The recently formed nonprofit organization, Roots to Wine, is looking to add new members. The group aims to promote regional wine, including the region’s connection to California’s agricultural history, for people who grow wine grapes and produce wine in the unique growing areas of Capay Valley AVA, Davis, Dunnigan Hills AVA, English Hills and Winters.

“We’re happy to have a chance to get our name out there and let people know there is quality wine right in their backyards, before the foothills heading into Napa,” said Roots to Wine president Corinne Martinez, who co-owns Berryessa Gap Vineyards.

The Roots to Wine planning process came together shortly after Georgeanne Brennan and Ann Evans concluded research for the Yolo County Marketing Initiative for Food, Wine, and Agriculture, under the umbrella of the Yolo County Agricultural Commissioner, from 2006-2009.

A series of wineries from Clarksburg and the Delta region have their own system in place, Martinez explained, so a seed was planted to focus on promoting wine grape growers and wine producers with production in the five designated adjacent areas along the western edge of Yolo County and the northwest corner of Solano County.

“It didn’t make sense to limit the participation to Yolo County since there are growers just south of the county line,” Martinez said, with Winters a mere 300 yards from Solano County.

Representatives from nine small, mostly family-run wineries, including Berryessa Gap Vineyards, Capay Valley Vineyards, Julie LePla Winery, Putah Creek Winery, Rominger West Winery, Route 3 Wines, Simas Family Wines, Turkovich Family Wines and Yocha DeHe, began meeting about a year ago to form Roots to Wine.

“(People) are happy to hear about some wineries they may otherwise not have known about, and the sense that we’re all from the same area,” said Pam Welch of Capay Valley Vineyards and treasurer for Roots to Wine.

Besides promoting the quality wine being produced in the region, the participating wineries will also support agri-tourism experiences. Roots to Wine offers travelers and visitors from the Bay Area, the Central Valley and neighboring states scenic routes through its burgeoning wine country.

“The (organization’s) name, Roots to Wine, is the connection,” Martinez said about the meticulous name of the group. Members wanted a name which encompassed the entirety of the group’s goals, including wine, regional food, the “routes” visitors can utilize on their excursions, not to mention even a play on words; Route 3 Wines is a participating member. Furthermore, Winters itself has a long standing tradition of growing root stock for the wine industry.

“I am very excited to see the wine grape growers and producers in my area joining together to promote the region and to continue, as a group, their commitment to enhancing the reputation our area has for producing high quality food and wine,” said Georgeanne Brennan in a recent release.

Though still in its infancy, Martinez explained that Roots to Wine will plan on hosting two events per year, one in the spring and one in the fall around crush time. The group also hopes to cultivate affiliate memberships and host events with Clarksburg and other Delta wineries in the future.

“Yolo County has made it a priority to promote its wine culture,” said Yolo County Agricultural Commissioner John Young in a recent statement. “The formation of ‘Roots to Wine,’ an association dedicated to advancing the message of quality wines originating from Western Yolo and Solano Counties, is very valuable to our ongoing efforts to advise the public about the compelling nature of the food and wine available in our region.”

Roots to Wine officers include President Corinne Martinez, Vice President Bruce Rominger (Rominger West Winery), Treasurer Pam Welch (Capay Valley Vineyards) and Secretary Chris Turkovich (Turkovich Family Wines). Directors are Gio Ferrendelli (Route 3), Gene Glaeser (Putah Creek Winery), Julie Larson (Julie LaPla Winery), Lindsey Mezger (Yocha DeHe Wines) and Chris Simas (Simas Family Wines).

The Roots to Wine organization who meet the criteria set forth in the incorporating documents and to offer affiliate membership to individuals or groups whose purposes are aligned to those of Roots to Wine.  For more information, or to join, please contact Corinne Martinez at corinne@berryessagap.com.

The wedding of the century is right around the corner on Friday, April 29. While Prince William and Kate Middleton – along with the rest of the world -- celebrate their nuptials, Sacramentans can receive the royal treatment at local British-inspired eateries.

Bonn Lair

This British pub in midtown has an extensive beer list, plus traditional pub grub. Locals enjoy the laid back atmosphere – and the football and rugby games on telly. Try a St. Peter’s Cream Stout or an Old Speckled Hen. Open daily at 11:30 a.m.

3651 J St. Sacramento

Fox & Goose Pub and Restaurant

The English pub has several “Best Breakfast” accolades but also serves lunch and pub grub through the evening. From bangers and mash to Cornish pasties, it’s been the place to go for delicious British food since 1975. Weekend brunch is very busy, but enjoy free coffee while you wait for a table. For evening entertainment head in on a Monday for Open Mic Night, Pub Quiz’s on Tuesdays and live music Wednesday through Saturday.

www.foxandgoose.com 1001 R St. Sacramento

Pasty Shack

East Sacramento’s Pasty Shack is the place to go for British fast food. They offer seven pasty choices: Cornish, Bavarian, Chicken and Veggies, Mexican (Thursday), Tamale Pasty (Tuesday) Chile Verde (Friday) and Vegetarian. They also offer take-and-bake pasties to go. Under $10.

4746 J St. Sacramento

Streets of London Pub

Streets of London Pub offers a full bar, including imported beers and ciders on tap, as well as a full British-inspired menu, like the Big Ben Burger and Steak Pie. Check the Web site for days and times of Pint Night and Simon MacMillan Memorial Pub Quiz Nights at each area location: Folsom, Sacramento and West Sacramento. Happy hour is from 4 to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday.

www.streetsoflondon.net

649 E. Bidwell St. Folsom

1804 J St. Sacramento

2200 Lake Washington Blvd. West Sacramento

Touch of Britain

Touch of Britain is a one-stop shop for all things United Kingdom. Visit the Tea Shop for traditional scones, crumpets or fish and chips. The Shop stocks a wide variety of canned, packaged and frozen goods imported from the UK. Ovaltine, anyone? Open Wednesday through Sunday.

www.touchofbritain.com 5712 Watt Ave. North Highlands

Indulge your senses by enjoying local wines, artisan cheeses, olive oil, handmade chocolates, locally-roasted coffee and homegrown walnuts from Yolo County all the while relishing the sights and smells of roses at the 20^th Annual Rose Garden Tour from noon to 5 p.m. Saturday, April 30 sponsored by the Woodland Library Rose Club.

Six private gardens in Woodland will set the stage for the rose tour, in addition to the three distinct garden areas at the Woodland Public Library, 250 1^st St., Woodland. Each garden will be open to the public during the duration of the self-guided tour, and may be viewed in any order.

Funds from the event benefit the Woodland Library Rose Club activities, which include continued enhancement of the public rose gardens on the library grounds, pruning clinics and other community outreach about the health and cultivation of roses.

The history of the individual gardens and rose descriptions, with detailed maps and driving directions, are provided in the tour brochure. Tickets for the tour will be available for $20 the day of the event from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Woodland Public Library Rose Gardens, 250 1^st St., Woodland. Tickets may also be purchased in advance at The Gifted Penguin, 716 Main St. in Woodland, Terry’s Hallmark, 375-C W. Main St. in Woodland, or by calling (530) 662-4020.

The Woodland Library Rose Club was founded in the fall of 1989. The Club’s goals include: continuing to learn and teach about the beauty and cultivation of roses; conduct education tours of the Library Rose Gardens; participate in seminars on rose cultivation; continued maintenance of the rose gardens of the Woodland Library and visit other rose gardens and nurseries.

The Woodland Public Library is the oldest working Carnegie library in California. Built in 1905, the Mission Revival building is open to the public from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday and noon to 4 p.m. Saturday.

The Woodland Library Rose Club is a resource for everyone who loves roses and wishes to be a part of Woodland's rich tradition of rose cultivation. The Rose Club invites the community to join in their love of roses and become a member.

For membership information, visit http://www.cityofwoodland.org/gov/depts/library/roseclub/membership.asp.

Just in time for spring, Enotria Café & Wine Bar is kicking off Weekly Wine Tastings from 5 to 7 p.m. beginning Thursday, April 7 with Jeremiah Morehouse, Enotria’s new Wine Director. The first tasting will feature a selection of Italian wines, perfect to pair with Enotria’s new spring menu.

Spring menu highlights include Soft Shell Crab, Oyster Trio, Ancho Coffee Rubbed Filet Mignon, Seared Sea Scallops, Lemon Ricotta Gnocchi, Crisp Duck Breast and Honey-Fennel Brined Grilled Pork Chop.

Enotria not only offers one of the most extensive wine menus in the area, the Café and Wine Bar also offers its entire selection for retail purchase. By signing up for the newsletter, guests will receive a weekly e-mail from Sommelier Jeremiah Morehouse about various wines, special pricing and limited availability bottles.

“I look forward to meeting everyone and continuing to build the outstanding reputation Enotria has achieved over the years,” Morehouse stated. “I am always happy to discuss individual wines and assist you in making the best selections for your cellar or tonight's dinner!”

Take advantage of Enotria’s extended cocktail hour to sample some of the new spring menu items, from 4 to 6: 30 p.m. Tuesday through Friday in the Wine Bar. Enjoy 30 percent off all wines by the glass, beer, cocktails and the bar food menu, of course.

On Tuesdays, bring a favorite bottle from home, or purchase a bottle in the Wine Bar, and enjoy free corkage.

For more information about the Weekly Wine Tastings, or to place a retail order, e-mail retailwine@enotria.com , call (916) 922-6792 or visit www.enotria.com.

The 2011 Sacramento Mobile Food Festival is called SactoMoFo for short. They will have over two dozen vendor--some carts, some trucks, and mobile grills--from the Sacramento region and Bay Area on hand to serve you, your family, and friends a tasty and hopefully mellifluous afternoon of food and music.

Ride your bike or take light rail if possible--Fremont Park is just across from the 16th Street station--out of respect for the park's residential and business neighbors. Parking will be available, but limited. We are modeling the event after Off the Grid SF. See what we'll sort of be like in April, but with more room in Fremont Park.

Fresh from their whirlwind tour of the country on Food Network star Tyler Florence's Great Food Truck Race program,  will include San Francisco's terrific Spencer on the Go truck, serving up all sorts of interesting French treats, from sandwiches and salads to more involved dishes.

From the Bay Area: Chairman Bao; Hapa SF; Lil Green Cyclo; Curry Up Now; Seoul on Wheels ... Our sponsor Whole Foods will have their truck. Tahoe's Red Truck will be there, as will Sacramento's Mini-Burger Truck, Happy go Lucky Cart, and La Piedad, one of the area's best taco trucks. We're still working on several other local vendors and a few more from out of the area, so stay tuned.

When we think of sustainable agriculture, what usually comes to mind is environmental sustainability - a method of farming that does not poison or deplete our air, water and soil. But sustainability is much more than that, especially at a time when some of the richest soil in the world, right here in our Valley, is constantly threatened by development. Exorbitant land prices make it nearly impossible for young farmers to get started, and farmers over 65 outnumber farmers under 35 by eight to one.

Annie Main of Good Humus Produce says that sustainability "is still being defined, but I see it meaning that all aspects of the farm will be maintained and the vitality of the farm will be upheld and improved from generation to generation, building the soil health and building the native habitat to create a balance for a healthy crop production. It also needs to include the life of the caretakers and the ability to do the work that creates this possibility of continuation without depletion. It needs to include a basic level of land security that must be available to build on each generation.

Sustainability means we need to think beyond one generation. We need our family farms to be passed on to young farmers. Farming must therefore be made affordable and desirable for farmers. For the community the benefits of preserving our local farms will stretch out over many generations of farmers."

If the farms that we depend on for our food today are to be here to feed our grandchildren and their grandchildren, action will need to be taken now to preserve them. Annie Main says, "Step by step, we envision farms tied to supportive communities by easements purchased by the community and held in public trust. We see communities tied to farms by personal commitment to the values of responsible land use, sustainable local economy, and personal connection with food and its source. With a strong local food system we can make a conscious choice about what we eat, where our food comes from, and the environmental impact of its appearance on our dinner plate. We can choose to participate in our own healthy, sustainable, regional food system. Land and food are resources that belong to all generations.

The community is essential in securing the future of local land and farm resources and food production. Securing farms as a component of an innovative local food system requires the financial support of the community. We are asking for your personal and financial commitment to a vision for farms that engages our communities in a new vision of locally supported food and farm security for generations to come."

The Mains' vision has inspired a program called "One Farm at a Time," an opportunity for members of our community to take action and invest in the future of the farms that provide our food.  The first funds raised will go toward purchasing an easement to protect Good Humus, and then Ofaat will move on to purchase easements for other farms and/or to support our farmers in whatever ways that they may choose to keep their farms and to make them affordable for the next generation of farmers.

It will cost Annie and Jeff Main $400,000 to secure their easement; they're about a quarter of the way there, but they know they can't do it alone. Annie says that "For this to happen, the community is going to have to say, ‘I want my local farmers here forever.' It would be really empowering if we could accomplish this together.

If you are interested in donating to this cause you may do so HERE

Farm Fresh To You <http://www.farmfreshtoyou.com/index.php> , an organic produce home delivery service, invites the public to its farm in Capay in Yolo County for a farm tour on Saturday, March 12, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. (the day before the Almond Festival). The farm address is located at 23800 State Highway 16 in Capay, Calif.

During the day, families can picnic in the farm garden and listen to live bluegrass music provided by The Bottom Dwellers <http://bottomdwellersmusic.com>  of Woodland, enjoy and participate in
hands-on art activities (for kids and adults) provided by Jesse Pruet <http://www.facebook.com/>  from Winters, and shop at the market stand, where drinks and fresh produce will be available for purchase.

Farm Fresh to You was founded in 1992 by Kathleen Barsotti. Today, Farm Fresh to You is run by her sons, Noah, Thaddeus and Freeman. Originally, Farm Fresh to You had just a few delivery routes, but the company now delivers to thousands of customers in both northern and southern California and has a retail store in San Francisco's Ferry Building. The company also farms in the Imperial Valley in southern California.

No RSVP is necessary for this event, and admission is free. There will be tractor rides to the fields for harvesting, with fee of $3 for adults and $1 for children 12 and under. For more information, call Farm Fresh to You at 800-796-6009 or click here <http://farmfreshtoyou.com> .

The farm is located 90 miles east of San Francisco and 30 minutes west of Sacramento. From Sacramento, take Interstate 5 North through Woodland to the Esparto/Highway 16 exit. Turn left; then travel 3 miles to first stoplight. Turn right onto Highway 16. Follow Highway 16 through Esparto and Capay. The farm is a 1/4 mile past the town of Capay on the right. Look for the Capay Organic metal sign. Follow the gravel road that leads to the left and park in the upper or lower parking lot.

If you've ever wanted to experience English tea time, or are looking for an excuse to dress up and wear that fancy "Kate Middleton-inspired" hat and glove set, don't miss Victorian Tea with Sacramento Philharmonic's Encore on Sunday, March 13 at 2 p.m. at the beautiful Vizcaya Mansion, 2019 21st Street in Sacramento. The Victorian Tea is being presented by Encore, which is a volunteer group that supports Sacramento Philharmonic with community outreach, including greeting people at concerts, participating in community events to raise awareness for all the programs the Philharmonic offers, and presenting fundraisers like the Victorian Tea.

As for the Tea itself, the Vizcaya Mansion will be catering the event, providing tradition tea fare including an abundance of dainty cucumber, egg, chive, and Waldorf-style chicken salad sandwiches, fresh scones and various desserts. The teas of the day will be Earl Grey and Orange Spice. Encore volunteers will be bringing their own teapots and personally serving the guests at each table. There will also be an auction offering items such as a facial at a featured salon and other gift certificates to various businesses around Sacramento. The musical portion of the program will feature talented
young violinist talent Ray Anthony Trujillo, last year's winner of the Classical Jammies Competition.

Tickets for Victorian Tea are $40 per person and can be purchased in advance over the phone by calling Jasmin at 916-732-9045 ext 108, or through the website by clicking here. For more information about this event, click here.

by Juliet Farmer

Cal Middle School's annual food and wine fundraising event, Spring Thing, is March 5 from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at Congregation B'Nai Israel, 3600 Riverside Blvd. in Sacramento. The event will feature a sampling of small plates by Sacramento chefs, tasting of local wines and beverages, and an opportunity to mingle with neighbors while benefitting the students at California Middle School. Money raised from this event goes to support sports, music, drama, Mathletes, Science Olympiad, speech and debate, MESA, Eco Club Yosemite trip, and Ashland Oregon Shakespeare Festival trip at Cal Middle School.

Participating restaurants include Chada Thai, Desserts by Vesela, La Esperanza, The Golden Bear, Griselda's Catering, Jamie's Broadway Grille, L&L Hawaiian Barbecue, Masullo Pizza , MISO Japanese Cuisine, Mulvaney's Building & Loan, Pho Bac Hoa Viet, Pooja Indian Grill <> , Posh Party Catering, Supper Club, Vic's Ice Cream, Willie's Burgers, and culinary students from McClatchy High School will also be preparing food donated by Taylor's Market.

Spring Thing will also include a Wall of Wine, a collection of wine that has been donated by families and businesses. Wine bottles will be enclosed with the donor's name, wrapped and numbered. Wall of Wine tickets are sold for $25; ticket buyers choose a numbered ticket and win the corresponding bottle of wine (all donated wines have a minimum retail value of $20, but interspersed in the wall will be bottles worth more or bottles packaged with gift certificates to local restaurants and businesses).

Tickets for Spring Thing are $25 in advance and $30 at the door. Advanced tickets can be purchased through March 4 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Cal Middle School, 1600 Vallejo Way. Tickets may also be purchased online here, but will be assessed a service fee. Attendees must be 21 or older to attend Spring Thing. Cal Middle PTSA is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, Tax ID 94-2668572.

by Juliet Farmer

The second annual Sacramento Beer Week kicks of Friday, February 25, wrapping up Sunday, March 6. Numerous area restaurants, breweries and bars are participating in Sacramento Beer Week, offering specials on both food and beer all week long. Among the specials going on during the week, Brew It Up! will be serving several beers that are exclusive to Sacramento Beer Week; Old Soul at 40 Acres and Old Soul at Weatherstone are offering $3 off a combination of any pint of draft beer and any sandwich; deVere's Irish Pub is featuring $12 pitchers of Firestone Double Barrel Ale, New Belgium 1554, Lagunitas IPA and Sacramento's own Odonata Saison; Kupros Bistro and their Executive Chef Matthew Robinson present a Sacramento Beer Week Prix Fixe menu everyday with a first course of deviled eggs, a second course of three bean salad or Caesar salad, a third course of baby back ribs or jerk chicken or fish du jour, and a fourth course of apple pie or lemon bars-all courses are paired with beers; and North Coast Beer Dinner nightly at The Grange, with a first course of crisp-fried Tomales Bay oyster and savoy cabbage salad, a second course of hazelnut and goat cheese tart, a main course of beer-braised Niman Ranch short rib, and a dessert course of an ice cream float, all paired with north coast beers.

Other events during Sacramento Beer Week include Meet the Masters on February 27 at the Sterling Hotel Ballroom, where beer and beer-centric foods will be served, featuring Auburn Alehouse, Brew It Up!, Hoppy, Knee Deep, Lockdown, River City, Rubicon, Sudwerk, Sutter Buttes & Two Rivers Cider. This event is $50 and reservations can be made at Tuli Bistro or by calling 916-451-8854.

On March 5, don't miss The Capital Beerfest at Cal Expo Fairgrounds (indoors), featuring the best breweries from across California, including small craft breweries that have never beer poured in Sacramento before, as well as a handful of breweries from around the world. The public session is from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. with a VIP session of special and rare beer from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. There will be a free shuttle to and from Midtown--several buses will loop from the Light Rail station at R/30th, pick up passengers along 30th to take to Cal Expo, and return down 29th Street from 11:30 a.m.
to 5 p.m. Buy Tickets Online or in person at Rubicon, River City, Pangaea or Samuel Horne's Tavern--$30 general admission, $60 VIP and general admission, $5 designated driver.

For more information about Sacramento Beer Week events, click here.

by Juliet Farmer