"Beringer" news and stories

It's often said that the personality of a particular winery has a musical match.

For Beringer Vineyards, that muse is Michael Bublé, known for cultivating a romantic mood for many people since he debuted a self-titled disc in 2003. (Yet it was his 2005 album, "It's Time" that made him a huge success.)

Last year, Napa-based winery Beringer -- the oldest continuously operating winery in Napa Valley (established in 1876) -- partnered with the Grammy-award-winning artist on a web site (michaelbubleinnapa.com) that links his music with its wine. Fans can download an exclusive single ("Up the Lazy River") and get tips on how to organize six versions of "A Perfect Evening" (with Beringer wines and Michael's music, natch). Occasions range from Weekend Getaway to Low-Key Night. Next, you choose the mood (Glamorous? Romantic? It's all good!) and bingo! Six easy-to-follow recipes appear for dishes such as truffle fries, stuffed dates and potstickers.

Bublé's "Crazy Love" tour (based on his fourth album of the same name), which lands in Australia next month and Singapore, Hong Kong and Malaysia in March, kicked off in November with a concert at Beringer. Dial up the web site -- often! -- as Beringer says it will announce exclusive VIP events. But in the meantime, check out Beringer wines. The portfolio ranges from pricey (2007 Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, $115) to budget (2009 Chenin Blanc, $7) and the winery has long been committed to farming its grapes using organic methods.

Niagara's Lailey Vineyard. Photo: Monika Bartyzel

• Trekking across the Niagara Region for seasonal comfort food, pies and wines, and traveling through Muskoka for honey, coffee and family farming.
• "Mad Men," their love of cocktails, and a recipe for a Betty Draper-inspired gimlet.
• Sumac's sour, fruit-like flavor makes it a great substitute for a splash of lemon.
• Open's 2008 Riesling-Gewürtztraminer is a fine summer wine, plus the run-down on Beringer's 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon ("a steal") and Prospect's Pinot Noir.
• The porcine pleasures of prosciutto pioneers.
• Recipe: Wild Blueberry Lemon Jam

Blueberries. Photo: lepiaf.geo, Flickr

• The Press Herald looks into the marketing claims for "super berries," and learns that while they're no fruity Superman, they are good for you. Plus, blueberry recipes and the lowdown on buying and storing super fruits.
  
• Mark Beringer, a descendent of wine empire founder Jacob Beringer, is pushing his own Artesa wine line.
• Native New England strawberries offer exceptional flavor, so naturally, they should be thrown into a U-Pick Strawberry Shortcake with Egg Biscuit.
• From signings to top chefs, the notable events and news from the Portland region.
• Columnist Jeanne Jones explains how to amp up the healthy components of Date Bars.