Growing Grapes and Winery Escapes

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Another Bill That Will Hurt Small Wineries...

2009-06-11T07:49:00.000-07:00

Things are in play again!

Now the $1000 fee is less than the $2000 fee but for most small wineries this would be a big negative. The $1000 fee would be an additional barrier to entry for any startup winery.

Below you will find links to both the bill summary and the full draft (as of May 26, 2009). The bill has not been assigned a number yet but probably will be very soon – this is going to be a fast mover.

Summary of Discussion Draft of the Food Safety Enhancement Act of 2009 – Committee on Energy and Commerce:
http://energycommerce.house.gov/Press_111/20090526/fsea_summary.pdf

Full draft (116 pages):
http://energycommerce.house.gov/Press_111/20090526/fsea_draft.pdf

Oklahoma Grape Vine Sale and Wine Festival May 16

2009-05-12T07:59:00.000-07:00

This Saturday May 16, 2009 is the Nuyaka Creek Winery Spring Wine Festival. Since Nuyaka Creek only holds two of these events per year, you won't want to miss the action. In addition to the usuual wine tasting, vineyard tours, live music, etc., the Spring festival includes sales of young wine grape vines and elderberry plants.

Buying some low cost wine grape vines at your local winery saves you shipping costs and increases your chances of finding a wine grape cultivar that will produce well in your part of the country. For more information on the 2009 Spring WineFest at Nuyaka Creek visit their website at NuyakaCreek.com.

Grape Grower Product Deals

Oklahoma Frozen - Schools and Churches Close

2009-01-28T10:17:00.000-08:00

Two days of winter storms have coated Oklahoma with a sparkling layer of jewel-like ice. This morning, the sun has returned and it has created a breathtaking lightshow for those able to get out and have a look. I'll bet that you could find beautiful scenery in a million unexpected places around Oklahoma today. So grab your camera, waterproof gloves and some rubber boots...your landscape awaits!

Some less amusing terrain can be found on our Oklahoma roads. If you plan to drive out to go to church tonight, better call the church first. Churches, colleges and wineries in many parts of Oklahoma are closing their doors tonight due to icy road forecasts. If the bad weather has you desperate for options, check out Tasha's Top Ten Things To So During an Oklahoma Ice Storm.

While you are stuck at home surfing the web anyway, why not save an Oklahoma dog?
Check out this site for adopting Oklahoma shelter dogs.

Stableridge Vineyards & Tatanka Ranch Wine Weekend Get-Away

2008-10-30T11:40:00.000-07:00

StableRidge and Tatanka Ranch Wine Weekend Get-Away
January 30,2009 - February 27,2009 - March 20,2009

Kick back and relax at Tatanka Ranch for the weekend while Stableridge
Winery enhances your knowledge of wine.

Get-Away Weekend Includes:

Friday
Check in after 3:00 at Tatanka
6:30pm Tatanka’s Special Spaghetti Dinner
After Dinner enjoy Tatanka’s recreation room, hot tub or just settle in your
cabin with a DVD from our library

Saturday
9:00am Country Breakfast of Eggs, Sausage, Biscuits, Gravy, Juice and Coffee
10:00am Wine Sensory & Analysis
12:00pm Baked Potato Bar Lunch
12:30 – 1:30 Horseback Riding or ATV tour
2:00 – 5:00 Wine Pairing with foods at Stableridge
Creating your Signature Wine
(Transportation provided by Tatanka)
5:30 or 6:00 Fish or Steak Dinner, Baked Potato, Green Beans, Roll, and
our signature Sopapia Cheesecake
After Dinner Live Music

Sunday
9:00 Belgian Waffle Breakfast with Sausage, Juice and Coffee
10:00 Delivery of Signature Wine
CD of pictures from Weekend
11:00 Check out

Package Rates:
$500 Single
$650 Double
$816 Group of 3
$974 Group of 4

Click here for the printable brochure (pdf)
Call 918.968.2568 for more information

Oklahoma Wineries Win at the Toast of Taos

2008-07-21T13:04:00.000-07:00

The Toast of Taos art and wine festival is a wonderful place to taste a variety of wines from all around the country. They have wonderful foods & art displays as well as one of the most popular wine competitions in the area.

With competitors from around the country two Oklahoma wineries proudly brought home medals in a variety of categories.

Oak Hills Winery invites you to visit their tasting room and taste these award winning wines!

- Seyval Blanc - Silver
- Summer Harvest / Berry Blush - Bronze
- Traminette - Bronze

Deer Creek Vineyard in Edmond also received a silver for their fortified wine Trois Elsie.

You can find out more about the Toast of Taos Art & Wine festival on their website www.toastoftaos.com

Harvest Grapes for Your Next Fund-Raiser

2008-07-19T07:41:00.000-07:00

It’s almost harvest time at Stone Bluff Cellars and the winery is looking for individuals or groups to help pick grapes, according to Dee Selby, winery spokesman.

“This is a great opportunity for area non-profits or school booster clubs to earn money for their organization,” Selby said. “In the past, we’ve relied solely on volunteers or area FFA groups, but the job is too big for that now. This way, we can still help give back to the community, and it allows individuals who just want to put in a day’s work the opportunity for some one-time earning.”

Organizations or individuals that wish to take advantage of the fund-raising opportunity should call the winery at 918.482.5655 or email info@stonebluffcellars.com Additional information will be provided at that time.

The winery will need about 40 people for the white grape harvest in mid-August and about 75-80 people for the red grape harvest in mid-September, Selby said.

Each person picking will need to provide a photo ID (like a driver’s license) and a secondary proof of citizenship (birth certificate or social security card). The winery will give each picker a ticket for each full bin of grapes picked, and then pay $4 per bin to the organization or individual.

Contact Information:
Dee Selby
Stone Bluff Cellars
918.482.5655
Dee.selby@stonebluffcellars.com

Where not to buy juice concentrates

2008-07-18T11:28:00.000-07:00

This came to me from a friend in the Oklahoma wine industry. He wanted to share his story about the company Juice Products Unlimited of Chicago, IL represented by Barry Ripkin. They displayed some very poor judgment which caused him much stress, consider yourself warned...

I thought it might be useful information for others who have use for juice concentrates to know that Juice Products Unlimited of Chicago, IL represented by Barry Ripkin lost a shipment I had ordered the first week in July. When it didn't arrive as promised I called Barry Ripkin to let him know and he made arrangements for another shipment.

Because the lost shipment put us behind production schedule, I called to tell them we needed the juice immediately. They had determined (without calling me) that they couldn't deliver the product as fast as I wanted it and cancelled the order.

Rather than attempt to expedite our order or try to be helpful, they further delayed our production.

Since there is more than one supplier of juice concentrates I thought people would like to know of my experience before placing an order with a company whose customer service is, in my opinion, less than satisfactory.

Turner Falls in Davis, Oklahoma

2008-06-20T10:57:00.000-07:00

Oklahoma has many beautiful features, but the natural falls and swimming holes at Turner Falls have been drawing visitors for over 140 years. Located in the Arbuckle Mountains just outside of Davis, OK it was a short drive from our cabin so we decided to make it one of the first stops on our trip.

The park charges an entrance fee, a day pass is around $11, but if you bring some picnic supplies you can spend an entire day swimming, hiking or just sketching the falls. I recommend visiting the park on a weekday, we went on a Thursday afternoon and there were many grills, tables and shady places to sit readily available. I heard from the locals that the weekends are packed and that it is not quite as nice.

Because our cabin was too warm to stay in during the hottest part of the day, we went to Sulphur to bowl. The alley was very small with only 8 lanes, but the people were super friendly and the games were cheap. We bowled three games before we got hungry enough to eat at the local oriental restaurant. The food was pretty bad, bland and lifeless and the service was only slightly better.

We did find a diner down the road from our cabin that served some pretty groovy onion burgers. It was not the best I have had, but it was far from the worst! The establishment is not a diner, but a grill & bait store with small tables for eating outside or you can eat inside on the large 8 foot table and watch your food being made. It is the unlikely home to some pretty tasty burgers and right by the boat ramp, it could not be in a better place.

We were disappointed with the cabin we rented (Moonlight Bay Chalet), but we were happy with the location. Everything was close and the area has an abundance of attractions, I definitely recommend visiting the Davis / Sulphur area with the whole family.

Dianne M. Jones
OklahomaRoadTrips.com
6/12/2008

On the Route Cafe

2008-06-18T19:07:00.000-07:00

On our trip to the Spring River in Quapaw, OK Tom and I spotted this cute little Downtown café in Baxter Springs Kansas called Café on the Route. Upon entering I knew I was about to be surprised by this little café, I walked in expecting “The Great American Greasy Spoon”, but this was obviously very different.
Read all about it here www.vinebydesign.com/events.htm

OGGWMA Lists New Member Events!

2008-06-18T17:15:00.000-07:00

There are lots of festivals going on throughout Oklahoma and our wineries have been busy trying to attend as many as they can. This explains the drop-off in winery hosted festivals, but don't worry there are still some out there.

OklahomaWines.org lists member hosted events.

Another great source for information is Oklahoma Wine News, they have the most current list of Oklahoma Wineries , events, wine news, articals and cool stuff for sale too.

StableRidge Vineyardswill be at the following events:
http://www.stableridgevineyards.com/

Art of Barbeque - Tulsa
BBQ, Music & More
Friday July 11th / 6pm - 11pm
Saturday, July 12th /11am - 4pm

2008 Oklahoma City State Fair
September 11th - September 21st

2008 Tulsa State Fair
September 25th - October 5th

Art on Main in Jenks, OK
Saturday, October 11th
10am-6pm

It's A Great Time For Tasting Wine, Summer Wine Festivals

2008-06-11T09:11:00.000-07:00

Don't Miss The Drumright Wine Festival
Saturday, June 14th / 2 - 8pm

Music ** Art ** Food ** Free Parking ** Free Shuttle to Tidal School Winery

Enjoy Wine by the sample, glass or bottle -- FREE samples from 7 wineries!! Tidal School, Grape Ranch, Nuyaka Creek, Oak Hill, Plainview, StableRidge, Stone Bluff

Music all afternoon --
Burner & Eicher - Acoustic Blues, Jazz, Bluegrass
Russell Shelly & Beau Phillips - Red Dirt, Rock
MoTown Sound - Popular hit tunes of the 50's, 60's and 70's

Adult Tasters Age 21 and up -- $12 at the gate
Ages 12 - 20 and Non Tasters $5 at the gate
Children 11 and younger - FREE

For more information, contact the Drumright Chamber at 918-352-2204 or drumrightchamber@aol.com

Please, no pets or outside food/drink

Oak Hills Winery Fans!

Oak Hills Winery has a new website!
Here you will find a new design and event list! More features coming soon but check it out today and see where you can taste some awsome wines at a festival near you.
http://www.oakhillswinery.com

OSU-OKC's Canopy & Harvest Management Classes

2008-05-13T10:09:00.000-07:00

A friend sent this to me to share with everyone...Thanks Randy!

I am pleased to announce that OSU-OKC's Canopy & Harvest Management is being offered on Sunday this year (8:30-6pm), starting June 1st. We won't usually go until 6pm.

It is offered as a part of the third in a series of classes; so, if you haven't been growing for some time or don't meet the prerequisites you should take the fall (Thursday 5:30-10pm) and/or spring class (Tuesday 5:30-10pm, see below). You may also need, or want to audit the class.

I am also pleased to announce the Educational Tour of Northern Italy Vineyards & Wineries. There are a few reservation type details to be firmed up, but the itinerary is basically set. Students with the most credits have first choice, after that it is first come. If we have 3 people sign up by the end of May the prices are guaranteed for everyone.
Click here to download more information (Word document opens in a new window)

Viticulture – Canopy & Harvest Management; 3 credit hours, summer offering

Provides skills necessary for maintaining the vineyard from the point of pre-bloom through harvest. Emphasizes crop monitoring techniques, pruning, vine manipulation, techniques to determining vine health, pesticide scheduling, handling and application as well as irrigation and fertility management of the vineyard. Additional field experience with harvest management including equipment, processing and handling
Viticulture – Introduction, Site Selection, & Cold Protection; 3 credit hours, fall offering

Provides information about the viticulture history, geographic location where grapes are grown and climatic conditions necessary for viticulture production. Also provides information about clone, variety and rootstock selection. Field oriented experience in vineyard layout, including site selection and preparation, as well as, irrigation and frost protection systems.
Viticulture – Establishment & Propagation; 3 credit hours, spring offering

Designed to introduce students to morphological characteristics of the grape plant and the process of propagation during the dormant season through bud break. Field experience in the process of vineyard establishment, including trellising and training. Additional field experiences in advanced propagation techniques including vineyard nursery management. Provides students with the skills necessary to prune an established vineyard and emphasizes methods of crop adjustment for improvement of fruit quality

For enrollment in the class contact:
BROWN, Mary Ellen / (405)-945-3358

or

David GerkenAssociate ProfessorHorticulture ProgramOSU-Oklahoma CityJohn E. Kirkpatrick Horticulture Center400 N. Portland Ave. Oklahoma City, OK 73107
(405) 945-3352 / gerkend@osuokc.edu

Great spring weather keeps Farmers’ Market busy

2008-05-01T12:15:00.000-07:00

Farmers markets are a great way to eat locally grown fresh produce and support your community. Muskogee has a large farmer's market with lots of Oklahoma foods and goodies

The Muskogee Farmers’ Market is open from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays at Market Square, Fifth Street and Okmulgee Avenue.

Check back for more information on farmer's markets in your area!

StableRidge Vineyards Upcoming Events

2008-04-21T13:52:00.000-07:00

Friday May 2, 2008
Paseo Arts Festival
a.k.a. gallery
3001 Paseo, OKC, OK.

Friday June 6, 2008
Paseo Art Festival
a.k.a. gallery
3001 Paseo, OKC, OK.

Friday June 13, 2008
Northpark Mall Wine Tasting Festival & Art Walk
10:00 - 6:00
NW 122nd & North May, OKC

Saturday June 14, 2008
Drumright Wine Fest
2:00 - 8:00
Whitlock Park, corner of Lou Allard Drive & South Jones St.
Drumright, Oklahoma

Carrabba’s Italian Grill

2008-04-14T14:09:00.000-07:00

Tom and I were invited to Carrabba’s Italian Grill to sample the cuisine and experience the atmosphere of this unique and charming restaurant chain. I had heard that the food was good, but I was surprised at the level of detail they had for every aspect of the meal.

Carrabba’s has an Italian Sangria that I was eager to try; it is a classic sangria made with Korbel, fresh fruits and their house wine, either Pinot Grigio (white) or Montepulciano (red). I mentioned that I had never had a white sangria before and the next thing I knew our waiter Donny had small sample of both on my table, at that point I knew Carrabba’s was something special! Click here for the full article

Upcoming Vineyard Instruction in Plains Texas

2008-04-14T08:32:00.000-07:00

Newsom Grape Day April 25, 2008

9:00 Grapevine Pruning Demonstration & Late Fertilizer Application ResultsTeresa Burns, Extension Viticulture Advisor, High Plains & West Texas

10:00 Welcome to Newsom VineyardsNeal Newsom

10:30 Pierce's Disease Jim Kamas, Assistant professor and Extension Fruit Specialist

11:30 Pierce's Disease Trapping ProjectJacy Lewis, Assistant Research Scientist, Texas Pierce's Disease Research Program

12:00 Lunch; Texas BBQ & Entertainment by the Bingham Orchestra

1:00 Introductions & Hoss Newsom Scholarship AwardNeal Newsom

1:30 Propagation Success of PD Infected VinesMike Krawitzky, 2007-08 Hoss Newsom Scholarship Recipient

1:45 Apple Twig Bores & Green June Bugs; More Pesky Than PestTeresa Burns, Extension Viticulture Advisor, High Plains & West Texas

2:00 Planting Logistics, Pruning & Training of a Non-Bearing VineyardPenny Adams, Extension Viticulture Advisor, Hill Country

2:45 Equipment Demonstrations

3:15 Fruit Transportation & Wine Quality Mike Sipowicz, Enology Extension Program Specialist

6:00 Dinner @ Lalito's in Plains

7:00 Wine & Stars Party @ the Newsom Home

Please RSVP for lunch to Neal Newsom
806.456.6877 or cabernet@crosswind.net

Directions: 4.5 Miles North of Plains Texas on Highway 214

Attendees will receive 3 Texas Department of Agriculture CEUs toward their pesticide applicators license.

Proceeds from the Silent Auction will Benefit the Hoss Newsom Scholarship Program (Donated Items for the Silent Auction are Encouraged)

Sponsored by the Newsom Family, The Texas Wine and Grape Growers Association & Texas AgriLife Extension

Where to NOT Buy Grape Vines

2008-02-27T13:33:00.000-08:00

Tyty is a No-No

If you have been considering ordering some plants from an online nursery, consider checking out this post from my buddy's Carb Counter blog. At least do a little Google search on them before buying.

He ordered about 1000 bucks worth of pecan trees from a Georgia nursery named Tyty.

They ripped him off and he did a little research into their business practices. It turns out that he is not alone. You can read about Tyty's bad business practices on his blog at: http://carbcounter.blogspot.com. The money you save may be your own!

Gardening Nurseries Georgia

2007 Nuyaka Creek Wine Festival May 19

2007-05-08T07:39:00.001-07:00

Baby Wine
Originally uploaded by FreeWine.

Join Us for Our Spring Wine Festival on Saturday May 19th, 2007 from Noon until 7pm!

We will have some great live music from Larry Spears and Carolyn Schadd from Tulsa and Herman Thompson from Morris plus maybe a couple of local performers. Of course, there will be a wide variety of Oklahoma wines for tasting.

Enjoy BBQ Brisket and chicken plus sides and cobbler and ice cream from Cushing, Oklahoma griller Big Rob.

Dad will have a favorite wine from the past available again this year: Nuyaka Creek Winery Watermelon Wine. Also, try a new lightly sweet red wine made from Chambourcin grapes, called Okie Hummer Red.

Come on out and enjoy a Spring day in the country and taste our wide selection of Oklahoma wines. We are looking forward to seeing all of you again. Don't forget to print out a map to the winery!

http://www.nuyakacreek.com/winefest.htm

EVENT: Spring Oklahoma Wine Festival at Nuyaka Creek Winery
DATE: May 19, 2007 Noon until 7:00 PM

ADMISSION: Buy one $5.00 souvenir wine glass and taste all of the wines.

INFORMATION: Call the Nuyaka Mall at 918-756-8485

Technorati Tags: Oklahoma Events, Wine Festival, Winery, Oklahoma

2007 Jenks Herb Festival April 28

2007-04-18T11:17:00.000-07:00

The 11th annual Jenks Herb and Plant Festival hosted by the Jenks Garden Club continues to become bigger and better than ever with more than 100 booths featuring an abundance of plants, herbs, spices, and outdoor decorations.

The festival takes place on Saturday, April 28th in downtown Jenks between between Main and "A" streets and 2nd and 3rd streets.

This family friendly event lasts from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. The festival will include areas uniquely designed for each member of the family, including a special children’s area with face-painting, Jupiter jump and more. Various musical groups are scheduled to perform throughout the day, and food vendors ranging from fresh fruit to ice cream will be on hand to settle anyone’s hungry appetite.

Contact Kaye Maclasky at 227-1528 for vendor information.

Cynthiana Grape Vines On Sale for 2007

2007-03-27T09:14:00.000-07:00

Cynthiana Grapes produce a rich, full-bodied red wine with a dry character similar in style to Cabernet Sauvignon but with more spice.
In fact, it has been called 'The Cabernet of the
Ozarks'.

Excellent resistance to most diseases that affect leaves
and fruit. Vigorous plants bear small, flavorful grapes.
Ripens in late August to early September, makes deeply
pigmented wine.

2007 WineFest and Oklahoma Grape Vine Sale

2007-03-27T08:58:00.000-07:00

2007 Nuyaka Creek Spring WineFest & Grape Vine Sale

Drink in the beauty of an Oklahoma vineyard in Spring and celebrate the beginning of a new season with our winery family and friends. You might even take home a few wine grape vines to plant your own vineyard!

DATE: May 19th, 2007 Noon until 7:30 PM
ADMISSION: Buy one $5.00 souvenir wine glass and taste all of the wines
INFORMATION: Call the Nuyaka Mall at 918-756-8485

http://www.nuyakacreek.com/winefest.htm

Wine Grape Vines On Sale for 2007

2006-12-15T14:08:00.000-08:00

Joseph's Steakhouse and Tidal School Winery
Originally uploaded by FreeWine.

Henry Fields has begun their annual wine grape vine sales! This is a great chance to start a home vineyard from just a couple wine grape vines.

Most commercial growers only sell wine grape vines in bulk. Although their prices are lower than Henry Fields, they rarely come with the same money back promise and they force you to purchase many times more vines than you need. Check out these wine grape vine bargains offered with NO minimum purchase size:

Wine Grape Vines On Sale - Click links for prices

Cabernet Sauvignon Grape Vine One Gallon

Chardonnay Grape Vine One Gallon - Chardonnay is a good-yielding white wine variety that buds early in the season and also ripens relatively early.

Technorati Tags: Wine Grapes, Vineyard, Grape Grower, Grape

2006-11-03T14:16:00.000-08:00

Interested in tasting some Oklahoma wines and a gourmet meal? Make plans to attend the Summerside Winery Autumnal Dinner hosted by winery owners Marsha and Gary Butler.
Nov. 18, 2006 in Vinita, Oklahoma

72 hour advance reservations are required. Price is $49 per person.

Gourmet dinner prepared by Val Saamer, Graduate of the Boston Conservatory of Music and former Chef at 9 Knox Street in Boston for seven years. Following his 9 Knox Street experience, Val was a dining room instructor for Johnson and Wales Culinary School in Providence, RI. The evening will be begin with a 6:30pm reception with hor d’oreves and wine tasting followed by a 7:30pm seating for dinner.

More Rain Graces Oklahoma

2006-10-15T15:57:00.000-07:00

Outstanding Tree
Originally uploaded by FreeWine.

It has been raining all day here. Things are greener these days then they have been all summer. Dianne just took this great landscape shot!

Elephant Rock - Illinois River Yurt Camping

2006-10-15T14:11:00.000-07:00

Wouldn’t it be great if there was a secluded hideaway, minutes from restaurants and with access to northeast Oklahoma’s most popular scenic river? How would you like to see deer wander by and watch the face of your loved one when they touch a fawn for the first time? Elephant Rock is truly a magical place where families can discover nature in a safe, humane and friendly atmosphere. I was recently a guest of Rod and Susan Foster at their beautiful nature retreat and was pleasantly surprised at the wealth of fun and interesting things I experienced during my stay.

Rod met us upon arrival and suggested a 14 mile paddle down the Illinois River, Tom and I love the Illinois during the off season so we were quick to agree. The river provided a nice current which made for an easy paddle. We had a wonderful time taking pictures of the wildlife; we even got the rare treat of spotting an Osprey. The large bird was perched high above us in a tree overlooking the river and was not eager to pose, but we managed to snap a couple of shots before we paddled away. Although we saw many species of birds throughout the paddle, it was the Osprey that stole the show.

Many outfitters close during the off season, but Elephant Rock is open year around which is great news for those that enjoy viewing wildlife and experiencing nature. During the summer many loud people float the Illinois and scare much of the wildlife, but the rest of the year it is a beautiful haven for many impressive creatures like Osprey and Bald Eagle. Diverse natural beauty, good cell phone reception, and ease of access make the Illinois a great fall destination.

After our trip down the river Susan and Rod picked us up and we headed back up the hill to the nature park. I assumed that 'Nature Park' was just a fancy way of saying 'on a rough road', but I was wrong! When we arrived we noticed the beautiful yellow and blue canoes and walked up for a closer look, it was then we met June and July the young deer that Susan is looking after. She uses her experience in the Veterinary field to help wounded and rescued deer among other things.

June and July are not related and have very opposite personalities. July was cautious, but friendly with an obvious fondness for a soft petting between her ears. June on the other hand was full of energy, romping, snorting, running about, stopping briefly to nose the cat (Tater Salad) and then dashing off again in her own little version of tag. There were not any pens to contain the wildlife, they roam free and were our companions by choice, which for me, was a very special treat.

After Tom was finished petting the deer, we headed back to our yurt for dinner. A yurt is a Mongolian creation; I would describe it as a heavy-duty deluxe tent with raised wood floors, very capable of being nicer than a regular cabin. I have lodged in a primitive yurt, but never anything as nice as the ones at Elephant Rock. Our yurt was fully plumbed and equipped with the following luxuries: bathroom (with shower), kitchen sink, stove, refrigerator, pots, pans, dishes, linens, fan, air conditioning, heat, 2 double beds, queen futon, bunches of fluffy pillows, towels and blankets, all the things you need to be comfortable. They encourage quality time with friends and family so you will find an assortment of board games, but no TV or telephone.

We chose to cook dinner on the large charcoal grill outside, it was a nice area with lots of room for the family to gather and talk in comfort. After dinner Rod and Susan stopped by for a visit, we had a wonderful time discussing the new plans they have for expanding the Elephant Rock Nature Park to include an amphitheatre. After completion, they expect to provide a stage for the areas many talented artist and host events of their own.

Morning crept in our yurt from the huge skylight in the center of the room; it was an obvious invitation for a morning hike. I stayed behind and brewed some freshly ground hand roasted coffee while Tom and the camera went hiking. There were many deer in the area, not as tame as the ones we saw the day before but equally as beautiful. The trails were nicely cleared and well marked; they varied in difficulty however benches were scattered here and there in case you needed to take a rest along the way.

After drinking our coffee on the front deck, we decided to gather our things and go. We said our goodbyes and headed down the road to indulge in a breakfast buffet at a restaurant we spotted a few minutes away. It was the ending to a wonderful weekend; I enjoyed the quiet nature retreat and I look forward to paddling the Illinois and visiting Elephant Rock Nature Park again very soon.- Dianne M. Jones (Click here to see more pictures from our trip.)

http://www.elephant-rock.com/

Technorati Tags: Oklahoma Camping, Paddling, Illinois River, Oklahoma

Mama's Chevy Truck

2006-09-07T13:47:00.000-07:00

Mama's Chevy,
originally uploaded by FreeWine.

I've been too busy for much blogging lately, lots of changes for the family. First, we traded my beloved Eclipse for a pickup truck. Tom has been trying to get me to trade my sporty little car in for a 4x4 truck to haul our kayaks in. I finally gave in.

Our 2002 Silverado is loads of fun and pretty sporty looking itself. The real kicker is the toy hauler RV we now pull behind it. You can think of a toy hauler as a camper with an attached garage. Tom yacks on about the new RV for days on his blog. All of us love camping out and visiting new places. I'm looking forward to heading back to Robber's Cave for a few days, I haven't been in years.

I do the driving most of the time. After all, I was the one that gave up my car, so I figure that makes the new truck mine! Still, pulling a 24 foot trailer was a bit intimidating at first. Luckily, I can drive anything with wheels ;-)

Another fun thing we do now is roast our own coffee beans. As the original coffee junkie, I am loving this new activity. Once we get done with this September's winefest I am hoping to make a real hasty escape. I hope the cool weather lasts through the festival and if you are there, stop by the tasting tent and say hello.

Got any good RV spots in the Oklahoma area to reccomend?

ttyl - Dianne

Grand Wine Country Fall Festival Oct. 14

2006-08-02T12:18:00.000-07:00

Grand Wine Country Fall Festival

To be held at Royal Horse Ranch on Monkey Island October 14, 2006.
Enjoy music all day petting zoo, food and of course wine.

http://www.oakhillswinery.com/

Classic American Dining on Route 66

2006-07-10T14:58:00.000-07:00

Tally’s Good Food Cafe - On the Corner of 11th and Yale in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

I have written several pieces about fine dining, the exotic flavors and exciting atmosphere; and from crumbers to chopsticks, I have loved every minute of it! Today, I take a look at a different kind of cuisine, classic American Diners.

Tally’s was my latest adventure in American diners. It is a classic Tulsa diner notable for its 50's style red and chrome exterior...and its great location right on Historic Route 66. ‘Breakfast anytime’ is written boldly on the outside, but Tom and I were in the mood for a hearty lunch. Tom ordered the sampler, three large shrimp, three breaded chicken strips, and three filets of catfish, a large helping of hash browned potatoes and a roll.

The shrimp were notably large, tender and mild with a wonderfully light and buttery breading. If you are used to Red Lobster or other 'Chain Fried Shrimp' you will be pleasantly surprised at these tender, buttery treats.

The chicken was hand-breaded, tender, juicy and cooked to perfection, the breading was light and golden brown. As far as chicken strips go these are the best I can remember (sorry mom).

The catfish was a little over fried, but mild. The breading was not as light and overall rather bland. The tartar sauce was pleasantly tart and tangy which made the catfish easier to eat. Not bad, but compared to the shrimp and chicken a bit disappointing.

The hash browns were firm, crisp, and golden brown. They were not overly greasy or bland, quite nice. I did not try the roll.

I ordered the Salisbury steak with a side of spinach, green beans, and fried okra.

The Salisbury steak was a hearty patty of hamburger blended with onions, fried well and topped with a mushroom sauce. The meat was well seasoned, but the mushroom gravy was a bit too salty.

The green beans had a nice bacon flavor without being greasy, not quite as firm as I like, but not mushy either, I thought they were quite yummy. I thought the fried okra was nice, well spiced, nicely browned and the bit inside the breading was tender and green. The spinach tasted like canned spinach, but I enjoyed it.

Our ticket came to around $22 and the service was quite friendly and attentive. This building is authentically retro with booths and neon throughout. The bathrooms were decent and although they showed their age, it had hands free towel wipes and a clean floor.

I recommend putting on a pair of blue jeans and giving this little diner a try. You can find Tally’s in Tulsa on the corner of 11th and Yale.

Is there a restaurant that you would like to see featured on our website? If so send your recommendations to: webmaster@vinebydesign.com

Route 66 Game

Support Your Oklahoma Wine Industry

2006-03-10T06:29:00.000-08:00

Back to the Future for the Wine Industry

In 2000 the Oklahoma wine industry was struggling. The Oklahoma Constitution stated that wineries had to use the wholesalers to reach retail liquor stores and restaurants but said that wholesalers did not have to carry their wines. State Question 688 was presented to the people of Oklahoma asking to change the constitution to allow Oklahoma Wineries to sell directly to retail liquor stores and restaurants.

In 2006 we have 34 active wineries and at least 6 others in the license phase. This is in part due to SQ 688. The Oklahoma grape and wine industry is the fastest growing value added agriculture crop in Oklahoma. Our wineries have been a major component in the growth of wine excise taxes paid to the state. Our rural economic development is creating attractive communities for returning Oklahoma retires to enjoy quality of life they learned to enjoy during their careers outside of Oklahoma.

Now the wholesalers have filed a lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of SQ 688 and have convinced the lawmakers that the only way to solve the problem is to 'level down'. This takes the Oklahoma wine industry back to where we were. We are forced to use a system that does not have any reason to carry our wines. This could be the death of the fastest growing agricultural business in the state.

Many of our wineries have developed strong relationships with retail stores and restaurants and losing the ability to maintain this relationship will put many wineries in jeopardy. This will force wineries to cut their already slim margin or force the consumer to pay more for our wines.

Many states are facing this challenge. Arizona, Illinois and Indiana have bills that are trying to allow out-of-state wineries to sell directly to retail and restaurants. Washington has already passed legislation to do the same.

Wine distribution has been managed in Oklahoma in a way that’s antiquated and stifles competition. Why not move forward, not backward? Why not a solution that favors the consumer’s choice over wholesalers controls? Why damage the small farm based family owned businesses that employ thousands, either directly or in-directly? Why keep an antiquated distribution system that was created before computers and the internet. As a result, the consumer has to pay higher prices and has limited choices.

We urge the people of Oklahoma to contact their legislators and tell them they want the Oklahoma Wine Industry to move forward not backwards.

We urge our retail store clients and restaurants to proudly stock their Oklahoma wine products.

Someday we will free the grapes for Oklahoma consumers.

Gary Butler
President
Oklahoma Grape Growers and Wine Makers Association (OGGWMA)
918-256-3000

Oklahoma Event Calendars Make Great Gifts

2005-12-21T14:08:00.000-08:00

2006 Oklahoma Wineries Calendar

Order online today!

Hurry now to VineByDesign.com and buy your copy of this high quality, full color 12-Month calendar. You will find it to be loaded with local festivals and winery events from all over the Sooner State. We make these calendars ourselves, right here in Oklahoma, so you can expect fast free shipping on your order.

Proudly Made-in-Oklahoma

Here's what you will find inside this full color art calendar:

Oklahoma Winery Events
Oklahoma Fairs and Tournaments
Oklahoma Wineries List
Maps and Contact Information
Local Bridal Fairs & Rodeos
Grape Grower Educational Classes and Meetings
Free Winery Event Updates

Technorati Tags: Oklahoma Wineries, Okie, Wine, Oklahoma Events

New Source for Cabernet Sauvignon Grape Plants

2005-12-06T13:35:00.000-08:00

Good news for Oklahoma gardeners who want to grow wine grapes! I just a found a new online resource for buying wine grape vines in small batches.

Buy Grape Cabernet Sauvignon at Wayside Gardens

Technorati Tags: Grapes, Vineyard, Wine, Oklahoma

Texas Moving Toward Direct Wine Sales

2005-05-10T11:50:00.000-07:00

Texas Lawmakers Approve Direct Wine Sales

from Just-Drinks.com

Texas lawmakers overwhelmingly approved a bill that will allow out-of-state wineries to ship wine directly to Texas consumers, including those who live in 'dry' areas. If signed into law by the governor, winemakers in California and elsewhere will no longer be required to sell through Texas retailers.

Can Oklahoma be far behind?

Texas lawmakers approve direct wine sales

The Oklahoman Tour of Vineyards and Wineries

2005-05-06T11:45:00.000-07:00

Oklahoman Advertising Opportunity

Beginning Friday, April 29, The Oklahoman will publish a special tour guide to the vineyards and wineries across Oklahoma!

Winery owners should not miss this opportunity to promote your business to over 500,000 consumers per week that are looking for a special place to get away, enjoy a glass of fine Oklahoma wine and take in the scenery!

Caitlin Adams
Account Executive
The Oklahoman
405-475-3506
cadams@oklahoman.com

Technorati Tags: wine, WineBiz, Food and Drink

Nomacorc, Wine Cork Maker, Collects 350,000 Bucks to Stay Out of Oklahoma

2005-05-02T09:18:00.000-07:00

Oklahoma - The New India
Nomacorc, the wine-cork maker that was considering expanding into Oklahoma, will receive $350,000 in state and local incentives to build its new manufacturing plant near its existing site in Zebulon Industrial Park in Wake County, North Carolina.

The company is planning a $16.5 million expansion, which will include a 60,000-square-foot plant on 6.8 acres. It will create 108 new positions over the next three years, of which 28 have already been filled. The company now has 220 workers.

Earlier this year, Nomacorc, which has been in Zebulon for six years, threatened put those additional jobs in Oklahoma, which had offered it an attractive financial package.

Wow! Can you believe that $350,000, beats Oklahoma's 'attractive financial package' offer or were they bluffing all along?

Nomacorc gets money to grow

Perforated, Tear-off Back Label Tags for Wine Promotion

2004-12-28T10:30:00.000-08:00

Tags make vintage drinks more memorable

An Australian winery has come up with a nifty little way to help wine lovers keep up with their favorites. Barossa Valley-based Yalumba Wines is putting easy-to-remove, perforated, tear-off tags bearing the name of the wine on the back label.

Tags make vintage drinks more memorable - 12/24/04

Happy Holidays

2004-12-15T19:50:00.000-08:00

It's funny how the holidays can make old memories of good friends or family come to mind. I cannot help but feel a little sad thinking of the people I have lost touch with throughout the years.

I encourage everyone to reach out to a friend this holiday season. Grab a cup of coffee or share a bottle of wine; you will both be glad you did.

Free Trade - Boom or Bust for Small Oklahoma Wineries?

2004-12-14T12:07:00.000-08:00

Web logs (blogs) all over the internet are posting their opinions of the current U.S. Supreme Court case on shipping wine across state lines.
Regular Oklahoma Wine News readers know that this is a subject I am very interested in.

However, searching the blogosphere provides few references to folks blogging in support of the status quo. Bloggers, being a rather liberatarian lot on the whole are mostly falling on the side of free trade. That is why I was so surprised to find a Live Journal posting expressing the same kind of mixed feelings I have about this. Here's an excerpt from John Gorentz's post:

I have mixed feelings about it. On the one hand, I am instinctively in favor of free trade. On the other, though, I don't like what will happen when this ban goes away.

Some wineries will do more business, but a lot of small ones will also go out of business because they can't compete. When you take down the admittedly artificial trade barriers, we'll have more of a winner-take-all situation. -- John Gorentz

Small wineries going out of business...now that is a scary thought! Since small wineries represent the entire Oklahoma wine industry, it would be the end of Oklahoma wines. However, I find it hard to believe the current state restrictions are effective at protecting local wineries. One look at the national statistics on wine sales offers support for the free trade advocates position.

The $21-billion retail wine business is lopsided, with just 2.4 percent of wineries producing 87 percent of the wine sold in 2002, according to Wine America, a leading trade group that's actively involved in pushing for change. At a disadvantage is the thriving cottage industry of 1,659 wineries that produce less than 25,000 cases annually but comprise a whopping 81 percent of the total number of wineries.

So, the Big Boys now control 87% of the U.S. market? Sounds like protectionism hasn't helped the small wineries compete, so far. My personal view is that protectionism just allows the government to pick the economic winnners, but at an overall cost to the market. When the government does the picking, you can bet they will pick the biggest wineries that buy the most 'access'.

Oklahoma citizens are aware of the massive exodus of young professionals from our state. What they may not be aware of is the large number of displaced Okies who miss Oklahoma and long for a 'taste' of home. Just because my Dad's Elderberry wine doesn't compete with Opus One, doesn't mean there isn't a market niche for Nuyaka Creek Winery. It may just mean that the success of his products requires the kind of global presence that only the internet can provide. However, without interstate shipping...e-commerce means practically nothing!

I would love to hear some more opinions on what this case might mean for small wineries. Got insight? Leave us a comment!

Live Journal Comment - Wine across state lines

The Wrath of Grapes

2004-12-13T15:03:00.000-08:00

Wrath of Grapes * PDF

Did you know grapes can be harmful to dog?
An Oklahoma vineyard owner submitted this article to OklahomaWines.org for all of us with doggie pals.

Wine and Cuisine takes you to Summerside Vineyards

2004-12-06T13:47:00.000-08:00

Among the rolling landscape of Northeastern Oklahoma, half way between Tulsa, Oklahoma and Joplin Missouri you will find the wines of Summerside Vineyards, Winery & Cottages.

A Trip to Summerside Vineyards

The Perfect Oklahoma Christmas Gift

2004-11-29T16:23:00.000-08:00

The Beer Machine

The Beer Machine is the only completely closed single-step, odourless brewing system designed for making fresh, naturally carbonated beer ready to enjoy in just 7 to 10 days.
Easy, hassle-free, foolproof way to make high quality great tasting beers in the comfort of your own home.

Oklahoma Wineries Got Jazz Nov 13

2004-11-13T13:33:00.000-08:00

4PM At The Winery

Enjoy an elegant dinner and concert at one of the largest of Oklahoma wineries! Very limited table seating, intimate, with the professional Jazz styling of Score, the popular jazz trio.

Saturday Nov. 13. 4pm to 7 pm

Live Jazz concert withScore, Jazz trio.

Catered Dinner

Free glass of wine

Reservations Required-Limited Seating

Only $25.00 per person

Interested in visiting multiple Oklahoma wineries? Try their Oklahoma Wineries Directory web page.

Barrel Tasting Natura Vineyards and Winery

2004-11-07T16:17:00.000-08:00

Barrel Tasting Party November 13
Natura Vineyards and Winery
Saturday at 7:00 pm
Price: $18.00 per person

Enjoy a relaxing Fall evening tasting new wines with a variety of sausages and cheeses, plus listening to live music - Blues, Country, and more!

Please call the Winery for reservations
By Thursday, November 11
918-756-9463

Enjoy Jazz, Dinner and Oklahoma Wines Nov 13

2004-11-05T11:49:00.000-08:00

An elegant dinner and concert at the Tidal School winery in Drumright! Very limited table seating, intimate, with the professional Jazz stylings of "Score" the popular jazz trio.

Saturday Nov. 13. 4pm to 7 pm at Tidal School Vineyards
Live Jazz concert with "Score" Jazz trio.
Catered Dinner
Free glass of wine
Reservations Required-Limited Seating
$25.00 per person

Slow Food Tulsa hosts Harvest Festival Fundraiser

2004-09-17T07:16:00.000-07:00

Slow Food Tulsa hosts Harvest Festival Fundraiser

Slow Food Tulsa, the local chapter of the international non-profit organization Slow Food, will host a Harvest Festival Fundraiser on Sunday, September 26th, 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Harwelden Mansion.

Attendees will enjoy a cooking demonstration by Richard Clark of The French Hen, followed by a reception featuring local food and wines. Chefs from some of Tulsa’s finest restaurants will prepare hors d’oeuvres highlighting products from our local farmers.

$20 donation is requested for attendance, and reservations can be made by contacting 645-7987, rbryant@councilcreek.com

Proceeds will be used to assist our local Terra Madre delegates with travel expenses to the international Terra Madre conference in Italy. The Terra Madre conference will be a forum for those who seek to grow, raise, create, distribute and promote food in ways that respect the environment while protecting the health of consumers.

Participants will exchange ideas and solutions about how to promote a healthy, dynamic and diverse food system. Our local delegates are Pam Harris of Cabin Creek Winery, and Neva Alsip of Country Garden Farms.

For additional information on the Terra Madre Conference: http://www.terramadre2004.org/welcome_en.lasso

For additional information on
Slow Food Tulsa: www.slowfoodtulsa.com
Slow Food USA: www.slowfoodusa.org
Slow Food International: www.slowfood.com

Contact: Rebecca Bryant, Slow Food Tulsa Leader
Telephone: 918-645-7987
Email: rbryant@councilcreek.com

Save on Wine Jewelry and Wine Grape Gifts

When to Send Winery Marketing E-Mails

2004-08-27T12:09:00.000-07:00

More and more Oklahoma wineries are now setting up email subscribers lists. The viewers that sign-up for these emailed winery newsletters get the early word on things like wine festivals, harvest activites, barrel tastings and other special events at the winery.

If your winery is sending out an email newsletter or thinking about hiring some help to get your winery's direct marketing campaign started, you may benefit from reading an article recently posted by InternetWeek magazine.

The Best Times To Send Marketing E-Mails By InternetWeek.com

The delivery rate for permission-based e-mail marketing campaigns varies by up to 10 percent, depending on the time of day and the day of the week that messages are sent. According to research from Return Path, delivery date and delivery time are just as critical to the success of e-mail marketing campaigns as ISPs and spam filter triggers.

Based upon the results of their research, Return Path recommends the following guidelines to improve deliverability rates of permission-based e-mail marketing campaigns:

Send e-mails on weekdays rather than weekends.

Send e-mails on weekdays between 6 a.m. and 10 a.m. EST.

Send e-mails on the following days (in descending order of delivery success): Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Wednesday.

Internet Week Article: The Best Times To Send Marketing E-Mails

Oklahoma Wine Festival September 18 2004 at Nuyaka Creek

2004-08-18T08:00:00.000-07:00

Join a fun celebration of fine wines during the Nuyaka Creek Winery September Harvest Festival!

More than just a showcase for great wine, the festival offers a fun filled day in the country, live music and the chance to visit with other Oklahoma folks interested in building a great wine industry for our state.

This Spring we had a terrific line up of 30 different Oklahoma wines to taste, and great bargains on rooted wine grape vines to start your own vineyard!

Whether wine is your livelihood, your avocation, your hobby, or just something you'd like to learn more about, the Nuyaka Creek Winery Harvest Festival is an event that is not to be missed.

Learn the PR Secrets of Successful Wineries

2004-08-16T14:13:00.000-07:00

How do you compete against 10,000 wineries?

There are more than 2000 wineries in America, and many thousands more overseas, trying to sell wine to American consumers. To do so, they must find a way to gain favorable attention so they can sell their wine in spite of excess supply and tough competition.

A new book by Harvey Posert and Paul Franson, called Spinning the Bottle, provides a collection of essays written by public relations professionals in the industry, who tell war stories and offer tips on what to do and what not to do.

The winery giants of the Central Valley are well represented in the book, with chapters dealing with E.&J. Gallo, Bronco Wine Co. and Delicato Family Vineyards.

Posert, a wine industry public relations veteran who directed PR at The Wine Institute and Robert Mondavi, has become the spokesman for Two Buck Chuck, Bronco's runaway success story. He writes about the lessons to be learned from that phenomenon.

Wine Industry Public Relations books like this one don't come cheap. For evidence of this, check the going price on: Successful Wine Marketing by Kirby S. Moulton and James T. Lapsley.

Woodward Oklahoma Fall-A-Days Festival

2004-08-03T07:56:00.000-07:00

The good folks in Woodward, Oklahoma are looking for Oklahoma wineries to participate in their Annual Fall-A-Days Festival.

In the month of October, K-1O1/KWOX-FM, Z-92/KMZE-FM, and KOMI-TV here in Woodward will be hosting our annual “Fall-a-Days” trade show. This show has been a very successful annual event for the past 17 years. It is a show that attracts thousands of people and a large number of vendors.
For years we have tried to develop a plan that would attract MADE IN OKLAHOMA EXHIBITORS to this show. With the change in Oklahoma laws regarding Oklahoma Wine and Beer sales and “off premises” wine tasting allowed at Festivals, this OCTOBER we will change the setting and host Northwest Oklahoma’s first ever MADE IN OKLAHOMA PRODUCTS & WINE FESTIVAL in conjunction with our FALL-A-DAYS trade show.

Don't miss your chance to join the fun!

Vinita Vineyard Harvest Party And Discover Oklahoma

2004-07-28T10:13:00.000-07:00

Summerside Winery & Vineyards, Featured on Discover Oklahoma, Holds Harvest Party

Oklahoma tourism show, Discover Oklahoma, visited Summerside Vineyards & Winery located at the Vinita I-44 Exit and Historic Route 66. They filmed some footage of the winery in June and filmed the Ketchum vineyard in July.

The footage will be highlighted Saturday, July 31st at 6:30 pm on KOTV-6 in Tulsa, KWTV-9 in Oklahoma City, and KSWO-7 in Lawton. Friends from the Grand Lake and Vinita area played roles as background guests during the shoot. Tune in and find out why Summerside Vineyards & Winery won the Grand Lake Association's 2003 Crystal Pelican Award for Outstanding Attraction.

For a closer look at the action, you can join Summerside Vineyards & Winery in celebrating harvest and crush at their Vineyard Harvest Parties on July 31st and August 28th.

A prize will be awarded to the person who picks the largest cluster of grapes. After a couple of hours the group will return to the winery for a little pampering while enjoying a Champagne brunch.

Summerside Vineyards owners, the Butlers, promise that participants will be jaded, sated, take home some blisters, and meet some interesting folks. They say you will sleep well that evening and never look at a bottle of wine quite the same way again.

Summerside Vineyards and Winery - Bed & Breakfast, Deli and Wine Tasting at our Vineyard off Route 66 in Vinita, Oklahoma

New Website for Indian Creek Village Winery

2004-07-27T14:07:00.000-07:00

The nice folks at Indian Creek Village Winery have a new web site online. Stop by and take a look sometime!

Indian Creek Village Winery

Taste Oklahoma at Historic Route 66 Wineries

2004-07-12T07:17:00.000-07:00

Romantic Oklahoma Day Trip
Oklahoma is lucky to host some of the best remaining bits of historic Route 66. In Oklahoma, you can travel almost all of old Route 66 without getting on the interstate system. Some sections parallel the interstate system, other sections wander totally away into the countryside.

Let me urge you to take some time soon to take a cruise on America's Mother Road. With the recent growth of Oklahoma wineries, Route 66 is becoming a tasty choice for Oklahoma day trips!

Whether you start your Route 66 cruise near Central Oklahoma or at it's Northeastern Oklahoma tip, you can end begin and end your trip at the tasting room of an Oklahoma winery that offers top notch B&B style lodging right on site.

Summerside Vineyards & Inn is right on Route 66 near Vinita, in Northeastern Oklahoma. Enjoy tasting nine different Oklahoma wines in the beautiful area near Grand Lake O' the Cherokees. Plus Cabin Creek Vineyards is very close nearby.

StableRidge Vineyards has their new tasting room in a restored 1902 Catholic Church right on Route 66 near Stroud, Oklahoma. Right next to the tasting room is a guesthouse that sleeps up to four. It is charming and it is just a stone's throw from a famous Route 66 landmark, the Rock Cafe. Plus, Tres Suenos Vineyards and Winery is now too far away in Luther, Oklahoma.

Route 66, with its unusual mix of art deco and modern architectural styles, was born right here in Oklahoma. A Tulsa businessman named Cyrus Avery spearheaded the national committee that created the US Highway System in 1926. The new highway ran right past his own filling station and restaurant. This began a tradition of small family businesses that made their living from catching the eye of Route 66 travelers. That tradition can still be witnessed today by everyone who takes this great Oklahoma daytrip!

Summerside Vineyards, Winery & Inn, Vinita

Cabin Creek Vineyards in Big Cabin

StableRidge Vineyards in Stroud

Tres Suenos Vineyards in Luther

Oklahoma festivals and events featuring VinoGlo wine lamps

2004-05-11T08:17:00.000-07:00

Tres Suenos Vineyard and Winery is having their Grand Opening this Saturday May 15th!

You can contact Tres Suenos at (405)277-7089 or email them at TRESSUENOS@NETZERO.NET for more information.

Our good friends from VinoGlo are going to be showing their wonderful VinoGlo wine lamps. If you have never had the chance to see a VinoGlo you should make a point to stop by their booth.

They make safety bases that allow you to enjoy a beautiful oil lamp out of your favorite wine bottle. They also have special wicks for scented oils I absolutely adore mine!

VinoGlo Wine Lamps, Preserve a Memory, Create a Moment

Oklahoma Wine Festivals Saturday May 1, 2004

2004-04-27T06:53:00.000-07:00

This weekend should be a blockbuster for Oklahoma wine lovers. Saturday from Noon until 7pm will be the Nuyaka Creek Winery Spring Wine Festival. You can taste Oklahoma's widest selection of locally made wines just for buying the $5 souvenir wine glass. The winery only holds two festivals a year and the spring festival is my favorite!

Dress casual for this fun outdoor event, you may even want to buy some wine grape vines. This year's festival will feature:

Merlot wine grape vines for sale

Heirloom garden plants from Nuyaka Farms

30 Oklahoma wines for tasting, just buy your glass

Live music on the lawn

Free admission and parking

Two other Oklahoma wineries within easy driving range

If that's not enough wine tasting action for you there is Le Tour De Vin at 7pm in Norman.

Place: Kerr McGee Stadium Club
Date: Sat. May 22nd @ 7:00 p.m.
Cost: $50.00
Contact: 405.205.6979
More Info from LocalWineEvents.com

Those of you who attended our past Spring wine festivals can expect some changes this year at Nuyaka Creek. In addition to more music acts, more garden plants for sale and more wines to taste, there we will be gourmet cheese. Rebecca Bryant proprietor of Council Creek Cheese and Cuisine will be presenting her exquisite menu of specialty cheeses, quality gourmet foods, and cheese and wine gifts.

Rebecca founded Slow Food Tulsa and her company provides cheese and wine tasting events, seminars and education throughout Oklahoma. you can really learn a great deal about gourmet cheeses from her.

Annual Spring Wine Festival May 1, 2004 Nuyaka Creek Winery

WineFest Saturday, May 1st at Nuyaka Creek Winery

2004-04-25T20:53:00.000-07:00

It's almost here, Nuyaka Creek Winery's Spring Wine Festival! This year there will be grape plants, spring garden goodies and lots of crafts, music, food and more.

I will have some handy dandy wine glass holders for sale. Now you can keep track of that lovely keepsake without worrying about breaking the glass or spilling your wine. The wine glass rests safely around your neck so you can eat, drink, and hold the hand of the one you love. If you are interested in participating in the event you need to hurry, the deadline for vendors is Tuesday, April 27th.

I get excited before every festival, I enjoy pouring wine and meeting you all! I hope you take the time to say hello while your there, I will be happily pouring wine in the tent by the pond (life is good!).

Stop by, check out some local bands, have some wine, make new friends and take home some grape plants. I hope to see you all there!

Dianne M. Jones
VineByDesign.com
Promoting Oklahoma Wines & Specialty Items

Nuyaka Creek Winery Map

Benefit Silent Auction and Wine-tasting June 12

2004-04-21T14:06:00.000-07:00

A Vintage Murder
6/12/2004
Deep Fork Community Action Foundation presents, "A Vintage Murder," a night of fun for all, with suspects around every corner and a meal "to die for," a silent auction and wine-tasting. The event will be held on June 12 at 7pm the Natura Vineyards & Winery, located 4 miles east of Beggs on SH 16.

Proceeds benefit the working poor and needy families of Okmulgee County. Tickets are $25/person or $40/couple. Tickets go on sale May 1. For more information, call (918) 756-2826.

Historic Tidal School Opens its Doors

2004-04-20T13:56:00.000-07:00

Built in the 1920's during Oklahoma's original oil boom, the Tidal School building was originally constructed to serve the educational needs of Rockefeller's local workforce.

On April 22nd, the tasting room, banquet facility, vineyard, decks, and grounds will open for people to enjoy.

Tour their historic facility located in the newly restored Tidal School building and take a moment to savor their award-winning wines. Tidal School Vineyards and Winery is easy to find...right off highway 16, just 2 miles south of Drumright Oklahoma!

For maps and more information visit their website
Tidal School Vineyards

Spring Sales on Vineyard Grape vines for Planting

2004-04-19T12:09:00.000-07:00

If you have been thinking about starting a personal home vineyard, now is the time to buy the grapes. To check out some great sale prices on premium wine grapes, head over to VineByDesign.com for our Spring Wine Grape sale. Whatever kind of grapes you are looking for, it pays to check our site first.

Oklahoma Wine Grapes

Low Carb Quiznos Subs, At Last!

2004-04-17T10:32:00.000-07:00

Oklahoma Carb Counter News just posted this happy news: Quiznos Has Announced 20 Subs with 10 Net Carbohydrates or Less
Anybody tasted the new Quiznos flatbread sandwiches yet?

Start a Kitchen Vineyard with Bonsai Wine Grapes

2004-04-14T08:31:00.000-07:00

A company called GotFruit is now offering the coolest little wine grape bonsai plants. I think these little kitchen vineyards would make excellent gifts for any wine lover!

Bearing tiny edible grapes, these Wine Grape Bonsai Trees have been cultivated, pruned and shaped for more than 10 years. It includes a ceramic bonsai container, plus easy-care instructions (thank goodness!).

This product can not be shipped to the state of Oregon, but what a great way for folks dreaming of an Oklahoma vineyard to learn about viticulture. Probably a great source for cuttings, as well.

Wine Grape Bonsai Plant for the Home

BookCrossing - Home - FREE YOUR BOOKS!

2004-04-13T15:12:00.000-07:00

Do you like to read? Would you like to give to your community and get free books in the process? If you think that sounds nice, then Bookcrossing.com is the site for you.

You probably have lots of old books locked away in a dusty box or under your bed; I know I did. Instead of keeping them hidden away, you can release them into the wild and give them a second chance at a new life! Its fun and you don't just release them, but you hunt them too! It's like a global treasure hunt, complete with release notes and journal entries.

For the less adventurous, Bookcrossing also has book clubs via mail and local meeting places for book trading.

It is free, it is fun and it encourages people to read...just try it!

BookCrossing - Home - FREE YOUR BOOKS!

U.S. to Create National Center for Studying Grapevine Genetics

2004-04-09T11:23:00.000-07:00

More national leaders see the benefit of developing our domestic wine industry.

The United States may soon have its first national center for research on grape genetics, moving the country to the forefront of viticultural science.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture is developing the new Grape Genetics Research Center, which will work on unlocking the grape genome. Ultimately, such research could prove useful in helping scientists to improve wine grape quality; develop vines that are resistant to disease, pests, salt and cold; and improve the health benefits of wine.

Wine Spectator Online - U.S. to Create National Center for Studying Grapevine Genetics

Eufaula Council Seeks Compromise on Liquor License Restriction

2004-04-06T14:07:00.000-07:00

Finding a restaurant that offers wine with meals can be tough in Oklahoma's small towns. Finding one that offers Oklahoma wine...almost impossible. Oklahoma's consumers constantly face prohibition era blue laws restricting a wide variety of types of liquor sales. Now, in some communites, Okies are fighting for change.

An amended Eufaula city ordinance would apparently clear the way for a proposed Italian restaurant on Broad Street to apply for a license to serve alcohol. Even though First Baptist Church is around the corner and on a different street than the proposed restaurant, current law prevents building owner Rich Daniels from applying for a liquor license, because the northwest corner of the church building is within 300 feet of the rear of Daniels' building.

The amended ordinance introduced at Monday's meeting is far more restrictive than an amendment council first planned to consider. The initial amendment would have removed the provision for the 300-foot buffer entirely in the downtown business district. That proposal met opposition from a group of ministers who attended a city council work session to air their concerns and later bought a full page ad in The Tribune opposing any change in the current law.

The Eufaula City Council heard the "first reading" of the amended ordinance Monday. They are expected to vote on it at the next regularly scheduled meeting Monday, April 19, at 5:15 PM.

Eufaula Tribune - Council Airs Restaurant Compromise

Oklahoma Wine Tasting Events Resource

2004-04-01T17:30:00.000-08:00

Regularly updated listing of Oklahoma wine tasting events at Oklahoma Wine News.

Tidal School Vineyards Honored

2004-03-30T20:20:00.000-08:00

Tidal School Honored: "Tidal School Vineyards received a 2004 Innovator of the Year Award from The Journal Record, a daily Oklahoma business newspaper. The event which is held each spring, honors Oklahomans who set themselves apart with products and services that they believe change the marketplace and make Oklahoma a better place. "

Special Events

2004-03-30T20:04:00.000-08:00

Adventures in Fort Worth, via the Heartland Flyer

Read all about my trip in Fort Worth Texas! It had steak, wine and good times, but I'm happy to be back home.

Wine Tasting Tips and Gift Guide

2004-03-30T19:47:00.000-08:00

Wine Tasting Tips and Gift Guide
"Every bottle of wine is like a journey, so it is best to know where you are going and to travel with friends." On this page we have tried to share some tips and resources to help you make the most of your wine tasting opportunities.

Downtown Shawnee - Blues on the Vine Blues Festival

2004-03-30T19:19:00.000-08:00

2nd Annual Oklahoma Art & Wine Festival
'Blues on the Vine in June'

Saturday, June 12, 2004
11:00 am - 7:30 pm (we won't leave until the last person is gone - enjoy!)

Cost: $6.00 per person - Anyone over 21 wanting to sample wines will need to bring/show ID for tasting bracelet.

Contact: 405-275-0688 okartwinefestival@sbcglobal.net

The evening performance at the Ritz Theatre is DC and Selby Minner 'Blues on the Move'. at 7:30 pm. Tickets cost $15.00 and will need to be reserved by calling 273-1080 Downtown Shawnee, Inc. They have been featured in Living Blues Magazine and are now coming to your backyard! Come out and enjoy yourself, it's going to be an event to remember.

Low Carb Goodies

2004-03-30T18:51:00.000-08:00

My favorite chocolate diet bar is Z-Carb with almonds. Only .97 cents at Wal-mart