Friday, April 9-Sunday, April 11 and Friday, April 16-Sunday, April 18
KENWOOD, CA (March 29, 2021) – Michael Muscardini is pleased to announce the Spring Release Weekends happening at Muscardini Cellars on Friday, April 9-Sunday, April 11 and Friday, April 16-Sunday, April 18. The release weekends will feature a flight of new wines each paired with a unique small bite. Wine Club Director and Food+Wine Pairing Specialist, Karen Hannah, has worked with owner and winemaker Michael Muscardini to develop an Italian-inspired menu that features both classic and unique Italian pairings to accompany Muscardini Cellars new Italian releases. There will be music on select event dates from 2:00-5:00pm featuring local Sonoma artists John Burdick and Don Trotta. John Burdick will perform on the Release Weekend Saturdays April 10 and 17 and Don Trotta will perform on the Sundays April 11 and 18.
The release weekend tasting flight and food pairings is $35 for general public and $15 for wine club members. Reservations are required and can be made by calling (707) 933-9305 or emailing info@muscardinicellars.com.
Spring Release Food & Wine Pairing Menu:
2019 ROSATO DI SANGIOVESE, Santo Giordano Vineyards, Sonoma Valley Welcome Wine
2018 BARBERA, Pauli Ranch Vineyards, Redwood Valley Melon & Prosciutto Panzanella-style Salad with fresh Mint & Balsamic
This unique salad mirrors the delicate floral notes and gentle acidity of our newest vintage of Barbera. With its playful array of softly acidic fruit, accents of rich balsamic and moderately fatty meat, the wine’s acidity is matched giving way to a palate of round Spring fruit flavors
2018 SANGIOVESE, Alpicella Vineyards, Sonoma Valley Thyme & Coriander Hummus Bruschetta with Raspberry Chipotle Drizzle and Tahini Kale Sprig
By adding a savory twist to the hummus, this unusual bruschetta brings out the mountain herbs in this high-elevation Sangiovese while lending some legume protein to lessen the tannin. The bright red and savory fruit is accented by the sauce which also kicks back some acidity to create a smooth mouthfeel
2017 SANGIOVESE, Alice’s Vineyard, Sonoma Valley Pureed Pickled Beet with Goat Cheese and Ricotta Bruschetta topped with Caramelized Onion & Balsamic Chutney
The earthy and herbaceous notes of this Sangiovese are elevated by the root vegetable puree that is interwoven with both creamy and tart cheeses singing this varietal’s natural acidity and moderate tannin while tempering it. The darker fruit flavors are enriched by the decadence of the chutney atop this special bruschetta
2018 ZINFANDEL, Los Chamizal Vineyards, Moon Mountain District Italian Sausage Gumbo with Orzo aka “Zuppa con Salsiccia”
The peppery notes that a high-elevation Zinfandel can achieve are celebrated in this creative spin on classic gumbo which offers up spice as well as sweetness, making for the perfect way to work with the jamminess of this varietal while moderating the heat of the gumbo.
As a second generation Italian-American, Michael Muscardini has called the Bay Area home throughout his life. After receiving an undergraduate degree in art from California College of the Arts, he spent nearly three decades designing and building homes. Michael now makes his mark in Sonoma Valley with unique wines, focusing on Sangiovese, Barbera, and his proprietary Super-Tuscan style blend, Tesoro. Paying homage to his family roots on both sides of his family who hail from Tuscany and Piemonte, Michael has become a maverick in Italian winemaking in California. Michael seeks out growers in Sonoma County and beyond for their organic or sustainably grown grapes, building the Muscardini label into a world-class winery located in the heart of Sonoma Valley.
Muscardini Cellars is doing their part to maintain a safe environment for your visit. Please be sure to wear a face covering, practice social distancing, and wash hands during the visit. Hand sanitizer is located around the property. Muscardini Cellars currently requires all guests to make reservations. Same-day reservations will be accepted if there is availability. All reservations will be taken on a first-come, first-serve basis. Please call directly to (707) 933-9305 or email at info@muscardinicellars.com to make a reservation.
About Muscardini Cellars
Proprietor Michael Muscardini has been a maverick winemaker in Sonoma Valley for 15 years. Michael Muscardini is making just 5,000 cases a year of mostly classic Italian reds as well as robust blends and Cabernet Sauvignon. He is one of the winemakers that has been leading the way in the revival of Sangiovese and Barbera wines in Sonoma since 2005. Michael’s deep community ties and warm relationships with local growers enables him to source some of the best fruit for his wines from some of the most unique vineyards in the county and beyond. Muscardini Cellars graces Sonoma Valley’s (Valley of the Moon) Monte Terra with its estate grape vines, family home and barrel room. The Kenwood tasting room is located at 9380 Sonoma Highway and can be reached by calling (707) 933-9305.
