Watertower Wines

can you join us on the winetrain to san antonio?

chris/steve — Sat, 17 Dec 2011 23:14:55 +0000

We’re wishing and hoping for three more rooms to fill on the

Watertower Winetrain February 29-March 5

Cake made by WineTrain Hobo, Peggy Schuster

What’s this trip all about, you ask? It’s all about getting onboard Amtrak’s Southwest Chief on a Wednesday afternoon and heading West… staying at the luxurious Omni Hotel with room balconies along the famousRiver Walk, as well as eating, drinking, and being merry. It’s about touring American history in the most visited city in Texas! It’s fun to travel with nice people. It’s fun to get together each evening for a wine social (you can drink whatever you want!)….see the states the easy way….Whistlestop your way through small town USA with us.

The train ride is a great part of the vacation. Cozy sleeper cars for all! Wine gatherings and meals onboard included.

Size extra-large!

We searched for “what to wear in San Antonio, and this is what we found:

Tex-Mex rules, but there is SO MUCH MORE!!

We searched for “what to eat in San Antonio, and this is what we found:

The River Walk where you can dine, shop,

walk, or take a boat tour

We searched for “what to do in San Antonio, and so much came up; the historic Alamo, the galleries & theaters… but we chose the one we’ll ALL be sure to visit, because we’re staying right there!:

Give us a call or email, if you’d like more information – the trips have always been delightful and ALWAYS an adventure!!

next weekend is christmas weekend!

chris/steve — Sat, 17 Dec 2011 22:53:54 +0000

Today begins the INSTANT SAVINGS EXTRAVAGANZA on all accessories and cards (no wine or food,yet). Here’s how it works…..come in and select your items, after we ring them up — just say you want to play and you can pick a wine-stopper that has20% 30% 40% or 50% written on it — and Voila – you will instantly have that amount taken off your bill! Don’t forget to say you want to play – it’s our gift to our regular customers who read our newsletter!

Starting right NOW!

20%-50% Discount Instantly!!

All accessories and cards!!

pre-order your sides of salmon

chris/steve — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 18:16:22 +0000

Honey Smoked Salmon

This is what makes the Smoked Salmon Spread so great! It’s the moistest, best smoked salmon we have found on the market. Serve the entire side on a platter with crackers and other accompaniments. You can get the sides from us at prices well below other retail sellers. Order now so we know how many are needed for the season of entertaining. They range anywhere from $45-60 each.

port for your special holidays

chris/steve — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 18:12:51 +0000

New “Porto”s Hit the Shelf

You might think the word “Porto” above is a typo, but with our two new arrivals on the shelf, you can enjoy tasting the answer for yourself! That’s right, we’re excited to unpack two new “Porto”s from Warre’s of Portugal. Now to clarify… what we typically label as ‘port’ is a sweet fortified wine most often served after a meal, especially after those memorable holiday feasts with family and friends. Port originated in northern Portugal’s Douro Valley, and the best ports still come from that area. The name port derives from the fact that these wines are shipped out of the Portuguese city of Oporto; in fact, such wines (true ports) are labeled “Porto” rather than port.
Although there are many types of port wine (which can make the labels confusing!), there are four basic categories - vintage, ruby, tawny, and white. Vintage ports (notLate Bottle Vintage) are regarded by many as the best; they’re also the most expensive. Made only in certain “declared” vintages, these can age 50 years or more!
Ruby ports are bottled while the wine still exhibits youth, fruitiness, and a bright red (ruby) color. Tawny ports are typically aged in wood for as long as 40 years, and show their tawny brick color. The labels on the best tawny ports stipulate the years of aging, whereas inexpensive tawnies are created without aging by blending ruby and white ports. White ports are produced the same way as ruby ports, except that they use white grapes.So what about the two new ports, or rather “porto”s?? Well to begin, you now know they are the real deal from Portugal (thus “Porto”). As to type, the first is Warre’sfamous Heritage Ruby port, and it’s about as delicious as it gets for rubies. Wonderful as a gift. Even for yourself. Especially for yourself. Probably the best port to experience if you and yours are new to the delight of ports. $16.90

Our second new port is Warre’smost popular Warrior port, and it’s not one of the four basic styles discussed above. Instead, it’s a “vintage character” port, meaning an especially high quality ruby port blended from several vintages and wood-aged, but not nearly as long as mature tawnies. Definitely the next level. Another wonderful gift for you. Never disappointed anyone. Ever. $21.75

And while we’re on the subject, don’t forget the other ports (and “Porto”s) on our shelf. Great range of styles from Jonesy “Boots” ($11.70) and Wollersheim (Wisconsin, $25.20), to Warre’s 10-Year Tawny “Otima” ($28.90) and Graham’s Vintage 2007 ($85.40). Variety to fill any stocking.

On a more personal note, Chris and I find that a sip of good port accelerates the warming of our wood stove during these cold winter evenings. In us – not in the stove.

Cheers!
Steve & Chris

Glorious December

chris/steve — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 18:08:38 +0000

Happy December!

Sometimes the stress of too much going on in one month can put a damper on what should be the merriest time of year. Christmas music, the magic of the magi, the festive lights, the ringing bells, & giving good cheer – the Winter Solstice: a time when major things happen : !…..when feelings of hec and tic creep in, bring the merriment to the forefront – this is a perfect time for all of us to come together in peace and if not love, at least like : ] how about at least putting up with?

Sarah (Coloma Coffeehouse logo artist) knitter of cozy-soft scarves

Sarah’s scarves have personally been replenished! There are super soft sparkly’s (worthy of high healed evenings out), pretty petite pastels (for when you’re feeling soft like summer clouds), your straightforward goth black (that goes with everything), and a multi-color that reminds me of my early 70′s high school (retro). Get ‘em while they’re here! All proceeds are going to be donated to the Coloma Anna Follett Community Center (Sarah Congdon’s family). Thank you Sarah, for your artisan gifts to Coloma.

Sue Semrow was in the store over the weekend because her husband, Dick, loves good cheese : ] Well, we love Dick, not only because he loves good cheese, but because he grows so many of our unique flower and veggie plants each spring for our gardens at the store and at home. When we first moved here, Sue was the postmaster in Coloma (what a nice first person to meet in town!). She now gives much of her springtime to one of my favorite places, Heath Farms. Heath grows flowers, veggies and sod commercially-like for the the Brewer’s and Packer’s! (Bob and his daughter, Heidi, gave us the beautiful wreath outside our front window.) Well, Sue came in to share her madness to our moving announcement and also to firmly tell me I have overpriced the hand woven linen/cotten towel & washcloth sets that she wove this summer. How could I not price them as they are? I’ve been to MY SHARE of fine art/traditional art/& craft fairs throughout the nation, and these one-of-a-kind quality sets are priced just right. I’m leaving them as they are. If no lucky person comes in to capture the joy of having something of such high quality in their kitchen, I will selfishly enjoy each one of them myself. Lucky Betty Torpy and Lona Robertson who each have sets of their own. Only 4 left – 1 towel/1 washcloth/2 coffeehouse/winestore recipes of your liking – $45.

Decked out for the Coloma Christmas Parade
- the storefronts are glistening!

The Coloma Business Association is alive and active. The Christmas Parade/Tree Lighting/Santa Visit was top notch!

Thank you to all of you who made a conscious effort to shop small on nationally recognized Small Business Saturday last week.

Bud Guy is back again at the Liquor Store!!

Enjoy the bright stars this month! Enjoy the twinkling lights this month!
Give a smile, give a little extra.
It’s a glorious time.

See you soon!
Chris and Steve

December 1st
Happy Birthday big brother!!

Coloma Christmas this saturday, November 26th

chris/steve — Fri, 25 Nov 2011 17:00:39 +0000

David Hughes captured our storefront during the Christmas Parade 2010

Parade and Tree Lighting 5:00pm

Join us at Watertower Wines for free tastes of cheese and wine all afternoon. 20% off all cards and accessories ALL DAY Saturday

the beautiful riverwalk of san antonio is calling

chris/steve — Fri, 25 Nov 2011 16:57:55 +0000

Long Winter Weekend Getaway

Hop onboard the WineTrain with us! February 29 – March 5, 2012

You know it! These trips are fun adventures (they have to be with us along)!! We have great seasoned repeat WineTrain enthusiasts coming along as well as very fun and easy-to-be-with newcomers. Plan your own days with historic sightseeing, Riverwalk shopping/browsing, Tex-Mex dining and of course wine gatherings with the group each evening. See the blog with more details, or contact us with questions. $1190 to $1540pp

Celebrate Coloma – shop small shop local

chris/steve — Fri, 25 Nov 2011 16:56:29 +0000

Hi All,

Hope Thanksgiving was just that! Our bountiful table included lots of organically grown local foods and the Laetitia Pinot Noir (this months club wine from CA) – it was so good, we’re getting 3 more cases to arrive next week! We anticipate many of you loved it with your feast as well and may be looking for a few extra. Watch for Steve’s special pricing!!

Small Business Saturday – Shop Coloma!

Just after the frantic pace of Charcoal/Black Friday comes this special day for shoppers to slow down and support their local businesses. Great how it coincides with the Coloma Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting Celebrations

Lots of specials and activity in town this Saturday – don’t miss it!

We have lots of new wines arriving this week and lots of new cheese including favorites -Brie and Drunken Goat for your upcoming December Holiday entertaining.

Shop ’til you hop! ….our friend Diane is transforming herself into the Easter Bunny for the Christmas Parade! Hop along the bunny trail with her and see what other surprises are in store – Santa will be there!! Which list are you on?

See you soon friends,

Chris and Steve

chris/steve — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 18:17:49 +0000

We’re Thankful for YOU!

We appreciate your business!!

Happy Thanksgiving

“Beaujolais Nouveau Est Arrive’!”

chris/steve — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 17:56:40 +0000

It’s the third Thursday of November, and time to unleash that annual wine of festivity, Beaujolais Nouveau! As the cafe’s of Paris rock with wine euphoria tonight, folks around the globe are popping the corks (actually unscrewing the tops) of this historic first wine of the 2011 harvest. It’s that unique Gamay grape, which does so well in the Beaujolais region of the Rhone Valley (Burgundy region), which lends itself to a quick ferment (think carbonic maceration) of the grapes harvested only a few months ago.

The result is – well the result is – well, think fun wine for a fun reason to celebrate, which actually goes well with Thanksgiving menus (sometimes), slightly chilled, with friends (not chilled). And if there’s an important thing to remember, it’s that we’re talking the Nouveau, not the Beaujolais Villages or the Cru Beaujolais which are rock solid delicious wines worth seeking out for their light, sometimes bright red character, and freshness like no other red wine.

But for now (and no more than the next few months) it’s the Beaujolais Nouveauthat’s on the top of the charts, so don’t miss out on this, um, unique wine experience. And we might add, Georges Duboeuf does it the best (if “best” is the right term). Only $10.90, with limited quantity, amen.

And to bring even more celebration and fun into your coming holidays (or any days), let us re-launch our favorite Blood-Orange Mimosa, from Canella of Italy. If you can’t come in for a bottle (or 6), here’s the secret recipe: take a really good Italian Prosecco, and add the juice from Sicilian Blood Oranges, and share with your favorite humans (family and friends qualify). It’s light (low alcohol), fruity and fresh. Chill it for that special touch with your holiday brunch, evening celebrations, or as a new favorite with that popcorn and video. Even makes home movies more enjoyable.

Special $13.90

New wines keep arriving, old wines keep getting better. Come in for a taste this weekend. Last opportunity to prepare for the Turkey Day!

Cheers!

Steve & Chris