Event Photos at McGrail

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Winter Thoughts at McGrail Vineyards

The rains in December gave me hope of catching up on the past two years of 

drought. January was the driest on record, which slaps me back to reality. February 

has offered a bit of precipitation which offers a glimmer of hope but alas, I think we 

are going to have a “normal” rainfall year. Good for us for sure. The hills are green 

and the mustard is out like gangbusters. I am reminded of course of a recent joke I 

read where a young girl asks her mother what “normal” is. The mother replies, “it’s a 

setting on the dryer dear”.

We have added gypsum and compost to our vineyard and we are getting ready to 

prune. I hear around the state that budbreak is early this year due to the warm 

weather through the first two months of the year. I anticipate our buds to push 

around the 10th of March for our Cabernet Sauvignon. 

We are gathering samples and tasting through our barrels. Sorting them out into 

their respective blends. I must admit it is a tiresome task but someone’s got to do it. 

On the agenda are 2014 Sauvignon Blanc and Rose as well as a Patriot Cabernet 

Sauvignon and a Merlot blend. Soon to follow will be our Estate Cab Sauv blends that 

we all know and love and of course, Chardonnay.  Spring will be busy for sure.

I am thankful for any precipitation we can get it the next 2 months. It helps to 

replenish our ground water and flush out our soils. Like humans, the dirt needs 

water too. 

Cheers,

MC

Sip and Shop with Holiday Cheer this Friday, December 5th

Chicken Marsala with McGrail Family Chardonnay

Photo Credit hugsandcookiesxoxo.com

Pairing chardonnay is not as black and white as you may think: especially when it's as rich and buttery as our McGrail Family Chardonnay! This chicken marsala is surprisingly easy to make and absolutely delicious! People will be so impressed when you whip up this amazing plate, served with our chilled chardonnay. Add some asparagus and potatoes on the side and it will be a dinner that is just out of this world! Our chardonnay is available for purchase here!

What you'll need

• 1 package chicken cutlets, pounded thin
• olive oil
• cornstarch
• 1 small package sliced mushrooms
• 1 cup Marsala wine
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 cup chicken broth
• heavy cream
• salt
• pepper

Directions

1. Heat about 3 tbsp olive oil in a skillet on medium-high
2. Thoroughly cover chicken in cornstarch and sprinkle on both sides salt and pepper to taste
3. Fry in pan on both sides to brown, then remove it from the pan
4. Add mushrooms to the pan to brown, then increase the heat to high and add Marsala, butter, and chicken broth. 
5. Add 1 tbsp cornstarch and cook until liquid reduces by half
6. Add 1-2 tbsp cream to taste and more salt and pepper if desired
7. For added thickness of the sauce, add more cornstarch (I personally added another tablespoon)
8. Return chicken to pan, let it simmer in sauce for a couple minutes to allow it to cook through. 

Walnut Espresso Brownies with McGrail Cabernet Sauvignon

Photo Credit: David Prince

We all know chocolate and wine are a match made in heaven, but many of us are looking for a little more than just a simple piece of chocolate when we're unwinding with some wine. These walnut espresso brownies are the perfect way to relax after a long day, a stressful work week, or even just after a great dinner. Paired with our 2010 James Vincent Cabernet, this would be the perfect way to end your evening! The James Vincent is aged for 30 months in all French oak, giving it some hints of chocolate in the wine itself. This wine is available for purchase here, as well as our famous Cab Reserve which is available for purchase here!

What you'll need:

• Nonstick vegetable oil spray (or you can butter the pan, this way is just much more efficient and has less added calories/fat)
• Parchment paper
• 1 stick (8 tbsp) unsalted butter
• 4 oz semisweet chocolate, coarsely chopped
• 1 tbsp instant espresso powder
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup sugar
• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 semisweet chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional, but highly recommended

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees (Fahrenheit)
2. Coat 8in x 8in baking pan with vegetable oil spray and line pan with parchment paper (leave some hanging over the sides). Spray the parchment paper with nonstick spray as well.
3. Melt together the butter, espresso powder, and chocolate in a small saucepan (remember to stir occasionally).
4. Beat the eggs and sugar together with a mixer on medium-high until the mix is light and fluffy. Reduce the mixer speed to low and add in the melted mixture from the saucepan, then add the flour and salt. Once it is mixed together, fold in chocolate chips and walnuts.
5. Spread batter in your prepared pan and bake for about 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
6. Once brownies are baked, let them cool completely in the pan. Once you're ready to remove them, hold both ends of the parchment paper and lift the cake out of the pan. Cut your cake in 16 pieces and enjoy!

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Grilled Salt and Pepper Tuna with McGrail Cabernet Sauvignon

Photo Credit: Frances Janisch

Tired of the same old poultry or red meat dinners? Look no further: try a nice grilled salt and pepper tuna steak for dinner tonight! This meal is easy to make and tastes like you're eating a five star restaurant! This dinner would pair amazingly with our famous Cabernet Sauvignon. While enjoying our cab, you might notice cherry, cassis, and plum as you swirl your glass around. The dark fruit is intermixed with smokey, toasty nuance and a hint of earth. The tannis are already approachable but very well balance. Our 2011 Cabernet Reserve is aged for 30 months in French, Hungarian, and American oak and is available for purchase here! 

What you'll need for the tuna

• 3 pounds sushi-grade tuna: you can find sushi-grade fish at any Ranch 99 or other Asian supermarket!
• 1/2 cup black pepper, coarsely ground
• 1/8 - 1/4 cup coarse sea salt (depending on how salty you like your food, 1/4 makes a fairly salty fish!)

What you'll need for the lemon caper butter

• 1 stick (8 tbsp) unsalted butter
• 2 tbsp capers
• 2 lemons
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp ground black pepper

Directions: 

To prepare the tuna:

1. Cut the tuna into 8 equal steaks.
2. Combine the pepper and salt in a small bowl and pour onto a clean plate.
3. Press each steak into the mix and coat evenly. Refrigerate until you're ready to grill.

To make the lemon caper butter:

1. Melt the butter in a small saucepan.
2. Add capers and cook for 2 minutes.
3. Add the lemon juice, salt and pepper and cook for 2 minutes to heat through.

To grill the tuna:

1. Add the tuna steaks to the grill and grill for 2 to 3 minutes on each side for medium-rare. Personal tip: make sure you don't overcook the tuna, it's better that it looks slightly under cooked. I can assure you, it most likely is not!
2. Drizzle with lemon caper butter. Top each plate of zucchini with a tuna steak.

Prep Time: 

10 minutes

Cooking Time: 

20 minutes

July is Sauvignon Blanc Month, enjoy it with free Bocce ball at McGrail!

It's summer! You know what that means: the days are longer and the nights are warmer. What better way to end your summer's day than with a crisp, chilled glass of McGrail's Sauvignon Blanc? Our refreshing Sauvignon Blanc will delight your taste buds with an intense blend of melons, honey, and tropical fruit. Imagine a relaxing evening grilling some salmon and pairing it with this amazing wine! 

Going to watch a movie in the park? Thinking about having a nice picnic on a bright and sunny afternoon? Look no further: our 2013 Sauvignon Blanc is also our first bottle of wine with a screw cap! No need to worry about bringing a corkscrew for this wine! Your senses will be awakened as you crack open a bottle and are greeted with aromas of passion fruit and honeysuckle.

Come by and visit us at McGrail Vineyards and Winery to pick up your bottle today! While you're here, enjoy a glass on our gorgeous patio with views that boast the gorgeous Livermore Valley. In honor of July being Sauvignon Blanc Month, we will be offering a limited time offer: buy six bottles of our Sauvignon Blanc and play Bocce ball on our brand new Bocce ball courts for free! That's right: our long anticipated Bocce ball courts are up and running.  We will provide you and your group a professional set of Bocce balls for an hour and a half of free play to have some fun in the sun while soaking in the expansive views of the Livermore Valley! Visit us at: 5600 Greenville Road, Livermore, CA 94550.  

McGrail Vineyards to Offer Exclusive PICAZO Vineyards Wines

For Immediate Release
Contact: Heather McGrail
McGrail Vineyards and Winery
925-215-0717
heather@mcgrailvineyards.com

McGrail Vineyards to Offer Exclusive PICAZO Vineyards WinesAdds Ultra-Premium Merlot and Other Award-Winning PICAZO Wines to McGrail’s Award-Winning Offerings

Livermore, California — November 1, 2012 — McGrail Vineyards and Winery, a leading producer of premium Livermore Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, announced today that it will offer the wines of PICAZO Vineyards, a neighboring Livermore Valley winery focused on ultra-premium Merlot. Previously, the exclusive PICAZO wines were offered only by allocation, so this makes them available to a wider wine-loving audience.  This is a natural partnership for the wineries since they already use the same winemaker, Mark Clarin, and each focuses on premium Bordeaux-style Livermore Valley varietals. In addition to offering existing PICAZO wines, McGrail will handle winery operations and sales for PICAZO on an ongoing basis. PICAZO will continue to
operate its estate vineyard, and provide premium Merlot fruit for McGrail to produce handcrafted Livermore Valley wine.

“We have known the McGrails for several years and share their passion to grow high-quality fruit and offer premium wines,” said Pam Picazo, proprietor of PICAZO Vineyards. “This is an ideal partnership because we wanted to get out of day-to-day winery operations and focus on producing the best Merlot fruit in the Livermore Valley. We are delighted that they will continue to offer outstanding PICAZO Merlot made from our grapes.”
“This is a great addition to our award-winning Cabernet,” said Heather McGrail, President of McGrail Vineyards and Winery. “Due to our success in the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition we have enjoyed sold-out vintages the past few years, and the addition of other Bordeaux-style wines already made by the same winemaker is perfect. Starting immediately we will be offering all the PICAZO wines in our tasting room.”

About McGrail Vineyards and WineryMcGrail Vineyards is a family-owned vineyard and winery based in Livermore, California, specializing in Cabernet Sauvignon. It was founded in 1999 as a vineyard offering fruit to other wineries, and started offering its own handcrafted wines in 2003, expanding to an estate tasting room and winery in April, 2008. Since 2009, Mark Clarin has been the winemaker. The 2008 Reserve Livermore Valley Cabernet Sauvignon was named Best Red Wine in the 2012 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition, beating more than 5000 entrants. While the McGrails are dedicated to offering the highest-quality wines, they are warm, passionate and down-to-earth and offer an approachable wine-tasting experience in their casual hilltop tasting room. Additional information is
available at www.mcgrailvineyards.com.

About PICAZO VineyardsPICAZO Vineyards, founded in 2004, is a family-owned vineyard and winery based in Livermore, California, specializing in Merlot.  In addition to the estate Merlot, it offers a range of award-winning wines, including Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon and Sauvignon Blanc, a red Bordeaux blend called Proprietary Red, and a Rose. Mark Clarin, partner and winemaker, has been crafting their wines since inception, and is focused on producing Livermore Valley estate Merlot rivaling the best of Napa and Sonoma counties. Additional information is available at www.picazovineyards.com.

Grape Stomp at McGrail

Tomorrow is our 2nd Annual Grape Stomp at McGrail Vineyards.  We will pick Petite Sirah from a neighbors vineyard early tomorrow morning and around noon we will welcome guests to try their best at stomping grapes.  (Don't worry, we actually discard the juice -- it's only for fun!)

The front lawn of McGrail Vineyards and Winery will be laid out with 6 half barrels filled with grapes.  Get a group of 6 together or just come on your own and we'll fill in the extra spots and race to stomp out the most juice.  Everyone will get to stomp for 1 minute and then the juice will be measured and the winner gets a prize.  Everyone that participates will take home a "I stomped Grapes at McGrail Vineyards" t-shirt and you can add your purple toes to the shirt.

If you decide to just watch the grape stomp you will have a great time as well!  TankHalfFull will be entertaining the guests with live music and food will be available to purchase by Posada Catering.  Come out to McGrail Vineyards tomorrow: Saturday, September 29th 12-4PM.

California Wine Month and Winemaker Dinners with McGrail

McGrail Vineyards and Winery Celebrates California Wine Month with Two Winemaker Dinners

 

LIVERMORE, CA – September 13, 2012  – McGrail Vineyards and Winery is celebrating California Wine Month along with the Wine Institute.  Governor Jerry Brown, proclaimed California Wine Month, for the eighth consecutive year, where we celebrate the states rich wine history, abundant agricultural efforts, and lifestyle and economic impact of wine country.  Wine regions across California are popping corks this month to celebrate all that our great state has to offer.

 McGrail Vineyards and Winery is participating in two winemaker dinners in the month of September.  On September 18, 2012, Livermore Valley Winemakers will team together to showcase the Valley’s terroir with creations from Blackhawk Grille.  This 5 course meal will include wines from Wente Vineyards, Darcie Kent, Steven Kent Winery, McGrail Vineyards, and Wood Family Vineyards.  Tickets are $95 and reservations are accepted by calling Blackhawk Grille (925) 736-4295. 

September 25, 2012, McGrail and Double Barrel Wine Bar, in Livermore, will pair for the second time, for an eclectic Winemaker Dinner.  McGrail Vineyards 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve and Double Barrels cocoa rubbed pork belly pairing took home the top honors at the Livermore Valley Taste of Terroir event in July, 2012.  The “Judges Best” winners were thrilled and excited to expand on their pairing for an entire evening of food and wine indulgences.

Executive chef, Tony Murray and Sous Chef Ashley Ullrich, put together a dazzling menu that includes Tasmanian salmon, oysters & pearls, pork belly, duck and white bean cassoulet, and dessert.  McGrail Vineyards winemaker, Mark Clarin, explained that a special, not released, small lot Cabernet from McGrail will be paired with one of the courses.  This special bottle is the James Vincent Cabernet which is aged for 30 months in new French oak and runs $65/bottle.

For reservations and tickets, please contact Double Barrel Wine Bar at (925) 243-7463 or Kristin@doublebarrelwinebar.com.

McGrail Vineyards and Winery, located in the Livermore Valley American Viticulture Area in Northern California, is owned by the McGrail family. Double Barrel Wine Bar, located in Downtown Livermore is owned and operated by Kristin and Robert Armstrong.

September Events and News

McGrail Wine Lovers, September is California Wine Month, so pick up your favorite CA wine and enjoy a month long celebration.  We picked and crushed Sauvignon Blanc last week and the juice is already tasting amazing!  September is a gorgeous time at the winery, the vines are luscious and full and the sunsets are breathtaking.  Come out and see us!

Upcoming Events         Livermore Valley Winemaker Dinner at Blackhawk Grill Tuesday, September 18th 6-9PM $95/person Don't miss this great evening of Livermore Valley Wineries paired with delicious dishes from Executive Chef Jason Buckley from Blackhawk Grill. Buy your tickets by calling Blackhawk Grill at 925-736-4295. Sunset Wine Concert with SAGE Saturday, September 22nd  5:00-8:00pm  Bring your dancing shoes, blankets, and lawn chairs for a fun filled evening of dancing, a beautiful sunset, wine and food.  Soleil Pizza will be selling wood-fired pizzas, so please no outside food or beverages.  Tickets available online or at the door. $15/entry fee    Taste of Terroir Winners Pair up for Award Winning Winemaker Dinner  Tuesday, September 25th 6-9PM If you missed Taste of Terroir or attended and loved our pairing, please join us for an Award Winning Winemaker Dinner as we partner with Double Barrel Wine Bar to showcase our pork belly cocoa rubbed pairing that won the Judges Best Award!  Not only will the dinner be scrumptious, we are bringing a special wine for one of the pairings... our James Vincent Cabernet.  To make reservations, please call Double Barrel (925) 243-9463.   $95/person plus tax and gratuity    Grape Stomp at McGrail Saturday, September 29th 12-4PM Come out to McGrail to see all of the fun during Harvest.  Partake in some "I love Lucy" action by Stomping grapes.  Grab a friend and race to fill the bottle first.    Fullest bottle in 30 seconds wins a prize.  Once you are done stomping be prepared to get your purple toes on a t-shirt and decorate your keepsake t-shirt.  Soleil Pizza will be  selling gourmet wood-fired pizzas and live music will keep you entertained. $15/person to stomp (includes t-shirt)          Visit us:  Fridays - Sunday 12-4:00PM

Wine Club Member Reminders    Save the Date: James Vincent Release Party and Member Appreciation Evening at the Winery Thursday, October 18th 5-8PM    California Wine Month Governor Jerry Brown proclaimed September, California Wine Month.  September highlight the state's rich wine history and all that its vintners and growers add to the lifestyle and economy of the Golden State.  We find something special about California wines every month, but there is something extra special in September as it is the beginning of crush.  Come join the excitement at McGrail and taste wines where the grapes are grown!     Harvest in the Vineyard    Our Cabernet is coming along beautifully, we are very excited for the 2012 Vintage!  We have been testing the brix levels (sugar levels) for our Chardonnay and it looks like we will be picking next week.

Winemaker Dinner at Blackhawk Grille - September 18th, 2012

Another Big Win for 2008 Reserve Cabernet

McGrail Vineyards and Winery Cabernet Wins Best Cabernet for the Ladies in Cabernet Shootout 2012

LIVERMORE, CA – January 31, 2012  – McGrail Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve from McGrail Vineyards and Winery, a family-owned producer of premium wines in the Livermore Valley, recently placed in the top thirty at the 7^th Annual Cabernet Shootout and was then voted the number one wine for women by the three hundred consumers that showed up at The Winery SF on Treasure Island.

The 7^th Annual Cabernet Shootout hosted by Affairs of the Vine and the Bay Area Wine Society included 287 Cabernet Sauvignon entrants from 56 different appellations. This prestigious blind tasting was conducted by two panels—one all male and one all female. The wine writers, sommeliers, winemakers and wine professionals blindly taste over a period of 6 to 12 weeks.  

McGrail Vineyards’ 2008 Reserve Cabernet was among the top ten wines selected by both the male and female panelists, scoring a 91 and 4 hearts, the highest honor.  The top 32 wines were then invited to San Francisco for a large consumer tasting event and competition.

The 2008 McGrail Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve from McGrail was voted the number one wine for women by Bay Area Wine Society and placed in the top 4 for men’s favorite Cabernet. The wine is well balanced with notes of black cherries, vanilla, blackberries, dark caramel, cola and toasted marshmallows.

McGrail Vineyards and Winery, located in the Livermore Valley American Viticultural Area in Northern California, is owned by the McGrail family.  The 2008 Reserve Cabernet took home the Sweepstakes Red Wine Win for the SF Chronicle just two weeks before winning with the Bay Area Wine Society.

Red Sweepstakes Award for McGrail Vineyards

McGrail Vineyards and Winery Cabernet 

named Best Red Wine in SF Chronicle Wine Competition

LIVERMORE, CA – January 31, 2012  – McGrail Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve from McGrail Vineyards and Winery, a family-owned producer of premium wines in the Livermore Valley, won the Sweepstakes Red Wine Award from the 2012 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition.

McGrail Vineyards and Winery was one of six Sweepstakes wine winners in the competition.  Categories include Sparking, Rose, White, Red, Dessert, and Label Design.

The San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition has awarded Sonoma Valley, Russian River, and Paso Robles the Sweepstakes Red Wine Award in the past few years, but this is the first time Livermore Valley has achieved the highest accolade at the largest domestic wine competition in the US, with over 5,500 entrants.

The 2008 McGrail Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve from McGrail is well balanced with notes of blackberry, dark cherry, cassis, vanilla, dark caramel, and chocolate covered cherries.  The tannins give nice structure and the finish is velvety smooth. 

McGrail Vineyards and Winery, located in the Livermore Valley American Viticulture Area in Northern California, is owned by the McGrail family. The tasting room opened four years ago on the Greenville Hill with expansive views of the Valley.

Upcoming Wine Club Party at McGrail Vineyards

Saturday, June 25^th

Sunset Appreciation Party and Release of The Good Life Cabernet

5:30-8pm

We have traditionally held our “appreciation” party in the winter, but the biggest complaint is that the weather is cold.  So we are holding this fabulous night in June in hopes that we will have a beautiful evening outside.

You will get to taste our newest Release, 2008 A Jo Elet, The Good Life Cabernet, you will enjoy a glass of wine on us and you get to watch the sunset from our patio.  Wood-fired gourmet pizzas by Soleil will be available for purchase, so come with an appetite! 

We will have live music by Top Secret Band, so bring your dancing shoes.

As a special thank you, for your continued support, we will offer a 30% discount on case purchases of the following wines:

2007 Patriot Cabernet Sauvignon

2008 Wisner Vineyard Chardonnay

2009 McGrail Family Chardonnay

**Only available the evening of June 25^th**

Email your pre-orders, so we have your case ready.

MCGRAIL VINEYARDS AND WINERY AND TERRA MIA RESTAURANT ANNOUNCE FIRST WINEMAKERS DINNER

--Event to coincide with AMGEN Tour of California 4^th Stage Start

LIVERMORE, CA ––McGrail Vineyards and Winery, a family-owned producer of premium wines in the Livermore Valley, will partner with Terra Mia, local Livermore independent restaurant, for a Winemakers Dinner on Wednesday, May 18, 2011—perfect timing for cycling enthusiasts who plan to enjoy the AMGEN Tour in Livermore the same day.

Terra Mia and McGrail Vineyards and Winery are teaming up to offer authentic Italian cuisine and premium local wine.  Terra Mia, prides itself on traditional dishes made from scratch, with fresh, local ingredients so plan to “slow” down and enjoy a delicious four course meal paired with award-winning McGrail wines. 

Guests will start with caprese salads paired with newly released 2010 McGrail Vineyards Rose, then will enjoy a pasta or risotto dish with the 2007 Patriot Cabernet Sauvignon. For your entrée enjoy Sole with 2009 Chardonnay and Prime Rib with the exclusive 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve (sold out at the winery). Finish off with a dessert paired with McGrail’s first ever Petite Sirah from Casa de Vinas.

Italian tradition links food, wine, and quality time with family and friends, and McGrail Vineyards focuses on making great memories with good wine and friends.  Plan for an experience truly unique to the Livermore Valley.

Seats are limited and reservations are required for this event. The cost is $85 per person.  For reservations, please call (925) 456-3333.

Summer Concert Series at McGrail

It seems like more and more Livermore wineries are starting to have live music for you to enjoy. Well McGrail Vineyards is going to offer a new outdoor bar with the Music in the Vines Summer Concert Series. Here is the lineup so far:

May 28th

1:30-4:30PM

Hurricane Band

Alternative Rock, Classic Rock, Blues and Country

http://www.thehurricaneband.com/

June 19th

1-4PM

James Nagel

Singer/Songwriter Soulfoul Rock

http://www.jamesnagel.com/

July 9th

1:30-5PM

Bacchus Brothers

July 23rd

4-7PM

John Wayne Zink Band

Top 40 and Country

August 20th

1-5PM

Bay Area Heat

Bay Area’s Hottest Dance Band

http://www.thebayareaheat.com/

September 3rd

2-5PM

Sage Band

Funk

http://www.sagemusic.com/

Check out the website for more events: www.mcgrailvineyards.com

Chicago Loves McGrail Wine!

 McGrail Vineyards and Winery www.mcgrailvineyards.com, family owned producer of premium wines from the Livermore Valley, chosen in the top 10 for Cabernet Shootout.

Affairs of the Vine hosted its 6^th Annual Cabernet Shootout, with 217 Cabernet Sauvignon entrants from 43 different appellations.  The shootout was a blind tasting from both a male and female panel of wine writers, sommeliers, winemakers, and wine professionals, including Wine Enthusiast Magazines, Steve Heimoff.  McGrail Vineyards placed in the top 10 for both the male and female panelist, scoring a 92 and 4 hearts, the highest honor.  The top 35 wines were invited to Chicago for a consumer based tasting event.

The Chicago Wine Club, an 80,000 member organization, for wine lovers, collectors, educators, sommeliers, and drinkers, hosted the Cabernet Grand Tasting on September 29^th, 2010 at the Blue Star Wine Bar in Chicago, Il. Over 200 members showed up to rate 34 Cabernet Sauvignons and Cabernet blends.  The men and women were supposed to vote for their top 3 favorite wines.  McGrail Vineyards and Winery won the top honors as the number 1 wine for the women of the Chicago Wine Club.  For more information please visit: http://www.affairsofthevine.com/

Here's what the expert panel had to say about McGrail Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve (the 4 hearts were the highest honor):

(92) Red

Female: This wine displays soft and beautiful rich fruit with eucalyptus accents peeking through. Predominantly cherry and plum flavors accented by caramel. Well integrated with nice acidity on the finish.

(92) Red

Male: Cedar, tobacco, and coffee with a touch of mocha lead the way to the lush mouthfeel ripe with cherry flavors. A very elegant wine.

McGrail Vineyards and Winery Wins Gold Medal at Indy Wine Competition

McGrail Vineyards and Winery, www.mcgrailvineyards.com, family owned producer of premium wines from the Livermore Valley, took home a Gold Medal at the recent Indy International Wine Competition.

McGrail Vineyards winning entry was among nearly 2,700 wines in the competition. Wine from 15 countries including France, Australia, Chile, and Spain were judged on appearance, aroma, taste, and aftertaste by 14 panels of judges. In all, 52 judges from the United States and Canada evaluated the entries, led by Professor Christian Butzke.

The Gold medal was awarded for their 2007 McGrail Vineyards Cabernet Reserve, a complex, rich, red wine that was aged in 90% new French, Hungarian, and American oak. The Indy International Wine Competition is the first gold medal received by McGrail Vineyards.

“With, Mark Clarin, our winemaker on board, we are hoping to see many more gold medals,” said Heather McGrail, McGrail’s president. “His 30 years of experience and knowledge in premium wines will only help elevate our brand. We couldn’t be more excited!” exclaims Jim McGrail, McGrail’s owner.

McGrail Vineyards and Winery, located in the Livermore Valley, is owned by the McGrail family and specializes in their estate grown Cabernet Sauvignon. The McGrail’s invite you to visit the tasting room between noon and 4:30 Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Monday. For more information, please visit www.mcgrailvineyards.com.

Sensory Analysis Classes at McGrail Vineyards

McGrail Vineyards and Winery Offers First Educational Series: Sensory Analysis taught by CWP Dale Carrillo

LIVERMORE, CA – November 23, 2009 – McGrail Vineyards and Winery www.mcgrailvineyards.com, family owned producer of premium wines from the Livermore Valley, has announced the first series of educational courses offering Sensory Analysis. Recent graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, in the Professional Wine Studies, Dale Carrillo, will lead fun, thought provoking, hands-on 1 hour classes.

The Sensory Analysis class being offered December 19th, January 23rd, and February 20th, from 1-2PM, will be in the barrel room of McGrail Vineyards and Winery and focus on the Cabernet Sauvignon varietal. The classes will be open to 30 students and the cost is $30 per person. Each student will leave with a great experience, premium wine tasting, barrel tasting, a handout of wine evaluation terminology and a wine aroma wheel.

According to Carrillo, students will learn the meaningful, precise, descriptive wine terms to describe the phenomena you see, smell, touch, and taste in wine. Students will walk away with a toolbox of evaluation skills to help make tasting even more enjoyable.

If you have a passion for wine and you are interested in diving deeper, this is the perfect introductory class. You will gain a better understanding of what is in your glass and you will walk away with skills to enjoy every sip you take.

McGrail Vineyards and Winery will be selling tickets for the class at the tasting room (5600 Greenville Road, Livermore, CA 94550) or you can order online at http://mcgrailvineyards.com/events.html.