For the thirteenth 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 clicking 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 almost 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.

Hope to see you here! Wine notes and bottle prices are at the end of this announcement if you're interested.

NOTE: Due to the complexity of this menu we regret that we will be unable to accommodate vegetarian requests or extensive menu aberrations. Also, in the event any of the wines or food become unavailable, we reserve the right to substitute others of equal or greater value.

MENU

Gilda (San Sebastian’s Original Pintxo)

Nordes Gin Tonic (3 oz. pour)

Zarzuela de Mariscos (Spanish Seafood Stew)

2022 Bokisch Garnacha Blanca (4 oz. pour)

Phyllo-Wrapped Slow-Cooked Lamb in its Natural Juices | Escalivada (Catalan Smoked Vegetables)

2019 Bokisch Tempranillo (4 oz. pour)

Mushroom + Sausage Fideua (paella only made with broken angel hair pasta instead of rice)

2019 Bokisch Monastrell (4 oz. pour)

Crispy Skin Roasted Chicken Thigh | Garlic Braised Spinach | Romesco Sauce

2019 Bokisch Graciano (4 oz. pour)

Tahitian Vanilla Gelato | PX Sherry Drizzle

PX Sherry (1.5 oz. pour)

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RSVP

Please RSVP by clicking on the “Contact the Host” button in the box on the top right and responding with the following information.

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

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

Seating is EXTREMELY limited. We have a limited number of tables for couples who want to sit by themselves so please let us know if you’re willing to sit at communal tables 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!) We also have the two firepit tables on the patio for two (https://www.winevaultbistro.com/fire-pit) available if you don’t mind sitting at a lower, coffee table height table. 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. We are currently limiting party sizes to a maximum of six.

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

On-street parking is usually available within a 3-block radius and meters are also free on Sunday. You can also park in the 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 always LOTS OF PARKING on San Diego Avenue and the adjacent side streets just past the Chevron station across Washington Street. So please don't drive yourself crazy endlessly going around in circles waiting to pounce on that perfect spot when there's TONS OF PARKING less than three blocks away!

WINE SALES

Although some wines may be in limited quantities, all wines poured at this dinner will be available for purchase at the restaurant until sold out. We reserve the right to limit sales of any rare or allocated wines at our discretion.

WINE NOTES & BOTTLE PRICES

2022 Bokisch Garnacha Blanca ~ $19

(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.

2019 Bokisch Tempranillo ~ $25

(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.

2019 Bokisch Monastrell ~ $26

(Lodi) Winemaker’s Notes: Earthy aromas of crushed violets, black cherry, cedar and baking spices with pleasantly acidic flavors of dried cranberry and cherry, underripe blackberry and orange pith. Abundant black tea lactones with a smooth and lingering finish.

2019 Bokisch Graciano ~ $25

(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.

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