As much as I love crafting cocktails, it’s actually wine I reach for most often…there is definitely something about the ease of preparation that sees it win that battle but the truth is I just love wine. I’m a bit shocked as I start to organize and pack for an eventual move to see just how much wine I have; I’m not a collector, just a drinker yet if I see something intriquing I might buy it even if the shelves at home are stocked…and right now I would say 50 bottles is ‘stocked.’

So when I was asked by Cheryl Indelicato, the Proprietor of HandCraft Wines if I would like to sample some of their wines, I might have hesitated…but then I saw the recipe they had included. Pinot Noir? Chocolate? Together? Oh yeah; I thought this I must try.

The Handcraft Pinot Noir is a medium bodied wine with gorgeous cherry, vanilla and strawberry aromas followed by ripe black cherry, sweet spice, vanilla and chocolate flavors. Delicious on its own but even more, how perfect does that sound combined with chocolate. I’ve held wine and chocolate tastings in my home and it’s fun to pair the two but this is even easier; they’re paired together in this one simple but sublime dish.

How about a simple Valentine’s gift of wine and chocolate…but in this case some homemade brownies that have been kissed with Pinot? I think nothing says ‘I love you’ more than the effort you make and really…who doesn’t love brownies! These are rich with toasted walnuts too and a fabulous glaze with some more wine in the mix. Perfect?Maybe more than perfect; these are seriously divine brownies…they need a new name, something much more elegant. While I enjoyed my last one today while writing this post, they are the perfect brownie to enjoy with a glass of the Handcraft wine. Deep, dark chocolate is every so slightly accented with the Pinot Noir; this is no kids treat but a decadently rich adult dessert; they shot quickly to the top of my list of brownie favorites.

The wine itself is a winner in my book too. Handcraft Wines are owned by Cheryl Indelicato; a member of a family that has numerous grape-growing and winemaking facilities in California. You might have enjoyed their wine before without knowing because many wineries purchase finished new wines from an Indelicato winery and finish it during the aging process; not an uncommon practice in the industry.

Cheryl is a master at understanding the nuances of a wine and how to blend them to appeal to wider audiences. From that experience evolved the HandCraft series. Though blending other varieties with Pinot Noir is not the norm, Cheryl still went that route and her HandCraft 2010 Pinot Noir blends 76 percent pinot noir, 9 percent tempranillo, 6 percent petit verdot, 6 percent sangiovese and 3 percent petite sirah. The aromas and especially the long and fruity finish made it a perfect choice to blend with chocolate, elevating the flavor without any overpowering ‘wine’ taste to be had…this was a great little wine at an equally great price point. That Cheryl also contributes a percentage of the profits derived from the sale of her HandCraft wines to the fight against breast cancer is a pure bonus.

While we talking wine, I was recently asked to review a wine satchel from First World Trash; a company that I just love and not just their products but their corporate focus. They ‘re-make’ all of their products from America’s trash using car seatbelts, billboards and tents. I knew those details when I agreed to try out one of their wine satchels but sometimes it’s the smallest touches that are the most impressive. Even their hangtags are ‘re-makes’ and the ones on the bag I received appear to have come from a cereal box and a box of oyster crackers…now that is a commitment to recycling beyond the pale!

I can’t send you a bottle of wine but I can offer a similar bag to one of my readers. I received their 6 bottle wine satchel and much like even the most fabulous recipe, I’ve re-purposed it! One guess what I’m using mine for? Well, a wine and camera bag silly! I removed the foam protection from my other bag, put it in this one and yes, love that I can carry wine, my personal ‘stuff’ AND my camera and lenses. I’ve even suggested to the folks there that they look into making a camera bag and that’s now on their agenda. These are smart, light weight and for me fit my own personality to a ‘T’ – I’ve spent my entire adult life as a conservationist; utilities, water, trash…all issues I’m pretty passionate about. I HATE the notion that all the lights in my home have to be turned on in the middle of the day for a showing while my home is for sale and I’m bending the rules a bit since I find that absurd and TOTALLY out of touch with the reality of today. I’ve preached and taught my kids about the importance of conserving; I’m thinking rooms with sunlight streaming in during the day are enough…am I right? See how this company’s mission works for me? I mean I’m PASSIONATE about it! :)

I do love that I could carry wine, camera and these amazing brownies all at one time…now that’s my idea of multipurpose! Check below recipe for giveaway details.

GIVEAWAY DETAILS (Product Value of $120.00)

This contest is open to US residents age 18 or older. The contest will end on Friday, February15, 2013 at midnight and a winner willl be chosen on Saturday the 16th.The winner will be chosen at random.org and will have 48 hours to respond or another winner will be chosen. The winner can choose from available designs and it the wine satchel will be shipped directly to the winner by First World Trash.

To Participate:

Leave a comment for an opportunity to win one of these great bags; this is a requirement.

For additional entries, you can do the following; leaving a separate comment for each entry:

1. Signup for my email RSS feed or let me know if you already receive my feed via email.
2. Follow CreativCulinary on Twitter.
3. Follow First World Trash on Twitter.

Good luck!

Disclaimer: I was provided with a bottle of wine to sample and use for this recipe and also
given a product sample of the wine satchel however all commentary is my own.