July 8 – Prairie Hill Vineyards

Posted on July 8, 2017 by Guy

If you missed it LIVE… Click here to listen or download this show!

Coming to you today from my good friend Dan Stockemer’s Prairie Hill Vineyards located West of Wichita near Colwich Kansas.  Dan has been interested in wine for many years and after moving back from California to his Kansas home always promised his late wife Mary he’d plant a vineyard on the family farm.

Image result for prairie hill vineyard

Dan Stockemer in the Vineyard

From the first vineyards planted Dan made some respectable wine that we have tasted and talked about on the show years ago.  More plantings of several different grape varieties that do well in Kansas has lead Dan to our mutual friends at Grace Hill Winery in White Water.  Grace Hill now buys much of what Dan grows these days.

Dan’s focus in the past several years after Mary’s untimely passing has been to make the family farm a show-place vineyard and a pastoral event venue.  Prairie Hill Vineyards is a great place to have a wedding, his daughter Danielle was one of the first to do just that.  A large pond, water features and an almost botanical array of beautiful plants and flowers add to the vineyard setting.

Image result for prairie hill vineyardIn addition to weddings, corporate meetings, family reunions, wine tastings, farm-to-table dinners, concerts and private parties are all on the list of upcoming events.

The Wichita Chapter of the American Institute of Wine & Food is having a Food & Wine Pairing event July 20 starting at 7:00 p.m.  Dan will provide a presentation on viticulture in America and Kansas.  Afterwards guests will have the opportunity to “Blind Taste” some great wine and enjoy Hors d’oeuvres.  Visit aiwfwichita.org for more information.

Prairie Hill Vineyard at Stockemer Farm is located at:
21421 West 37th Street North, Colwich Kansas
www.prairiehillvineyard.com]

Good Life Guy’s Wine of the Week:
Something Dan has made from the family vineyard 🙂

Image result for prairie hill vineyard

 

 

Posted in Other | Tagged , , , , | Comments Off on July 8 – Prairie Hill Vineyards

July 1 – Royal Wine Company

Posted on June 26, 2017 by Guy
Jay Buchsbaum

Jay Buchsbaum

If you missed it LIVE… Click here to listen or download this show!

This show is interesting…I’ll be speaking with Jay Buchsbaum VP for Marketing and Director of Wine Education at Royal Wine Corporation.

Royal Wine Corp.’s mission is to be the premier manufacturer, importer and distributor of specialty wines, spirits and liqueurs from around the world.

The commitment to perfection and family tradition spans over eight generations, and has experienced growth since the beginning.   Royal’s  portfolio of domestic and international wines range from traditional wine producing regions of France, Italy and Spain to up and coming ones like Israel, New Zealand and Argentina.

Additionally, Royal Wine Corp.’s spirit and liqueur portfolio offers some of the most sought after scotches, bourbons, tequilas and vodkas as well as hard to find specialty items such as flavored brandies and liqueurs.

royalwine09192016Today the Royal Wine Corporation is the unequivocal leader in the kosher wine and beverage industry, in quality, range of products, modern production methods, innovative packaging and marketing. All Royal products are certified kosher and are therefore prepared in adherence to the highest standards of cleanliness and purity, requiring meticulous care and pristine winemaking conditions.

Learn more about this fine producer and importer here!

Good Life Guy’s Wines of the Week:
bh-cabsauv-full2014 Herzog Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignon
Since 1985, Baron Herzog has set a standard for quality California winemaking. Within this bottle rests a heritage of excellence spanning nine generations, and craftsmanship fit for royalty. Elegant and full bodied with rich notes of black stone fruit, boysenberry, nutmeg and a kiss of oak bring distinction to Baron Herzog Cabernet Sauvignon. Enjoy this wine at room temperature with grilled steak, lamb chops or pasta with red sauce.

2015 Bartenura Moscato
bartenura-moscato-provincia-di-pavia-igt__79111.1324391910.1280.1280Crisp and refreshing, semi sweet, with lingering pear, tangerine, nectar and melon flavors on the finish. Perfect with dessert or fresh fruit, or sipping poolside. This wine has a bright sparkling touch and low Alcohol at only 5% ABV.  It’s sweet but has nice acidity and a beaut
iful aroma.

Both wines are available at Jacob Liquor on North Rock Road

 

Posted in Other | Tagged , , , | Comments Off on July 1 – Royal Wine Company

Jun 24 – Viader Napa

Posted on June 20, 2017 by Guy

If you missed it LIVE… Click here to listen or download this show!

My guest this week is Alan Viader, Director of Operations & Winemaking, Viader Vineyards & Winery
www.viader.com

viader

Janet, Delia and Alan Viader

VIADER is a leading first growth Napa Valley winery and vineyard estate located just northeast of St. Helena on the steep rocky slopes of Howell Mountain at an elevation of 1300 feet. VIADER is recognized around the world for consistently producing award winning, very limited production red wines and Bordeaux-style blends.

Founding winemaker Delia Viader, PhD. applies a unique approach to grapegrowing and winemaking, challenging new world conventions while honoring old world traditions; resulting in a highly sought after and coveted cult wine – their flagship VIADER “Liquid Cashmere” Proprietary Red Blend. Delia forged the vision for this hillside estate vineyard and exceptional wine blend in 1986.

Today, Alan and Janet Viader join their mother Delia in the continuation of the VIADER estate. Through their direct involvement in daily operations, this multigenerational family business manifests a commitment to world-class winemaking and vineyard management, while offering an elevated yet welcoming level of hospitality.

59358d19e4b093cc18619cff-optimizedBig FUN going on this Saturday at All Things BBQ, it truly is “Where BBQ Legends are Made!” It’s the Kamado Joe Party and cooking demo with special guest Chef Eric Gephart, Kamado Joe Director of Culinary Inspiration.  Eric will be on the patio at All Things BBQ and will be there to cook on and talk about these incredible grills.
June 24, 11:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m.  Learn more here!

Good Life Guy’s Wine of the Week:
2014 VIADER “Liquid Cashmere” 

VIADER “Liquid Cashmere” shows the typicity and consistency of the VIADER estate with its firm structure influenced by the steep and very rocky volcanic red soils of the eastern slopes of Howell Mountain, and the familiar elegance and harmony created through the combination of Cabernet Sauvignong and Cabernet Franc.

viader cashmere72% Cabernet Sauvignon, 28% Cabernet Franc from the Viader Estate. Deep ruby red color with generous aromatics and a great balance of sweet fleshy red and blue fruits, with hints of graphite and delicate floral notes. An attractively smooth and seamless mouthfeel. Extensively long layered finish of baking spices, cloves and star anise. Gorgeous to enjoy today; it should evolve into legendary territory in 10 years’ time with more cellaring in the bottle.

94 points from Wine Enthusiast!
Check out this cool video of Delia Viader and daughter Janet talking about this splendid red wine.

 

Posted in Other | Tagged , , , , | Comments Off on Jun 24 – Viader Napa

Jun 17 – Dr. Dick Peterson

Posted on June 13, 2017 by Guy

If you missed it LIVE… Click here to listen or download this show!

Today my guest is Dr. Richard Peterson with his new book “The Winemaker.”

the winemakerThe Winemaker is the fascinating story of a young man born in the depths of the American Depression whose passion for chemistry led him to the very epicenter of the California wine renaissance: a witty and engaging account of life behind the scenes by a leading winemaker for some of California best known wine labels. With candor and fascinating detail, Peterson chronicles how an industry completely decimated by Prohibition was to transform itself with incredible speed into a world-famous wine region. His remarkable journey led him to work alongside many of the most colorful and legendary names who shaped the California wine industry. His  extraordinary depth of experience sheds an entertaining, candid light on the wine industry’s path to success.

Dick Peterson

Dick Peterson

Dick Peterson is well-known in the California wine industry as an innovator, winemaker, educator, international wine judge, viticulture/enology consultant and expert witness in legal cases. After earning a BS in Chemical Technology, a MS in Food Science and a PhD in Agricultural Chemistry, he started his working life in 1958 with E. & J. Gallo Winery in Research and New Product Development. He then replaced the legendary Andre Tchelistcheff as winemaster at Beaulieu Vineyards. He is responsible for creating many well-loved American wines and brands such as Lancers Vinho Branco, Monterey Vineyard and all the original Taylor California Cellars wines. He oversaw the development of Atlas Peak Vineyards, excavating some of California’s largest wine caves.

Learn more about Dick and order a copy of the book and some wine!

He is a former president of The American Society for Enology & Viticulture, director of the Wine Institute, and founding member of the Society of Wine Educators and the American Institute for Wine and Food. And by the way…his daughters are equally famous winemaker Heidi Peterson Barrett and her sister Holly a talented Chef.

Heidi Barrett, 47, has made wines for Screaming Eagle, Grace Family Vineyards, Dalla Valle Vineyards and others. Several of her wines have received perfect 100-point scores from influential critic Robert M. Parker Jr., and sell for thousands of dollars at auctions. Married to Bo Barrett, winemaker at Chateau Montelena in Calistoga, Heidi also has her own two brands, La Sirena and Amuse Bouche.

Her sister, Holly Peterson, 45, teaches food and wine dynamics at the Culinary Institute of America at Greystone in St. Helena, and heads Sea Star, which imports sea salt from Brittany, France. After she graduated from La Varenne culinary school in Paris, Holly worked at Chateau Mouton-Rothschild, Krug and RemyMartin, and at Tantris, a Michelin three-star restaurant in Munich.

Good Life Guy’s Wine of the Week:
2014 Richard G. Peterson Pinot Noir
Peterson PNLegendary winemaker, Dick Peterson, handcrafted this true, old-world style pinot from his vineyards in the Santa Lucia Highlands AVA situated just south of Monterey Bay.  It is here that Dick planted his vineyard with a footprint unlike any other. Boasting a cool climate and one of the longest growing seasons in California, the Richard G. Peterson property cultivates two distinct clones – Wrotham and R-4. Discovered near Wrotham Village in southeast England; the cuttings were introduced there by the Romans some 2000 years ago. The Wrotham clone produces a uniquely rich color and a spicy characteristic not often found in other Pinot Noir wines. In 1980, Dick Peterson brought the first and only Wrotham cuttings back to California and planted them on his 10-acre property.

This Pinot Noir is elegant in its Burgundian style and offers an energetic profile on the palate with an array of earthy notes and minerality. Flavors of black currants, cardamom, sautéed porcini mushrooms and smoked game meat complement the wine’s uniqueness. This Pinot Noir will be ready to drink upon release and will continue to age beautifully over the next 25 years.

92 POINTS 2014 VINTAGE – JAMES SUCKLING
“A big and rich style with soft and velvety tannins. Lots of dried-berry and chocolate character. Delicious finish. Drink now.” – James Suckling, December 2016
xxxx
Watch this great video with Antonio Galloni of Vinous

Richard G Peterson

Posted in Other | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Comments Off on Jun 17 – Dr. Dick Peterson

Jun 10 – Starry Kitchen Cookbook

Posted on June 7, 2017 by Guy

My guest this week is Nguyen Tran with his just released book ” ADVENTURES IN STARRY KITCHEN: 88 Asian Inspired Recipes from America’s Most Famous Underground Restaurant.”  

starry kitchenIn 2009, deep into the recently cratered American economy, newly unemployed Nguyen Tran and his new bride, Thi, launched an underground—and most definitely illegal—restaurant in their apartment in North Hollywood. Within several weeks, their underground operation became the Number 1 Asian‐ fusion restaurant on Yelp in all of Los Angeles, catching the attention of celebrity chefs like Roy Choi and culinary tastemakers like Los Angeles Times critic Jonathan Gold—not to mention the city health inspector, who threatened to arrest Nguyen if he didn’t shut down immediately. Dismissing the threat completely, Nguyen and Thi operated their restaurant, Starry Kitchen, in “black ops mode” until they eventually went legit, turning Starry Kitchen into a mainstay of Los Angeles’s burgeoning food scene.

Nguyen chronicles this remarkable DIY story in full—from the restaurant’s unlikely origin to its shiny new brick‐and‐mortar restaurant in Echo Park, including all the misdemeanors, milestones, mishaps and amazing meals that contributed to the restaurant’s success. Fully illustrated with color throughout, the behind‐the‐scenes tales are paired with 88 (a lucky number in Chinese culture) recipes for Pan‐Asian comfort food, mouthwatering and easy‐to‐make dishes like Singaporean Chili Crab w/ Buttermilk Beer Beignets, Pandan Churros, and Starry Kitchen’s trademark Crispy Tofu Balls.

Nguyen and wife Thi Tran

Nguyen and wife Thi Tran

Nguyen Tran is co‐founder and self‐proclaimed chief instigating officer of Starry Kitchen. Prior to running Starry Kitchen, “this beautiful accident gone right,” Nguyen worked in the film business for almost a decade producing, selling, and marketing indie films. He grew up in Dallas, Texas, and lives in Los Angeles, where he helps runs Button Mash, his most recent culinary adventure in Echo Park, and an underground crab delivery service (that he won’t even give us details about).

Don’t forget…come see me at the Orpheum’s Celebrity & Chef Cookoff next Tuesday June 13, 6:00 p.m. at Intrust Bank Arena.  Get tickets here!

Want some more wine FUN?  Check out these two events that I’m doing at Botanica.

June 21 –Warm Weather Wines for Summer
The temperature is HOT and so are these wines! Light, crisp, refreshing and bursting with summer flavor. Join Guy Bower, “The Good Life Guy” on an informative tasting journey of wines perfect for summer entertaining. You will learn about the grape varieties, vineyards, winemaker technique and food pairing ideas as we taste these wines together.

July 26 – Rosé Rocks
You can still enjoy the flavors and aromas of big bold red wine during summer months, just think pink. A selection of world class Rosé, from bone dry to softer fruit forward wines. These wines go great with a wide array of food or a summer evening with friends on the deck.

Good Life Guy’s Wine of the Week: 2014 J.Lohr Los Osos Merlot
232213-j-lohr-los-osos-merlot-2014-label-1491828139This Merlot is dark in the glass, with lots of oak, vanilla and caramel aromas against a black-cherry and chocolate-cake backdrop on the nose. Soft and chalky tannins frame the sip, where blueberry, vanilla and chocolate-cream flavors prove lush and inviting.  Wine Enthusiast 90 “Best Buy”

Get the technical stuff here 🙂

Posted in Other | Tagged , , , , , , | Comments Off on Jun 10 – Starry Kitchen Cookbook