Whenever we reach a big milestone, we like to do a little reflecting...  Hitting 5,000 followers over on Facebook definitely has us doing this.  We were reminded of when we had our first 50 followers and were ecstatic because there were a few people who weren't even related to us!  

And now we want to celebrate all of you!  You have 3 chances to win a bottle of our Frontenac Gris over on Facebook!  Share, like or comment on the video for 3 chances to win.  We’ll select a winner next week.  Thank you everyone!   Enjoy the video and the memories!

Our visit to Frog's Leap Winery in Rutherford, CA, outside Napa.

We can't say enough good things about Frog's Leap.  We visited yesterday afternoon and our hosts, Frank Leeds, his daughter Lauren and her husband Joe Pesch, were so kind.  They came to meet with us on a Sunday and answered any question we had, as well as talked about where they see the Minnesota wine industry headed.  Such nice people!  

This winery was easily one of the most beautiful we've visited in the Napa Valley!  Tastings are by reservation only, so plan ahead if you're visiting.  

We were connected to this group through one of our Facebook friends (thanks Jennie Eukel!) and as Jennie and I talked about the visit more, I learned that Joe is originally from Minnesota and he and Lauren planted an acre of cold-hardy grapes with Joe's dad in Plainview, MN.  Coincidentally, Joe's dad Dan (a Family Doctor in Plainview for many years) actually sold grapes to us for the past two years!  Sadly, he passed away last September.  He provided wonderful grapes, but he was also a wonderful person.  I could see many similarities when we met Joe.  

The more you travel, the more you see how small the world really is...

We're looking forward to hosting Frank, Joe and Lauren when they visit Minnesota next!

Napa

We're in napa today!  The wineries are absolutely gorgeous and we're meeting some wonderful people.  Pictures and stories tonight!  On to gloria ferrer in sonoma. 

Frog's Leap is gorgeous!

Spending the day in Napa today.  Frog's Leap winery had amazing wine.  We drank a 2005 Merlot that they should be very proud of!  More on this great winery tonight.

Yep, we're drinking wine at 9am...

Old Vine

The tree that you see is actually a 90 year old vine planted by this winemakers grandfather.  So cool!  One of the oldest vines in the country.

Watts Winery. The tour continues.

Moscato!

Education Begins!

Old Vines in Lodi, CA

We're feeling like Megan and Don Draper in CA!

In CA!

We're in california!  Join us this week on our adventures in wine country and at UC-Davis.  We'll be visiting vineyards where our moscato is being grown later today.  Pictures when we arrive in Lodi!

When's the last time you had a 10-course dinner in a vineyard? Probably not recently enough!

3 more Dine in the Vines dinners happening this summer! You can find info and register right from our website. Click on the link on the right that says, "Check out the Happenings" -------->

And then enjoy the beautiful photos below, taken by Tanner Wolfe Photography!

MYTHBUSTERS--Four Daughters Style

Have you ever seen the video on YouTube where the patriotic man opens a wine bottle by using a blow torch?  Well, we have.  And we were intrigued.  

It goes like this--you hold a blow torch to the neck of the wine bottle, supposedly heating up the air between the wine and the cork and causing it to expand.  This gently forces the cork out of the wine and blows it into the air.  Sounds pretty cool, right?

Well, our winemaker, Justin, decided to take a crack at this new method of wine opening!  Watch what happens...

Take 2.

So, is the myth officially busted?  Have any other wine experiments you want tested?  

A beautiful proposal...

This video is absolutely beautiful!  These two were recently engaged in the vineyard.  The uber-prepared (and sweet!) groom called ahead and made all of the arrangements to surprise his girlfriend.  

Vicky, one of the owners, told her that we had photographers visiting that day to shoot pictures and video for the winery.  She also took her and her group of friends out on a tour to the vineyard, where SHOCKER!, her boyfriend was waiting for her.  

Watch and let us know what you think in the comments!  Any tears?  Anyone want their husband to re-propose?



The video was shot by Midwest LifeShots Photography.  

We get to be a part of so many engagements these days and each one is so special and amazing!

Backstage at KARE 11

Check out Chef Erik on KARE 11 News@4!

He had some great helpers prepping with him before the segment:

Dine in the Vines--Italian Family Style!

Dine in the Vines time again! You can find info on the evening here and register here. 

July 21st

7pm

Four Daughters Vineyard & Winery

Dine in the Vines--Italian Family Style

We thought this recipe might get you in the mood for some amazing food, 4 Daughters style...  For reference, Burrata is a fresh Italian cheese, made from mozzarella and cream. The outer shell is solid mozzarella while the inside contains both mozzarella and cream, giving it an unusual, soft texture.

Fresh Melon, Burrata and Prosciutto Salad with 

Honey Sherry Vinaigrette

Ingredients:

1 fresh melon, cantaloupe or honeydew, peeled, seeded and sliced

4 oz prosciutto

1 ball Burrata cheese

4 oz arugula

Honey sherry vinaigrette (recipe below)

Fresh cracked black pepper over the top

1) Toss arugula in vinaigrette

2) Top with melon, prosciutto and Burrata

3) Drizzle vinaigrette over salad and finish with pepper

Honey Sherry Vinaigrette

1/4 cup honey

1/2 cup sherry vinegar

1/8 cup dijon mustard

1/2 cup olive oil

salt and pepper to taste

1) Combine first four ingredients.  

2) Add oil while whisking.

3) Season with salt and pepper.   

Enjoy!