| |
|
WINE NOTES
(Local Wine and Real Estate News) |
 |
 |
HdR
Hospice Du Rhone. No where else in the
world will you fine more wines and produces of Rhone
Valley wines than you will in Paso Robles April 30
though May 2. Hospice Du Rhone has become the
premier event in the world for the celebration for Rhone
Wines. To the average US consumer, Syrah (or
Shiraz as spelled down under) is what we know as
Rhone, but there are 22 varieties in the list
including Mourvedre, Roussanne, Viognier and others.
No doubt, Paso Robles continues to cement it's position
in the Wine World as one of the great Rhone variety producing
areas.
Tasting Notes
I had the opportunity
with my wife and some friends to have a great tasting
tour during Zin Weekend. It was such a
pleasurable and fun day tasting some absolutely
excellent wines. We focused on Westside produces
which I would highly recommend to all. Each winery
has it's own style so I'm not going to try and pick a
favorite.
- Ed Sellers
- Ecluse
- Nadeau
- Minassian-Young
- Paso Port
Although all wines
were excellent and I'm not picking a favorite, I do want
to mention Paso Port. Paso Port has a brand new
tasting room at Peachy Canyon and Vineyard and has unique focus on producing excellent Port Style wines.
|
| |
|
Quick Real Estate
Stats: (California) |
|
|
Median home price
-
$247,590 |
|
Highest median
home price
Santa Barbara So. Coast $715,000
|
|
Lowest median
home price
High Desert $121,970 |
|
Mortgage rates
- week ending 2/19/09:
-30-yr. fixed: 4.98%; Fees/points: 0.7%
-15-yr. fixed: 4.61%; Fees/points: 0.7%
-1-yr. adj: 4.91%; Fees/points: 0.7% |
|
|
 |
| |
|
WINE & LOCAL
TRIVIA: |
|
|
 The
Paso hillsides are so beautiful this time of year. It
also reminds us of years past before Paso was known for it's
great wine it was considered the _________ City?
| |
a) |
Pistachio |
| |
b) |
Walnut |
| |
c) |
Almond |
| |
d) |
None of the Above |
(Please visit
http://www.pasostyleliving.com for the
answer) |
| |
|
PASO STYLE LIVING
REAL ESTATE (Local Real Estate Market
Conditions) |
|
|
Are
we ready to be stimulated?
There are some important Housing
Stimulation programs which are becoming available for
"First Time Home Buyers" which have potential to help
stabilize home prices, at least for entry level homes.
First at the Federal level. There is a 10% up to $8000
Tax Credit available to first time home buyers who
purchase a home between 1/1/2009 and 12/1/2009.
This Tax Credit does not have to be repaid and is
available to couples making up to $150,000 per year.
A First Time Home Buyer is someone who has not owned a
principle residence is the past 3 years.
Second is a program that's available in California for First
Time Home Buyers who use a REALTOR to purchase their
home. This program will pay up to $1500 per month
for up to 9 months for anyone who loses their job after
purchasing a home is California between 4/2/2009 and
12/31/2009.
Between these two great programs, the low mortgage interest
rates, and the incredible housing deals available this
is a great time to look for that first home.
|
| |
|
Area
(3/1/09-3/31/09) |
Avg Price |
Homes Available |
Sold |
Pending |
|
Atascadero |
$328,725 |
152 |
12 |
20 |
|
Paso Robles |
$342,480 |
281 |
34 |
35 |
|
Templeton |
$686,111 |
78 |
9 |
5 |
|
All Paso Wine
Country |
$403,697 |
618 |
66 |
71 |
|
Paso Wine Country
contains the following real estate areas (Paso Robles, Atascadero,
Templeton, San Miguel, Creston, Shandon, Santa Margarita, Bradley,
and Chalome)
(Single Family Homes, SFRSB) |
|
| |
|
FOOD CORNER
(Personal Recipes and Favorite
Restaurants of the Paso Wine Country) |
|
|
Polenta with Stilton and Fresh Herb:
Since Hospice Du Rhone is coming up in April, I
found this recipe on the Rhone Ranges site. It's
simple, but sounds delicious.
|
| |
| 1 c |
Polenta |
| 3 1/2 c |
Beef Stock |
| 1 tsp |
fresh rosemary leaves - chopped |
| 1/2 tsp |
Sea Salt |
| 1 c |
Aged Stilton |
| 1/4 c |
unsalted butter |
| 12 |
small whole sage leaves |
| 2 |
cloves garlic, coarsely chopped |
|
| |
Bring stock to a boil - slowly
stir in polenta and return to boil - quickly reduce heat and
leave uncovered, stirring frequently. Add 1 tsp. chopped
fresh rosemary. Cook for about 30 min., stirring every few
minutes. When the polenta is almost done, add a bit more
stock or water if needed for a creamy consistency, then
gently fold in 1/2 - 1 cup aged, crumbled Stilton (as you
like). Cook just until the cheese is slightly melted. In the
meantime, melt butter over low heat in sauté pan. When
butter is melted add whole sage leaves and chopped garlic
and cook on low until butter, sage and garlic are a nice
golden brown. Plate polenta and pour a tablespoon or so of
butter sauce over each serving. Enjoy with any red
Rhone wine
|
|
