Wine for Good

         This was a first for us...shopping for clothes and drinking wine at the same time.  We liked it!  Plus, what made it even more special was that it was all for a good cause.

        Linda Jacobs, the owner of Casa del Soul, a "spirited" women's clothing boutique in Carmel Valley Village, hosted an event that featured clothes and Ventana and Le Mistral wines.

        Twenty percent of the evening's sales went to Voices for Children, formerly known as CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates), an organization devoted to advocating for "...abused or neglected children placed in foster care, upholding the children's rights while pursuing a safe and permanent home." 

        We loved being part of a fun evening and knowing that a portion of the money we would spend on clothes would benefit a community organization.  We are happy to report we did buy clothes (surprise!) and therefore were a small part of helping Voices for Children.

        Plus, we learned about some wines that were new to us, the wines of Ventana and Le Mistral, Ventana's "sister vineyard."  Here's what we tasted:

-Le Mistral 2010-- a very light and dry wine, with an interesting combination of Roussane, Viognier, and Marsanne grapes.

-Ventana 2009 Gewurztraminer, an "off-dry Alsatian style" wine, which was refreshing, only slightly sweet, and perfect with the cheeses that Linda provided as accompaniments to the tasting. 

-2009 Ventana Rubystone, a smooth blend of 60% Grenache Noir and 40% Syrah.  We both liked it.  And we loved its description-- "clean and spicy, with pepper and nutmeg scents joined by ripe plum and black cherry fruit."

        We want to go to the Ventana tasting room on Highway 68 (2999 Highway 68, next to Tarpy's) to learn more about these quite wonderful wines.  We'll share what we learn.

        If you would like to taste them yourself and contribute to a good cause, consider going to Casa del Soul (13766 Center Street, 659-4043) this Thursday, January 24, 6-7:30 p.m., when Ventana wines will again be served and 20% of that evening's sales will benefit the American Heart Association. 

        A win-win situation all the way 'round.