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Brush Hollow Winery of Penrose has launched its inaugural run of Pueblo chile wine, which is a Colorado Proud blend of Palisade riesling grapes and Pueblo chiles.
"It's a semi-sweet wine with a heavy nose of peppers and a little bit of spice," said Robert Vanatta, winemaker. "It is not an overly spicy and intense wine so it pairs well with dishes like fish tacos, seafood, or street tacos."
The winery purchased roasted Pueblo chiles from Colon Orchards in Cañon City and Coyote Coffee Den in Penrose, who buy their chiles from Pueblo growers, Vanatta said.
"This was my mom Christina Vanatta and stepdad James Rogh's idea. They were in New Mexico and tried Hatch chile wine and thought, 'We can do better than that with Pueblo chiles,'" Vanatta said with a laugh.
The winery's first small batch of 100 gallons was "gone in two weeks," Vanatta said. "The newest batch is about 110 gallons — it goes quick."
The wine is available at Big Bear liquor stores at 940 Hailey Lane in Pueblo West and 2037 S. Pueblo Blvd. in Pueblo. The wine and 17 other varieties also can be sampled at the winery's tasting room, 465 D St., in Penrose, where hours are noon-6 p.m. Saturday, and noon-5 p.m. Sunday.
The winery will be hosting a Valentines Dinner featuring special guest owls from Natures Educators from 5-7 p.m. Feb. 17. Among the highlights of the two-course dinner and dessert will be a strawberry salad with vinaigrette dressing made by the winery.
"We make our own line of pasta, olive oils and vinegars," Vanatta said.
To sign up for the dinner, go to brushhollowwinery.com.
El Pampano Foods launches second restaurant in Pueblo
El Pampano Foods' new location, 1027 S. Pueblo Blvd., is open for business and offering some new "Colorado Proud" certified dishes.
The new restaurant has indoor seating and a drive-through.
"Our twist on the classic asada or steak fries is a must-try," said Luis Munoz, who owns the restaurants with his wife Lorena and her family. "We offer them with a unique touch, allowing you to pair the fries with any of our specialty meats such as asada (steak), birria (beef), pastor (chicken or pork), or just indulgent cheesy fries."
"The best part is these delectable delights come straight from the farms to your plate, and we take immense pride in being certified as Colorado Proud," Munoz said. "We also have introduced volcanic coffee from Merida, Yucatan, Mexico, and our espresso is an unparalleled coffee experience."
Hours at the restaurant are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. The first El Pampano Foods location is a drive-through and pick-up-only restaurant at 430 S. Santa Fe Ave.
The Dish is a feature in the Pueblo Chieftain highlighting local food and restaurant news. To submit news tips about things like new product offerings, changes in hours, special events, expansion plans, etc., email Chieftain reporter Tracy Harmon at tharmon@chieftain.com.
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