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.  

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.

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.

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.

Wine Club Appreciation Party at McGrail Vineyards

Busy, busy, yet always fun! Tonight McGrail Vineyards and Winery hosted the 2nd Annual Wine Club Appreciation Party and the evening was a beautiful success. The stars aligned as they were fortunate to have a tent setup out back (which was necessary for the large turnout) for a Retirement Party later in the weekend. Barrels were setup sporadically through the tent with delicious food from Chef's Touch, cupcakes, and wine from McGrail. The room glowed with candles and the excitement of the night was radiating through the room. Sue Lukito livened up the party with great music all evening. To make a great ending to a perfect party, Mark Clarin, (McGrail's new expert winemaker) grabbed his guitar and sang along with Sue for a couple of songs! What a pleasure!

The special release of the night was the James Vincent. This is McGrail's "ultra premium" Cabernet that is very limited as only 100 cases are produced. Cherry, casis, smooth, and powerful are just a few words I heard describing the first taste of this wine. Club members were walking away with cases and very excited to share this special treat.

Nights like tonight remind me why Livermore Valley Wine Country is so very special. The wine is delicious, the music made me move, and the company was pure pleasure. Everyone shared a smile and laughter was heard throughout the winery.

The McGrail's meet more McGrail's!

Wine brings together family, fun, and great stories!

The owners of McGrail Vineyards and Winery in Livermore, CA had the great experience of meeting Jill and Sean McGrail last Wednesday at the winery. Jill and Sean live in Ohio and found the winery through a searching the web. Last year, the McGrail's tried the wine and this year they decided to come for a visit. Sharing the not-so-common last name, McGrail, was only the beginning of similarities. The east coast McGrail's decided to renew their vows on the front lawn of the McGrail winery with their long lost relatives as the guests. Warm, friendly, and full of life were just a few words used to describe the McGrail's from Ohio.

Although, the family tree is not complete and we are unsure of actual relationship, the stories and location seem too close to not have some distant relationship.

Whether the two McGrail's are from the same clan or not, they both like wine, like to have a good time, and love the Irish roots.

Family or not, going to the mom and pop wineries give you a chance to feel like part of the family!

Harvest is Coming

With mid-September approaching quickly, we are tasting the vineyards everyday to decide when to pick. For 2009, we are going to harvest Chardonnay, Petite Sirah, and our Estate Cabernet Sauvignon. The Chardonnay is just a couple of weeks away and then we will be in the vineyard by 5am to pick only the best fruit. The Petite Sirah and Cabernet both look like they will be picked mid-October, but as we get closer those dates could change. Both the Petite Sirah from Casa de Vinas and the Cabernet Sauvignon from McGrail Vineyards have never looked better. The vineyards are maintained immaculately. Although we won't have these two wines bottled until 2012, I believe they are going to be our best yet! Make sure you come out and try McGrail Vineyards and Winery.