Raissa's Site

I am not going to pretend that I know wines or that I am so fond of it when up until four years ago I have never had a glass of it.  When benefits of red wine to reducing cholesterol came to light, my relatives even my grandma, started drinking red wine.  I wasn't one of those who got all giddy and excited and I would usually just drink it when a glass is shoved at me.  I drink a few sips and pass it on to my uncle or cousin.  That is until I started getting the hang of it.  It is an acquired taste at first.  But now I do know sorta the types of wines and I do prefer white over red.  I like the smoothness of the white.  Some reds can be so tart.  But I guess it depends on who makes it.  I've tasted red that I like and the names escape me now. 

I haven't really gone out to buy for one my own.  I usually depend on my uncle, cousin or friends.  But after reading Marvin's blog about the very first Filipino family owned and operated winery in San Luis Obispo County, I feel like getting some.  Its called Eden Canyon Vineyards.  Its owned and operated by a father and daughter team of Danny and Elaine Villamin.  I like what Elaine said in one news article that appeared in the San Francisco Chronicle that "we're definitely carrying on a tradition, not by our family, but by our people."  That is so impressive and makes me so proud.

Another thing that sets them apart, I guess, is that they are educating people on how to pair their wines with Filipino food.  Imagine that.  Who would have thought of pairing wines with simple and yet complex Filipino dishes.  Another thing was the family's tenacity, well actually the dad's tenacity to rebuild his vineyard after it was gutted down by a fire in 1996.  His entire family thought he was insane but he persevered and he is reaping the fruits (no pun intended) now.  Their wines have won awards and have been given to the nominees and presenters at the Grammys.  I love how they interject their heritage into each and everything they do like the labels. 

So, I guess this means a road trip to San Luis Obispo is on the way.  I have been wanting to go back and eat at this quaint Italian restaurant where my aunt, uncle and I ate on our way back from the Bay Area.  That was some 5 years ago I think and I still kept the business card.  Eden Canyon Vineyards is one more reason to plan that trip.  When would that be?