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83 Vallecitos Road (Formerly CA Hwy 84)

Livermore, CA 94550

(925) 447-5246

Tasting Room Open Fri., Sat., and Sun. 12-5 PM

 
 

 

Fenestra Fanatics Page

Click here for information on becoming a Fenestra Fanatic!

Fanatic News

We offer our Wine Club members a chance to taste their current club selections at our complementary Fanatic Open Houses. The next one will feature our “FanPaks”, and will be held on Saturday, February 8th, from 6-8pm.

 

Here is the Winter Open House information:

 

Fanatic Open House is
Saturday, February 9th, 6 – 8 pm

Pick up your Winter 2013 Fan-Paks! Fanatic pick-up starts Fri, Feb 8th

2009 Estate Mourvedre, Livermore Valley
$22.00/btl Club Price (Retail: $24.00)

Winemaker Notes:
2009 Mourvedre was picked November 6, 2009 @ 24.8° Brix and 4.00pH. Fermented for 9 days using D80 and VRB yeast. Aged for 17 months in 20% new French and American oak. Blended with 11% Syrah. Bottled 220 cases on 8-11-2011 @ 3.65 pH and 13.4% Alcohol.

The 2009 Estate Mourvedre exhibits spicy aromas of plum, cherry, black currant, and pepper. This wine is medium to full-bodied, with flavors of plum, blackberry, white pepper, and cherry. Excellent with lamb, mushrooms, chicken marsala, and Cornish game hen.

2010 Graciano, Lodi
$24.00/btl Club Price (Retail: $27.00)
Winemaker Notes:
2010 Graciano was picked September 30, 2010 @ 25.5° Brix and 3.68pH. Fermented for 10 days using D21 and CLOS yeast. Aged for 22 months in 50% new American oak. Blended with 2% Petit Verdot, 1% Malbec, 1% Petite Sirah, and 1% Tempranillo. Bottled 177 cases on 8-22-2012 @ 3.53 pH and 14.3% Alcohol.

Graciano is a grape traditionally grown in the Rioja region of Spain. Our 2010 is very aromatic, with aromas of cranberry, cherry, spice, and violets. It is full-bodied, with flavors of bing cherry, cola, plum, and pepper. It pairs well with venison, paella, wild game, and pasta.

GOLD MEDAL
2013 SF Chronicle Wine Competition

This event is open to Fanatics only. There is no cost to attend the Open House.

Fanatic Bonus Wines:

Sometimes we have more than two wines that would be a great Fanatic Selection.

2009 Souzão Port, Lodi, Silvaspoons Vyds
This ruby Port is more refined than most, with a bouquet of raspberry, plum, black cherry, and blueberry, rounded-out by cigar box and d ark cocoa. It is rich, complex, and well-structured on the palate, with flavors of strawberry jam and cocoa nibs, with a finish of earthy walnuts. Pair with raw nuts, dried fruit, aged semi-hard cheeses, dark chocolate, and biscotti. $27.00/375 ml btl

 


Winter 2012 Selection

The Winter Fanatic Selection features the 2009 Zinfandel and the 2007 Conjugation


Autumn 2012 Selection

The Autumn Fanatic Selection features the 2011 Semillon and the 2009 Malbec, both from the Livermore Valley.


Summer 2012 Selection

The Summer Fanatic Selection features the 2009 Livermore Grenache and the 2008 Alvarelhão, from Silvaspoons Vyds in Lodi


Winter 2012 Selection

The Spring Fanatic Selection features the 2009 Lodi Malbec 2009 Lodi Malbec and the 2007 Tourvanillo – Fenestra’s own blend of Touriga, Alvarelhão, and Tempranillo.


Fanatic Release Open House

February 11, 2012, 6-8PM

Come join us for the release of the Spring Fanatic Packs: the 2009 Malbec, Lodi, & 2007 Tourvanillo, Lodi!

Come sample and pick up the new club releases during this special preview.  In addition, there will be:

  • Introduction of our new Tawny Port
  • Special bonus wine: 2009 Souzão Port. This wine was specifically bottled by request of the Fanatics at the recent Port party. This special Port is only available to Fanatics!

This special event is free to Fanatics and is for Fanatics only! No reservation is needed but please RSVP to we can get a good idea of the number of people that show up.


Winter 2011 Selection
The Winter Fanatic Selection features a new surprise with our first vintage of Petit Verdot – 2008 from Ghielmetti Vyds in Livermore, and the return of the Graciano – 2009 from Bokisch Vyds in Lodi


Fanatic Fall Selection

The Fall Fanatic Selection features two wonderful wines directly from our Estate vineyards: the spicy 2008 Mourvèdre and the fruity-rich 2007 Syrah ... it’s an “Estate FanPak!”


Fanatic Spring-Summer Selection

The Spring-Summer Fanatic Selection features two wonderful wines to enjoy during this season: the luscious 2008 Zinfandel, from Livermore and the fruity 2007 Merlot, from Thatcher Bay Vineyards in Livermore.


Fanatic "Rhone Blending Experience" - April 9th

April 9, 2011

4-6 PM

Winemaker, Brent Amos, will be explaining the fine art of varietal blending, and giving actual demonstrations. Guests will be able to ask questions, learn helpful hints and facts on blending and even taste samples of actual blends.

The cost is $20 per person and is limited to the first 50 respondants.

Club members can RSVP via email at info@fenestrawinery.com / call us at 925-447-5246 / or sign up in our tasting room during one of your visits!

UPDATE: So how did this event go?

April 9th was our Rhone Blending Experience event for the Fanatics, a chance for each person to be Winemaker for a day. Each table, four people per table, was given three different estate wines from the 2009 vintage: Syrah, Mourvedre, and Grenache. They were then tasked with creating the best possible blend of the three, working both individually and as a group. Each table presented their favorite blend to the Winemaker and Assistant Winemaker for review, who narrowed it down to two finalists. Those wines were then poured for each attendee Oakland to vote for their favorite. The winning table received a prize, and bragging rights. Fun was had by all, and many great blends were tasted, each one different from the next. We are currently working on a Rhone blend using our estate fruit.


Winter-Spring 2011 Selection

The Winter-Spring Fanatic Selection features two wonderful wines to enjoy during this season: the luscious 2008 Tempranillo, from Lodi and the elegant 2008 Malbec, from Livermore Valley.


Special Fanatic Event

pril 9, 2011 4-6 pm Mark your calendars and save the date for another special event especially for Fanatics. Watch for your invitation and more details about this Rhone blending party in the mail.


Fanatic Port Party

January 8, 2011

4-6 PM

Can you believe 2011 is almost here? Let's welcome in the New Year by sipping on some belly-warming Port wines paired with some yummy treats like chocolate, nuts and cheeses. Be sure to also pick up our seasonal port-filled chocolate truffles (pictured left) before they're all gone!

The party will be held on Saturday, January 8th from 4 to 6pm and is for our club members only. We only have room for the first 50 respondants, so please RSVP early! Contact info@fenestrawinery.com or call us at 925-447-5246 to reserve your spot today!

RECAP: On January 8th we held a Tawny Port Program, which was a huge success. Club members were able to sample various ports from our Port program paired with various foods prepared by Winemaker, Brent Amos, and Assistant Winemaker, Meredith Miles. They ranged in age from 12 years old to 2 years old (the port, not the food). The two favorites were a 1998 Tawny port blend, and the 2009 Souzao port. We are currently putting together a Tawny Port blend, which will be bottled this summer.


Winter Fanatic Selection

The Winter Fanatic Selection features two wonderful wines to enjoy during the colder months: the complex 2007 Alvarelhão from Silvaspoons Vineyard in Lodi, and the exceptional 2007 Cabernet Franc from Ghielmetti Vineyard in Livermore.


Autumn Fanatic Dinner
Oct. 23rd 6-9 pm

Fenestra is happy to announce details for this year's annual Fall Fanatic Dinner on Saturday, October 23rd at 6pm at the winery, for wine club members only. The dinner will be catered by Blue Sage Catering in Livermore, and will be paired with hand-selected wines from the Owner and Winemaker.

The "Mardi Gras" theme dinner will start with three passed appetizers, and for the main course: Signature Angus Tri-tip, Mardi Gras Cajun Chicken, Sonoma Greens with Poppyseed Dressing, Roasted Fall Vegetables and Mushrooms, and Creole Red Beans and Rice.

The food will be paired alongside the following Fenestra wines: 08 Sauvignon Blanc and 08 Chardonnay (both Livermore); 07 Cabernet Franc (Livermore); 07 Alvarelhao (Lodi); 07 Pinot Noir (Livermore); and a special introduction of the 2009 Pinot Gris from Buttner Vineyards in Sunol!

The dinner is $60 per person (to club members in good standing), and seating is limited to the first 80 respondants, so RSVP quickly, because this event fills up fast!

RSVP: 800-789-WINE or info@fenestrawinery.com with your credit card information to secure your seat today!

Update:This year’s Fanatic Autumn Dinner was a Mardi Gras theme and the upstairs was decorated accordingly, including colorful masks for each guest and assorted jazz music coming from the CD player. Matthew Box, of Blue Sage Catering, prepared an appropriate feast of his Signature Angus Tri-Tip, Mardi Gras Blackened Chicken, Creole Red Beans & Rice, and Roasted Autumn Vegetables.


Special guests included Ted Buttner and his wife, Rosemary Chang, with the introduction of the Pinot Gris wine, whose grapes come from his vineyard. The new wines were greeted with much enthusiasm (09 Pinot Gris, 07 Cabernet Franc, and 07 Alavarelhão).


“Special Fanatic Event”

Jan. 8th, 2011 4-6 pm
Mark your calendars and save the date for another special event especially for Fanatics. “watch for your invitation and more details in the mail”.


Fanatic Spring Dinner

April 24th, 6-9pm

An informal event for our wine club members only. Great food and wine, lots of fun. You must be a registered “Fenestra Fanatic” in good standing to attend. Members will get an invitation in the mail


Tourvanillo Release Party: Fanatics Only!

2006 Tourvanillo Release & Tasting February 27, 2010 from 4:00 | 6:00pm

Special Tasting for Fanatics Only!

  • Enjoy a guided tasting of our new Tourvanillo 0- made from Iberian blends (Touriga, Alvarelhao, and Temprinillo)
  • Barrel sample of the 2007 blend
  • Othr fun activites!

Seating is limited to the first 50 participants ...

$15.00/person - includes assorted appetizers.

For more informaiton, email info@fenestrawinery.com.


Special Fanatics Only Event!  Coming in January 2010

True Red *Lot 24* Release Tasting January 9, 2010 from 4:00 | 6:00pm

By invitation only to wine club members in good standing, this will be a special release tasting to introduce Lot 24. Look for your invitation in the mail sometime in December.


Winter Fanatic Selections
The Winter Fanatic's Selection offers two wines to enjoy this fall: the 2007 Malbec, Lodi, Silvaspoons Vyd and the 2007 Pinot Noir, Livermore Valley.


Fall Fanatic Dinner a Hit!

One of the benefits of becoming a Fenestra Fanatic are the Spring & Autumn Dinners. The Autumn Dinner we held on Oct. 24th was a huge success and brought many appreciative comments, including the following:

"We wanted to drop Fenestra a note to say what a success the autumn Fanatic Dinner was. Certainly many players contributed to the event... The appetizers prepared by the Fenestra employees were great. The catered food was by far the best we have experienced having attended several Fanatic dinners. Please extend our sincere thanks to all who helped make the event a success. Good wine. Good food. Good ambience. Good conversation. A job well done by all..."

Die Hard Fanatics, Bob & Melba Vincent


Fall Fanatic Selections

The 2009 Fall Fanatic Selections are the 2007 Tempranillo and the 2006 Estate Syrah.

The times one can pick up this fanatic pack are:

  • September 18-20, 12:00 - 5: 00 PM
  • September 25-27, 12:00 - 5: 00 PM: Harvest Wine Tasting!
  • October 2-4, 12:00 - 5: 00 PM
  • October 9-11, 12:00 - 5: 00 PM
  • October 16-18, 12:00 - 5: 00 PM
  • October 23-25, 12:00 - 5: 00 PM
  • October 30, 31 & November 1, 12:00 - 5: 00 PM

Winter Spring Fanatic Selections

The 2008 Winter Fanatic Selections are the 2006 Grenache and the 2006 Mourvedre Estate.

The times one can pick up the fanatic pack are:

♦ Feb 6-8, 12:00 - 5:00 pm
♦ Feb 14-16, 12 - 5pm, Barrel Tasting!
♦ Feb 20-22, 12:00-5:00 pm
♦ Feb 27, 28, & Mar 1, 12:00 - 5:00 pm
♦ Mar 6-8, 12 - 5 pm, Prelude to Xmas
♦ Mar 6-8, 12:00 - 5:00 pm
♦ Mar 14-16, 12 - 5pm, Barrel Tasting!
♦ Mar 20-22, 12:00-5:00 pm
If your wine has not been picked up BY  APRIL 4th,
please call & make arrangements for holding or shipping.


Tapas and Iberian Component Tasting

On January 17th, we had a small, private tasting for 50 of our wine club members, the Fenestra Fanatics, where we paired some Iberian varietals with Tapas appetizers from Miraglia Catering in San Leandro. We announced the winner to the “Name Brent’s Blend” contest, Wendy Blalock, who submitting the winning entry of “Tourvanillo.” (You can get a taste of this wine at our upcoming Barrel Tasting!) Overall it was a success and we plan on having more intimate events like these for our club members.


Winter Fanatic Selections

The 2008 Winter Fanatic Selections are the 2006 Touriga and the 2006 Petite Sirah.

The times one can pick up the fanatic pack are:

♦ Nov 7, 8 & 9, 12:00 - 5:00 pm
♦ Nov 14, 15 & 16, 12 - 5pm
♦ Nov 21, 12:00-5:00 pm
♦ Nov 22 & 23, 12 - 5 pm, Holiday Tasting
♦ Nov 28, 29 & 30, 12 - 5 pm, Prelude to Xmas
♦ Dec 5, 12:00-5:00 pm
♦ Dec 6 & 7, 12 - 5 pm, Holiday in the Vyds
♦ Dec 12, 13 & 14, 12:00 - 5:00 pm
♦ Dec 19, 20 & 21, 12:00 - 5:00 pm
If your wine has not been picked up BY DECEMBER 22nd,
please call & make arrangements for holding or shipping.


Wonderful Fanatic Dinner!

October 26 was the Fall Fanatic Dinner featuring the 2005 Livermore Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. It was a great success! Check here for photos and a description of the dinner.


WANTED: Crush Help!

We can always use extra help during crush and for bottling. Please contact Brent or Lanny if you are interested: 925-447-5246


Summer Fanatic Selections

The Summer 2008 Fanatic wine selection is the sensational 2007 Semonnay, Livermore Valley, and the superb 2005 Zinfandel, Livermore Valley.

The pick-up dates for these wines are:

  • May 9-11, 12-5 PM
  • May 16-18, 12-5 PM
  • May 23-26, 12-5 PM   (May 24-26 is our Spring Fling!)
  • May 30, 31, and June 1, 12-5 PM
  • June 6-8, 12-5 PM
  • June 13-15, 12-5 PM
  • June 20-22, 12-5 PM
  • June 27-29, 12-5 PM

Note: If your wine has not been picked by JUNE 30th, please call & make arrangements for holding or shipping!


Spring Fanatic Selections

The Spring Fanatics Selection features two marvelous wines: the elegant 2005 Tempranillo and the lucious 2005 Mourvedre.

 


Winter Fanatic Selections

The Winter Fanatics Selection features two marvelous wines: the elegant 2005 Pinot Noir and the delicious 2005 Grenache. These are two great wines for the holidays.


"Orphans of the Fire"

We featured these three outstanding wines at the Fanatic dinner: 2003 Syrah Estate ($24), 2002 Petite Sirah ($22) and 2003 Zinfandel ($28). Most of the cases of these three wines were stored at Wines Central Warehouse and were destroyed in the fire in 2005. These were the only cases of wine stored here at the winery. They are available to Fanatics only, and only for as long as they last. Please call or email for availability (wines are sold out).


Autumn Fanatic Selections

The Autumn Fanatics Selection features two wonderful wines: the popular 2005 Malbec and the impressive 2005 Touriga. These are two flavorful wines that pair nicely with food. Grapes for both selections were grown by Ron Silva of Silvaspoons Vineyards in Galt (near Lodi). Ron has talked us into buying many unusual grapes, and we have been delighted with the wines we have produced from grapes from his vineyard.


Spring-Summer Fanatic Selections

The Spring-Summer Fanatics Selection features two outstanding wines: the luscious Semonnay® (61% Chardonnay, 39% Semillon) and the sensational 2004 Syrah Estate. Both wines are good with summer foods.


Fanatic Dinner
Carol Syriani of Gimanelli’s Deli provided a splendid feast for the Fanatics. The day was warm and the new Verdelho hit the spot. Appetizers were lovely — salmon salad and artichoke-shrimp spread, with olives and bruschetta, accompanied by the new 2006 Verdelho and the 2002 Merlot, LV. Dinner featured Chicken with Artichokes and Glazed Pork Tenderloin, with roasted red potatoes, grilled asparagus and a lovely salad. The wines with dinner were the 2005 Chardonnay and 2004 Pinot Noir with the 2001 Syrah Estate Reserve magnums served as a special treat. Dessert was Lemon Cheesecake Bites to go with the 2006 Sweet Viognier and Fudge Bites to go with the 2002 Port, Lodi. A good time was had by all.


Winter-Spring Fanatic Selections

This is a very interesting selection, featuring two favorite Fanatic wines. The 2004 Tempranillo is a luscious, ready to drink wine-- “my new Malbec” one staff member said. The 2003 Petite Sirah needs time (as our Petite Sirahs do). The 2001 and 2002 Petite Sirahs were victims of the Mare Island fire — we only have a few cases of each vintage left.


Winter Fanatic Selections

This is a very distinctive selection, focusing on grapes from the western edge of the Livermore Valley. The selections represent our estate grapes (the 2004 Mourvedre) and Pinot Noir grapes from Tenuta Vineyard. Both are big, flavorful wines. These wines were featured at the Fanatic Dinner, and both were big hits. They both are young, so open them an hour or so before drinking.


2006 - Fanatics Fall Dinner
The 30th Viniversary Fanatics Dinner was great, with Pork Tenderloin with apples and Zinfandel sauce, Chicken Breast with a Semillon cream sauce,a tasty salad with pomegranate vinaigrette. The new Fanatic Selections — 2004 Pinot Noir
and 2004 Mourvedre — were wonderful with the meal as were the 2000 Syrah Reserve Magnums and 2003 Petite Sirah. Desserts including Marge Petersen’s Viniversary cake finished the meal — with a little Port


This is a very special selection, celebrating our 30 years of operation. The selections represent the traditional (2002 Merlot, Livermore Valley) and Lanny's latest interest - Portuguese wines (2004 Touriga, Lodi, Silverspoons Vineyard).


2006 - Fanatics Spring Dinner

The Fanatics”Salute to Spring” Dinner was absolutely wonderful starting with appetizers featuring the delicious “Smoked Salmon Pinwheels”. This was followed by grilled chicken with a ginger/garlic marinade, beef skewers with red peppers and onions, potatoes and asparagus and a lovely green salad, accompanied by the Fanatic wines 2003 Pinot Noir and 2001 Merlot SLH, and a special treat the 2000 Syrah Reserve magnums. For dessert, lemon and chocolate tarts, we poured a treasure from the past, 1978 Late Harvest Riesling, Monterey County. A great time was had by all.


2005 - Fantics Fall Dinner

October 22, 2005: The Fanatics’ Autumn Dinner was impressive—with many interesting Fenestra wines and a delicious meal. The Pepper Parmesan Stuffed Beef
steak was wonderful with the 2003 Tempranillo , and the Chicken Breasts with grapes in a rich cream sauce was delicious with the 2003 Viognier. The menu also featured Orzo Primavera, Autumn Vegetable Blend, and a scrumptious spinach salad with mandarin oranges. The 2003 Touriga was
served as an interlude—to better enjoy this double gold medallist. Dessert featured fruit and two Near-Eastern desserts paired with the unreleased Late Harvest Viognier and the 2002 Port (Portuguese varieties). Great fun was had by all.


2005 - Fantics Spring Dinner

April 24, 2005: Carol Siriani, owner of Gimanelli’s Deli, produced a marvelous repast for the Fenestra Fanatics Spring Dinner. There were bruschetta with dill cream and smoked salmon, Babaghanou (eggplant dip) with pita bread, olives, and cheese for appetizers, accompanied by the new 2004 Semillon, 2002 Chardonnay and 2001 Sangiovese. The olives and 2004 Semillon were a surprisingly good pairing!

The main course was outstanding: chicken parmesan, roast pork tenderloin with a mushroom sauce, roasted vegetables and potatoes, and salad, with 2001 Pinot Noir, 2001 Zinfandel and for a special treat—the fabulous 97 Smith & Hook Cabernet Sauvignon (magnums). Dessert was delicious—Lemon bars, Chocolate and Walnut Bars and seasonal fruit. Lanny brought out two treasures from the library: 1989 Late Harvest Riesling (Monterey County) and 1991 Sweet Semillon, Livermore Valley. Both these wines were amazing!


2004 - "Mediterranean Adventure" Dinner

Fenestra Fanatics gathered at the winery October 23 for a memorable evening. Lanny presented some special wines--including the 2000 Syrah Reserve magnums and the long awaited Port made from Portuguese Port grapes.

Carol Siriani, owner of Gimanelli’s, prepared a fantastic meal. The dinner started with bruschetta, Feta cheese bites and Calabrese sausage pizza for hors d’oeuvres, Chicken with Lemon Caper Sauce, Kafta, Ouzi (Basmati Rice with Vegetables), Green Beans à la Carol, Fatoush (famous Syrian salad) and ended with a lovely selection of house made cookies, melons and grapes for dessert. Great fun was had by all.


2004 - "Salute to Spring" Dinner

It was a lovely night, warm and balmy. The Fanatics gathered early, enjoying the hors d'oeuvres while greeting old friends and meeting new. The dinner was marvelous - Gimanelli's outdid themselves - with grilled chicken, smoked roasted salmon, Jim's famous lamb sausages, roasted vegetables with penne pasta and a special dessert.

It was a nostalgic night, since it was the last Fanatic dinner for Jim Rio, owner of Gimanelli's. He and his wife Ellie, who are original Fanatics, have sold Gimanelli's and are moving to Arizona. We presented Jim with a plaque from Fenestra Winery and a bottle of fabulous champagne from the staff. We welcome the new owners, Carol and Sam Syriani, and look forward to them continuing the same high standards and innovative menus that Jim Rio has provided.


2003 - Autumn Fanatic Dinner

Once again our Autumn Fanatic Dinner was a great sucess.It sold out within a few days of the announcement of the event.  Guests enjoyed a menu prepared by Jim Rio of Gimanelli's which consisted of a mouth watering Turkey Breast Roulade stuffed with fresh herbs, mustard and cheese, Jim's seasonal House-made fresh Bratwurst, pumpkin raviolis with Texas Pecan Pesto as well as sauteed greens with pancetta. Highlighting the evening were two unreleased wines, the 2001 Charbono and the 2000 Syrah, Reserve, Estate.  Both these wines were poured with dinner and were available for purchase that night only.


 

2003 - True Red Vertical - "The Early Years"

On August 1, an event was held  to give the Fanatics an opportunity to taste and purchase early lots  of True Red, Fenestra's highly successful red table wine. True Red has been a favorite of Fanatics and other visitors, and this event gave the Fanatics a very rare opportunity to try True Red that were 6-12 years old! Many of lots held up wonderfully, giving a treat to those that could attend. Jim Rio of Gimanelli's provided hearty hors d'oeuvres: pizza , chicken wings, roasted herb potatoes, antipasto, fruit and veggie trays as well as cheese dip and breadsticks. Of course, we finished off the evening with Port and chocolate.


Fanatic Membership

Want to be invited special winery events, sample pre-release and special wines available to Fanatics only and get a better discount on Fenestra Wines? Then join the loyal following of Fenestra Fanatics! If you would like to be a Fanatic, you can contact us by e-mail, phone, fax or letter for a Fanatic membership form. Alternately, you can download the form here.

  • E-mail: info@fenestrawinery.com
  • Phone: (925) 447-5246
  • Fax: (925) 447-4655
  • Letter: Fenestra Winery, PO Box 582, Sunol, CA 94586

Fanatics are required to purchase the two wines in their quarterly selection. The wines can be shipped to you  or can be held in reserve for you at the winery. There are no substitutions for the quarterly selections.