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January's behind us, Valentine's Day is here and so is the rain! I've recently been tasting new ports in preparation for our Port and Chocolate event this Friday,February 8th. So far the selection looks very good. Be sure not to miss it! Now is the time of the year to sit by the fire (when it's OK to burn!) sipping a great California port while the rain blasts outside. I've included a tasty Chocolate Decadence cake in this issue, always good with your favorite port!
Look for us to expand our music nights in the coming year as well as a few special surprises that are in the works.
Visit our cellar often to enjoy our always changing daily wine tasting menu. We also hope you enjoy reading our monthly newsletter and invite you to do so with your favorite glass of California wine!

John "The Wine Guy" Hicklin

WINTER HOURS
Wine Bar Hours
Noon to 7 p.m.
Monday, Thursday and Sunday
Noon to 9 p.m.
Friday and Saturday
Closed
Tuesdays and Wednesday

February Sale!
DRINK FOR LESS
25% off all Trecini Vineyards
select from
Merlot '05, Zinfandel '04 and Merlot Rose '06
25% off Sogno Aglianico '03
25% off twisted oak Tempranillo '04
25% off all Ehrhardt Estates
select from
Petite Sirah '03, "Clone 76" Chardonnay '05 and Chenin Blanc '04
25% off Mokelumne Glen German varietals
select from
Donfelder '04, Lemberger '04
and Dreirebe '05
25% off Vinum Cellars
"Chard No Way" Chenin Blanc '06
20% off Bray Verdelho '06
20% off Bogle Chardonnay '05
All quantities limited to stock on hand. No Special Orders on these wines.
DRINK FOR LESS
Enjoy your favorite wine from our selection and save the corkage fee! We are waiving all corkage fees for all wine from our inventory this month! That's a savings of $7 a bottle off our menu prices!

Recipe of the Month

Ghirardelli Chocolate Decadence Cake

Yield: 16 - 16 Servings
A great treat with a wonderful Port!

12 ounce(s) 60% Cacao Bittersweet Chocolate Baking Bar

4 ounce(s) Semi-Sweet Chocolate Baking Bar
11 tablespoon(s) butter
8 eggs, separated
1/2 cup(s) sugar
1 1/4 teaspoon(s) pure vanilla extract
1 tablespoon(s) milk
1 tablespoon(s) light corn syrup
1 pinch salt
1/3 cup(s) ground or finely chopped almonds or walnuts

Directions
Batter: Preheat the oven to 350�F. Butter the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Line the bottom of the pan with parchment paper. Butter the parchment paper. Melt the 60% Cacao Bittersweet chocolate (broken into 1-inch pieces) and 8 tablespoons of butter in a double boiler over hot, but not boiling, water. Stir occasionally until smooth, then remove from the heat and set aside. Combine the egg yolks, 2 tablespoons of the sugar, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and salt, and beat lightly until well combined. Add the egg mixture to the chocolate, one tablespoon at a time, whisking continuously. In a separate bowl, combine the egg whites and the 6 remaining tablespoons of sugar and whip until soft peaks form. Transfer the chocolate mixture to a large bowl, pour the egg white mixture on top, and carefully fold it in. (Do not overmix.)

Spread the batter in the prepared pan. Bake on the lower shelf of the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until cracked on top and a tester comes out clean when inserted into the center of the cake. Transfer to a wire rack to cool. (Cake will shrink down as it cools.) Remove the pan, and discard the parchment paper.

Glaze: To make the frosting, melt the Semi-Sweet chocolate and 3 tablespoons of butter in a double boiler over hot, but not boiling, water. Stir occasionally until smooth, then remove from the heat. Stir in the milk, syrup, and 1/4 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Place the cake layer (still on the rack) over a baking sheet. When the glaze has cooled, pour onto the center of the cake and let it run down the sides. Use a spatula to smooth glaze and coat the sides. Decorate the sides of the cake by pressing the nuts into the glaze. Transfer to the refrigerator, and allow glaze to set, approximately 10 minutes.

Ghirardelli.com

JOIN OUR WINE CLUB!

This month's shippments will include 2 from Steele Vineyards of Lake County. Wine Club members, check your email for complete information and shipping details.

Join our wine club. Discover California's! wine club. Choose either our Red Club (2 Reds) or our regular Club (1 White and 1 Red) and start receiving 2 bottles from our extensive selection 4 times a year. Each shipment will include two bottles, according to your membership selection, tasting notes by the wine maker and food pairing suggestions. In addition to your quarterly wines, you will receive 2 for 1 tastings, including our monthly Wine Maker's Tasting, and 10% off all merchandise in our wine bar and tasting room. Each shipment will total @ $45 - $55 each. Taxes and shipping not included. No cost to join. Visit our website, www.discovercal.com to join. Click on "Wine Bar" for Wine club sign up page.

SAVE ON BUYING MORE!

Save 5% on any six bottles
Save 10% on any 12 bottles

Pick and choose your own case of wine and receive a 10% discount on your wine purchase.
Sorry, this offer cannot be combined with our free shipping offer.

OUR "NO CARRY-ON" SPECIAL!

With all of the carry on luggage restrictions at the airport, we are making it easy to get your California wines home. Purchase one case (12 bottles) of wine from us, and we'll ship it for free! All rules & restrictions for shipping wine apply - including the states that wine can be shipped to ... contact the "Wine Guy" for details. Note: Alaska and Hawaii are subject to an additional surcharge. Ground shipping only. Limited time offer. May be withdrawn at any time. Cannot be combined with multiple bottle discounts.

Did You Know........

One of the most asked questions at the wine bar is " How many wineries are there in California?"
According to the "Wine Institute" there are 2687 wineries in California as of 2007.
Thats means over 49% of all wineries in the U.S. are here in California producing 90% of all wines from the U.S. Got Wine?

CHEERS!

John Hicklin
The "Wine Guy"
Discover California!
Wine Bar & Tasting Room
114 J Street
Old Sacramento, CA 95814

916-443-8275
wineguy@discovercal.com
www.discovercal.com

In This Issue...

Port and Chocolate tasting Friday February 8th, 5-8 pm. Live Piano Music with William Hedge.
Second Saturday February 9th 4-8 pm with Wine and Appetizer specials. Live piano music with William Hedge.
New winter hours
Drink for less! NO CORKAGE!
FREE SHIPPING ON ANY 12 BOTTLES! Restrictions apply.
Wine Club update
Happy Hour Specials

"California Room" now available for private parties
Staff's Picks on Wine
Recipe of the Month
Did you know ... wine trivia

Discover California!'s
Port and Chocolate Event
February 8th, 5-8 pm
$15 per person
Taste ports from Prager, Bray, Trentadue and more. Sample truffles from Le Grand and Discover California's! homemade fudge.
10% off all featured Ports for the event.
Live piano by William Hedge.

Join Us for HAPPY HOUR
Monday - Thursday - Friday
4-6 pm

WINE by the GLASS $4.00

Featuring Cycles Gladiator
Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon

APPETIZERS

50% off Selected Menu Items

22oz DRAFT BEER $3.00

River City Brewing Co., Lost Coast Brewery
and Big Ass Beer Hefe.

California Room
Now Available for Private Parties!

Book your private party in our "California Room" for 20 of your closest wine friends. Reserve the entire bar for more wine friends! Contact the "Wine Guy" for details and availability.

"A Taste Of California"
A series of monthly wine tasting, music and art events.
2008 EVENTS SCHEDULE

February 8th, Friday
Port and Chocolate tasting 5-8 pm.
$15 per person. Live piano with William Hedge

February 9th, Saturday
Second Saturday featuring local artists. Wine and appetizer specials.
March 8th, Saturday
Second Saturday featuring local artists. Wine and appetizer specials.
March 14th, Friday
Discover California's Anniversary Wine Makers Event 5-8 pm. $15 per person.
Live piano with William Hedge.
March 15th, Saturday
St. Patty's Day Celebration, 8-midnight. Live Music by "BLUESPACE", Green Wine and Red Beer. Appetizer Specials. Limited space. Reserve early!
April 11th, Friday
Pinot Noir tasting 5-8 pm. $15 per person. Live piano with William Hedge.
April 12th, Saturday
Second Saturday featuring local artists. Wine and appetizer specials.
May 9^th, Friday
Spring Rose tasting 5-8 pm. $15 per person. Live piano with William Hedge
May 10^th, Saturday
Second Saturday featuring local artists. Wine and appetizer specials.
May 30- June 1 Memorial Weekend
Jazz Music Festival
Live Music by "BLUESPACE", 8-midnight. Wine and Appetizer Specials.
June 13^th, Friday
Wine Makers Event 5-8 pm. $15 per person.
Live piano with William Hedge.
June 14^th, Saturday
Second Saturday featuring local artists. Wine and appetizer specials.
July 11, Friday
Summer Sparkling Wine tasting 5-8 pm. $15 per person. Live piano with William Hedge
July 12, Saturday
Second Saturday featuring local artists. Wine and appetizer specials.
August 8^th, Friday
Summer Whites wine tasting 5-8 pm. $15 per person. Live piano with William Hedge
August 9^th, Saturday
Second Saturday featuring local artists. Wine and appetizer specials.
August 29-31 Labor Day Weekend
Gold Rush Days
Live Music. Wine and Appetizer specials
September 12^th, Friday
Wine Makers Event 5-8 pm. $15 per person.
Live piano with William Hedge.
September 13^th, Saturday
Second Saturday featuring local artists. Wine and appetizer specials.
October 10^th, Friday
Zinfandel tasting 5-8 pm. $15 per person. Live piano with William hedge
October 11^th, Saturday
Second Saturday featuring local artists. Wine and appetizer specials.
November 8^th, Saturday
Second Saturday featuring local artists. Wine and appetizer specials.
November 14^th, Friday
Cabernet Sauvignon tasting 5-8 pm. $15 per person. Live piano with William Hedge
December 12^th, Friday
Annual Discover California Christmas Party
5-8 pm. $15 per person
Wine and Food offerings. Live music. Door prizes.
December 13^th, Saturday
Second Saturday featuring local artists. Wine and appetizer specials.
December 31^st, Wednesday
Discover California�s New Years Eve Party!
9-?
Live Music. Champagne and appetizer specials.
Fireworks!

For reservations, click here.
It's the best way to ensure your spot for our monthly "Taste of California" wine tastings. Space is limited, so reserve soon. You can also call (916) 443-8275. For more information on upcoming wine events, please visit our events page at
www.discovercal.com

If you would like to have me send you information on these or any other offerings, or be added to our email list, contact me at:
wineguy@discovercal.com

STAFF'S PICKS

Select your favorite from ours!
Steele Winery, Lake County
    Chardonnay '06
Maddalena Vineyards, Montery
    Riesling '06
Fiedl Stone Winery, Alexander Valley
    Merlot'03
Mt. Vernon Winery, Auburn
    "Cooper Vineyard" Barbera '04
River Grove Winery, Clarksburg
    Sparkling Shiraz
It's Fun!
Have you found your favorite yet?

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Discover California!

114 J Street

Sacramento CA 95814
U.S.A.