Monday, April 6, 2009

Chef Judy Witts Francini is here!

I am so looking forward to seeing her again! Judy was our guide and "Mother" during our trip to Sicily in the fall. She added so much to our trip.

Now, she is here in Kansas City, just for a few days, then back to Italy for Easter. Tonight at 6:30 she will be cooking up a storm and wonderful Italian food at Jasper's Restaurant in Watt's Mill, 103rd and State Line. I can hardly wait!

Art in the Vines

Plans are shaping up! The artists are lined up and looking forward to our picnic in the vines to discuss details. The vineyard is ready to pop with new buds and by June 13th the vines will be covered with clusters of grapes. The art will be hanging throughout the vineyard, using the posts at the end of each row.

This is the work by Artist Diane Boone. Diane will be joining us at Somerset Ridge Vineyard and Winery for Art in the Vines. Her work, as seen here, is available now at ARTichokes Gallery, in the new Mission Farms area, 107th and Mission Road. The Gallery hours and information on other artists can be seen at http://www.artichokeskc,com/

To check on the activities at Somerset Ridge Vineyard and Winery, go to http://www.somersetridge.com/ . This Saturday, April 11th , winemaker Dennis Reynolds and his wife, Cindy, are releasing their new wines! You have to come to the vineyard that day! 2 new exciting wines from my favorite Winery! I'll be there from 1:00 to 5:00pm to make some food suggestions for pairing with our newest wines! Don't miss it!

Somerset Ridge Wines are Handcrafted*Award-Winning* and Made With A Passion!
We make a full range of hand-crafted wines at Somerset Ridge,from dry, delicate whites to full bodied reds and rich dessert wines.We believe great wines start in the vineyard. Our 8,000 grapevines are naturally and sustainably grown, without the use of chemical pesticides or fertilizers, and are pruned and harvested entirely by hand. The resulting wines are a true expression of our limestone soils and great Kansas sunlight.

White Wines:

Chardonel ... Chardonel is a dry, crisp white wine made from our estate grown Chardonel grapes. This wine has flavors of pear and green apple and is terrific with fish, chicken and salads. Jefferson Cup Invitational award winner and Doug Frost/Kansas City Star Grape Escape pick!$10.99

Traminette... Traminette is a rich, spicy dry white wine with a floral bouquet. Made from grapes grown in our hillside vineyard. Traminette is a close relative of the German/Alsastian grape Gewurtztraminer. Wonderful with cheese, fruit and Asian dishes.$10.99

Chardonnay... Terrific Chardonnay from Kansas! Our limestone hills and abundant sunshine result in a concentrated, multi-layered Chardonnay with plenty of tropical fruit flavors and a long finish. Aged on American Oak. $11.99

Oktoberfest... A year round favorite! This German style, semi-sweet white wine is one of our best sellers. Riesling and Gewurtztraminer drinkers love this rich, fruity white wine.$10.99

Red Wines

Flyboy Red...This wine was introduced last year as a tribute to our longtime "Vice-President of Tasting," the late Lt. Col. Arch Tucker (USAF Ret.). Arch was one of the first jet fighter pilots in the U.S. Air Force and was a constant fixture at the winery. The label bears a photograph of him exiting his F-86 fighter jet after his 100th mission in Korea. The wine is a rich, soft dry red made from a selected blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Chambourcin and Chancellor grapes. Terrific!$13.99

Ruby Red...Our signature red wine. A meritage blend of estate grown Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc & Chancellor grapes. Aged in American Oak barrels for 18 months. Multiple gold medal winner and Jefferson Cup National Invitational finalist.$15.99

Buffalo Blush...This delicate rose' is slightly sweet with a crisp finish. It is real crowd pleaser and a favorite summer wine.$10.99

Buffalo Red...One of our most popular wines! This rich, smooth, semi-sweet red wine was winner of the "Best Red Wine" at the Kansas State Fair. Great with bar-b-cue and other savory & spicy meats. Also makes great "Somerset Sangria."$12.99

Concordia...This fruit-bomb will take you back to the flavors of your youth. Made from 100% all-American Concord grapes that we source from one of our partner vineyards. This wine is just plain fun!$9.99

Dessert Wines

Ambrosia...This sensuous, luscious wine is made from 100% late-harvest Traminette grapes grown in our hillside vineyard. Residual sugar 11%. Great with cheese and fresh fruit. Winner of "Best White Wine" at the Kansas State Fair and Jefferson Cup National Invitational "Great Wine" award winner.$12.99

Ruby Port...A traditional Ruby Port made by adding fine brandy during fermentation, then aged in American Oak barrels for 2 years. Multiple gold medal winner and Jefferson Cup "Great Wine" winner.$18.99