For the fourteenth year in a row, Wine Vault & Bistro is pleased to announce a 6-course winemaker dinner featuring the wines of Bokisch Vineyards.  Founded by Liz and Markus Bokisch (who will both be here in person to host this dinner) in Lodi, Bokisch Vineyards specializes in Spanish varietals. So naturally we're serving an authentic Spanish-inspired dinner paired with four of their wines including their limited production Graciano. Those of you who went on our "Vineyards of California" tour back in 2010 will no doubt have fond memories of the dinner we had in their backyard next to the vineyards ... and especially drinking Tempranillo out of a "porron!" You can see pictures of that by here (https://www.winevaulttours.com/california-2010) and scrolling through the photos. If you're not familiar with the wines of Bokisch Vineyards, here's some background info. 

After Markus worked several years as a viticulturist for Joseph Phelps Vineyards in Napa Valley, he and Liz moved to Spain for a year to learn first-hand about growing their first love: Spanish varietals. Upon returning to the U.S. they discovered that Lodi had the ideal climate and terroir for growing Spanish varietals, and two years later Bokisch Vineyards was founded there in the mid-nineties when they planted their first vineyard. They've been there ever since and are pioneers not only in growing traditional Spanish varietals but also in sustainable winegrowing practices. 

We've carried Bokisch wines here almost since we first opened over twenty years ago and have constantly been amazed at their high QPR (Quality Price Ratio): the quality is high and the price is low. These are absolutely amazing values for solid wines of this complexity and quality. Each one, without exception, is a winner, and we are confident that everyone coming to this dinner will agree.

We hope you'll be able to join us for what promises to be a fun evening of tasting great wines paired with great food! Wine notes and bottle prices are at the end of this announcement and the menu is below.

Doors open at 5:15 for happy hour and dinner starts promptly at 6:00. Cost is $119.50 for all six courses and all six paired beverages. Sales tax and a 20% gratuity will be added which brings the total to about $153. Due to limited seating, credit card reservations are a must. We accept Visa and MasterCard only. 

MENU

Layered Gilda Terrine (our interpretation of San Sebastian’s iconic pintxo)

Nordes Gin Tonic (3 oz. pour)

Salmorejo (Spanish chilled tomato soup) | Grilled Prawn

2024 Bokisch “Miravet Vineyard” Garnacha Blanca (4 oz. pour)

Mussels + Chorizo | Toasted Ciabatta Pan con Tomate

2021 Bokisch “Terra Alta Vineyard” Garnacha (4 oz. pour)

Smoked Paprika Chicken Paella

2021 Bokisch “Liberty Oaks Vineyard” Tempranillo (4 oz. pour)

Chuleton (San Sebastian style ribeye) | Sherry-Glazed Stuffed Mushrooms

2021 Bokisch “Terra Alta Vineyard” Graciano (4 oz. pour)

Tahitian Vanilla Gelato | PX Drizzle

Williams & Humbert “Don Zoilo” 15-Year-Old PX Sherry (1.5 oz. pour)

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RSVP (IF ON A DESKTOP COMPUTER)

Click the “Contact the Host” button in the “Tell a Friend” box on to the right and respond with the info below.

RSVP (IF ON A MOBILE DEVICE)

Scroll to the very bottom of this posting. Click the “Contact the Host” button in the “Tell a Friend” box at the bottom and respond with the info below. 

RESPOND WITH THIS INFO

1. your cell number and best time to call so we can call you to update your credit card info

2. how many people are in your party, and

3. answers to the HEAD’S UP questions in the paragraph below if you’re a party of 1 or 2.

HEAD’S UP

We have a very limited number of tables for couples who want to sit by themselves so please let us know if you’re willing to sit at long communal tables (“Last Supper” style) as that will greatly increase your chances of getting in. (Yes, we understand that this is a Valentine’s dinner and that most folks will want a private table and, yes, we will do our best to accommodate that but at some point we max out on private tables!) We also have a firepit table for two (https://www.winevaultbistro.com/fire-pit) available so let us know if you’re OK with that table if you want to sit by yourselves. Also, please consider inviting another couple or two to join you as if you’re a party of four or six there won’t be a problem getting your own table. 

LOCATION & PHONE

Wine Vault & Bistro is located in the heart of San Diego between Little Italy and Old Town at 3731-A India Street on the upstairs terrace. Follow the black handrail up the stairs from the sidewalk to our front door. Our phone number is (619) 295-3939.

PARKING

Metered and non-metered on-street parking is usually available within a 3-block radius. Try to find non-metered parking as the new meters are now enforced seven days a day until 8:00PM yet still only allow a maximum of two hours. You can also park in the free lot behind Shakespeare Pub two doors down, but do not park in El Indio's lot unless you want your car towed! If you can’t find parking next to the restaurant, there’s usually parking on the side streets behind the restaurant, on San Diego Avenue one block in front of the restaurant and on the adjacent side streets just past the Chevron station across Washington Street. If you plan to drive here make sure to allow yourself plenty of time to find a parking space but ideally use a rideshare app like Uber or Lyft so you don’t have to deal with it.

WINE NOTES & BOTTLE PRICES

Nordes Gin ~ $40 (1 liter)

(Spain) Distiller's Notes: A fresh, fruity nose, with citrusy notes from the lemon verbena and Albariño base, green herbal tones, as well as white fruit aromas and a whiff of sea salt. On the palate, fruit-forward and spicy, featuring white peach and the subtle undertone of juniper with beautiful balance and a smooth profile.

2024 Bokisch “Miravet Vineyard” Garnacha Blanca ~ $19

(Clements Hills, Lodi) Winemaker’s Notes: Ripe aromas of mango, green tea, orange peel and orange liqueur. The palate has serious weight that emphasizes flavors of pomegranate juice, guava, peach and apricot skin. Ends with a pleasant, zippy finish.

2021 Bokisch “Terra Alta Vineyard” Garnacha ~ $23

(Clements Hills, Lodi) Winemaker’s Notes: Captivating nose is an interplay of sea mist and cedar mingling with the scents of rhubarb, wild strawberry and ripe raspberry. The palate comes alive with a medley of spices featuring cinnamon, cranberries and dried cherries. Harmonious finish is a fusion of powdered chocolate and cocoa. Has grippy upfront tannins transitioning to a juicy mouthfeel with a lingering finish all elegantly balanced with great acidity.

2021 Bokisch “Liberty Oaks Vineyard” Tempranillo ~ $24

(Jahant, Lodi) Winemaker’s Notes: Nose has notes of green apple along with aromas of sizzling bacon, hints of dark cherry and earthiness. As it unfolds on the palate, juicy blackberries, a zesty twist of orange-infused chocolate, and delicate hints of hickory smoke evoke memories of relaxed summer evenings around a bonfire.

2021 Bokisch “Terra Alta Vineyard” Graciano ~ $25

(Clements Hills, Lodi) Winemaker’s Notes: Savory, meaty nose of baking spices, toasted cedar, blueberry jam and lavender with textured flavors of dark berries, blueberry syrup, crushed violet and lavender. Has a hint of smoke at the end with a long, lingering finish.

Williams & Humbert “Don Zoilo” 15-Year-Old PX Sherry ~ $30 (750ml)

(Spain) Winemaker's Notes: Pedro Ximenez grapes are dried under the sun for fifteen days and then pressed, fortified and aged in oak casks for fifteen years in the traditional solera method. Mahogany-black with the characteristic raisin and fig nose. Low acidity, very sweet and a long finish. It can be used for reduction sauces and for baking but is also an excellent accompaniment to blue cheese, poured over vanilla ice cream or served alone.

THE FINE PRINT

Due to fluctuations of supply, we reserve the right to make substitutions of equal or greater value in case any of the wines or foods become unavailable. Please, ABSOLUTELY POSITIVELY NO ONE UNDER THE AGE OF 21 ... even if your babysitter flakes out on you at the last minute!

Hope to see you here. Buon appetito and cheers!

Chris