Spring Wines: What we’re currently drinking.

Warmer spring weather signals the perfect time to transition from dark, heavier reds to lighter-bodied, bright wines. No matter the season, Regale Winery and Vineyards has some wonderful, seasonally-appropriate wine suggestions for you. Here’s a few bottles we are currently sipping and enjoying:

2015 Chardonnay, Russian River Valley – 2015 marks the third vintage of our Russian River Valley Chardonnay. This pristine vineyard is located just outside of Healdsburg and produces exceptional fruit. Typical of the appellation, the wine has bright scents of lemon curd and crushed pineapple. The mid-palette has vibrant acidity with notes of apple, citrus and wet stone with a finish of stone fruits and a hint of caramel.

Suggested food pairing:Grilled shellfish like lobster and scallops, roasted chicken and mushroom dishes.

2017 Grenache Rosé, Paso Robles – This rosé is an elegant addition to a relaxing afternoon. With notes of soft strawberry and nectarine on the nose, you’ll also taste star fruit and dried apricot on the palate for a long, lush finish.

Suggested food pairing: Prosciutto-wrapped melon, smoked salmon or pork tenderloin.

2014 Pinot Noir, Carneros – On the palate this wine is extremely well integrated and balanced with layers of ripe plum, raspberry and baking spice. On the nose you will find aromas of lush dark cherry and plum with a hint of orange zest. With its balanced acidity and robust mid-palate, this is a great food wine. 

Suggested food pairing:Seared tuna, rack of lamb or mushroom risotto.

St. Patrick’s Day Wine Pairings

While the Irish holiday doesn’t often celebrate the subtle nuances of wine, we’ve discovered some delightful wine pairings to accompany traditional Irish food. Wine drinkers rejoice!

Roasted Potatoes and Irish Soda Bread – Pair with our 2015 Russian River Valley Chardonnay. These rich, starchy side dishes are complemented by a light and diverse Chardonnay.

Corned Beef and Cabbage – Pair with our 2014 Anderson Valley Pinot Noir or 2017 Paso Robles Grenache Rosé. The balanced layers of the Anderson Valley Pinot Noir pair well with this hearty meat dish, while the Grenache Rosé offers a lighter, complementary option.

Shepherd’s Pie – Pair with our 2014 Carneros Pinot Noir. The dense, velvety aromas of the Carneros Pinot Noir stand up to the richness of this traditional Irish dish.

Wine Resolutions: Try something new this year.

As a wine drinker, you probably know what wines you enjoy drinking. If someone asked you which varietal you prefer, more than likely you’d have an answer or two at the ready. While it’s great to have some favorites, it’s easy to get into a routine and miss out on some delicious wines. 
This year, why not try expanding your taste? We have a few ideas that will motivate you to drink a little more creatively. 

Blind Tasting

A favorite here at Regale Winery and Vineyards, a blind tasting is an excellent way to experience the subtleties of different wine varietals. Find a group of friends who are interested in learning more about wine and assign each person a different varietal. Each attendee brings their assigned bottle and the host conceals them (we like burlap wine tasting bags or using brown wrapping paper over the labels). Take turns pouring each wine and making guesses about the varietal and region. Then reveal the mystery wines.

Pro Tip: Want to make things a little more competitive? Assign points for each correct guess! The winner can take home another mystery bottle.

Change Up Your Shopping Routine

Each time you visit your local wine shop or winery, commit to purchasing one varietal that is new to you. If you typically go for a Cabernet Sauvignon or Zinfandel, try a bottle of Petite Sirah or Sangiovese. If you prefer whites, veer off the path of Pinot Gris and give a Chenin Blanc or Viognier a try. You may discover a new wine that you love!

Pro Tip: Have a conversation with the owner or winemaker. Explain what you typically drink and that you’re interested in trying something new. Chances are, they’ll have a great suggestion for you.

Region-Themed Parties

Find a group of friends who enjoy drinking wine and have each person host a region-themed wine night. Start with some of the essential regions, like Tuscany, Napa, Rioja and Bordeaux. Everyone who attends the region-themed event brings a bottle from that wine region. Spend the evening discussing the nuances of each wine, noting what you enjoy.

Pro Tip: Take it a step further by having each person bring a fact about the region.

The New Year and the Tradition of Champagne (Sparkling wine for us!)

You may be surprised to know that the origins of New Year’s and Champagne date all the way back to Julius Caesar himself. However, it wasn’t tradition to celebrate at midnight until the 1800s, and it is well known that champagne was a big contributor to those parties since the mid-century.

At the end of the 19^th century, it was uncommon to see something other than champagne served at a New Year’s party. In the years leading up to the turn of the century, champagne sales soared from 6 million bottles per year to nearly 30 million bottles. And during the 1930s, a popular New York restaurant dubbed it the most fashionable, upper class thing to drink.

Even during Prohibition, the champagne market wasn’t affected as much as people may think. The U.S. still imported champagne by identifying less direct routes. After Prohibition was repealed, champagne consumption returned in full, reaffirming its tie with New Year’s traditions. As we know today, the tradition of champagne toasts still holds true.

Our sparkling wine is sure to do the same. Give it a try for this year’s celebrations!

Exciting (and easy!) ways to pair wine for the holidays.

The holidays are an excellent opportunity to pair delicious foods with fine wine. While you may be juggling a variety of dishes and wine preferences, we’ve made a list of classic pairings that are sure to have everyone at the table satisfied.

Appetizers and Desserts
Finding a wine to serve at the beginning and the end of your holiday celebration can be a challenge. Why complicate things? Our Merlot is a chameleon of sorts. It will pair fantastically with savory appetizers, as well as sweet desserts.

Traditional Holiday Dishes
Classic dishes like Turkey or Prime Rib, pair well with a versatile wine that can complement even the heartiest of plates. Our 2016 Petite Sirah does just that. It’s elegant, lush and bold characteristics allow it to hold up to traditional holiday dishes.

The Guest who Prefers White Wine
Finding a white wine that complements every dish you’re serving, from appetizers to main dishes and desserts, is no easy task. Our Reserve Chardonnay is uniquely well rounded, making it the perfect white pairing for each food you serve.

New Year’s Celebrations 
The drink of choice for New Year’s celebrations has long been coveted by champagne. This year, why not try something new? Our Methode Champenoise is a wonderful combination of fruit and toasty notes.

To purchase your holiday wines, visit us in the Tasting Room or give us a call at (408)353-2500.

Tasting Room Hours:

Saturdays – 11am to 4pm

Sundays – 11am to 5pm

Another delicious way to enjoy wine over the holidays!

One of our tried and true favorites this time of year, our Holiday Spice Mulled Wine, is soon to return to Regale’s Tasting Room. Its pleasant notes of cinnamon, honey, clove and nutmeg will warm you to the core.

Available at Regale Winery and Vineyards in the Tasting Room:

Saturday, December 22^nd • 11am – 4p

Sunday, December 23^rd • 11am – 5pm

We’re quite sure you will be wanting more. Here’s our recipe so you can enjoy our mulled wine throughout the season.

Get the Recipe:

• 1/2 Bottle Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon
• 1/2 Bottle 2015 Paso Robles Merlot
• 2 Cups Apple Cider
• 1/2 Cup Orange Juice
• 5 Tbsp Honey
• 3 Cinnamon Sticks
• 1/2 Cup Sugar
• 3 Cloves
• 1 Tsp Nutmeg
• 4 Orange Slices
• 2 Lemon Slices

Combine all ingredients in a large saucepan and simmer at low heat for about 10 minutes. Then keep warm over very low heat. Pour into mugs and serve with optional garnishes: orange peel, cinnamon stick, star of anise. You can also prepare mulled wine in a crock pot. Follow all steps and leave wine on “Keep Warm” setting.

We hope you enjoy!

 

The Summer of Pizza Paella, and of course, Wine. Need we say more?

If you asked for a list of our favorite things, we’re pretty sure we’d include these three every time. Pizza, Paella and Wine—all of which we invite you to join us for this summer at Regale.

Between now and late September, we’ve planned a lineup of exciting events that you don’t want to miss. If you’re looking to enjoy summer like the Italians, spend a Sunday afternoon on the grounds enjoying wine during our Wood-Fired Pizza series. Perhaps a Spanish staycation is more your style? We have you covered with the return of our popular Paella Feast. And last, but certainly not least, if you’re new to wine, or looking to expand your palette and knowledge, sign up for a class in our new Wine Education Series!

Wood-Fired Pizza Series

We are delighted to continue the tradition of Regale’s Wood-Fired Pizza Series this summer. If you haven’t experienced it firsthand, be sure to put one of these dates on your calendar soon. Held in our gardens, our very own wood-fired pizza oven is fueled with our estate’s oak cuttings to create the perfect wine pairing.

New this Year!
We’re excited to feature Santa Cruz’s Justin Wadstein of Sleight of Hand Pizza. With 13 World Champion Pizza Tosser titles, Justin delights guests with delicious pizza and his impressive pizza tossing tricks.

Sunday, Noon – 4pm

Remaining Dates: July 1^st, July 15^th, August 5^th, August 19^th, September 2^nd, September 16^th

No tickets required. Walk-ins welcome for smaller parties, and reservations are required for groups larger than 9 people.

*See below link for more event information.

 

  

Paella Feast

In the art of entertaining, there’s very few dishes that can rival the aromatic, colorful presentation of paella. Take a quick Spanish getaway and join us for a savory evening featuring this traditional cuisine native to Spain. As our guest, you’ll get to see every step of the cooking process, from beginning to end. Watch as a team from Hola Paella prepares the meal right in front of you with only the freshest of ingredients.

Sunday, August 26 • 5:30 – 7:30pm

Tickets available online.

*See below link for more event information.

  

Wine Education Series – New at Regale

Interested in learning more about wine? This summer, we are excited to have launched our Wine Education Series! Whether you’re new to wine, or consider yourself a connoisseur, there is something for everyone to gain from this series.

Join us for a class led by Adan Ocegueda, a well-known, local sommelier and wine education professor at San Jose State University. Choose from a class focused on food pairings or an introduction to wine. Each class includes 45 minutes of lecture followed by 30 minutes of tasting and 15 minutes of Q&A.

• An Introduction to Wine – Sunday, July 29 • 1:30 – 3pm
• Food Pairing – Sunday, August 26 • 1:30 – 3pm
• An Introduction to Wine – Sunday, September 30 • 1:30 – 3pm

Tickets available online.

*See below link for more event information.

*For more information on these events, visit our events page. To purchase tickets for the Paella event or Wine Education Series, click here.

 

 

Unique Rehearsal & Engagement Dinner Ideas

Are you planning an engagement or rehearsal dinner, but are looking for a more exciting and unique way to celebrate with family and friends? Between the bridal showers, engagement and rehearsal dinners, and the big day, preparing for these events can be hugely time-consuming. Regale Winery and Vineyards is working to not only make that task easier for you, but to ensure a truly unique experience, allowing you to interact with guests and be entertained without the stress that often accompanies these events.

Designed to reflect the old wineries in Italy and France, Regale’s setting provides an exclusive venue for rehearsal and engagement dinners, weddings and other special events. If you’re looking for an evening that stands out from the customary rehearsal or engagement dinner, we’ve got some fresh and intriguing ideas for you.

• Grape stomping competition: For a little friendly competition, match up the bridal party against the groomsmen in a grape stomping game. Regale offers this unique competition, which allows the bride and groom to compete in stomping grapes— a unique look into the history of winemaking, and a wonderful photo op!
• Engaging wine and cuisine stations: Truly an interactive approach to the wining and dining of your guests, try creating themed stations with entertaining activities. Ideas like learning to saber a bottle of Champagne paired with oysters or a meat carving station perfectly paired with Merlot are sure to delight your guests.
• Pinot Pong tournament and sushi rolling: New at Regale, the exciting game of Pinot Pong combines the competitive edge of Beer Pong with the elegance of fine wine. For a lively crowd, delight your guests with this exciting game combined with in-person sushi rolling provided by our local catering partners.
• Wine blending competition: To make the “I Dos” even more memorable, hold a wine blending competition to create the bride and groom’s custom wine blend to be served on the wedding day. Regale even offers custom wine labels with the couple’s names and wedding date to commemorate their special day.
• Wood-fired pizza and blind tasting: An instant hit with most any group, our wood-fired pizza oven offers a unique dining experience in the gorgeous gardens at Regale. Guests can test their knowledge of wine with a guided blind taste test and enjoy rustic, Tuscan-inspired pizza on the patio.
  

  
• Wine and couples trivia: Create trivia questions with wine topics and split into teams. For each question answered correctly, reveal a funny, interesting or romantic fact about the bride and groom!
• Sports and appetizers in the gardens: Looking for an idea with a little more action for an upbeat crowd? Regale’s sports package offers a variety of game options, including an in-house bocce ball court, badminton, Ping-Pong, cornhole, horseshoe and Giant Jenga, to name a few. Combine that with tray-passed and stationed appetizers, and your guests will be both highly entertained and well fed.

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• Wine Bingo and picnic in garden: An ever-classic game, we’ve given Bingo an update with a fresh new twist. Guests learn the meaning behind wine descriptors like fruit expression, texture and minerality while playing along and enjoying a lovely picnic in Regale’s verdant gardens.

For more information about events at Regale, or to request a proposal, click here. You can also contact events@regalewine.com or call (408) 353-2500.

Benefits of Joining a Wine Club

Have you considered joining a wine club, but aren’t sure of all the benefits a membership can offer? From winery to winery, benefits vary, but there are some key reasons you may want to join and ideas of what you can expect from most memberships.

• Great discounts. Members of wine clubs typically receive a discounted rate for bottle purchases. Here at Regale, we offer substantial discounts of 15 -20% off bottles, depending upon membership level.
• Tastings and private space. Visit the winery to taste and take advantage of onsite benefits. Regale wine club members receive complimentary tastings and access to an exclusive, members-only tasting lounge.
• Attend member-only events. Depending on the size of the winery, club members often have the opportunity to attend exclusive, member-only events like private release parties or live music. Regale members also receive priority booking for Regale-hosted events, like our popular summer Paella Dinners.

• Get first access to special releases and member-only wines. Do you want to be the first to try new wine releases? Or have the ability to buy those limited production wines? Having a membership is the first step you should take to get access to such limited bottles.
• Receive a regular supply of wine. Enjoy a variety of wines throughout the year. Most wine clubs provide the option to pick up wine releases in person and enjoy a tasting, or have it shipped directly to you for convenience.
• Learn more about wine. You can visit your wine club’s tasting room and sample the wines featured on their current menu (complimentary for you and up to four guests if you’re a member at Regale). You’ll have a chance to speak with the pourer or winemaker to learn about the varietals and what went into making the wines.
• Expand your palate. A wine club membership will often open up your palate, introducing you to new varietals that you may not have tried on your own. Both seasonal and new releases are featured by wineries and allow you to expand your taste for different regions and grapes.

Regale Winery and Vineyards offers a number of educational, fun and cost-saving benefits for wine club members, including:

• Discounted wine purchases (15-20%)
• 30% off additional bottle purchases of the varietal types included in shipments during pick-up on release weekends
• Access to limited production, member-only wines
• Complimentary tasting for up to four guests
• Discounted spa services at The Spa ~ Los Gatos
• Priority booking for events hosted by Regale
• Access to members-only wine tasting lounge
• Priority access to bocce court, patios and terrace areas

To learn more about Regale Winery and Vineyard’s wine club benefits and membership options, click here.

Team Building: Why it’s so important to your business.

Creating a cohesive team is often one of the most challenging obstacles companies face. While a large variety of team building experiences are offered today, a memorable experience that fosters engagement, motivation and performance is often hard to find. Along with the fact that employees should feel rewarded for their hard work during a team building event, there are plenty of reasons why it is important to a business, including the bottom line.

Team building fosters collaboration.

• It can boost creativity and innovation.
• Allows employees to understand the strengths, weaknesses and interests of coworkers.

It motivates.

• Your employees’ hard work should be both recognized and rewarded.

It boosts performance.

• Put simply, team building helps people work better together. Once they bond on an intimate level, you may see an increase in productivity.
• Employees may be more driven.

 

So, how do you team build successfully?

1. It shouldn’t feel like a regular day at the office. It’s ideal to go offsite for team building, which helps people to get out of the daily routine and interact openly. Select a location that will be memorable and exciting for employees.

2. Schedule during working hours. Employees shouldn’t feel like they need to spend after hours’ time or a weekend attending a mandatory work event.

3. There needs to be an experience that brings people closer together. Activities can help employees collaborate and develop trust. At Regale, we offer a number of out-of-the-box options, like blind tasting, cork engineering and wine trivia (just to name a few).

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4. Make it functional for everyone. Not every person on the team wants to do a relay race or scavenger hunt. Having options is a great way to accommodate everyone on the team. Regale provides a number of activities and packages to make sure all employees are engaged and comfortable.

5. Set expectations. The goal of the team building activity needs to be clear for employees. Communicate the intent of the event. Whether it is integrating different teams in the office, increasing communication among employees, or building relationships, results are more likely to be implemented if the team goes into the experience with a goal in mind.

6. Get feedback. Be sure to get a pulse for how receptive employees were to the team building activity (we like using SurveyMonkey, which allows employees to submit feedback anonymously). You should also thank everyone for their participation.

 

Here at Regale, we provide a team building experience that is one of the most involved and entertaining in the wine industry. All team members feel at ease with our event planning team handling every last detail, from time management to the setup and structure of activities.

With an expanding list of packages to choose from, employees can bond over grape stomping, blind tasting, or our sports package, among other extensive options. We take pride in finding catering partners that provide interactive culinary experiences and elite service.

For more information on corporate events at Regale, visit our website, contact us at events@regalewine.com or call (408) 353-2500 (ext.103).