Disclosure: I was invited out to Rosenblum Cellars to partake in the first annual Rosenblum Wine Club Dinner. All opinions are my own.
About a month ago I was invited out to Rosenblum Cellars new tasting room in Healdsburg, CA and had a great time learning cooking tips for Chef Joey Altman.
This time around, I was invited down to Alameda where it all began for Rosenblum Cellars. This tasting room has been around for 35 years, and for that night, they brought together something special to thank their loyal wine club following. Rosenblum Cellars opened their doors for their 1st annual Winemaker’s dinner.
In Winemaker John Kane’s own words, “Passion for me is “a sense of happiness” — what makes you feel good about what you do every day. All the contributing factors of making wine is what I love: spending time in vineyards, working in the winery getting dirty, creating partnerships with growers or standing behind a table pouring Rosenblum wine and watching peoples face light up and say “WOW, that’s killer!” This is what gets me out of bed every day. I am proud to carry the Rosenblum torch, keep the tradition of urban winemaking alive, and make great wines.”
And for their first event, everyone walked out having a good time. The evening started out with complimentary tastings of the new Great American Wine Company. Guests were offered to try the chardonnay, cabernet sauvignon and red blends. A portion of sales is donated towards military charities. Hors d’oeuvres were also passed around. Appetizers included: Roast Tenderloin, Crab Cakes, and Endive Spears.
Then guests were asked to be seated as the first course began to be served. The first course included a Macha and Wild Greens salad with house made vinaigrette, toasted almonds, and honey crisp apples:
Soon, the main course was served. Guests had the option of three different entrees:
*Liberty duck breast with creamed Yukon potatoes and broccoli raab
*Osso bucco with soft herbed polenta and prosciutto wrapped grilled asparagus
*Wild seasonal mushroom risotto with frilled seasonal squash
During the main course, one person from each table was chosen to pick out a bottle of wine for their table. Our bottle:
Was the 2010 Winemaker Selection Zinfandel. This bottle is only available to wine club members of Rosenblum Cellars.
Before dessert, Rosenblum Cellars winemaker, “John Kane,” said a few words thanking the loyal club members for being there that evening and for their loyal patronage.
A dessert buffet was soon served filled with tarts and pastries while the band began to play, and Rosenblum Cellar club members hit the dance floor. For the first winemakers dinner, it was a complete success.
Rosenblum Cellars also announced their “Ambassador Club” program for those that have become wine club members for 5 years or more which will include even more perks on top of the current wine club benefits, and each guest walked away with a little gift from Rosenblum which included wine glass pens and a beautiful Wine Opener.
Information about Rosenblum Wine Club Membership:
Zinfanatics Club:
- Club pack shipped six times a year (Jan, Mar, May, Jul, Sep, Nov)
- 4 bottles per shipment (2 unique Zins; 2 bottles of each)
- Zin only
- Average Club pack $120
Premier Club:
- Club pack every month
- 3-4 bottles per shipment
- Includes reds and whites
- Average Club pack $84
Red Rangers Club:
- Club pack shipped six times a year (Feb, Apr, Jun, Aug, Oct, Dec)
- 3 bottles per shipment
- Red only
- Average Club pack $84
Explorers Club:
- Club pack shipped four times a year (Mar, Jun, Sep, Dec)
- 3 bottles per shipment
- Reds and whites
- Average Club pack $84
Membership benefits include:
- Access to limited-production wines crafted exclusively for our wine club members
- Special price promotions exclusive for club members on select wines and club packs
- Complimentary Reserve wine tasting for club members and four guests
- In-depth winemaking and production information included in your club shipments
- Discount off admission ticket to our bi-annual Open House parties
- Special events created just for you and fellow Rosenblum club members
- Referral and Longevity Rewards program benefits
To sign up for a Wine Club, more information can be found here.