The Grapes of Rhône

Posted on December 16, 2009 by Cara Schwindt | in Wine Tips from Cara | No Comments »

As the winter weather arrives wines that warm us up take precedence over the refreshing white wines of summer. The dark-fruited red grapes from the Rhône department of France are great wines to enjoy anytime, but they are especially delicious during the colder months because their dark fruit flavors and lush texture pair so well with hearty fare.

The Rhône valley is divided into two distinct regions; northern and southern. The northern Rhône is renown for the wines made from Syrah and Viognier. Here you will find the appellations of Côte-Rôtie, Hermitage, Croze-Hermitage, St-Joseph, Cornas, Condrieu and Château Grillet. Vines have been grown on the hill of Hermitage since the Romans occupied the region. Both Pliny and Martial mention the wines of Hermitage in their writings. The name of the appellation is on the label, not the grape variety.

The southern Rhône is a patchwork of numerous grape varieties with the most recognizable red grapes being Syrah, Grenache, Mourvedre and Cinsault. The primary white grapes are Rousanne, Marsanne and Grenache Blanc. Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Gigondas, Lirac, Vacqueyras, Vinzellas, Côtes-du-Rhône and Côtes-du-Rhône Villages, are all wines made in the southern French wine region. Each of these appellations have slightly different rules as to which grapes can be blended into the wines.

Read Cara’s complete wine newsletter The Grapes of Rhône 

Holidays at Stein Eriksen Lodge

Posted on December 15, 2009 by Sarah Myers | in About Stein Eriksen Lodge | No Comments »

Come to Stein Eriksen Lodge this holiday season to see the awe-inspiring gingerbread creation, favorite attraction of the Lodge.  This year’s creation is a nine feet long, four feet wide and five feet tall gingerbread Thomas the Train. The edible confection is the eighth such masterpiece of executive pastry chef Raymond Lammers, who oversees the design and construction of a different gingerbread structure for the Lodge each year.

Featuring over 250 pounds of gingerbread and 80 pounds of icing, Thomas has operating wheels, eyes and colored icing to match the original colors of Thomas the Train.

In addition to marveling at the gingerbread masterpiece, young guests can express their own creativity in gingerbread classes led by Lammers and executive chef Zane Holmquist. The Build Your Own Gingerbread House parties will be held Monday, Dec. 21 and Dec. 28 from 4-5:30 pm. The cost is $60 and includes hot chocolate, gingerbread panels, icing, candies, and instructions. Guest will want to book early by calling 435.645.6460, class size is limited and children eight and under require adult supervision.