Time: 6:00pm

Where: BookCliff Winery, 1501 Lee Hill Road Unit# 17, Boulder, CO 80303

Cost: $65.00

Reservations: (303) 499-7301

Photo Contest Winners

Congratulations to the winners of the BookCliff Vineyards Photo contest. First prize went to Lindsey and Brandon Drake for the photo on the right. Judy Grosswiler and Cynthia Allison both took the runner-up prizes. Thanks to everyone who submitted photos and to those that voted for their favorites at the winery.

Castle Rock WineFest This Weekend

The 2010 Castle Rock WineFest presents 25 of Colorado's top wineries showcasing their wine selections and spotlight today's winemakers who are revitalizing a Colorado tradition. Also, this year’s event will again see wine seminars & demonstrations, artisans/lifestyle vendors, entertainment and delicious cuisine... more here

Event Date: July 24, 2010

Time: 12:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Location: The Grange at The Meadows at Historic Castle Rock™ 3692 Meadows Boulevard, Castle Rock, CO 80109

Cost: $26 in advance; $36 after July 21, 2010

Visit http://castlerockwinefest.com for tickets and more info.

V.I.P. Program

What makes a VIP at BookCliff Vineyards? When you purchase one case of wine (12 bottles) not only do you get a 15% discount on that case, you are now entitled to the benefits of our VIP Program for one full year.

• 20% discount for purchase of >= 12 bottles
• 15% discount for purchases of < 12 bottles
  
• Invitations to special events
• And now: Free tastings for VIP members and their guests

These discounts are valid not only at the tasting rooms but also at farmer's markets. Renewal is easy - buy one case of wine. Offer good on mixed cases.

Dry Muscat Blanc

Spring is bottling season at most wineries and it has been a busy season at BookCliff Vineyards. In the past few weeks no less that seven different wines have been bottled and we still have a couple more coming up in the next few months. Some of the highlights include a special Chardonnay for the Black Cat Restaurant, a barrel-aged Black Muscat dessert wine and a dry Muscat Blanc.

You may be familiar with the Muscat Blanc (also called Moscato Bianco, Muscato Canelli...) grape from its other styles from around the globe. In 2008 BookCliff actually made a sweet Late Harvest style Muscat Blanc. You can also find sweet styles of the wine from places like Alsace, France or Asti, Italy, where they produce a lightly sparkling sweet wine from this grape. Not often will you find a dry version of this wine. Now you have the opportunity to try something new! The 2009 BookCliff Muscat Blanc is a dry white that is bursting with floral and tropical fruit aromas and is crisp and fruity on the palate. This is a wonderful summer wine that will be perfect for any picnic or BBQ. If you are a fan of Sauvignon Blanc, I think you will find some similar characteristics in this wine that you will love. So we encourage you to come on out to the tasting room to give our new wines a try!

2010 Photo Contest

This year the party will be on July 31, 2010. We’ll have live music from the beloved Jubal and food and a slide show on a PC with all the submitted photos. People attending the party can select the photo of their choice. The winning photos will posted on our website. The winners will also be awarded these prizes:

First prize: 12 bottles of Bookcliff wine of your choice.
First runner-up: 6 bottles of Bookcliff wine of your choice.
Second runner-up: 6 bottles of Bookcliff wine of your choice.

Contest Requirements:
Only two photos per entry.
The photos need to show a bottle or bottles of Bookcliff Vineyard’s wine in special places or on special occasions.
Submission deadline is Friday 7/23/2010
The winner will be selected Saturday July 31, 2010.
You do not need to be present to win. Please submit photos to our web site here.

Mozart with your Merlot

An evening with classical music. BookCliff wine (including some new releases!) paired with dinner prepared by Trattoria on Pearl, while you enjoy listening to a chamber string quartet at the BookCliff winery. Get into the summer fun and call for your reservation, as the event sells out quickly. The menu for the evening is as follows:

Duo appetizer platter of bruschetta napoletana and polenta cake topped with wild mushroom confit
-Paired with Lucky Twenty

Organic field greens and arugula salad with roasted almonds, Bosc pears, Gorgonzola cheese and viognier-citrus dressing
-Paired with Viognier 2009 & Muscat Blanc 2009

Filet mignon, baked, wrapped in bacon, served with basil-mashed potatoes, asparagus and black pepper-cognac sauce
-Paired with Cabernet Franc 2008 & Merlot 2008

Chocolate and cherries cake topped with cherry mousse and apricot port glaze
-Paired with Touch of Red

Vegetarian option: Risotto primavera with seasonal vegetables and parmesan cheese.

Location: 1501 Lee Hill Road, Unit #17
Date: Thursday 6/10/10 6:00pm
Reservations: 303 499 7301
Cost: $60.00

New Plantings at BookCliff Vineyards

It seems like every two years we embark on planting something new in the vineyards. Which usually means taking some vines out. This year we decided to take out our Black Muscat and some of our Viognier. The Black Muscat made a beautiful dessert wine but there are not enough people who drink dessert wine. So in an effort to simplify our lives we eliminated one variety and replaced it with three others, Tempranillo, Petit Sirah and Graciano. We worked with Tempranillo and Petit Sirah grapes bought from an adjacent vineyard this past year and have liked the results. So we decided to plant our own. The Graciano grape we came across on our travels around Spain. It is used as a blending grape for Tempranillo. It is not easy to buy Graciano vines. So John had to make a trek to Washington state to pick up potted plants, which could not be shipped. To add some variety John invited his 87 year old dad Jack to come along on the one-week road trip from Seattle to Prosser with stops tasting wine in Walla Walla and around Boise, Idaho back to Palisade. It turned out the week of the trip brought frost at night and John and Jack had to make sure to stay overnight in a place where the temperature was above freezing, which was not as simple as it sounds. Just to make sure John bought a camping stove to heat the truck. Luckily the precious cargo arrived safe and sound in Palisade and will produce us some beautiful grapes two years from now.

One More Store!

Grapes & Grains Wine and Liquor is now carrying BookCliff Vineyards Colorado wine. You can find Friday's Folly, Lucky Twenty and Touch of Red at this fine retailer. They are located at 2780 S Colorado Blvd Unit 304, Denver, CO 80222; and you can call them at (303) 691-1515. Thank you all very much for supporting CO wine and small/local business.

Stay tuned for news about new releases and upcoming events at the winery.

5/15 Barrel Tasting Sold Out, but...

There is still room on Friday the 14th for the Annual Spring Barrel Tasting. Saturday has sold out. This is your opportunity to share the experience of tasting the emerging wines with the winemaker and compare wines aged in different types of barrels. We will also taste current releases for your enjoyment paired with gourmet food prepared by Erik Skokan from the Black Cat Restaurant in Boulder. This multiple course dinner will be held on Friday 14th of May 2010. As we get closer we will announce the menu and the wines to be tasted. Please reserve your spot early, as this event sells out very quickly.

Cost: $65.00
Reservations: (303) 499 7301
Date & Time: 5/14, 6:30pm
Location: 1501 Lee Hill Road Unit #17, Boulder,CO 80301

Welcome

BookCliff Vineyards would like to thank and welcome three new stores that now carry our wine.

• Bottles, 2540 Arapahoe Ave., Boulder, CO 80302, (303) 444 8500
• Oasis Wine & Spirits, 4530 S. Reservoir Rd., Centennial, CO 80015, (303) 693 6821
• Summer Valley Discount Liquors, 16981 E. Quincy Ave. #D-6, Aurora, CO 80015, (303) 693 9604

Thanks to all of you supporting Colorado Wine we are trying to expand into more stores and more restaurants in the Front Range and Palisade areas. Check out our web site for a complete list of locations that carry BookCliff wine.

Fort Collins Wine Fest

This Friday, we will be participating in Wine Fest XXVIII in Fort Collins. This festival is proudly sponsored by Disabled Resource Services and all proceeds support services for people with disabilities in Larimer County, Colorado. They have successfully raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for Disabled Resource Services over the years and are looking forward to a great turnout this year. Over 400 wines, great catered food and this year you'll be able to sample local beer. Don't miss out on the silent auction and the door prizes either. Come out and support this great cause and don't forget to say hi to Mark!

Wine Fest XXVIII

Friday April 23^rd, 2010
6:30 - 10:00pm
At the Hilton, Fort Collins

Cabernet Franc, What's That?

That's a good question. Cab Franc, as it is otherwise known, is a totally different grape from Cabernet Sauvignon. It's actually one of the parents of Cab Sauv! A long time ago somebody crossed Cab Franc with Sauvignon Blanc and the result was Cab Sauv. Cab Franc is a fairly thin skinned grape with larger berries so the resulting wine tends to be lighter on tannins which means a very smooth mouth-feel. Don't let that fool you though it is packed with flavors and aromas. Notes of raspberries, black currants, violets and coffee are typical with aromas of herbs and green vegetables sometimes coming through. Cab Franc grows very well in places all over the world, but it's most famous location is in Bordeaux, France where it is often used as a blending wine. The Grand Valley AVA (Palisade) is one of those places where it does well. Many CO wineries are producing a Cab Franc and I think most of them do it pretty well. Our Reserve Cabernet Franc is aged in mostly new French oak barrels for 18 months, which imparts intense smoke and vanilla flavors. It is also a consistent gold medal winner from various competitions around the country. Give Cab Franc a try, I know you'll love it.

Boulder Farmers Market

Before you know it your favorite Saturday pastime is back. Spring is knocking at the door and it is time to head to the Boulder Farmers Market to buy bedding plants, lettuce, tomatoes, flowers and a smoothie to go. Rain or shine, though a little snow won't keep Boulderites at home, the first day at the market is this Saturday, April 3rd from 8am-2pm. Let's keep our fingers crossed for a perfect Colorado day with blue sky, lots of sun and maybe, just maybe 65 degrees. Stop by and say Hi; we'd love to see you again. Check out their website for more info and directions.

New Tasting Room Grand Opening

Introducing the Dolphin Horse Gallery's BookCliff Vineyards Wine Tasting Room Grand Opening, tonight Wednesday March 24th from 5 to 8 PM. Join us as we celebrate the grand opening of our newest tasting room experience at the Dolphin Horse Art Gallery in Woodland Park, Colorado. Taste fine Colorado wine while experiencing the beautiful art pieces at the Dolphin Horse Gallery.

The gallery is located at 210 W. Midland Avenue (Hwy. 24),Woodland Park, Colorado 80863

Call 719-687-1938 for more info

Cornerstar Wine & Liquor

You will be able find our wine at Cornerstar Wine & Liquor down in Aurora starting this weekend. For those of you who visit us at the farmer's market in that area, you can now buy our wine any day of the week. They will be carrying eight of our wines including my personal favorite, the Reserve Cabernet Franc. We will be in-store on Friday, March 26 from 3-7 pm pouring some of our wine if you'd like to stop by and taste. Come in to support Colorado wine! Cornerstar can be reached at (303) 360-9463 and is located at 15405 E Briarwood Cirlce, Suite C, Aurora, CO 80016; or online at http://www.cornerstarwineandliquor.com

Annual Spring Barrel Tasting at the Winery

For all of you early planners, the Barrel Tasting has been announced. This is your opportunity to share the experience of the winemaker tasting the emerging wine as it ages in the barrel. We will also taste current releases for your enjoyment paired with food prepared by Erik Skokan from the Black Cat Restaurant in Boulder. The dinners will be held on Friday 14th and Saturday 15th of May 2010. As we get closer we will announce more info, such as the menu etc. Stay tuned for more!

Cost: $65.00

Reservations: (303) 499 7301

Date & Time: 5/14, 5/15 6:30pm

Location: 1501 Lee Hill Road Unit #17, Boulder,CO 80304

One Year Old on V-Day

This Weekend at the Winery and Tasting Room... Wine and Chocolate pairing flight all day, and live music from 3 til 5! This will also be the 1st anniversary the new tasting room opening to guests. If you came last year, you know that musical, winey, chocolatey good times were had by all. Saturday and Sunday 1pm til 6pm at 1501 Lee Hill Rd. Boulder 80304.

New York Deli News

BookCliff Vineyards would like to welcome New York Deli News in south Denver on Hampden as newest restaurant to feature BookCliff Fine Wine. Starting the end of this week you will find our 2007 Ensemble as the recommended pairing with their Prime Rib Special. They are located at 7105 E. Hampden Ave. in Denver, CO 80224 and the phone number is 303-759-4741.

Wine Dinner at John's Restaurant

John's Restaurant in Boulder has invited BookCliff Vineyards to team up for a wine dinner at the restaurant on Feb. 18. Enjoy the relaxed atmosphere at John's and treat yourself to a wonderful meal paired with wines from BookCliff. Of course owner and Chef Corey Buck will be joining us in April at the winery, but this is an exciting event and sounds delicious!

Menu

Diver Scallop - Fennel Apple Slaw, Creamy Polenta, Apple Cider Reduction - Viognier 2008
Risotto - Pistachios, Black Garlic and Bing Cherries - Tempranillo 2008
Buffalo Ribeye - Roasted Onions, Herbed Whipped Potatoes, Watercress, Red Wine Demi Glace - Ensemble 2007
Macadamian Nut Bombe - Honey Comb, Carmel Ice Cream - Muscat Blanc Late Harvest

Date: February 18th, 2010

Place: John's Restaurant, 2328 Pearl Stree, Boulder, CO 80302

Cost: $60.00

Reservations: (303) 444 5232

Wine and Food Pairing with Local Chefs

BookCliff Vineyards will be pairing up with local chefs over the next few months to bring you two food and wine pairing events. The events will be held in the winery where the chefs will prepare tapas in front of the attendees while describing what makes certain wine and food pairings work as well as pointers on how to prepare the food. We will limit the attendance to 20 so that there is an opportunity to interact with the chef and wine maker. So not only will you get some great food and wine, but you will have fun learning some new things about cooking and wine. The next event will be with Sven Hedenas, owner and chef of the 14th Street Grill on March 18th. The final event featuring Corey Buck, owner and chef of John's Restaurant, will be on April 15th. Each event is $50 per person for the wine and food. For reservations call 303-499-7301. There will be tremendous interest so call early to be sure to reserve a spot soon!