We're gearing up for a fantastic new wine season here at the bistro, so while our local winemakers are toiling away on their new vintages, we thought we'd celebrate several organic wines that we've recently added to our list. All of them are organic, most of them certifiably so, and some are totally biodynamic meaning that the entire process of farming, harvesting and winemaking are done in a sustainable way, from the use of natural pesticides and fertilizers to water-conservation methods.

If this all sounds so very complicated and esoteric, you should come learn more about these simply delicious, high-quality wines and see for yourself just how well they go with our menu! And, speaking of our menu, we'll be creating totally special, off-the-menu dishes to specifically pair with each wine. Scott Anker from Mountain People's Wine will attend and share a little bit about each wine as we pour them.

Mountain Peoples Wine & Beer Distribution is now celebrating over ten years as one of the leading organic wine and beer distributors in the industry. Founded in 1994, by Michael Funk, they operated for several years along side Michael’s other company, Mountain Peoples Warehouse (now known as UNFI), which is the largest distributor of natural foods and supplements in the nation. These products include wine and beer which are certified organic or made with organic ingredients, wines which have no sulfites added, and wines made with Demeter Certified biodynamic grapes.

OK, so onto the important stuff- here is the menu that Christy is whipping up, subject of course to any necessary last-minute changes:

First Course
Ledgewood Creek Sauvignon Blanc
Kumamoto Oysters with Sage Mountain Melon

Second Course
La Rocca Vineyards Chenin Blanc
Organic Greens Salad with Crows Pass Scarlet Gala Apple, Armenian Cucumber
and Temecula Avocado Honey and Lime Vinaigrette

Third Course
Organic Vintners Zinfandel
Wild Mexican Shrimp and Sage Mountain San Marzano Tomato Stew with Goat
Cheese

Fourth Course
Girasole Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon
Meganʼs Leg of Lamb Steak with Temecula Avocado Honey and Horseradish
Cabernet Sauce

Fifth Course
Bison Brewing Organic Chocolate Stout
Chocolate Stout Poached Fig with Handmade Chocolate Macadamia Bark
Yes, we are serving up a beer with dessert, putting a small twist on the wine theme but sticking with the totally organic concept- Bison Brewing is currently located in Ukiah (previously Berkeley, CA). Trust me, you're going to like it!

And here's some more detailed information about the wines:

LEDGEWOOD CREEK Sauvignon Blanc
Vintage: 2007
Our ‘07 Sauvignon Blanc is fragrant with orange blossom and delicate grassy flavors. It is bright, fresh, and vibrant, with green apple and crispness on its leading edge. The wine's aroma and vibrancy lead to mouth-filling flavors of grapefruit and lemon.

LA ROCCA VINEYARDS Chenin Blanc
Vintage: 2006
Fresh and light with hints of green apple and white melon. Malolactic fermentation leaves the wine with a light buttery finish. Aged on American oak for two months before bottling gives the wine a slight hint of vanilla. Pairs well with almost any food, including fresh fish, pork, salad, and even curry. A wonderful versatile wine, perfect for any mood or a delight for your favorite social occasion.

ORGANIC VINTNERS Zinfandel
Vintage: 2007
Varietal: 100% Zinfandel
Full bodied, with a fine structure and balance. Aromas of ripe raspberries and pepper spice. Raspberry and loganberry jammy notes on the palate, with hints of clove, cinnamon and milk chocolate. Soft expressions of toasty oak and earth on the finish. Pairs well with barbecue, beef tacos with Manchego cheese, Italian sausage risotto, and pastas with a kick.

GIRASOLE VINEYARDS Cabernet Sauvignon
Vintage: 2007
Deep ruby in color. full bodied wine with deep complex aromas of cassis, currant, and black plum. The sweet toasty oak flavors of toffee, caramel and roasted nuts perfectly frame the fruit and spice package. The medium to firm tannins provide a lengthy and dense finish. This wine is drinkable upon release but will soften and age gracefully for 3–5 years.

The cost for the dinner is $45, not including tax or gratuity. Reservations are required and can be made by e-mailing elena@searocketbistro.com, or calling us at 619-255-7049. We are requiring a credit card number to hold seats, and a $10 no-show fee will be charged for those not providing cancellation notice 48 hours before the event.