Schweiger Vineyards News

You can now keep up to date with all the fun of the Napa Valley and Schweiger Vineyards.  Our very own winemaker, Andrew Schweiger will be sharing his thoughts, reflections and the goings-on here at Schweiger.  Join in the fun and visit http://twitter.com/SchweigerWine

#1 Customer Service is our priority!  For those tracking the newslines regarding New Vine Logistics and the impact it is having on the industry, we are reaching out to you to assure our customer-base will not be affected. We wish everyone the best and our hearts go out to those who may be experiencing difficulties during these troublesome times. Always remember you, our current customers, brought us where we are and that you can count on us to remain here for you… and for your Schweiger wine to be available for your enjoyment!

Friday, May 29, 4pm-6pm - Our very own Alicia Green is visiting Arizona for the Consumer Tasting.  Arizona Schweiger friends, we are coming to YOU!  Come join the festivities… 

The New Beverage House
8660 E. Broadway Road
Tucson AZ 85710
(520) 296-9933

Friday, April 17, 6:30pm at Hilton Anatole - Andy Schweiger will be in Texas at the 2009 Cotes Du Coeur, the International Fine Wine Auction & Celebrity Chef Dinner benefiting the American Heart Association.  Celebrity Chef Jim Severson of Sevy’s will be paired with Andy as they partake in the reception, silent auction, dancing and more.  1,200 patrons are expected at this amazing event on Friday as Schweiger Vineyards is honored to participate as a Featured Winery.  To purchase your tickets, click here.

April 2, 5pm-8pm – Vin 48 is hosting appetizers + wine pairing, featuring Diana Schweiger.  45 East Beaver Creek Blvd, Avon CO 81620. Their website is www.vin48.com.

It was so wonderful to reconnect with old friends and make new ones at this year’s Red, White & Snow event during the weekend of March 12^th – 14^th in Park City, UT.  We kicked off the weekend with a library wine tasting at Tatou restaurant in downtown Park City.  Here is Diana with her husband, Andy Isdahl and Chris Waddell.  The next evening was truly a highlight with a five course wine dinner prepared by Ken Frank and his wife (Chef & owner of La Toque restaurant) at the private home of Carol & Greg Easton.  What lovely hosts, most amazing dinner and entertaining company.  It was a lovely night and we can’t wait for you all to visit our winery here in the Napa Valley.  Finally, here is Diana and Allie.  They met four years ago and this event and Allie is now working for the National Ability Center (NAC).  The Gala was truly a successful even and the Schweiger family live auction donation reeled in $10,500 for the NAC. 

March 10, 6pm-8pm - Diana Schweiger will be at Tam’s Wine Cellar, 1803 Larkspur Landing Circle, Larkspur, CA.  Please call the store for further information: (415) 461-WINE.  Their website is www.tamcellars.com.

March 12-14 - A Culinary, Wine + Ski Festival.  Park City, Utah to benefit the National Ability Center.  Please visit www.redwhiteandsnow.org for a schedule of events + further information.  Fred and Sally Schweiger are the honorary chairs for the event this year.  As a result of Sally’s “Hip Surgery - take 2,” Diana Schweiger will attend representing the Schweiger family.

March 17-20 - Denver, Colorado.  Diana Schweiger + Alicia Green will be working the market with their distributor, Southern Wine + Spirits.  There is also a private Schweiger Wine party at the home of Wine Club members Steve and Melissa Grandchamp the evening of March 19.  Please call Diana at the winery to reserve your spot (877)963-4882.

On February 21^st, 2009, the Napa Valley Vintners held its annual Premiere Napa Valley Wine Auction.  Unique one of a kind lots are created specifically for this auction.  Trying a new approach, we teamed up with Judd’s Hill and Salvestrin Wineries to create a never before seen blend.  This collaboration, Lot #15, was a beautiful blend incorporating juice from Howell Mtn, Spring Mtn, and St. Helena appellations.  The wine was made of 84% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Merlot, and 2% Cabernet Franc all equally contributed from each winery.   While Premiere 2009 didn’t raise as much money as previous years, over $1.5 million were raised putting Lot #15 in the top 10%!  The winning came from was Cory Graf of Vin de Garde Houston.

Schweiger Vineyards is excited to announce our upcoming events for the first half of 2009.  Mark your calendars now cause we want to see you at the winery!

March 28 - Release of our ultra premium 2005 Merlot.  We will be having an open house and a pick up party for all wine club members to get their Spring Wine Club.  It is also Diana Schweiger Isdahl’s Birthday!!!

June 20 - The Extended Family BBQ!  Come join us for a great Saturday as Fred mans the grill, we open some wine, and their maybe more surprises to….(hint hint, wink wink)  No charge to wine club members, $15 per guest.  DO NOT MISS OUT!!! RSVP shaina@schweigervineyards.com

After a very dry and unseasonably warm January, it appears that winter has finally decided to return.  The past few days have provided us with over two inches of rain…we’re not out of the drought woods yet, but I haven’t given up hope for many rainy weeks to come. 

As I was driving up to the vineyard this morning, there were small patches of unmelted snow under the trees…our second dusting of snow for the year!  These cold snaps are great this time of year because it makes it harder for mold spores to survive the winter on the dormant vines.  While this wet weather is great for our water table, it is going to make our pruning and cleaning of the cuttings a bit more difficult.  But that’s farmers…never quite satisfied. 

Earlier this week I was experimenting in the kitchen and came up with a great cold weather dish to pair with our Chardonnay and wanted to share it with you.

Truffled Chicken and Veggie Risotto

Ingredients

• 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 1 TBSP Olive Oil
• 2 tsp unsalted butter
• 1 tsp olive Oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 1 cup uncooked Arborio rice
• 1 or 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 5 cups fat free chicken broth
• 2 TBSP parmesan cheese
• 1 cup frozen green peas
• 1 cup sliced carrots

Pour 1 TBSP olive oil into a nonstick pan and heat over med hi heat.  Cut chicken into bite size pieces and cook in oil until cooked through, set aside.

Place peas and carrots in a microwave safe container, add 3 TBSP water, and cover with plastic wrap.  Microwave 2-3 minutes until cooked, set aside.

Bring broth to a simmer in a medium saucepan over medium heat.  Reduce the heat to low and maintain the simmer.

In a large saucepan over medium-high heat, warm the butter and one tsp olive oil.  Add the onions and saute for 8 mins or until soft and starting to brown.  Stir in the rice and garlic and cook, stirring constantly for one minute. 

Slowly add 1/2 cup of the broth to the rice mixture, stirring constantly.  Continue stirring until the broth is absorbed…continue this process at med-hi heat.  Repeat with the remaining broth, adding 1/2 cup at a time and stirring constantly until each addition of broth is absorbed and the risotto is creamy, but still firm to the bite.  Add cooked chicken and vegetables, then salt and pepper to taste.  Stir in the Parmesan and 1/4 tsp of truffle oil.  Check again to salt and pepper to taste…you may want another few drops of truffle oil.

Enjoy with a nice bottle of 2007 Schweiger Vineyards Chardonnay.

Copyright 2009 by Andrew Schweiger