Notes from The Harvest Festival

Yesterday found us basking in the sunshine and warm welcome from listeners at the Pleasanton Harvest Festival. Our original intention to broadcast the Dining Program from the Festival was made impossible by the early start of the Cal Bears game. As an alternative I spent two hours in conversation with guests from the wine and food world and came away with some great suggestions for you.

The Livermore Valley has some of the oldest vineyard land in the country, yet incredibly the Valley remains under-appreciated by those of us who don't live there. A case in point is White Crane Winery on Greenville Road, perched on a ridge overlooking the sweep of the valley below. This is a small-lot, limited production winery, making about 3,000 cases total of 12 to 14 different wines. The wines are available at the winery and through its Web site, www.whitecranewinery.com. The telephone number is (925) 455-8085. Of note are the Winery's current Syrah release which has an unusually pronounced bouquet and a luscious fruit forward flavor, a very good Port made from Portuguese grape varieties grown in California, and although I haven't tasted it, the winery makes a delicious sounding White Port from Chardonnay Grapes and fortified with a Germain Robbin Viognier Brandy. It would make an unusual holiday gift for the food and wine appreciators on your list. The Winery has a wine club and regularly hosts special events. The owner is Nick Nardolillo, an affable wine enthusiast.

Thomas Allen, owner of Tres Classique Specialty Foods in Ukiah, dropped by with some samples. I dipped a bread cube in some Lemon Sauvignon Splash and WOW!! Let's say I dipped and I flipped! It was nothing short of sensational. A bright and intense lemon flavor that comes only from a real Eureka Lemon. Immediately my mind began racing with ideas for using such a product. Astonished, I asked Thomas, in business for 22 years, where he'd been hiding. Imagine my chagrin when he told me that he had given me a small bottle of the Splash at a broadcast I did from Fetzer Vineyards in Ukiah four years ago. I must not have tried it, or it got lost in the shuffle on the way back to San Francisco. Well, that won't happen again, certainly not with anything bearing the Tres Classique label.

All of which invites an important aside -- never hesitate to send us samples and background information on products you make or discover. Often small producers lack the funds and the skill to market their products. Indeed Thomas said that he sells largely through festivals, since one taste of his products is the best advertising. To be sure, not every sample gets rave reviews but many do. In any event, as an old friend of mine is fond of saying, "Nothing beats a trial but a failure!"

Back to the Lemon Sauvignon Splash -- it is made with lemon oil, healthy rice bran oil and Sauvignon Blanc Balsamic Vinegar from Modena, Italy. There are Valencia Orange and Lime Splashes available as well. Tres Classique has a variety of interesting products. I look forward to trying their Maple Syrup infused with Hennessey Cognac. Web site: www.tresclassique.com/.

I was familiar with some of the terrific products of Anette's Chocolate Company in Napa. Their delicious Chocolate Sauces made with wine are sold at many of the Napa Valley Wineries' Tasting Rooms. Anette's brother Brent is the resident Chocolatier. A veritable cascade of great products have flowed from his creativity. Things such as Chardonnay Bark, Port, Brandy and Cabernet Chocolate Sauces, Butterscotch Sauce made with Scotch Whiskey and a new Caramel Sauce with a kiss of Scotch. Their shop is on First Street in downtown Napa. They also make and sell chocolate truffles, fudges, creams and brittles to name a few of their wares. Website: www.anettes.com.

Peter Vogt studied Culinary Arts at a school near Zurich in his native Switzerland, so it is little wonder that after working with several noted San Francisco area restaurants he was lured away by the familiar Alpine environment of Lake Tahoe. Peter owns and runs Tahoe House Bakery and Gourmet with the help of his wife and daughters. The shop is a favorite haunt for great coffee and pastries, deli salads, grilled packaged meats, cheeses and meals ready to take home. The shop is also famous for its custom spice blends, rubs and bottled sauces. The spice blends I sampled were delicious. Website: www.tahoe-house.com.

Remember! Be our eyes and ears as you travel around. Bring interesting people and products to our attention! Thank you!

Gene Burns