Blog Posts

02.14.14 {THE PERFECT PAIR VALENTINE DINNER}

2/24/2014

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[the pairing]

Chef Jeni and Co.

We have been looking forward to working with Chef Jeni and Company again since we got to have them for our Sparkle 2013 NYE Celebration. The menu was specifically paired to our wines! We got to visit with Chef Jeni at her space in Sioux Falls and got to sample parts of the menu and taste/discuss which wines would be the perfect pairing for each course... So much fun!!!

menu + tasting notes

The Candied Peel for the Blood Orange Sorbet Palette Cleanser....

the Blood Orange Sorbet. so amazing...

[the details]

We had 85 guests out to celebrate their honey with us at Calico Skies Vineyard and Winery this past Valentine's Day! Chef Jeni and Co. served a seven course dinner paired to our wines and Elisabeth Hunstad and Matt Hastad were up on stage providing the perfect serenade for a romantic and fun evening... It was held in the tasting room with 17 tables for 2, 6 tables of 4, 1 table of 5, 1 table of 6 and 2 tables for 8... A rose was set on each table for each lovely couple and romantic "mad libs" were place for each couple to fill out for some fun...

[the seven course spread]

Chef Jeni and Company had each course plated and served at the tables we we poured the paired wines.

[the moments]

Our Perfect Pair Valentines Dinner was once again, my favorite event that we have hosted! Thank you to Chef Jeni and Company for the amazing food and staff... It has been so wonderful working with you guys! Elisabeth Hunstad and Matt Hastad for the beautiful music, Laura Marie Photography for grabbing some awesome images (the night always goes too quickly, so we are so thankful for images capturing the memories!) and for the sweethearts, friends, and family who attended. We hope you enjoyed the evening and look forward to seeing you again at the winery! <3

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01.25 {UNDER THE BIG TOP · MURDER MYSTERY DINNER}

1/28/2014

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LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, BOYS AND GIRLS! STEP RIGHT THIS WAY TO BE A PART OF...
MURDER UNDER THE BIG TOP!

The Plot

[[Desperate to bolster his circus from a dog-and-pony show to a spectacle that will rival Ringling, Harold Hargrove’s dire attempts to lure audiences and show-stopping attractions have created rivalries that extend beyond the center ring.
As the pressure builds, a murder is committed that steals the show... and you are left to un- cover the culprit before the final act.
Was it the raging ringmaster in an attempt to clean up the spectacle? The talented tight rope walker whose fall took them out of the limelight? A revolting roustabout with revenge in their veins? Or possibly a possessive performer whose death-defying demeanor went too far.]]

Guests entered a world of fabulous freaks, exotic acts and mysterious management....

The winery was turned into the circus and guests arrived in character... Let the show begin!! Two envelopes were found at each plate... Envelope A was immediately opened and held information to get the evening started. C.J. Callaways started the meal out with sliced beef tenderloin which was paired to our Frontenac wine while everyone mingled and completed their initial objectives. A delicious spinach salad with lemon poppyseed dressing was served at the tables for the second course and paired with Traminette. The main course was an incredible pork osso bucco with potatoes and vegetables and paired with Deebo. Then to finish with dessert, a pecan delight was served with our Frontenac Gris. Then the moment we were all waiting for... The murder... ;) The investigation then took place as everyone put the evidence together to try to figure out, "who dunnit". Awards and bottles of wine were given out to those with extra sleuthing skills who figured out who the "murderer" was as well as the "dressed to kill" award, "drama queen" award, and the "Ms. Money Bags", award. Thank you to all who came out for the evening! We had a great time and look forward to our next event, "The Perfect Pair," to celebrate Valentines Day.

The Feast

Entree // Pork Osso Bucco

Dessert // Pecan Delight

The Characters

The Big Top Photo Booth Video

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SPARKLE // NYE 2013

1/4/2014

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RINGING IN 2014

The NYE celebration keeps getting better and better year after year! We had a great turnout for Sparkle NYE 2013 with 83 tickets sold. The tasting room was filled with amazing friends and family all there to ring in the new year! The Cherry Cats, Unplugged were up on stage, while Chef Jeni & Co. served a four course meal created by the Chef and paired to Calico wines. Dining, dancing, live music, scrumptious sips, photobooth, ball drop, midnight kiss, light up the sky, noisemakers, and a late night snack and s'mores- a night to remember...

The evening started off with a cocktail/wine hour and guests were offered the first course off of the amazing menu Chef Jeni and Company had in store for us. Paired to our 2012 Traminette, Chef Jeni & Co. offered three delicious passed appetizers. A pair, caramelized onion, and Gorgonzola crostini, a Thai peanut and grilled chicken cup, and bacon wrapped + almond stuffed dates. The second course took place after all were seated and ready for the salad! Our staff then poured Frontenac Gris. A fantastic pairing with the steakhouse wedge salad w/ green goddess dressing, candied pecans, sweet apple, crisp bacon, cherry tomatoes and homemade creamy herb dressing... Onto the third course! Herbed filet of beef tenderloin, pecorino romano whipped potatoes with a hint of roasted garlic was served along side roasted winter vegetables as our Deebo (dry, red blend), was poured. For dessert, a dark chocolate espresso pot de creme was fabulous with our Raspberry! An absolutely amazing meal, presented by a fantastic staff...

steakhouse wedge salad w/ green goddess dressing, candied pecans, sweet apple, crisp bacon, cherry tomatoes and homemade creamy herb dressing

Herbed filet of beef tenderloin, pecorino romano whipped potatoes with a hint of roasted garlic was served along side roasted winter vegetables

dark chocolate espresso pot de creme

download your photo booth pics

Will turning on the NYE ball lights!

The Cherry Cats, Unplugged started up at 9:00 sharp playing a mix of good tunes. I think everyone got on the dance floor at some point during the evening and some were there all night long! The tables were outfitted with party hats, noisemakers, and party poppers to ring in the new year. Midnight came all to quick! Champagne glasses sparkled with sugar on their rims and were handed out to our guests for a midnight toast as our new, new year ball was lowered! 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1!! Auld Lang Syne was played and sung, confetti EVERYWHERE, and glasses clinked... HERE'S TO 2014! Every new year we also get to celebrate some very special people... A birthday and TWO wedding anniversaries! My brother-in-law's birthday as well as his anniversary with my sister, and the anniversary of an amazing couple that are friends of the family, Dana and Dave.

A HUGE thank you to Chef Jeni and Company, the Cherry Cats, Unplugged, our staff, Chef April for the amazing superman birthday cake and all who celebrated the new year with us, and all reading this.

A new chapter unfolds,
A brighter year this festivity holds.
We wish you all the best!
Cheers to a life so blessed!
HAPPY NEW YEAR

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eat, drink & be SCARY

11/18/2013

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Halloween 2013 // Calico Skies Vineyard and Winery

We had an absolute blast at our Halloween party, (10.25)! The costumes were amazing as you can see from our photo booth, the food was festive and delish, and Billy Lurken's 50's band, THE CHERRY CATS, got everyone moving on the dance floor! I so enjoy planning and decorating for our events at the winery and it was so much fun seeing our guests enjoying the evening! Thanks to all who came out, and we are looking forward to our next event...

Photo Booth

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TWO YEARS AND COUNTING

7/12/2013

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Despite the sheets of rain that came down both Saturday and Sunday... We had a fantastic time! Thank you to our loyal customers, our family, and our friends. Also, thank you to the extremely talented musicians and local vendors displaying their beautiful handcrafted products and foods.

Saturday was celebrated with music from 12-3PM with BILLY LURKEN and 04-7PM with THE RISKY BUSINESS BAND

food + coffee...
BELLA LUNA WOOD-FIRED PIZZA
Black Sheep Coffee House

vendors...
Laura Marie Photography & Design + Gifts!
FRASSY GIRL
Inkan Designs with Yrene Parsons
Usborne Books & More

Sunday included music 12-3PM with Elisabeth Hunstad and 04-7PM with The Crabgrass Crew

food + coffee
BELLA LUNA WOOD-FIRED PIZZA {YUM!}
Black Sheep Coffee House {coffee by the cup and/or stock up on delish coffee beans!}

vendors...
Laura Marie Photography & Design+ Gifts!
FRASSY GIRL
Irish Twins Soap Company
Werner Wood Working
Usborne Books & More

saturday...

sunday...

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The Perfect Pair · 02.09.13 · Dinner and Wine Pairing with Callaway's and Calico

3/21/2013

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C.J. Callaway's Seven Course Spread

dinner + wine + music

photo booth

Sweethearts celebrated their love with a seven course dinner paired to our wines by the chefs at Callaway's. Live music by Elisabeth Hunstad and Chris Champion. Filled with perfect pairs, it was a perfect evening! Tables for two, eight, and twelve! Amazing food was perfectly paired to our wines by Callaway's. Elisabeth and Chris sang and played tunes throughout the evening. Thank you for all who attended, it was such a special evening!

In the Making...

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TERROR IN A TOGA · FOOD & WINE PAIRING MYSTERY DINNER (01.25.13)

2/5/2013

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MENU
APPETIZER
bacon wrapped chestnuts · cheese platter · brianna
SALAD
spinach salad with warm bacon dressing · geisenheim
ENTREE
risotto with bone in pork topped with an apple slaw
sun dog
DESSERT
red velvet · frontenac

An evening of gladiator warfare and celebration was planned for all of Rome to enjoy. At the heart of the excitement sat Felix Festus, a lanista looking to win the public favor – and in doing so, a Senate seat – with the donation of his gladiators for exhibition. While no lives were taken in the ring; honor, pride and the grand champion title were all at stake in the exhibition.

Senators, gladiators, soldiers, Romans, and merchants joined us at Calico Skies for an evening of gladiator warfare & celebration, in "Terror in a Toga". A scrumptious four course dinner was served by CJ Callaway's with each course paired to Calico Skies wines. Each guest was a part of the mystery.

Although lives were spared in the arena, the same did not hold true at the festivities. One Roman took their last breath at the party and it was up to the guests to search out the guilty from the guileful. Was it the brute in a fight for his freedom? A senator unwilling to award another seat? A socialite who would not accept a rising of the classes? Or perhaps a slave whose secret runs so deep that murder is the only way to silence it.

Prizes were awarded for, "Mr./Mrs. Money Bags Award", for creative ingenuity to become the richest of the rich. "Dressed to Kill", for fabulous sense and impeccable wardrobe "Drama King/Queen", for an Oscar worthy performance. And most importantly, "The Smoking Gun Award", for cunning wit and razor sharp sleuthing skills.

Thanks to all who came out, and we hope you can make it to another event soon! If you couldn't make it to Terror in a Toga, check out our next event, "The Perfect Pair" on February 9th, 2013 to celebrate your sweetie. Or, our next mystery dinner will hopefully be in April, "Under the Big Top." Stay tuned!

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SPARKLE · NYE CELEBRATION · CHEERS TO 2013

1/3/2013

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HAPPY NEW YEAR!!! The winery was sparkling this past New Years Eve! Glitter, confetti, candles---and a fantastic guest list... sure to make for an amazing way to ring in the new year. It was a night to remember! An evening of dining, dancing, live music, scrumptious sips, photo booth, ball drop (although not exactly on schedule), bubbly, and sparkles in the sky. The Risky Business Band was up on the stage, and a four course meal was served by Johnny Carino's, (Sioux Falls). The evening started with a butlered appetizer of grilled bruschetta paired with our Traminette. Guests were seated and the Italian wedge salad was served with our Frontenac Gris. Then, for the main course, the Italian Roast was served with our Marquette. Last, but not least, Carino's delicious chocolate tiramisu was served with our Raspberry! The band started up right on schedule and it was a party from there on out! The champagne glasses were passed and we were ready for the countdown but got lost in the music, and missed the actual midnight moment! It was made up for by the quick movements of William B. as he dropped the ball and hustled out for the next sparkling moment while, Auld Lang Syne, was merrily sung. We celebrated my brother-in-law's birthday, as well as my sister and his 7th anniversary! A late night snack of birthday and anniversary cake by Chef April/C.J. Callway's, s'mores, and Jimmy Johns was offered. Throughout the evening, the photo booth on fire! Thank you for an unforgettable New Years Eve-cheers to 2013!

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Keep it Cozy 2012 · A food and wine pairing dinner with CJ Callway's · 12-01-12

12/4/2012

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The holidays were brought in with ugliest sweaters around at Calico Skies Saturday, December 1st, 2012. The night was filled with Christmas cheer, a four course meal by C.J. Callaway's paired with Calico wines- including a preview of our 2012 La Crescent and Frontenac Gris, holiday tunes by Billy Lurken and of course, the very best ugly sweaters. To capture those ugly sweaters in memory for years to come, a holiday inspired photo booth was a ton of fun!

The ugliest sweaters did not leave without being recognized... Gifts were given out to the 1st, 2nd and 3rd prize winners, as well as an additional prize for the "ugliest" scarf, and a token to the "ugliest" tie.

A big thank you to C.J. Callaway's and Chef April, Billy Lurken, and all who came out for the festivities!

Happy Holidays, and Merry Christmas!

MENU
Appetizers with 2012 La Crescent
Smoked Pork Tenderloin
Fromage Platter

Salad with Chambourcin
Candied Almond Gorgonzola Salad

Entree with 2012 Frontenac Gris
Airline Chicken stuffed with Chorizo,
Cranberry and Jalapenos w/ sauce
Accompanied by Smashed Yams

Dessert with Sun Dog
Peppermint Cream Cake