Passport Day 1: Barndiva

After a day of drinking wine, I really want something OTHER than wine. Barndiva has become one of our Passport traditions because of their cocktail selection. I started the night with the Grow a Pear (Spiced Pear Vodka, Domaine de Canton, Luxardo Maraschino, Meyer Lemon Juice) but I think the hit of the evening was Debbie’s requested Mojito (made with Ginger Beer instead of Simple Syrup). John will soon be trying to replicate that at home.

Dinner was wonderful as always! We started with Goat Cheese Croquettes for the table and we were able to avoid any fighting.

Heirloom Beet & Endive
Avocado, Apple, Walnut, Warm Chèvre

Bacon Wrapped Gleason Ranch Pork Loin
Yukon Gold Potato Purée, Crème de Morel, Spring Favas

Delicious!!

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Passport Day 1: Passalacqua

Passalacqua was our last stop for the day. Wines featured included: 2008 Dry Creeek Barrel Fermented Chardonnay, 2008 Dry Creek Valley Estate Zinfandel, 2007 Dry Creek Valley Old Vine Zinfandel, 2007 Dry Creek Valley Saini Farms Sangiovese, and the 2007 Dry Creek Valley TR Passalacqua Cabernet Sauvignon. The wines were paired with Pizza Margherita with Proscuitto di Parma; Pizza Blanco with Mozzarella, Parmigiano, Ricotta and Arugula; Cheeses from Cowgirl Creamery – Parmigniano Reggiano Organico & Fiore Sardo with Sourdough Baguettes; and Stracciatell Gelato by Massimio.

Seven wineries in one day is a lot!!!! And probably one too many.

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Passport Day 1: Quivira

Another winery that John and I discovered years ago. Quivira was a last minute addition to the winery list for the weekend thanks to Gateway to Passport. During Gateway, they were pouring a Sauvignon Blanc – Gewürztraminer blend which was limited release ONLY available at the winery. In addition, John and I picked up some of the very last 2007 Quivira Zinfandel. Yippee!!!

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Passport Day 1: A. Rafanelli

John and I have been visiting Rafanelli since we first started coming to Dry Creek 20 years ago. A family owned winery known for their Zinfandel, they go all out for Passport Weekend. In addition to the wine from last year, everyone was looking forward to the estate grown olives marinated in the secret family recipe. We tasted both the Cabernet Sauvignon and Zinfandel along with an unbelievable amount of food. Rafanelli is a must visit for Passport weekend.

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