Wine Review: Smoking Loon (2012)-The Cultured Outdoorsman’s Merlot

The full-bodied Smoking Loon Merlot (2012) is strong and tart like the name implies. You will discover flavors of cherry, pomegranate and cranberry weaved throughout its design. A few reviewers argue there is a background flavor of black walnut. Made by Smoking Loon Winery this is a perfect glass for the home bbq, roasted duck, or meatloaf recipes. Open a bottle of Smoking Loon Merlot upon returning to the cabin from your next duck hunting escapade. 

The brand appeals to your birdshot touting, vest donning, flannel wearing outdoor hunting enthusiast. It was designed after Don Sebastiani’s love of cigars and his father August’s love for water fowl.  The wine appeals to hunters who love to sit on their porches and watch the sun set over the rural landscape. There are few things more enjoyable than a glass of Smoking Loon Merlot after spending a few hours tracking fowl. 

The outdoor personality is unique when compared to the general population. According to a study based on the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) of those who choose outdoor activities the outdoor personality is more introverted and intuitive than the general population (Cashel, et. al. 1996). They were similar to the general population in thinking-feeling and judgment-perception dimensions. 

Likewise, a study commissioned by French Wines with Style helps highlight how those who choose red wine differ from other wine drinkers.  Red wine drinkers generally make more money and are happier than status loving white wine drinkers or change oriented rose wine drinkers (Ross, 2012). More than half of red wine drinkers have a college degree, 81% are happy at work, with 65% holding greater career aspirations. A total of 76% percent of red wine drinkers considered themselves “cultured”. 

If you own a dining establishment consider whether offering Smoking Loon Red Wine fits within the personality dimensions of your outdoor and red wine drinking patrons. If your establishment serves meat dishes, caters to higher income introverted intuitive types and has an outdoor/rustic décor (i.e. steak house) this may be wine for your purchasing list. At 4-5 glasses for a shelf price of $10 per bottle your mark-up is likely to be lucrative.

Smoking Loon Wineries

http://www.smokingloon.com

Cashel, et. al. (1996). Personality preferences of outdoor participants. Report (ED413133).

Moss, B. (2012). New study claims red wine drinkers earn more. Cellarviewines. Retrieved June 9^th, 2012 from http://www.cellarviewines.com/wine/media_item.html?cr_i=55802

Dining and Wining in Finchs Alleyway

When was the last time you sipped wine or ate dinner in an alley? Unless you are looking for free scraps of food I would bet that you haven’t done it very often. Finch’s Bistro and wine bar affords an opportunity to enjoy a California alleyway with a little style and without the dumpster diving. Nestled between a number of businesses is a little slice of sophisticated enjoyment and European style arrangements. 

The menu includes French, Seafood and American dishes with a fairly large spread of options. The five areas of interest are small plates, lunch, dinner, wine, and desert.  Small plates include selections such as wrapped roasted asparagus for $11 or mussels of the day for $13. Lunch is also equally affordable with the Finch Burger for $13 and the Portobello ravioli for around $13. 

Supper time brings a different venue. You may be interested in the lobster carbonara for $19 or something a little more standard such as braised chicken for $18. Of course you will need to wash this down with some wine to clear the pallet. Most glasses range from $7 to $15 with old world and new world brands. A fairly large selection of port is also available for those who are interested in desert wine. 

This is not a late night establishment so don’t come in expecting to be drinking the night away until the wee hours of the morning. For a dining experience and few glasses of wine as a beginning location or before heading home for an early night it works out great. Patrons range in different ages but are generally of the middle age or older crowd. A few younger couples may dot the bar for a quiet evening of conversation. 

The atmosphere is romantic and includes soft live music and a subdued buzz of nightlife conversation. This would not be the place to expect a bar brawl or single men chasing down married ladies. One can choose between the alleyway, the restaurant area, or the bar area. Each has a slightly different feel and environment. 

Address: 7644 Girard Avenue,

La Jolla, CA. 92037

858-456-4056

 Hours: 11:30am to 10:00pm

You may view their website and menu at http://www.finchslajolla.com/