Limited Quantity Available!!!  NO RESERVES!

It’s the BEST-NIGHT-OF-THE-WEEK…“CVBN” (Carpe Vino Burger Night) and Chef Alexander has 35 Burgers available on a first come, first served basis starting @ 5pm!  Burgers are available in both the RESTAURANT or WINE BAR!!!
If the picture doesn’t get your mouth-watering, maybe this description of a SUCCULENT, SCRUMPTIOUS & SATIATING, HALF-POUND ANGUS BURGER  w/ toasted “everything” brioche bun, house fondue cheese, caramelized onions and steak fries..will!?!

Drop by Carpe Vino or submit your booking for tonight (or an up-coming night) simply by clicking the button below.

Hosting award-winning writers with prix-fixe events and book signings has become a staple of Carpe Vino’s “Sunday Evening Series.”  On July 23 starting at 6 p.m., we honor one of our own when we fete Gail Halverson on the publication of her debut novel, Boundary Stone.  Join us for a Renaissance-inspired menu, “A Midsummer’s Night Feast,” when long tables will groan with a decadent array of hearty, regal fare served family-style.  Chef Alexander is wrapping up the menu and we’ll have details soon.

This event is inclusive of wine, tax and tip; each couple attending and every single participant will receive a copy Gail’s softcover book, which she will be pleased to sign at your table.  The cost is $99 per person, all in.  This is a “ticketed” event; you must purchase your ticket on our website to confirm your reservation by clicking here.  Like all our Sunday Series programs, we are unable to issue refunds.  Just 56 seats are available.

A long-time customer, we’re very proud of Gail’s success:  her novel has been richly rewarded with the Chatelaine Award for romantic fiction in Chanticleer Book Review’s International Writing Competition.  She was also a finalist in two additional competitions, the Chaucer Award (Historical Fiction) and the Cygnus Award (Speculative Fiction).

Here’s Gail’s synopsis of her book: The Boundary Stone is the story of Lady Catherine Abbott, a curious, artistic and intelligent young woman bound since childhood to an arranged marriage; and Simon McKensie, a restless, brilliant young physician who has been banished from London for pushing the boundaries of medicine farther than any student at St. Bartholomew’s Hospital. When the Great Plague of 1665 arrives in the village of Wells and threatens its very existence, the scientific knowledge and talents of both Catherine and Simon are tested in a desperate race for survival.”

Though this is her first novel, Gail has numerous writing credits: she has produced a series of musical plays that have been performed for some 300,000 Sacramento-area students since 2004.  And, a situation comedy plot she created is now in post-production.  Learn more about Gail at www.gailhalv.com.

This is another event that is sure to sell out quickly.  Reserve now, or forever suffer in silence!

Attention Wine Club Members Only!!  Stop by Carpe Vino this Friday or Saturday (or just call the Friendly Confines at 530-823-0320) and save up to 25% when you purchase at least a full case of wine (mix/match 12 bottles, minimum).  This sale is on in-stock wines only and excludes already heavily discounted six-bottle deals and allocated wines.  Good news is any wines you purchase count towards building a case.

The Wine Club bennies are event tastier on Saturday from 1 to 4:  Wine Club members who purchase a case or more during the regular Saturday tasting—we’ll be sampling a group of sale wines—and you’ll get two free Chicago Dogs (only) to enjoy while they sip!  (Alternately, you can purchase a dog for five bucks.)

So, if you are planning an Independence Day barbeque over the weekend (Tuesday is the 4th, and Carpe Vino will be closed) stock up on party juice, everything from refreshing rosés to zippy zinfandels to crowd-pleasing red blends.  And, of course, we’ll have your favorite chardonnays and some you’ve never heard of.

And remember—nearly EVERYTHING is on sale—so take advantage of this fabulous pricing and save big when you fill your cellar or wine rack or that pathetic six-bottle holder on your kitchen counter.

Come get your Chicago Dogs and have a great July 4th holiday!

The Carpe Vino dining rooms were bedazzled with 112 pieces of crystal stemware—four per place setting—in preparation for 28 wine enthusiasts who would decide for themselves if fine crystal stemware does make a difference in the appreciation and enjoyment of wine.

Chris Hillin of Riedel, The Wine Glass Company, flew in from Dallas, Texas, to host a symposium on Sunday that proved conclusively—in the noses of most participants—that using a wine stem engineered precisely for individual varietals clearly does make a difference.  The 90-minute program was genuinely informative and conclusive—even for the skeptics in the audience.

Cris Williamson of Southern Wine & Spirits, a key wine supplier for Carpe Vino—introduced the four wines selected for the tasting, which involved sampling the same wines in different vessels.

When the program concluded, guests enjoyed an amazing charcuterie display created by Chef Alexander, one that consumed the entire length of the Carpe Vino bar.

It has been at least a decade since we sponsored our last Riedel tasting, and based on the response from our latest event, we’ll likely invite the boys back again next year!

$21.95/bottle or $17.95 on 6+

de·mure – “dəˈmyo͝or” – (of a woman or her behavior) reserved, modest, and shy. — NOT THIS BOTTLE!

CHERRIES JUBILEE – SMOKED HUCKLEBERRY – BLOOD ORANGE!!!  Got ya thinking about something other than the heat!?!  I can’t lie.  Right now, I’m about a NINE on the CRANKY-METER and after spending 10 MINUTES ON THE ROOF of CV spraying down our “EMPLOYEE-OF-THE-WEEK” (our air conditioning unit) I went into the CV warehouse to get cool!  While chilling in sub-60 degree temps, I started thinking “WWDD” or “What Would Drew Drink!?!” and my attention quickly turned to a double case-stack of DEMURE Red Wine located on one of the several pallets currently in CV’s warehouse!  “HOLY SHNIKES,” I said – “that will go perfect with that BBQ Tri-Tip we are having tonight!”  (Full disclosure – I will be having a margarita(s) w/ jalapenos {gotta kick up the heat a notch} beforehand!)  So, I did what any good friend would do…I grabbed TWO bottle instead of just one!  That said, your BEST DEAL is on SIX-BOTTLES getting the price down to $17.95/bottle (regularly $21.95/btl retail)!

WHY AM I GONNA HIT “BUY NOW?”

BECAUSE – THE WINEMAKING DUO of Vailia and Russell From – are what make this wine an absolute VALUE!  If the name Russell From sounds familiar that’s because he is proprietor/winemaker of HERMAN STORY WINES, which, is currently one of the HIPPEST, MOST-SOUGHT-AFTER wine labels in So Cal!  Known for INTENSE, INKY, INSATIABLE WINES, Russell From is regularly awarded 95+ point scores from esteemed wine critics such as ROBERT M. PARKER JR.!  So…take his talents along with his sources on fruit and I am sure you are going to get a FANTASTIC BOTTLE OF WINE!

WHAT’S THE BLEND?  WHAT’S IT TASTE LIKE?

First and foremost, this is a MULTI-VINTAGE blended wine and in this case that’s 2014, 2015 & 2016.   As Vailia and Russell say, “MORE VINTAGES = MORE WINE!”  Next, this wine is PRIMARILY GRENACHE with CABERNET SAUVIGNON, PETIT VERDOT, SYRAH AND MOURVEDRE!  These grapes are all sourced from the TOP VINEYARDS IN SO CAL including; PRESQUI’LE, CHELLE MOUNTAIN, SANTA BARBARA HIGHLANDS, TWO WOLVES, STOLPMAN, VOGELZANG & PINE HAWK.  As stated earlier, this wine has flavors of Cherries Jubilee, smoked huckleberry, fresh trimmed tobacco, blood orange, ripped steak, nutmeg and lightning struck pepper tree.

ONLY 350 Cases Produced!

THE DEAL

MV Demure (by Desparada) Red Wine (California)

$21.95/bottle or $17.95 on 6+

Cheers,
Drew

Get out of the heat and drop by CV this Saturday to taste an awesome lineup of wines. With summer now in full swing and many hot days ahead, here are four DELICIOUS GEMS that should help combat those sweltering temps. CV Wine Club Member tasting starts at 1 P.M. and ends at 4 P.M. Want to bring a friend? Members may bring up to 2 guests per membership (i.e. ONE other couple) for a nominal tasting fee. So, here is what we are pouring:

Bohigas Cava Brut Reserva NV (Spain)

$16.99/bottle or $13.99/bottle on 6+

“Wine Advocate” Tasting Notes: 90 Points “My favorite of the two sparkling Cavas is the non-vintage Brut Reserva Cava. Made from a classic blend (for this area) of Xarel-lo, Macabeo and Parellada planted in limestone and clay soils, the wine spends 24 months on its lees before disgorgement. It is an excellent value for consumers looking for alternatives to French Champagne. Lemon/lime, crushed rock and white currant notes are present in this crisp, elegant, refreshing, zesty, dry sparkler. Hints of wheat thins and brioche add complexity. Enjoy this medium-bodied offering over the next 1-2 years.”

Domaine Laroche Chablis “St Martin” 2015 (France)

$24.95/bottle or $19.95/bottle on 6+

“Wine Advocate” Tasting Notes: 90 Points Pinot“The 2015 Chablis St Martin has what you might describe as a “dainty” nose at first, a little timid, but it soon finds it voice courtesy of its apple blossom and fresh pear aromas, perhaps with a hint of peppermint in the background. The palate is well balanced with a crisp line of acidity. I appreciate the tension of this Chablis: taut and linear, quite saline in the mouth and this serves to prolong the finish. This is a well-crafted and very delicious Chablis from Gregory Viennois and his team. This comes recommended.”

Evoluna Chardonnay 2015 (Sonoma Coast, CA)

$29.95/bottle or $22.50/bottle on

Winery Tasting Notes: “The 100% Chardonnay is rich and lush, yet bright and approachable. Fuji Apple, D’Anjou Pear, Narcissus and Lychee greet you on the nose. On the palate, you find notes of vanilla bean, mango, dried apple and apricot preserves. This delectable wine has a plush, rich mouthfeel – bold on the front, balanced mid-palate, and a long, lingering finish.

Stoller Pinot Noir 2015 (Dundee Hills, Or)

$24.95/bottle or BEST DISCOUNT $17.95/bottle

Winery Tasting Notes: “Crafted exclusively from estate fruit, our Dundee Hills Pinot Noir is made in an elegant, approachable style. The nose opens with notes of bright red cherry, blueberry and hints of red roses. The palate is balanced, yet textural with well integrated tannins.”

If you can’t make the Saturday Tasting but are interested in purchasing some of these wines, feel free to respond to this post, or contact me directly at 530.823.0320 x 105.

Cheers, Jay

The sustained !00+ degree days we’re dealing with are straining Carpe Vino’s air conditioning system to the absolute maximum, so we’re initiating a temporary rolling black out:  The building will not open for service until 5 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday.  We’ll close at our regular time of 10 p.m.

We’ll attempt to resume normal hours of noon until 10 p.m. starting Friday unless brutally hot temperatures persist.  We’re really hoping it cools off.

Here’s your final opportunity to reserve seats for our next Sunday Evening Series event:  join us for a visit from “The Wine Glass Company,” Riedel stemware, on June 25 starting a 4 p.m. when a company “ambassador” will demonstrate the relationship between the shape of the glass and the perception and enjoyment of wine.

Cost per person is $125, inclusive of the tasting set, tax and consumables. This is a “ticketed” event with pre-paid reservations made online only.  Additional tasting sets may be purchased the evening of the event only for $100 each.  We’ll also have special pricing on the wines being tasted.

You can click here for a link to more details about the event, but minimally, every person will go home with a beautiful set of four thin-walled glasses that make any wine you consume eminently elegant and enjoyable. Our host will do his best to convince you that the glass does, indeed, make a difference, but you’ll ultimately decide for yourself.

Following the seminar, Chef Alexander will have an appetizer presentation set, and we’ll enjoy more wine during a social time.

Here are the wines we’ll be serving for the tasting, with special pricing for one night only:

2015 de Ladoucette Pouilly-Fume (France), $35.95/bottle retail, $29.95/bottle on 6+
2015 Flowers Chardonnay (Sonoma Coast), $44.95/bottle retail, $37.50/bottle 6+
2014 Whetstone “Jon Boat” Pinot Noir (Sonoma Coast), $50/bottle retail,$29.95/bottle on 6+
2014 Faust Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley), $52.50/bottle retail, $39.95/bottle on 6+

This is going to be another fabulous evening!

We’re taking a break from the “Winery Specific” Tasting this weekend so we can make room for new inventory! Saturday June 17th from 1-4pm, we will be having a store-wide sale of 20% OFF or BEST PRICE on CASES (mix/match). Several wines will be open for tasting, so here is your chance to stock up for all your weekend festivites. The offer is good for this Saturday ONLY! Want to bring a friend? Wine Club Members may bring up to 2 guests per membership (i.e. ONE other couple) for a nominal fee this weekend. So, beat the heat and come on down.

2015 Secret Indulgence “Evoluna” Chardonnay (Sonoma Coast)

$29.95/bottle or BEST DISCOUNT $22.50/bottle

Winery Tasting Notes: “The 2015 Evoluna Sonoma Coast Chardonnay is rich and lush, yet bright and approachable. Fuji Apple, D’Anjou Pear, Narcissus and Lychee greet you on the nose. On the palate, you find notes of vanilla bean, mango, dried apple and apricot preserves. This delectable wine has a plush, rich mouthfeel – bold on the front, balanced mid-palate, and a long, lingering finish.”

2015 SAVED “Magic Maker” Rose (California)

$19.95/bottle or BEST DISCOUNT $14.95/bottle

Winery Tasting Notes: Pinot Noir, Grenache, Cabernet Franc, Orange Muscat & Sangiovese “SAVED Magic Maker is an unashamedly dry Rosé crafted primarily from Pinot Noir, Grenache, and Cabernet Franc. On the nose, it offers alluring aromas of white peach. Its flavors are brightly layered with notes of tangerine, strawberries, and green apple. Don’t be fooled by its delicate color, this is a crisp, refreshing wine.”

2015 Skinner Mourvedre (El Dorado County)

$27.95/bottle or BEST DISCOUNT $22.50/bottle Winery Tasting Notes: “The 2015 Mourvedre is a delicate and pretty wine that is light on its feet. This medium bodied red offers aromatics of dried red fruits like cherry, strawberry and pomegranate, complemented with savory notes of sage, damp earth, and dried herbs. The tannins are mild and the acidity is fresh and lingering on the palate.”

2015 PETS (by Field Recordings) Petite Sirah (Paso Robles, CA)

$24.95/bottle or BEST DISCOUNT $17.95/bottle

Winery Tasting Notes: “Dark chocolate, ripe cherry and black pepper. Full bodied, bright and ready for date night.”

If you can’t make the Saturday Tasting but are interested in purchasing some of these wines, feel free to respond to this post, or contact me directly at 530.823.0320 x 105.

Cheers, Jay

The CV Wine Sleuths have worked with reverent fervor to secure some exclusive deals on four wonderful wines from Opolo Vineyards located in Paso Robles. Opolo, considered one of the “OG’s” of Paso, has developed into a winery that is synonymous for producing DELICIOUS wines with EXCEPTIONAL value. You will be hard-pressed not only to find a better “price value ratio” wine not only in Paso Robles but all of California! Corks will be popping for Opolo from 1pm – 4pm allowing you the perfect opportunity to taste/stock up on some delightful vino. Want to bring a friend? Wine Club Members may bring up to 2 guests per membership (i.e. ONE other couple), for a nominal, non-refundable $10 per person tasting fee. Be prepared to be impressed because here is what we are pouring:

2016 Opolo Albariño (Edna Valley)

$26/bottle or $20/bottle on 6+

Winery Tasting Notes:
“Opens with vibrant aromas of citrus blossoms, lemon zest, and grapefruit. White peach, apricot, and fresh spring flowers assault the palate and glide into a polished mineral laden finish. Exceptional. Enjoy now.”

2014 Opolo “Mountain” Zinfandel (Paso Robles)

$24.95/bottle or $19.95/bottle on 6+

Winery Tasting Notes:
“Extremely dense, jammy, and full-bodied, Opolo’s Mountain Zinfandel is not for the faint of heart. This is a massive Zin, with Raspberry Jam and Mocha aromatics, and a big rich structure.”

2014 Opolo “Estate” Cabernet Sauvignon (Paso Robles)

$32/bottle or $24.95/bottle on 6+

Winery Tasting Notes:
“Opens with black cherry and mocha, surrounded by rich aromas of tobacco and leather and mint. Full bodied with well-structured yet silky tannins this wine is a heavyweight that can be enjoyed young or laid down for several years. Best enjoyed if cellared for 1 year and can be laid down up to 10 years.”

2013 Opolo Petite Sirah (Paso Robles) $34/Winery

$34/bottle or $24.95/bottle on 6+

Winery Tasting Notes:
“The color of this wine is our darkest of this vintage, an omen of the dark berry, plum and blueberry to be discovered. This well extracted wine also exhibits vanilla bean, black licorice and cherry as well. This is a full-bodied wine with firm tannins and a long finish.”

If you can’t make the Opolo Vineyards Tastings but are interested in purchasing some of these wines, feel free to respond to this post, or contact me directly at 530.823.0320 x 105.

Cheers,
Jay