Haak Vineyards & Winery

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Salute!Haak Winery news straight from the grapevine. www.haakwine.com. March 2010

Nush!
Enjoy it, and let it be part of your body!~Persian Toast Just as patron Saint San Pasqual Baylon kindly shared his food and wine with his parish, Haak Vineyards & Winery wants to share our wines you. You're invited to discover Haak Winery through the San Pasqual Wine Club. Named after San Pasqual, our winery's patron Saint, the Wine Club allows guests special access to our newest, limited release and reserve wines before the general public, delivered right to your door*. In addition, members will be treated to special discounts and complimentary tastings at the winery.

Membership in the San Pasqual Wine Club includes:

1. No membership fees.
2. Exclusive first tastes of award-winning wines. Members receive three bottles of wine four times annually in February, April, October and December. Charges range between $50 and $100, depending upon the wine selected. Shipments include specially selected wines and/or newly released, rare/limited and reserve wines.
3. Members receive a 25% discount on additional purchases of wine featured throughout the year by the wine club.
4. A 10% discount is available on all standard wine purchases in addition to our in-store multi-bottle discount and 10% off tasting room deli and gift items.
5. A 10% discount on special event ticket prices.
6. Complimentary tastings for member and a guest.
7. Members receive exclusive invitations to events.
8. A quarterly newsletter enclosed in the shipment to all members.

To become a member today, click here [link: http://www.haakwine.com/wine_club/index.html]. The next shipment of wines will be mailed in April.

*Available in Texas and limited number of other states.

Words from the Winery:

Join us for Dinner in the Cellar!
Perhaps one of our favorite events is our Dinner in the Cellar, where guests are treated to a delicious meal and wine pairings in the unique setting of our wine cellar. We invite you to join us for this month's dinners, March 5th, 26th and 27th, from 6 pm to 9 pm. Just visit our Events page [link: http://www.haakwine.com/events/event_schedule.php] to make your reservation. See you in the cellar! Sincerely, Gladys Haak

David's Recipe of the Month This delicious French bread recipe, courtesy of our own Chef David, will have all your guests saying 'oh la la.' Très Bon French Bread Recipe
Ingredients
6 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon sugar
2 1/2 (.25 ounce) packages active dry yeast
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
2 cups warm water (about 110°)
1 egg, beaten
1 tablespoon of olive oil

Combine 2 tablespoons of flour, yeast and water in a small stainless steel or glass bowl. Stir to mix and set aside. The yeast will make the mixture foam and bubble. Let sit for 15 to 30 minutes in a warm place. Combine the rest of the flour, sugar and salt in a large bowl. Mix together with your hands. Add yeast mixture and water, mix to combine and knead the dough with your hands for about 5 minutes. If it is too sticky, add a little flour, about a tablespoon at a time. If it is too dry and will not form into a ball, add a little water, again, about a tablespoon at a time.

Form dough into a large ball, tucking the edges under. Place into a large glass or stainless steel bowl wiped with the olive oil. Cover with plastic wrap and set in a warm place where it should double in size. Punch it down with your finger and place the dough onto a lightly-floured surface. Shape into a loaf tucking edges under and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Make diagonal cuts across the top (this will give you more crusty edges) and let it rise again for 30 minutes to an hour. Brush the top of the loaf with the beaten egg. Place it in a preheated oven at 450°, spritz with water, close the door quickly and bake till golden brown, about 20 to 30 minutes. You will know it's done when you thump it on the bottom and it sounds hollow.

Tips: Use a clean plastic spray bottle (found at most hardware and home stores) filled with water to spritz the bread when it goes in the oven. This helps to give the bread a nice crust. The longer you let the yeast mixture sit, the more flavor it will give your bread.

Spring Fling
Looking for a unique destination to take your family this spring break? Haak offers winery tours and tastings daily. Tours are $5 per person (children under 21 are free) and include a tasting of 4 wines.
Tour Schedule
Monday through Friday
Tours run on the hour, but can vary depending upon customer traffic.
Saturdays and Sundays
Tours run every hour on the hour until one hour before closing.
Around the world, milestones are marked with glasses held high. From Haak Winery, here's to history in the making.

Ópa! in April
Mark your calendar for Haak's Annual Greek Festival on April 18th from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., with a special performance from Alex the Greek and Dancers.