Pumpkins! Silent Movie & Fun!

Friday night saw Pipe Organ Master, Dave Marino, bring alive classic Halloween silent movies and cartoons.Silent movie nights are always great fun, but, this friday brings the addition of Ironstone's Pumpkin Carving Contest with Silent Movie goers as the judges! Take a look at this years contestants and see if you can select the winning pumpkin! Stop by the Tasting Room to check out the entrants yourself and see if you agree with the judges!

Silent Movie attendees!

Call to Artists! Ironstone's 15th Annual Spring Obsession

Celebrating its 15th Anniversary this year, The Spring Obsession is a glorious entity in and of itself. An event that has grown and matured along side the many talented artists that have made The Spring Obsession such a fun and wonderful event.  Through the years, we have had the pleasure of watching The Spring Obsession artists grow, finding their niche and sucesses in the wide world of art.

In striking visual glory, inspiration for the canvas, The Spring Obsession also welcomes Ironstone's brilliant Daffodil & Tulip presentation. Master Gardner Larry Ringland brings forth that special weekend almost 600 half barrels of full color and delight.  With over 22 tons of daffodils planted throughout the grounds and into this barrel program, The Spring Obsession weekend is breathtaking.  A must see for everyone.

Team work prevails as the Ironstone Team tries to outdo the previous year's team in the decor of the Saturday afternoon's Artist Reception. From indoor garden parties to koi ponds to Obsession Wine trees, you never know what is in store! 

Our in house showman, Executive Chef James is always the hit with his Cooking Demonstrations on Spring Obsession Saturday.  Then again with his many food and wine pairing stations at the Gala Artist Reception that Saturday afternoon. 

You see him here at last years Oyster Station with Champagne no less! 

The Spring Obsession 2012 opens March 3 & 4th. at Ironstone Vineyards in beautiful Murphys. Artists are invited to download the prospectus for both the Theme Division and Open Division from this blog Ironstone's main site http://www.ironstonevineyards.com/

Mark you calendars now. This is an event you don't want to miss!

Vineyard Update from Winemaker Steve Millier

Out in the vineyard last week, Steve Millier, Ironstone's winemaker, was photographed checking the Chardonnay that will go into our Ironstone Reserve Chardonnay program. Looking good too!


On Monday October 3rd, we brought in our Sierra Foothills Estate Grown Viognier. The Viognier came in at 25 brix will go into our Reserve program. The flavors were wonderful and we are very pleased with the grapes.

Tuesday, Oct 4th, we picked our Sierra Foothills Estate Grown Chardonnay. Going into press the Chardonnay was at 24.2 brix and was showing intense flavors. This was a relief to get these grapes in before the midweek rain, which caused us a delay in harvest. We had possibly an inch of rain, but the soils in Murphys tend to dry quickly.

We picked our Muscat Canelli on October 7 & 8 ... stay tuned for more as the season progresses...

Wine & Food? Chefs & Winemakers? All together now! Nov. 5th!

Yes, they all come together on November 5th here at Ironstone Vineyards for the 4th Annual Winegrape & Gourmet. Hosted by the Calaveras Winegrape Alliance, this winelovers afternoon features the Sierra Foothills’ top chefs preparing signature dishes which are paired exclusively with a wine selection from an award-winning Calaveras winery.  It can't be more fun munching and sipping all afternoon!  

This truely is a great friends get away event. Relaxing, fun and if you want, educational... yes, you can even learn a bit if you need to justify the afternnoon!  Some of our newer dining establishments will be here to show off their chefs along with our old favorites...

Here is a teaser that was released by the CWA;

Magnolia Café’s Polenta with Mushroom Ragu and Gruyere served with Albariño Acero from Metate Hill Vineyards.


Haven't tried Magnolia Cafe yet? Or Metate Hill's Albarino Acero? Ok then! Here you go!  All in one place!
This is such a fun event I suggest you get your tickets early and bring all your friends along... you can't go wrong!

For more info or to purchase tickets, check out CWA's website,  http://www.calaveraswines.org/my_weblog/4th-annual-calaveras-winegrape-gourmet.htm.
Remember, Saturday, November 5 from 1 to 4 pm at Ironstone Vineyards. $40 in advance, $50 at the door. 


A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Calaveras Food Bank