Spectacular Saturday Sippings: Lodi CA

Yesterday was the Celler Dweller wine club pick up party at m2 in Lodi. It is always something we look forward to. Every three months we get to see friends, sip on amazing wine, knosh on delectable nibbles and this time was also when finally the dessert wine I helped name, Ruby's Muse would be unveiled!

The day was to be even more special as I was to meet up with my friend, and a newly self published author Cathy Turney, who has written a delightful book, Tales of a Codependent Pet Owner(FB page...Amazon and website)...she was there for a visit, the wine of course and to present me with a signed copy! 

Myself with Cathy discussing the book, as well as well as the wine.

The entertainment for the day was a gentleman by the name of William Russell, banker by trade, as well as a wonderful musician. The addition of his music(and his friends who were there to round it out to a trio with drums & flute) really set the party mode for all that were there...many even felt free to dance to the toe tapping tunes.(If you live in the greater Sacramento region you can email him for info on CDs and appearances.) 

I mentioned the delectable munchies. That is an understatement. The food that day was being provided by Chef Irie Gengler. He currently owns and is the head chef of Source Global Tapa's Restaurant out of Granite Bay Ca., a near by town to where I reside. Chef Irie has quite the background. He developed his culinary chops during a tenure at such renowned establishments as Wolfgang Puck's Spago Chicago. Roy Yamagucchi's in Kahana, Maui. Brix Restaurant in Napa, The Firehouse in Sacramento, and Crush 29 in Roseville.  

In speaking to Chef Irie, he told us of how he uses fresh and natural ingredients from all over the world, as well as of course as many local, in season ingredients as possible. The offerings/pairings for the day were as follows...

m2's Viognier & Kabocha Soup (it also had butternut squash and a wonderful citrus aroma & finish of orange!...perfection with the citrus notes of the wine!)

2009 Old Vine Zinfandel & 6 Hr. Angry Pork Sliders (These little gems we went back for seconds! A little heat, a little sweet and yummy crunch from crispy onions! mmmm)

Chef Irie at work

2009 Artist Series Zinfandel & Persimmon/Prosciutto/Blue Brie Pintxos...(wonderful tangy, sweet & creamy bites)

2008 Ridgetop Syrah & Fresh Chorizo Sausage and Gigondas Bean Pintxos...(spicy & creamy!)

Chef Irie explaining what we were eating as well as the source of the sausage and beans.

2009 Tempranillo & Spanish Paella Balls (Cooked 3 days then formed into bite size balls of yummy goodness...I went back so many times!)

I was not the only one who went back for seconds!

Velvet in color and finish, the Tempranillo was near top of my list that day for what I wanted to revisit..though I always love all the m2 wine...just happens this was close to those Paella Balls! 

Hubby getting an education on how the Paella Balls were made.

Last, but not least, was what I had been looking forward to all day long, the Ruby's Muse Dessert Wine. Today it was being served with House Made Toffee!

Here I am getting my first, non barrel taste, and first taste of the toffee...but not my last!

Chatting with Layne Montgomery's(wine maker/owner of m2) lovely wife Karen....she is always such a joy to visit with! 

Of course we spent a lot of time socializing, myself receiving complements and congrats on both my outfit as well as winning the naming contest. We always have a wonderful time at m2! Here is just a few more snap shots from our time there.

Cheers for now!

A classic Ruby shot! Check out my Facebook Fan page for fashion shots.

*all pics by Angel Feldman