Ted Allen, Former Queer Eye and host of the TV series "Uncorked! Wine Made Simple" rated Tolosa's tasting room in his top 5 picks in the 2007 winter issue of Out Traveler.
Tolosa is very pleased with this rating and would like to say "THANK YOU" to Ted! We're are very gracious for your choice and are happy to be alongside with the other top 5 wineries you chose!
Cheers!
What white wines do you prefer to cool you off for the summertime heat?
We all know that there's no wrong answer, hey you might even prefer a chilled red or of course some people just turn to a beer.
With so many whites out there, it sometimes hard to choose. I may be a little biased to our region but I definitely think our local wineries have some amazing wines to chose from. Edna Valley's climate provides a great growing region for crisp tropical flavors that show up well in white wines. With many options out there I thought I would breakdown just a few of Tolosa's new white wines and rose, that are perfect for the summer. My choice the 2007 Rose!
For more Tolosa white wines visit our website at www.tolosawinery.com
Cheers! Katie Noonan
Here are a few tips for wine tasting this summer. Wine tasting should be a fun and memorable experience, so here are just a few of Tolosa's suggestions! Please feel free to add any other suggestions for wine tasting to our comment box.
Most of All have a good time and be safe!
Cheers,
Brittney Blete, Tasting Room & Wine Club Manager
Just a reminder that Saturday June 7th is our official start to the summer's Wine and Cheese Experience! Guests will enjoy four reserve wines, paired with four Artisan cheeses in our private Heritage Room. Arrive anytime between 11-3pm or call ahead and make reservations.
Below is the menu for June 7th, but the menu does change weekly. Hope to see you there!
2007 Tolosa Sauvignon Blanc
Abbaye De Belloc (ah-BAY duh Bell-OCK)
Pasteurized sheep’s milk from the Pyrenees in southwest France. A smooth, semi-hard paste with a mottled rind. The sweet fruity tones, complement the quality of our Sauvignon Blanc.
2005 Tolosa Chardonnay
Humboldt Fog
Goat’s milk from “earthy” northern California, where the men are weak and the cheese is strong! A wonderful creamy, chalky paste with a vegetable “ash” center. Sourced from small family farms.The creamy smoothness makes it a fitting partner for our dry Chardonnay.
2005 Tolosa Pinot Noir
Manchego
Sheep’s milk, from the high plains region of La Mancha, Spain.
Aged for six months developing a salty flavor.
The zig zag striations are imprints of esparto grass, woven together for the draining mold. Most appropriate for fruity red wines, such as our Pinot Noir.
2005 Tolosa Syrah
Red Hawk
Cow’s milk from Point Reyes Station, California. A well balanced and complex cheese.
Aromas of chalk and hay. A salty tang and creamy finish.Best suited with a rustic, spicy Syrah.
“Lets fly lets fly away. If you can use some exotic booze, there’s a bar in far Bombay!”
One of my favorites, penned by Sammy Cahn and sung by Ole Blue Eyes himself, had me thinking in the shower this morning. Why would anyone think of flying away today as adventurous or romantic? Particularly after arriving at the airport three hours prior to your flight, hungry, only to have time for concession food prior to your “pat down” and walk thru; shoes in hand, beltless trousers slipping off, only hoping your lap top makes it through the scanner. Ugh- - - just the thought of it!
But wait, I have an idea for a flight, which takes place every Saturday at 11 am, beginning June 6th in our Heritage Room. No lines or security pat downs. Just arrive, pay ten dollars (complimentary for wine club members) and relax to quiet soothing jazz ballads while enjoying a wine tasting flight!
Wine flights include selections from our winery library as well as new limited release varietals. A theme one week could be Chardonnay, old to new or perhaps Pinot. What about the Rhone itself with both northern and southern expressions. Our Syrah is crafted in the style of northern Rhone, which for the most part utilizes only the Syrah grape. With that spicy pepper like characteristic, it is unmistakably “cool climate”. We even have a Southern Rhone style blend, which includes both Syrah and Grenache.
At the same time, and in the same “terminal” (VIP lounge), we will be offering our wine and cheese pairings for the week. We usually work with Monterrey Street Wine & Cheese and change the menu weekly to reflect our mutual curiosity, resulting in the best pairing possible. We offer four cheeses paired with four wines for $20($15 members) served in a Riedel glass.
At your trips final destination, we will be able to mark your ticket (menu) with purchase choice to take to our register to be packaged (not lost like an airport bag) and rung up. Now how civilized is that!
Captain John, Concierge
We concluded this years four day event, Roll Out the Barrels, on Sunday May 4th, and I've finally caught up again! It was a great event that is put on by our San Luis Obispo Vintners in early May, beginning with Barrels in the Plaza on Thursday evening. I would have to say our Friday night winemaker dinner with Claiborne and Churchill Winery was definitely a highlight. We had an amazing six course meal prepared by Jose Dahan, which was incredible and complete with eight different wines. My favorite pairing would have to be the rack of lamb with the Tolosa 2004 Heritage Blend!
For Saturday and Sunday’s passport event, we decided on the Italian theme. I think we had decided on our caterer first and then centered the theme on them! Our catering company was Bello Forno, who did a great job preparing over 150 pizzas in their mobile wood fire oven! What could be better than homemade gourmet pizzas, wine and an accordion player 
in the background??
Well thank you to all those who were able to join us for any of the ROB events and we hope you enjoyed the wine, staff and food. Please let us know any comments or feedback you have!
Ciao- Katie Noonan
Mother's Day is just around the corner, and if you don't have plans we've got them for you here at Tolosa. For the weekend of May 10th & 11th, 2008 Tolosa will be offering cheese plates that pair with both our red and white wines. Guests can enjoy these artian cheeses on our patio while relaxing with thier mom or playing bocce ball or croquet. Cheese plates will be $10 for club members and $15 for non-members. We will have tables reserved, but if you have a larger group give us a call.
Cheers!
If you, like me are wondering what to do with that check in the mail, consider the following options:
-Pay off that credit card bill now so that for the next three months at least, you’ll be below your maximum amount allowed. Now, what will that accomplish?
-Think green and for $300-$600 you can convert your old car so that it will run off a corn ethanol mix (unless you’re fortunate enough to own a McDonalds franchise allowing you to use the used French fry oil). You may even get on Al Gores mailing list! On second thought, the corn commodity price has increased 85% over the past 52 weeks.
-Buy basics and consider the world’s perilous commodity market. I’m thinking water, gasoline, batteries or even jockey classic briefs-size 36 please! On second thought, who would be that paranoid!
-Be a good citizen and shop American. You may still think globally, but what could be better than to shop locally. That’s it!!!!
This weekend, drop that list of chores you’ve made up and visit Tolosa winery. Just relax and have a taste indoors or out, bring a picnic lunch, enjoy the sun and sip the “nectar of the Gods”.
Consider these incentives to spur our economy.;
-Buy a case of wine and get 10% off.
-Join our wine club and save 35% on the days purchase.
-Existing members are welcome to come on by and enjoy a 20% savings.
- You can also use our online cart if your not in the area.
What could be better than to “plow that federal check” right into the economy of San Luis Obispo County!
You too have the opportunity to be an economic stimulator.
-John Shakley
As Tolosa’s Wine Club Coordinator, I have been researching wine clubs around the nation, and have even joined a few. Wow! There are a plethora of wine clubs to choose from! Some are brand specific, others are region specific. Most offer benefits such as discounts, access to limited wines and invitations to exclusive events. Tolosa’s wine club offers all of these benefits, and more…
With such an abundant amount of clubs, I’ve noticed that many consumers are practicing “club hopping”. They will join a club for one year, cancel their membership, then join another club, and so on and so forth. This has caused wine club retention to lower. We decided to come up with a plan of action. Commencing January 2008 Tolosa decided to create Longevity Rewards for its members: Members active for 1 year receive $50 Tolosa Bucks, 2 years $100 Tolosa Bucks, and 3 years $150 Tolosa Bucks with an upgrade in membership to receive a higher discount. This program not only thanks members for their brand loyalty and support, but encourages them to be more active by visiting our tasting room and shopping cart in order to redeem their Tolosa Bucks. We have received a lot of positive feedback from members and hope to share our wines with them for many years to come. To read more about Tolosa’s wine club, click here.
Members, we encourage you to leave any comments or suggestions regarding our new benefits!
- Brittney Blete, Wine Club & Tasting Room Manager
Nothings certain in life except for death, taxes and Tolosa wine! Well we've put our own opinion on that saying, but we hope that you are able to toast to the completion of 2007 taxes with a refreshing glass of Tolosa No Oak Chardonnay or relax by drinking a bottle of Pinot Noir.
And remember you don't have to feel guilty about drinking that extra glass of wine because we have our economic stimulus payment coming shortly. Cheers!
