Heavenly Hibiscus Royale cocktail

Part 1: Elegant, chic and reminiscent of 1950’s glamorous affair, champagne (or in this case, sparkling wine via Napa Valley) cocktails instantly makes your Bridal Shower Brunch a special soiree. Tie the venue, cuisine and personality of the bride-to-be with your designated luscious libation.

For example, if the couple is honeymooning in Hawaii the Hibiscus Royale is unique tribute to the getaway. Or if rose colours adorn the upcoming nuptials then that cocktail can showcase the tone of the upcoming festivities. Whatever way you go with your cocktail choosing, one thing is for sure, don’t miss the opportunity to pop a bottle of bubbles and cling your champagne flutes together in celebration of the soon-to-be-bride.

Below are some of my favourite sparkling cocktail recipes provided by Domaine Chandon, a Napa Valley Winery and one of the most romantic wineries featured in my book Romantic Napa Valley: An Insider’s Guide for Couples. Chandon has brilliantly put together beautiful descriptors and charming concoctions that showcase their award-wining sparkling wines.

The Chandon Hibiscus Royale

Throughout history, flowers in winter have always been a luxury. This sparkling cocktail, made with edible hibiscus petals, lends a note of extravagance to any party. Hibiscus has been used to make herb teas for thousands of years, and is safe to mix with foods and beverages. A drop of rose water adds an extra floral note.

Ingredients

1 Hibiscus flower (wild hibiscus flowers in syrup). Made by the Wild Hibiscus Flower Company of Australia; available at Whole Foods.
½ tbsp syrup from the jar of wild hibiscus flowers
1 small drop of rose water
Chandon Blanc de Noirs

Instructions
Combine Hibiscus flower, syrup and rose water in a Champagne flute. Top with Chandon Blanc de Noirs and serve immediately. Suggested glassware: Champagne flute.

About Autumn

For more on Autumn Millhouse and her book Romantic Napa Valley, An Insider’s Guide for Couples, click here.  Autumn Millhouse is an award-winning travel writer who specializes in wine, food and romantic getaways. She is also an international trekker who has wined and dined across the globe from Barcelona to Beijing . A self-proclaimed “hopeless-romantic” and author of Romantic Napa Valley: An Insider’s Guide for Couples, Autumn also has a bi-monthly column called Love Vines published in Napa Valley Life Magazine. She resides in Napa Valley where she cultivates her wine and food relationships with top chefs, winemakers and a slew of other foodies. Besides, sniffing, swirling and sipping wine daily, Autumn is currently working on her next travel book Romantic Sonoma Valley: An Insider’s Guide for Couples.

The East Bay Rocks! What’s not to love about the Oakland A’s, Lois the Pie Queen and urban wineries? Thank you East Bay Vintner’s Alliance and my buddy Rena Ramirez, at 6th Gen Media for getting me wise to what happens on the other side (of the Bay). As much as we adore Crushpad, we also heart the excellent urban wineries in the East Bay – maybe a little more under the radar but every bit as yummy. For a pittance you can get a PhD in East Bay vinology. I have always loved Rosenblum Cellars (and written about them in Here Comes the Guide), and Dashe Cellars, but I can’t wait to meet the rest of the crew at this hip urban collective.

To do list Saturday:

Get up, go to the gym/yoga/Peet’s Coffee
Grocery Shop
Liquid Lunch at East Bay Vintners Alliance!

Saturday, April 10th, 12 Noon

East Bay Vintner’s Alliance Presented by the East Bay Vintner’s Alliance (EBVA), this year’s “Passport to the East Bay Wine Trail” promises to enlighten the senses as twenty urban wineries- many that are not usually open to the public- will pour their wares at seven distinct tasting rooms located in Emeryville, Oakland and Alameda. This years participating wineries include Adams Point, Andrew Lane, Aubin Cellars, Blacksmith Cellars, Ceruitti Cellars, Dashe Cellars, Ehernberg Cellars, Eno Wines, Irish Monkey, JC Cellars, Periscope Cellars, Prospect 772, R&B Cellars, Rock Wall Wine Company, Rosenblum Cellars, Stage Left Cellars, Tayerle Wines, Two Mile, Urban Legend Cellars, and Urbano Cellars.

Tickets can be purchased for $30.00 in advance through www.eastbayvintners.com, or for $45.00 at the door on April 10, 2010. ($10 for designated drivers.)

Each ticket purchased ensures a wristband, which guarantees free access to each of the seven tasting rooms from 12:00pm to 5:00pm, an assortment of appetizers, and also a souvenir Reidel glass. ??Come one, come all and experience the undiscovered urban wine country right in your own back yard with the East Bay Vintner’s Alliance.

Excerpted from the East Bay Vintners Alliance Press Release.

Contact Rena Ramirez at 6th Generation Media: rramirez@6thgenmedia.com

Luscious + Libations

Got cake? The traditional cake cutting and toast is meant to signify that this party (or reception) is ready to get started. DJ pump the music, groomsmen get on the dance floor and refill your glass before you kick of those heels to do the electric slide.

However, before you do the funky chicken consider learning a little more about cake and wine pairing. This will allow you to be more confident with your purchasing decisions and look like a wine rock star.

Note: The goal of cake and wine pairing (As with any wine and food pairing) is striking a balance between the best of both flavors. We want the natural characteristics of both to counterbalance and complement each other. A perfectly paired wine will render the cake more pleasurable, and vice versa.

Wine and Cake Pairing Tips

Chocolate and champagne or sparkling wines are a no-no together. For a rich chocolate cake, consider a red wine or a port. Cabernet sauvignon pairs perfectly with chocolate and makes for an equally uplifting toast. One of my favorite cabs at the moment is Vineyard 29.

Brut sparkling wine or champagne does not pair well with sweet cakes. The toastyness of the brut turns tart-tasting when sipped with sweet foods. It’s better to have a touch of sweetness in your bubbles to balance the sweetened flavor of the cake.

Purchasing bubbles for the celebrated cake toast doesn’t have to be expensive. Go direct to a local winery that produces sparkling wine or champagne and ask for a discount on case purchases. Consider American sparkling wines (California and Oregon produce some reputable sparkling wine) or Italy’s sparkling wine known as Prosecco for an affordable yet luscious alternative.

The best bubble recommendations to pair with a wedding cake, or any decadent dessert, are a Demi-Sec, Blanc de Blanc, Blanc de Noir or a Rose. My personal favorite that has you thinking of berries and cream is Mumm Cuvee Red. 96 percent of this sparkling wine is a pinot noir grape and boasts a deep red color and fruit forward flavors of black berry and cherry. This sparkling, and all of the above varietals go seamlessly with fruit filled, vanilla or citrus infused wedding cakes.

About Autumn

For more on Autumn Millhouse and her book Romantic Napa Valley, An Insider’s Guide for Couples, click here.

Autumn Millhouse is an award-winning travel writer who specializes in wine, food and romantic getaways. She is also an international trekker who has wined and dined across the globe from Barcelona to Beijing . A self-proclaimed “hopeless-romantic” and author of Romantic Napa Valley: An Insider’s Guide for Couples, Autumn also has a bi-monthly column called “Love Vines” published in Napa Valley Life Magazine. She resides in Napa Valley where she cultivates her wine and food relationships with top chefs, winemakers and a slew of other foodies. Besides, sniffing, swirling and sipping wine daily, Autumn is currently working on her next travel book Romantic Sonoma Valley: An Insider’s Guide for Couples.

The art and the science by Autumn.

Want to learn more about wine? Have you ever tasted a wine and liked it but didn’t know what else to say to describe the character beyond saying ‘it tastes yummy’? Or not sure what questions to ask to help you understand more about the wine?

Below are some simple wine terms twisted in an amusingly romantic manner and intended to increase your wine knowledge and make you sound like a pro the next time you discuss and taste vino.

Start with these basic wine terms and you will be a pro in no time! Cheers…

Acidity – When in perfect balance, acidity is what gives wine its fresh, crisp character; but like all sensuous equilibriums, this is a delicate one to achieve. Acid levels that are too high will render wine sharp and bitter while too small an amount can leave a wine seeming “flat.”

Appellation – Sometimes, it is about where you are; this is the term used to describe the region where a particular grape was grown and ripened to perfection. Napa Valley itself has almost 15 sub-appellations.

Aroma – As in love, so in wine: when we talk about new love, we speak differently than we do about mature, time-tested love. In the same way, the terms used to describe a wine’s scent depend upon its ripeness. “Aroma” refers to younger wines, while the more sophisticated “bouquet” is reserved for mature wines.

Body – Beauty comes in every shape and size imaginable. Since we are highly sensi­tive and sensuous beings, the tiniest difference in weight imparted by a wine to our mouths will be noticeable, and called light, medium, or full-bodied.

Decanting – This is the important process in which a decanter is used to separate undesired sediment from the wine, ensuring its prized “brightness.”

Finish - Our senses linger in pleasurable states long after the event itself has passed; thus after wine is swallowed, its “finish” on your tongue will tell you a great deal about its quality.

Fruit - These ones are not forbidden, thankfully. In fact, they are the main component of wine, and not restricted to grapes; a myriad of other fruits are employed to help describe the wine’s character, such as pear, plum, cherry, blackberry, and many more.

Legs - There’s nothing like a great pair. After wine has been swirled in its glass, tell-tale tracks of liquid cling to the sides, betraying levels of alcohol and glycerol. Even though they’re also called “tears,” there’s no need to mourn – unless of course your glass is empty.

New World Wine – A whole new world of wine has come into being, hailing from places off the beaten path in Argentina, Australia, Canada, Chile, New Zealand, South Africa and United States. It pays to be adventurous…

Nose - Whoever said wine doesn’t have personality? Indeed, its aromatic “nose” will either beckon you to a taste, or repel you forever with its sharp odor.

Old World Wine – There is always great richness to be enjoyed from the fruits of tradition: the products of historical wine growing regions in Europe and North Africa have a reputation for a reason.

Varietal – This tells you the main grape used to make the particular blend of wine. It has to be a certain percentage, such as 75% Cabernet Sauvignon for it to be called a Cabernet. Just like most men, winemakers like variety too and often blend two to three varietals to make one delicious tasting wine.

About Autumn

For more on Autumn Millhouse and her book Romantic Napa Valley, An Insider’s Guide for Couples, click here.

Autumn Millhouse is an award-winning travel writer who specializes in wine, food and romantic getaways. She is also an international trekker who has wined and dined across the globe from Barcelona to Beijing . A self-proclaimed “hopeless-romantic” and author of Romantic Napa Valley: An Insider’s Guide for Couples, Autumn also has a bi-monthly column called “Love Vines” published in Napa Valley Life Magazine. She resides in Napa Valley where she cultivates her wine and food relationships with top chefs, winemakers and a slew of other foodies. Besides, sniffing, swirling and sipping wine daily, Autumn is currently working on her next travel book Romantic Sonoma Valley: An Insider’s Guide for Couples.

6 Budget-Friendly Dates

• Make a Romantic Meal Together: Choose food items that have aphrodisiac qualities such as oysters, truffles, figs or champagne to savor. Chocolate fondue or chocolate covered strawberries are my favorites but be creative and try something new. Or pick a theme, like Indian or Jamaican. Jerk Chicken and Red Stripe Beer? (One last tip – two words: Naked Chef).
• Create-Your-Own Treasure Hunt: Men love games! Ahead of time, plan out a flirtatious treasure hunt for him (or her). The hunt can be executed inside your house, around your neighborhood or all over town. Start with small prizes like chocolates, sexy underwear and build up to an amazing gift as the grand prize, whatever that may be. Make sure to include hints and have at least four to six smaller treasure-hunting points until they find the real treasure.
• Play Board Games: Have you ever played Cranium? Funniest game ever for a group of couples. Plan a game night, have everyone bring a romantic-themed dish or cocktail and have a blast. If you are alone then play an erotic board game. Click here for the latest reviews.
• Play a Sport: Nothing is sexier than seeing your man work up a sweat. If you are an active couple this is a great way to bond. Take a tennis lesson, play a round of golf or go to the batting cages and let him show you how to hit a baseball. Letting him teach you something he is passionate about is the best way to score points with any man.
• Go Dancing: Learn how to salsa dance together. It is sexy and easy to learn. Most dance studios offer lesson or check out any local Latin restaurants or nightclubs for their events. Usually they have free lessons on Friday and Saturday evenings a live Latin music afterwards so you can dance the night way. Mojitos and Salsa dancing, need I say more? Muy caliente!
  
• Give Each Other a Massage: Spa massages are expensive so why not recreate your own spa at home? Purchase some exotic massage oils, lower the lights, light the candles and spend an hour rubbing each other down. Men (and woman) love to be pampered so it will be a memorable and priceless gift.

For more on Autumn Millhouse and her book Romantic Napa Valley, An Insider’s Guide for Couples, click here.

About Autumn

Autumn Millhouse is an award-winning travel writer who specializes in wine, food and romantic getaways. She is also an international trekker who has wined and dined across the globe from Barcelona to Beijing . A self-proclaimed “hopeless-romantic” and author of Romantic Napa Valley: An Insider’s Guide for Couples, Autumn also has a bi-monthly column called Love Vines published in Napa Valley Life Magazine. She resides in Napa Valley where she cultivates her wine and food relationships with top chefs, winemakers and a slew of other foodies. Besides, sniffing, swirling and sipping wine daily, Autumn is currently working on her next travel book Romantic Sonoma Valley: An Insider’s Guide for Couples.

Love vines, love wines, in romantic Napa Valley.

Seduction, Attraction and Flirtation: these are the names given to the wonderful wines Bart O’Brien and his beautiful wife Barbie handcraft at their family-owned winery. If you are seeking romance, this wine making couple and the environment they have created, form the quintessential example. On their third date to Napa, Barbie expressed a desire to move to the wine country and start her own winery. Bart, a storyteller and self-described “hopeless romantic,” said that if that was her dream, then it was his dream as well. Hence the O’Brien Family Vineyard!

Chocolate alternatives!

This appointment-only winery is located on the couple’s beautiful property, next to their home at the foot of Mount Veeder. They focus solely on developing a romantic brand of wine, and enjoy customizing especially intimate visits for couples. Do not be surprised to hear the soft crooning of Billy Joel coming from the house – the O’Briens apply many personal touches, including special wine tastings guided by them. They even offer the “Romance Tour,” which provides you and your sweetheart with absolute privacy, vineyards perfect for easy strolls together, a cozy picnic lunch for two, and wines hat will leave you both starry-eyed.

Unlike the usual boring, ho-hum wine descriptions you will often find, Bart and Barbie spice up their wine labels. You might find yourself perking up to hear Barbie’s description of her wine Flirtation: “Our dry rose of merlot reveals alluring aromas of strawberries and creme, bright teasing acidity, a silky lingering finish and just enough grape skin contact to make it blush.” Like a romance novel in a bottle, O’Brien wines will awaken and excite all your senses. Make sure to check out the Seduction Gift Boxes and join their Wine Lovers Club, so that you can continue the delicious affair even after you have parted ways with this truly lovely winery.

O’Brien Estate is offering the perfect Romantic Wine for Valentine’s Day. Click here for more information.

They are also hosting a Valentine’s Day Dinner – Click here for more information

About Autumn

For more on Autumn Millhouse and her book Romantic Napa Valley, An Insider’s Guide for Couples, click here. Autumn Millhouse is an award-winning travel writer who specializes in wine, food and romantic getaways. She is also an international trekker who has wined and dined across the globe from Barcelona to Beijing . A self-proclaimed “hopeless-romantic” and author of Romantic Napa Valley: An Insider’s Guide for Couples, Autumn also has a bi-monthly column called Love Vines published in Napa Valley Life Magazine. She resides in Napa Valley where she cultivates her wine and food relationships with top chefs, winemakers and a slew of other foodies. Besides, sniffing, swirling and sipping wine daily, Autumn is currently working on her next travel book Romantic Sonoma Valley: An Insider’s Guide for Couples.

Romantic Auberge a romantic splurge.

As part of my romantic travel tip series, my goal is to add value and romance to your destination, wherever that may be. Whether you are two are seeking the sun at a tropical beach side location or looking to hideaway in a rustic cabin resort, these tips, suggestions and travel advice will allow you plan and enjoy a truly romantic travel experience.

Romantic Travel Tip #1

This time of the year, is the perfect time to relish in the endless romantic travel possibilities. One sexy way to maximize your dollars while traveling is by booking a romantic package. Many boutique hotels and resorts, ranging in star ratings, amenities and size, offer romantic packages during the month of February. Most romantic packages include heartfelt seductive additions to the purchase of your accommodations. For example, some of the embellishments include couples massages, rose pedal-filled beds, dinner reservations, massage oils and often a bottle of bubbles on ice upon your arrival. Securing an irresistible getaway will be guaranteed.? As a romantic travel writer, here are some of my favorite romance packages for the month of February.  http://www.romanticnapavalleybook.com/blog

Sedona: Healing Spa Weekend

Discover the healing power of Sedona for a romantic spa weekend away amidst the spectacular red rock desert and breathtaking Arizona sunsets. Known for their vortexes, spiraling spiritual energy, Sedona is thought of as a Native American spiritual center perfect for facilitating meditation, healing and prayer. Enchantment is a luxurious adobe-style resort that embraces the Southwestern landscape and the Native America culture for a harmonic experience. Enjoy their Suite Romance Package that is a plethora of heartfelt amenities including a romance gift upon arrival (candles, CD, body oil, etc.), 60 minutes of spa services, Valentine’s Day dinner and complimentary actives such as Lana & David’s relationship workshop, chocolate cooking demonstrations, sweetheart yoga, aura soma readings and star gazing. Did I mention that you can also use the tennis courts and mountain bikes? Need I say more? http://www.enchantmentresort.com/

Napa Valley: Wine Country Romance

Love with all of your heart and soul in Napa valley. Cherish your time together at Auberge du Soleil, the quintessential wine country inn perched above the valley. Auberge du Soleil has created the ultimate Valentine’s package. This package is inclusive of a one or two night stay in a Garden View King Room. Plus a special 6-course Chef’s tasting Menu at our Michelin starred Restaurant. Return to your room to find the fireplace lit, romantic music turned on and candlelight filling the room. We are also including “Romantic Napa Valley: An Insider’s Guide for Couples”. This charming book is a must for couples hoping for romance in the Napa Valley. Also a bottle of sparkling and chocolate covered strawberries will be delivered to your room upon your arrival. Much more is included…http://www.aubergedusoleil.com/accommodations/packages/#valentines

Lake Tahoe: SnowBoarding

Winter wonderland perfectly describes the PlumpJack Squaw Valley Resort in Lake Tahoe. Nestled away in the hillside, and delicately covered in snow during the winter months it’s a seductive boutique hotel for a romantic haven. Spend your days learning the art of shredding by taking snowboarding lessons with Squaw Valley USA (squawvalleyusa.com). Spend your evening hours either in the outdoor hot tubs soaking your sore muscles or at the modern resort lounge sipping Hottie Totties. Hint: Hit the slopes mid-week to take advantage of amazing mid-week rates or get a group of couples together to take advantage of the More the Merrier Package, where you get four rooms for the price of three. http://www.plumpjacksquawvalleyinn.com/plumpjacksquawvalleyinn/

About Autumn

For more on Autumn Millhouse and her book Romantic Napa Valley, An Insider’s Guide for Couples, click here.

Autumn Millhouse is an award-winning travel writer who specializes in wine, food and romantic getaways. She is also an international trekker who has wined and dined across the globe from Barcelona to Beijing . A self-proclaimed “hopeless-romantic” and author of Romantic Napa Valley: An Insider’s Guide for Couples, Autumn also has a bi-monthly column called Love Vines published in Napa Valley Life Magazine. She resides in Napa Valley where she cultivates her wine and food relationships with top chefs, winemakers and a slew of other foodies. Besides, sniffing, swirling and sipping wine daily, Autumn is currently working on her next travel book Romantic Sonoma Valley: An Insider’s Guide for Couples.

St. Supery Sauvignon Love

Did you know that Johnny Depp had his tattoo Winona Forever changed to Wino Forever? At least that is what is rumored but I love the idea. Not only the idea of a man having his lover’s name tattooed on him but that he embraces his love of wine as a permanent fixture on his hot sexy body.

As comical as it may be, growing to love wine can be as easy as fantasying about Johnny Depp. Give these three easy-to-find, affordable wines a chance and your affection for vino will continue to grow sip by sip.

Mark West Pinot Noir
Mark West claims to the “Pinot for the People” and that sounds just about right. Full bodied, with depth of favors yet not overly fruity. It is a well-balanced wine, just like a well-made cocktail. Produced by Mark West Winery in Sonoma County they use a variety of California Pinot grapes to blend their wines. Think cherry pie, caramel, vanilla and aromatic hints of raspberry and strawberry.

St. Supery Sauvingon Blanc
St. Supery Sauvingon is a light, grapefruit, honeydew melon and honeysuckle flavored wine that reminds me of Summer. 100 % Estate Sauvingon Blanc fruit, it is made for drinking now. Considered a showstopper, I would have to agree and often suggest it as beginning wine for many people looking to develop an affinity for wine. This is one wine that will get you hooked.

Big House Pink
Big House Pink uses a screw cap instead of a traditional cork, and offers both white and red along with the Pink. However, I prefer the pink (known as a blush wine) which is reminds me of watermelon jolly ranchers. Yummy! Sweet but not too sugary this wine is drinkable alone or perfect for spicy dishes and exotic dishes because it balances the meal out well.

About Autumn

For more on Autumn Millhouse and her book Romantic Napa Valley, An Insider’s Guide for Couples, click here.

Autumn Millhouse is an award-winning travel writer who specializes in wine, food and romantic getaways. She is also an international trekker who has wined and dined across the globe from Barcelona to Beijing . A self-proclaimed “hopeless-romantic” and author of Romantic Napa Valley: An Insider’s Guide for Couples, Autumn also has a bi-monthly column called Love Vines published in Napa Valley Life Magazine. She resides in Napa Valley where she cultivates her wine and food relationships with top chefs, winemakers and a slew of other foodies. Besides, sniffing, swirling and sipping wine daily, Autumn is currently working on her next travel book Romantic Sonoma Valley: An Insider’s Guide for Couples.

Instead of fretting about incorrectly pairing a pinot noir with either chicken or beef or wondering if five cases of bubbles will be enough for your bridal party alone, Mumm Napa has made choosing your wedding wines a simple task to complete and check off your endless to-do list.

Their website has a wedding planning segment allowing couples to create a wine wish list, utilize Napa Valley wedding resources (just in case Wine Country is your destination wedding) and perfectly pair your lemon wedding cake with a tantalizing Demi Sec Sparkling Wine. Click away to have all your issues, concerns and questions answered. Plus, there is no better wedding favor then a cute bottle (referred to as a split) of sparkling wine.

This interactive wedding wine guide is hands-down a life saver for brides and grooms, and not only allows you to plan an elegant wine-filled wedding but educates and interests even the most wine resistant couples.

Cheers!

About Autumn

For more on Autumn Millhouse and her book Romantic Napa Valley, An Insider’s Guide for Couples, click here.

Autumn Millhouse is an award-winning travel writer who specializes in wine, food and romantic getaways. She is also an international trekker who has wined and dined across the globe from Barcelona to Beijing . A self-proclaimed “hopeless-romantic” and author of Romantic Napa Valley: An Insider’s Guide for Couples, Autumn also has a bi-monthly column called Love Vines published in Napa Valley Life Magazine. She resides in Napa Valley where she cultivates her wine and food relationships with top chefs, winemakers and a slew of other foodies. Besides, sniffing, swirling and sipping wine daily, Autumn is currently working on her next travel book Romantic Sonoma Valley: An Insider’s Guide for Couples.

For bubbly brides...

Cristal Champagne screams money. It’s the most sought-after champagne from Japan to NYC by Grammy-Award winning rappers to aristocrats. An elegant tasting, full-bodied bubbly that has often been referred to as the best champagne to ever touch ones lips with a surprisingly strong finish. Depending on the vintage and the varietal prices per can range between $299 – $900.

2001 J. Schram epitomizes Schramsberg’s philosophy to create a wine in which no effort has been spared and no care has been omitted. Representing only 3% of the winery’s annual production, the Chardonnay-focused J. Schram blend is assembled from the very best base wine lots of the approximately 200 produced each year. This wine is expected to develop beautifully over the next twenty-years. Suggested retail is $100 per bottle.

Dom Perignon Champagne is known as one of the best champagnes in the world. Methode Champenoise, the most popular and common method sparkling wine is made, was apparently developed by Dom (Pierre) Perignon a Benedictine Monk, born in 1638, near the Champagne district of France. Produced with their trademark Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes, their wine is fuzzy yet smooth, complex and exceptionally aromatic. Suggested retail is between $129 – $1,889 depending on the vintage and the varietal.