Chandler Community

Rich Pours

christine — Thu, 10 Jun 2010 01:44:41 +0000

Lodi’s Michael-David Winery a favorite for San Tan residents

The fine varieties of Michael-David Winery, with 550 acres of vineyards in Lodi, California, are recognizable to wine lovers worldwide. In addition to Earthquake reserve-tier wines, its other offerings include 7 Deadly Zins, 7 Heavenly Chards, 6th Sense Syrah, Incognito, Petite Petit and new top-echelon wines such as the luscious Rapture Cabernet and Lust Zinfandel.

Many of these are available at Chandler restaurants, such as Abuelo’s, D’Vine Wine Bar & Bistro, Fire up Grill and Red White & Brew. Wine outlets offer them in the East Valley, such as Down Under Wines in Gilbert, Sun Devil Liquors in Mesa and Tops Fine Liquors in Tempe.

The Michael-David Winery is owned by brothers Michael and David Phillips, fifth-generation winegrowers, who released their first commercial wine under the Phillips Vineyards label, in 1984 after selling grapes for years to other vineyards.

Their great-great grandfather, Andrew Harshner, and his wife Lucille homesteaded 160 acres near Lodi, just after the Civil War. By the end of the 20th century, about 25 percent of California’s grape acreage was in Lodi, 35 miles south of Sacramento and 90 miles east of San Francisco.

The Phillips’ farms produced different fruits, including fifteen different wine varietals shipped nationwide during Prohibition with instructions on “how not to have the grapes turn into wine.” After all, “juice” could be bottled at home.

The rich soil, warm sun and cool San Francisco Bay breezes help to make these Lodi wines big, with lots of fruit and complexity. Today, because of the more than 70 wineries in the area, including Robert Mondavi’s famous Woodbridge, Lodi is producing many first-tier wines.

“Our wines are fun, irreverent, quirky, and made to show our appellation: Lodi for what it is — big, bold fruit dominant wines that the average consumer can fall in love with,” David says. An appellation is a recognized wine district, such as Lodi, Napa, Sonoma.

The Michael-David vineyard participates in the Lodi Rules Certification administered by the Lodi Wine grape commission.

“A third party company inspects the vineyards, and the growers work on many aspects of sustainability, including farm worker safety, reducing water use, and minimal input of chemicals,” David says. All of the acreage at Michael-David is now certified, he adds, and Lodi has more than 15,000 acres in the program.

A good bottle to begin sipping is the outstanding 7 Deadly Zins, a compilation of seven Lodi old-vine Zinfandel grapes chosen for their superiority. It’s complex, lush and multi-textured. You can find it for under $15 in your local wine store or some of the grocery stores. Even better is their Earthquake, which is available as a Zin and other varietals. Expect to pay around $20 to $25 a bottle for this great-value nectar.

A sister wine, and spiritual redemption for the brothers, is the 7 Heavenly Chardonnay which is a buttery Chardonnay — without the oakiness that characterizes some other highly regarded versions of the varietal.

The 6th Sense Syrah comes from one of the first Syrah vineyards, which the brothers planted in 1982. Michael’s son, Kevin, has tended the vineyard as the sixth generation of the family to till the land. The vineyard describes the wine: “Ripe dark fruits radiate from the glass in an earthy, smoky tobacco context. Full, rich fruit flavors of dark berries, whole plum, and blackcurrant . . .”

Another well-known wine from the Phillips brothers is their Incognito, which they produce as a Viognier and a Rouge. The first variety caused a buzz when it won the Rhone Wine of the World award at the 2000 L.A. County Fair. “We thought it was Roussanne, but when we had it tested at U.C. Davis [the famous wine school], they found that it was a rare clone of Viognier from the Rhone Valley in France that had made its way into California vineyards,” David says.

The two new wines from Michael-David are not everyday drinks at $60 a bottle. “The Lust Zinfandel is meant to show the highest standard of what we can do with Lodi Zin,” he says, noting the wine is huge and heady at 16.9 percent alcohol. This is a limited production — just 700 cases — so splurge soon.

Its mate in voluptuous joy is the Rapture Cabernet: “It’s meant to show that Lodi can grow Cabernet on par with the greatest wine regions of the world,” he says, explaining the wine matures 32 months in new French oak, giving the wine its velvety texture. “We love it.”

You’ll love it, too. For more information on the wines and winery, see www.lodivineyards.com.

Their wines are Earthquakes and Heavenly; they often go Incognito, and some even have a 6th Sense.

Written by David M. Brown

Finding ‘Hidden Gems’

christine — Thu, 10 Jun 2010 01:39:35 +0000

Shopping Local Saves Money And Helps The State’s Economy

More and more valley residents are realizing it’s time to stay put in their homes due to the current market conditions in real estate. We call this group, the “stay-at-homers.” Many are realizing now is not the time to move unless absolutely necessary. As the result, folks are looking for ways to beautify their homes without breaking the bank.

Have you ever stopped to think about the dollars you can save by turning to your local merchant for your furnishings and home services? Ikea and Ashley Home Furniture are terrific stores with phenomenal products, but have you ever considered what it means to our state when you buy from a locally-owned business? Not only can you save money by supporting your local merchants, but you are also supporting the state programs and services funded by the dollars generated by your purchases. “When you shop at a locally owned business, 45 cents of every dollar stays in Arizona — versus only 13 cents of every dollar spent at a national chain,” says Local First-Arizona, a nonprofit organization working to strengthen communities and local economies.

A new way for valley residents to find the perfect match to local home décor hidden gems (unique home décor stores and experienced home service professionals) is through a new online, free, real time, matching application for consumers provided by iSearchDecor. iSearchDecor is a locally based company that, at no charge, provides an easy way for consumers to venture out of their immediate vicinity and find local hidden gems that one may have never found on their own. Many people tend to go to the same places over and over again, or aimlessly drive around not knowing where to go. With iSearchDecor, instantaneously, consumers can receive targeted information on where to go for exactly what they need in home decor. A map is even provided for quick reference.

Look to a local merchant first for all of your home décor and home service needs. By supporting them, you are also supporting your community and your state.

iSearchdécor is the Nation’s premier, no charge, on line, real time, matching application for consumers who seek the perfect match to local home décor hidden gems (unique home décor stores and experienced home service professionals). To learn more about the program, to find hidden gem stores and service professionals, and to receive exclusive insider savings on purchases, visit: www.iSearchDecor.com and include SanTan210 in the “How Did You Hear About Us” field.

Alicia Guerrieri is founder of iSearchDecor.com.

Written by Alicia Guerrieri

Q&A

christine — Thu, 10 Jun 2010 01:28:18 +0000

Marnie McCown-Guard of Crescendo Photography

Crescendo Photography is a boutique photography business providing

studio and location portraits, local and destination wedding coverage and high end pet portraiture.

What led you to start your business?

I have had a camera since I was 6 years old and always loved the medium of film. In 1994 I sold my first photograph (a scenic landscape) and 10 years later I had left the corporate world to write professionally, occasionally adding photography services for my clients. Within a year, photography accounted for more than 90 percent of the business, so I made the decision to concentrate solely on providing exceptional images for my clients.

Tell me something about your business that people might not know.

I actually started my pro career shooting commercial and editorial photography for companies across the United States and have shot for John Hancock, Countrywide and I was even commissioned to shoot the cover of the monthly magazine for the American Marketing Association. After two years of almost constant travel, I decided to create a brand that would keep me in town offering portrait and wedding coverage and Crescendo Photography took off.

What are the biggest challenges you’ve had to overcome as a business owner?

Ha! Finally realizing that not everyone is my customer. It has taken me some time to accept that my business model is not geared toward everyone and that I need to focus my efforts on marketing toward my target demographic and not worry about the rest.

What drives your passion in this business?

I love seeing the reactions of my clients when they receive their portraits, wall canvases or albums. I love knowing that I was a witness to a piece of my client’s personal history and that those images will be cherished year after year, generation after generation. The other motivator for me is the effect of increasing someone’s confidence and self-image when they see how great they look in the photographs we made.

What advice would you give somebody starting their own business?

I have a lot of advice to give, but the Big Three for me are:

• Be properly funded.

• Even if your business started as a hobby, you must take appropriate measures to charge for it.

• You may be great at your chosen profession, but it is your business acumen that will make or break you.

Stuart’s FYI

When Marnie mentions taking appropriate measures to charge for services that once served as a hobby, she puts her finger right on the difference between a business owner and a hobbyist or craftsman. The business owner must have a business plan, financial projections, and a system to measure performance and profitability. Without profits and charging enough to earn them, a business can quickly turn back into an expensive hobby!

written by By Stuart Preston, MyBusiness Advisors

Elite Service

christine — Thu, 10 Jun 2010 01:13:21 +0000

Economy hasn’t shuttered home improvement business

In this economy, most business related to homes and home improvement have been taking their lumps. One local company, however, has not only weathered the storm, but has actually thrived. Elite Shutters & Blinds, owned by Gilbert resident Dave German, recently opened a new showroom on the West side to go along with its Florence location and its mobile showroom.

“Elite Shutters & Blinds continues to be one of the fastest growing small businesses and attributes its success to the fact that company leaders and staff are always looking for new and innovative products, partners and employees to set themselves apart from their competition,” German says. “Elite Shutters & Blinds exemplifies a strong commitment to business excellence and to the highest standards of integrity and ethical conduct.”

Carl Hollick, who purchased an entire blinds package for his home about a year ago, was impressed by German’s expertise along with his value. He went along with German’s recommendation for plantation shutters in the main living area and standard blinds in the bedrooms.

“What they brought was a recommendation versus just what we wanted,” Hollick says. “They had a great idea of what would look good, but still within our budget. They brought out a chocolate-black color that really made our windows pop. We’ve been told that our window coverings are actually nicer than the model homes.”

It’s not just the customers who recognize Elite Shutters & Blinds. The company was a finalist in 2009 for the Better Business Bureau’s Business Ethics Award. It was one of three small businesses recognized. The Ethics Award was established in 2002 by the BBB Foundation to recognize outstanding businesses that maintain a solid commitment to ethics and trust.

Customers can choose from a variety of beautiful window coverings for their home. Elite Shutters & Blinds offers everything from horizontal Basswood Blinds, to Cellular Shades, and beautiful shutters by Norman Shutters.

Elite Shutters & Blinds is also a one-stop source for all home improvements. Along with custom shutters, blinds and sunscreens, the company offer ceiling fans, garage cabinets, garage floor coating, custom closets, crown moulding, window tint, window cleaning, retractable awnings, roller shades, hide-away screens, security doors & lattice patio covers.

“When choosing a window coverings company, there’s a lot of competition out there but what makes a quality company stand out from the rest? With Elite Shutters & Blinds, there’s one thing that will always remain the same—our values,” German says. “Customer service, trust, honesty, integrity and exceeding customer’s expectations. The company is not willing to compromise the values upon which it has built its business.”

Those interested can call Elite Shutters & Blinds at (480) 203-8425 or visit the website www.eliteshuttersandblinds.com.

In this economy, most business related to homes and home improvement have been taking their lumps. One local company, however, has not only weathered the storm, but has actually thrived.

Elite Shutters & Blinds, owned by Gilbert resident Dave German, recently opened a new showroom on the West side to go along with its Florence location and its mobile showroom.“Elite Shutters & Blinds continues to be one of the fastest growing small businesses and attributes its success to the fact that company leaders and staff are always looking for new and innovative products, partners and employees to set themselves apart from their competition,” German says. “Elite Shutters & Blinds exemplifies a strong commitment to business excellence and to the highest standards of integrity and ethical conduct.”

Carl Hollick, who purchased an entire blinds package for his home about a year ago, was impressed by German’s expertise along with his value. He went along with German’s recommendation for plantation shutters in the main living area and standard blinds in the bedrooms.

“What they brought was a recommendation versus just what we wanted,” Hollick says. “They had a great idea of what would look good, but still within our budget. They brought out a chocolate-black color that really made our windows pop. We’ve been told that our window coverings are actually nicer than the model homes.”

It’s not just the customers who recognize Elite Shutters & Blinds. The company was a finalist in 2009 for the Better Business Bureau’s Business Ethics Award. It was one of three small businesses recognized. The Ethics Award was established in 2002 by the BBB Foundation to recognize outstanding businesses that maintain a solid commitment to ethics and trust.

Customers can choose from a variety of beautiful window coverings for their home. Elite Shutters & Blinds offers everything from horizontal Basswood Blinds, to Cellular Shades, and beautiful shutters by Norman Shutters.

Elite Shutters & Blinds is also a one-stop source for all home improvements. Along with custom shutters, blinds and sunscreens, the company offer ceiling fans, garage cabinets, garage floor coating, custom closets, crown moulding, window tint, window cleaning, retractable awnings, roller shades, hide-away screens, security doors & lattice patio covers. “When choosing a window coverings company, there’s a lot of competition out there but what makes a quality company stand out from the rest? With Elite Shutters & Blinds, there’s one thing that will always remain the same—our values,” German says. “Customer service, trust, honesty, integrity and exceeding customer’s expectations. The company is not willing to compromise the values upon which it has built its business.”

Those interested can call Elite Shutters & Blinds at (480) 203-8425 or visit the website www.eliteshuttersandblinds.com.

Skin Cancer

christine — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 22:12:08 +0000

Skin cancer a very real threat for Arizonans

Simple Measures Help

With 360 days of sun each year, Arizona is one of the most popular outdoor states in the country. However, there’s a hidden danger, and many families aren’t aware of the full extent of this threat to themselves or their children.

Did you know that as little as 15 minutes of unprotected sun exposure can result in lifelong damage to skin? Tanning booths, once thought to be a safe, cause irreversible skin damage that can be especially lethal to teens whose skin is more easily damaged.

Skin cancer is the fastest growing cancer nationally, with more than 1 million cases reported annually. Although it’s perceived as being less dangerous than other cancers, it claims a life every minute. On the positive side, skin cancer is preventable with proper protection that starts early and continues for life.

Most skin cancers are rooted in a lack of protection that occurs during childhood. Over the years, damage compounds and the skin’s ability to repair itself breaks down, leaving a person vulnerable to basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and the most deadly, melanoma. It is very important to note that only one sunburn could lead to cancer.

At Deseret Aesthetic & Lifestyle Institute, we provide free skin assessments using state-of-the-art imaging equipment that painlessly lets us peak under the skin’s surface. By snapping a picture with our Beau Visage equipment, we see damage to blood vessels, melanin, and any potentially dangerous conditions– all before they are visible to the eye. With intervention and care, most skin damage can be reversed; even damage that occurred years ago.

To keep safe, use only sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 or greater that offers both UVA and UVB protection. Deseret Aesthetic can help you the select highly effective sun care products that won’t cause breakouts, a concern for acne-prone teens, who often avoid sunscreen for this very reason.

You can minimize your risk of skin damage and skin cancer by seeking shade under an umbrella, tree, or other shelter before you need relief from the sun. To be safe outside, always wear daily sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses. Your best bet is to protect your skin anytime you’re outside—even when you’re in the shade.

Dr. Gregory Allen, M.D. is the founder of The Shun the Sun Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to raising awareness and fighting skin cancer. As a practicing physician, Dr. Allen is alarmed at the startling rise in skin cancer cases, especially among young people. A volunteer lecturer at local schools and churches, he sees a widespread lack of awareness regarding the dangers of being out in the sun unprotected. Arizona has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the nation. He is the medical director of Deseret Aesthetic & Lifestyle Institute, located at 1425 South Greenfield Road, Suite 102, Mesa, Arizona 85206, (480) 832-7546, www.deseretskin.com. The clinic, which specializes in wellness and anti-aging treatments, offers free cancer screenings and skincare evaluations.

Written by Dr. Gregory S. Allen, M.D.

Fine and Fresh

christine — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 22:05:22 +0000

Sushiya keeps patrons coming back for more

When Sung Yoon was planning to open his Sushiya restaurant about a year and a half ago, he knew there were five or six other similar restaurants in the region. But with his experience in the business, he knew he could make a go of it.

“We offer great service and good prices,” he says of his restaurant, which is located at 2531 South Gilbert Road, just off the corner of Williamsfield Road. “We have a lot of repeat customers and people keep coming back so that’s a really good sign.”

Yoon and his wife, Jeewon, have lived in Gilbert for five years and offer an upscale, yet family friendly, dining experience. Sushiya offers a variety of sushi, sashimi and sushi rolls along with a selection of dinner options such as tempura, chicken teriyaki and pork katsu.

“Fresh. Fresh. Did I say Fresh,” quotes a post from the popular website Kudzu about Sushiya. “This was great food. Sung, the owner, and his wife are so friendly and welcoming. The service was great, the sushi to die for and the other foods were great too. Truly enjoyed my dining experience. It was so good, I’m going back tomorrow for lunch!”

Sushiya offers a variety of items for the adventurous to the cautious. Sung says the Atomic Roll, spicy tuna, masago, cucumber, asparagus and jalapeno-wrapped salmon, is popular among those willing to give it a try.

Other special rolls include the Lady Bug (spicy krabmix, cucumber inside tuna and black sesame seed in top with eel sauce) and the Tiger Eye (spicy tuna, krabmix, albacore, avocado, jalapeno, cucumber-wrapped with seaweed paper and soy sauce, deep fried, eel sauce and spicy mayo sauce).

Those wishing to stay a little conservative can try chicken, beef or salmon teriyaki, pork or chicken katsu or assorted tempura.

Sushiya also offers lunch specials starting at $4.99 and green tea ice cream, red bean ice cream and tempura ice cream for desserts. Happy Hour drink and sushi specials run from 5 to 7 p.m. daily. There’s even a kids menu.

Those interested can call (480) 786-0588 or visit www.thesushiya.com.

Written by Louis Sacco

Photography courtesy of Sushiya

Q&A Jenni Hailer and Keri Chantler of Twirl Boutique

christine — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 21:58:38 +0000

Twirl is Arizona’s exclusive bridesmaid boutique, helping bridal parties shine with style! Twirl believes that a bride and all who stand next to her should feel stunning on this special day. Twirl features designer dresses for bridesmaids and flower girls, tuxedo rentals, gifts and accessories.

What led you to start your business?

After being bridesmaids in so many weddings we knew there was a need in the market for a place that offered cute and stylish dresses. We are both passionate about weddings and wanted bridesmaids to have a boutique designed just for them.

Tell me something about your business that people might not know.

We are also a great place to find prom dresses, as well as tuxes for grooms and accessories. And … we have a picture collage in the back room of all the ugly bridesmaid dresses we’ve had to wear.

What are the biggest challenges you’ve had to overcome as a business owner?

Always striving to make our business the best it can be. I like to call them all the “live and learn” experiences. We welcome challenges and love trying to figure out the best way to handle them. It’s one of the things that makes us excited to come to work every day. Brides have enough to worry about … we want to make this fun and easy for them.

What drives your passion in this business?

What drives us is the creativity around owning our own business, as well as the customers’ own passion and vision for their weddings. It is so fun to hear each girl’s ideas and dreams about one of the most special days in their lives and to help them bring part of that to life.

What advice would you give somebody starting their own business?

Be passionate and love what you are doing. Surround yourself with a great team of people. Stick to your business philosophy and uphold your integrity.

Stuart’s Tip: Jenni and Keri point out that sticking to their core philosophy has been a key to their success. That is a lesson all entrepreneurs would do well to learn. No matter how good or bad or busy or slow business is, sticking to what you do best and are most passionate about will always build a great foundation for a profitable business. It is also something your customers will notice and tell others about!

Twirl Chandler Jenni Hailer (480) 722-0000, jenni@twirlboutique.com, 2410 S. Gilbert Rd., Chandler, info@twirlchandler.com

Twirl Scottsdale Keri Chantler, (480) 221-1222, keri@twirlboutique.com, info@twirlscottsdale.com

www.twirlboutique.com

Written by By Stuart Preston, MyBusiness Advisors

Goal Oriented

christine — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 21:21:43 +0000

Snap trainer uses herself as fitness example

Queen Creek’s Diane Hasse isn’t about to use some of the standard excuses to her personal trainer when she just doesn’t feel like working out at Snap Fitness.

That’s because her trainer, Dawnlynn Rice, knows all those excuses. She used to use them herself 10 years ago when she was in the process of losing 90 pounds.

“Eleven years ago, I weighed 249 pounds and had 49 percent body fat,” says Rice, who also lives in Queen Creek. “I lost 90 pounds in a year and by the time I reached my goal I knew I wanted to be a trainer.”

Rice had been studying to be a paralegal, but changed her career path upon getting hooked on training. Getting in better shape also changed her personality as she became more personable and outgoing.

“She is really encouraging and an inspiration because of her story,” Hasse says. “I’d like to have the same kind of results.”

Rice is a certified personal trainer and life strategies coach. She believes that a combination of regular training coupled with a nutritional program is the most effective way to get, and stay,

in shape.

She trains full-time at Snap Fitness, which is located at 21258 East Rittenhouse Road, at the corner of Rittenhouse and Ocotillo. The gym has all Matrix equipment to get all your body in shape. Besides personal training, the gym offers free boot camps four nights a week lead by our personal trainer/professional instructor.

The gym is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, so there’s always time to get in a workout. Those interested can call the gym at (480) 987-1255.

Written by Louis Sacco

Photography by Kirk Kern

Stadium Experience

christine — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 18:47:39 +0000

Pub gearing up for Super Bowl Party

Looking for a great place to watch NFL playoffs or the Super Bowl? Check out Stadium Club, with its 24 screens set up throughout the pub that offers a great view of the game from any angle.

It’s like a tailgate party without having to do all the work, with great food, drink specials and great customer service. Keri Kruse, who has owned the Stadium Club for the past 3 1/2 years, says the pub has developed a big following of football and other sports fans despite changing its location in June.

The Stadium Club is one of Chandler’s original sports bars, opening 20 years ago in a strip mall on Chandler Boulevard and Alma School Road. Kruse bought the bar/restaurant and decided to make the move to a new location on Ray Road and Alma School about a year ago.

She took a site at a former Famous Sam’s restaurant and after a three-month remodeling project opened on June 8.

“A lot of our regulars followed us,” says Kruse, who is originally from Buffalo, New York, and uses an authentic Buffalo Wings recipe at Stadium Club. “We’ve gotten a lot of new customers too.”

The former Famous Sam’s was a big Green Bay Packers bar and Kruse says a Super Bowl featuring either the Cardinals or the Packers would probably be the best for her business. She’s working on some great Super Bowl food and drink specials to help entice patrons to come out for the game.

Kruse says the Buffalo Wings, which she calls the “real deal,” are the most popular items, along with the burgers, which are made with only fresh and never frozen ground beef. The carne asada tacos are also a big favorite.

Besides football and other televised sports, Kruse says the restaurant also has live music on Saturdays and karaoke on Wednesdays and Fridays. Also on Fridays, there is a Team Trivia contest with various prizes offered. There are also pool tables available.

The Stadium Club is located at 940 North Alma School Road (on the southwest corner). Call (480) 963-3866.

Written by Louis Sacco

Pub gearing up for Super Bowl Party

Looking for a great place to watch NFL playoffs or the Super Bowl? Check out Stadium Club, with its 24 screens set up throughout the pub that offers a great view of the game from any angle.

She took a site at a former Famous Sam’s restaurant and after a three-month remodeling project opened on June 8.

The Stadium Club is located at 940 North Alma School Road (on the southwest corner). Call (480) 963-3866.

Written by Louis Sacco

Romantic Revelations

christine — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 18:44:09 +0000

Romantic Revelations

Three Valentine’s Spots to Set Your Heart On

The East Valley may not be the heart of the culinary world, just yet, but if you want to spend some

special moments with your heart’s desire this Valentine’s Day, here are three local places that combine warmth, good food and an excellent selection of wines.

Cork, 4991 South Alma School Road, Suite 1, in Chandler offers an eclectic menu, explains owner/general manager and sommelier, Robert Morris. “Our menu changes frequently, and we specialize in a multi-course style of dining, with two to three courses the norm,” Morris says. Cork has a small bar/café area for intimate rendezvous. The restaurant’s wine list, with more than 400 selections, has obtained a Wine Spectator

“Award of Excellence,” Morris notes.

Another stop in Chandler is D’vine Wine Bar & Bistro, 3990 South Alma School Road. Owner Mark Nowicki also has a location, the original, in the Las Sendas community of northeast Mesa. The Chandler restaurant opened June 1, 2007.

“D’vine is a comfortable location to unwind, listen to live entertainment and indulge in a chef-driven menu,” says Nowicki, adding that live entertainment is scheduled the evening of Valentine’s Day.

You can also enjoy the D’vine experience at the bar. “Our award-winning wine list is extensive yet approachable,” he says. “Servers are well trained in selecting the optimal wine to complement the guest’s tastes

and/or food choice.” David Newton is the sommelier in charge of the D’vine wine program, assisted by Josh Ronding in Chandler.

The restaurant offers 200 different labels focusing mostly on New World wines — U.S. (in particular, Napa) South America, Australia — with a few Old World French and Italian wines as well.

In Gilbert, consider Vine Expressions Wine Bar, 1030 South Gilbert Road, Suite 103, in Gilbert Town Square. Gilbert residents Darlene and husband Davin Smolnisky opened the town’s first wine bar three years ago.

This year for Valentine’s Day, Vine Expressions is holding an afternoon wine tasting, 2–4 p.m. for couples to enjoy before dining at one of the East Valley’s fine restaurants.

The wine bar offers several hundred different wines from around the world, with more than 30 options by the glass. The glass menu changes every three months to give customers new wine options. Vine Expressions will also special order wines not in the store.

With their wine, customers enjoy appetizers, panini’s, salads and desserts. Wine tastings are every Wednesday, 6 to 8 p.m., and live music is scheduled every Saturday night, 8 to 11p.m.

For Valentine’s Day and any day, Vine Expressions offers camaraderie and good wine. “I love looking throughout the bar at night and knowing almost everyone’s name and how they found me. There is great sense of community among our customers,” she says. “You may walk in alone and not knowing anything about wine, but you walk out with a new favorite wine and having met new friends, telling them you will see them again next week. I can’t imagine it any other way.”

Written by David M. Brown

Three Valentine’s Spots to Set Your Heart On

The East Valley may not be the heart of the culinary world, just yet, but if you want to spend some special moments with your heart’s desire this Valentine’s Day, here are three local places that combine warmth, good food and an excellent selection of wines.

“Award of Excellence,” Morris notes.

and/or food choice.” David Newton is the sommelier in charge of the D’vine wine program, assisted by Josh Ronding in Chandler.

The restaurant offers 200 different labels focusing mostly on New World wines — U.S. (in particular, Napa) South America, Australia — with a few Old World French and Italian wines as well.

This year for Valentine’s Day, Vine Expressions is holding an afternoon wine tasting, 2–4 p.m. for couples to enjoy before dining at one of the East Valley’s fine restaurants.

With their wine, customers enjoy appetizers, panini’s, salads and desserts. Wine tastings are every Wednesday, 6 to 8 p.m., and live music is scheduled every Saturday night, 8 to 11p.m.

Written by David M. Brown