October wine featured is Spellbound Petite Syrah

2008 Spellbound Petite Sirah, California


This "dark and brooding" varietal by Rob Mondavi Jr., is 76% Petit Syrah, 18% Syrah, 6% other proprietary red wines.

Rich in color, with black and branbly fruits, vanilla bean and roasted coffee aromatics. Wine Spectator says this wine tastes almost like an Aussie Shiraz, a big, jammy but drily acidic wine that explodes with blackberry, cherry and pepper flavors.

http://www.spellboundwines.com/

$14.49 at The Chatham Wine Thieve

The Brass City Beer Fest is coming up on Sept. 10 from noon to 5 p.m. at Library Park in Waterbury.
Features more than 250 brews, three bands, door prizes and food. Admission is $35 or $30 in advance. Presented by Main Street Waterbury. www.brasscitybrewfest.com
Free classic car cruise from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and a 5K Road Race on Sept. 11.

Craft Beer and Chili Challenge at Rentschler Field!

Another great event is happening this month, but this time it's all about the beer!
It's the annual Craft Beer and Chili Challenge, planned for Aug. 21 at Rentschler Field in East Hartford from noon to 4 p.m.
Hosted by WNPR and CPTV, tickets for the event include samples of the event's vast selection of craft brewed beers from Connecticut and around the world and chili samples from some of Connecticut’s best restaurants.
Participants can vote on their favorites. For information on the event and tickets e-mail Amy Williamson at awilliamson@cptv.org or go to www.beerandchili.org

Wine Festivals in CT This Weekend!

Two wine events this weekend in CT:
The Taste the Shoreline Festival at the Guilford Fairgrounds is July 30, starting at noon, featuring local food vendors such asWestbrook Lobster, Som Sam Thai Restaurant, Quattro's and Ranchero's Mexican Bistro. SBC Brewery, Chamard Vineyards, Bishop¿s Orchards and Frank¿s Package Store will provide beverages. The event is free; food and drink are for purchase. 203-453-9677 or www.guilfordct.com.

Taste the wineries of CT July 30 and 31 at the Connecticut Wine Festival at the Goshen Fair Grounds, featuring 14 local wineries offering samples of wine and specialty foods. Live music on both days. Purchase bottles of wine directly from the local wineries at the festival. Presented by the CT Wine Trails, the festival starts at noon. Tickets are $25 for one day, parking is free. 860-677-5467 or www.ctwine.com