Summer Reds & Whites At The Stirling Club

Most people know that food is the primary consideration for choosing the right wine. But with some fine restaurants making subtle changes to match the season, some wine lovers are at a loss without their favorites. Naturally, it's perfectly fine to select whatever seems right. However, you might surprise yourself after tasting a variety of summer reds and whites from around the world.

To help make introductions to a few summer favorites, The Stirling Club has invited Brett McAnnany with Red Rock Wines to share his selections from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on July 8 in the north lounge. Participation is only $35, with Stirling Club Wine Society members receiving half off. Reservations are required and seating is extremely limited.

What To Expect At This Summer Wine Tasting

Germany — Riesling, St. Uban-Hof, 2009
Consistently rated 90 by Wine Spectator for several years, this Riesling is one you don't want to miss. It comes from Leiwen, Germany, where the Weis family has made exceptional wines for generations. Their philosophy is simple: great wines are made in vineyards, not so much in cellars.

United States — Sauvignon Blanc, 75 Wine Company, 2008
With its ripe pear and citrus notes with tropical fruit flavors, this Sauvignon Blanc comes from the Red Hills Appellation, which is known for having the cleanest air in California. The secret? It is fermented completely in stainless steel and aged sur lie for nearly three months to enhance its complexity.

Argentina — Finca La Linda, Luigi Bosca Torrontes, 2009
This wine is from Bodega Luigi Bosca and comes from Mendoza, Argentina. It’s 100 percent Torrontés grown at more than 5,500 feet above sea level. The company shares its entire winemaking process on its Website.

France — Syrah-Grenache Les Vignes de Bila Haut, Cotes de Roussillon Villages, 2008
Roussillon is the sunniest region in France, which makes the region similar to Spain. Some people suggest this is why Roussillon wines haven't received as much attention. This one will. The dark red fruit is distinct, with a burgundy-like color. In 2008, this wine made the top 100.

Italy — Dolcetto, Camerano Dolcetto d'Alba, Piemonte, 2007
Made from the black grape grown in the Piedmount region of northern Italy, Camerano Dolcetto d'Alba features a youthful flavor with berries and tannis. The wines made here follow tradition, but Ettore and his son Vittorio Camerano are starting to keep an eye on the future.

Spain — Grenacha, Tempranillo, Syrab, Cab Blend, Cellars Pinol "Ludovius," 2008
Possibly the heaviest wine of the summer selection, this blend carries a glass-coating crimson hue with cherry, blueberry, and blackberry. The estate consists of 100 acres in the town of Batea in Terra Alta, Spain. Cellar Vinos Pinol was founded in 1945 and remained in the family for four generations.

Non-Stirling Club members may contact Kathleen Gustafson, executive membership director, by email via the The Stirling Club Web site. Stirling Club members may also refer guests for consideration. Members may place reservations by calling 702-732-9700.

Las Vegas Fourth of July 2010: Stirling Style

Las Vegas makes for a great Fourth of July destination because of the extended weekend, but it's not easy to find some semblance of patriotic offerings. One of the best traditions used to be found at Hills Park in Summerlin, but the Las Vegas Philharmonic event was moved to the Springs Preserve, where fireworks are not an option. This year, its event is the day before.

You can still find some sort of tradition, however. The Stirling Club will be hosting its annual Fourth of July Independence Day pool party from noon to 4 p.m. on Sunday, July 4. Member attendance is $24.95 per person; $12.95 for children under 12. Reservations are required.

Sunday, July 4 at The Stirling Club

The Stirling Club's Fourth of July Independence Day pool party includes live entertainment and an extensive barbecue buffet. Some menu highlights include roasted baby back ribs, char-grilled Angus burgers, barbecued chicken with pineapple sauce, and grilled kielbasa. There are dozens of sides and salads as well. The dessert selection includes strawberry shortcake (with flag decorations), apple pie, dark cherry pie, fudge almond brownies, and lemon squares.

"Seating will be available in the Verandah Room or poolside," says Mike Saye, general manager of The Stirling Club. "You are welcome to enjoy lunch whether or not you attend the pool party."

With all the entertainment options and events, most people will attend the pool party. In addition to a guest DJ, The Stirling Club will host the Bootlegger Bistro's Future Stars. As these talented singers and the band play on, there will be other events, including a pie eating contest.

After the event, feel free to stay on into the evening. Or if you are hoping to end the evening with fireworks, there are a few limited choices.

Also on July 4, The Stirling Club will be hosting its Wimbledom Championships. Strawberries and cream will be served at the tennis courts from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Fourth of July Fireworks On July 4

• The City of Henderson, which used to have one of the most popular park celebrations, seems to have scaled back to a single viewing area at the Basic High School football field. The celebration will take place between 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. There will be live entertainment throughout.

• As an alternative, try one of five Station Casino properties. Green Valley Ranch, Aliante Station, Red Rock Resort, Fiesta Rancho and Texas Station will be be setting off fireworks displays by Gruccis of New York. Gruccis of New York is a five-generation, family-owned and operated company on Long Island. Las Vegas is also a distribution center for the company. The display, which will last nine minutes, will start at 8:45 p.m.

For more Las Vegas-style offerings, parties, and concerts, members may contact The Stirling Club concierge. For consideration of membership on the Fourth of July, contact Kathleen Gustafson, executive director of membership, at 702-784-4603 or by email via The Stirling Club Web site. Guests may request admission to special events such as the Fourth of July celebration as an introduction to the club.

Of course, no matter what you decide to do in Las Vegas, please do have a fun, safe, and sane Fourth of July. And, especially if you have children, take a moment to share with them what the Fourth of July really means to the United States beyond the fun and festivities.

The Best Tennis In Las Vegas With Clay Courts

With the exception of retired great Andre Agassi making his home in Las Vegas, tennis isn't always top of mind in Nevada. Even after the 2007 Tennis Channel Open, which was the second to be held in Las Vegas, people tend to forget the city's ties to the sport.

Between 1972 and 1985, Las Vegas was home to the Alan King Tennis Classic. As noted, it was the home of the Tennis Channel Open, until the tournament was sold to the ATP. Even Kirk Kerkorian, who helped shape the city, is an avid tennis player.

At The Stirling Club, there are dozens more stories. Bob and Mike Bryan host a camp here. Marty Hennessy, who also owns VegasTennis.com and operates the Marty Hennessy Jr. Tennis Foundation, has been instrumental in developing summer camps and competitions. And, it's not uncommon to see the occasional celebrity or professional tennis player vying for a spot on the courts. The clay courts at The Stirling Club are much cooler in the summer!

Tennis Schedule At The Stirling Club

• Jr. Tennis Clinic, 3:30 p.m., Mondays ($15)
• Evening Adult Clinic, 6 p.m., Tuesdays ($15)
• Jr. Tennis Clinic, 3:30 p.m., Wednesdays ($15)
• Mixed Doubles/BBQ, 6 p.m., Fridays (1st and 3rd, $25)
• USTA League, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturdays (NA)
• Morning Adult Clinic, 8 a.m., Sundays ($12)

Marty Hennessy also hosts a summer camp for juniors. The camp includes tennis, swimming, games, awards banquets, and pizza parties. For more information, contact Marty at 702-493-3764.

Stirling Club members frequently look for partners and pairings too. Sometimes requests are made directly on The Stirling Club Facebook page.

While the Stirling Club is home to the finest courts in Las Vegas, there also some public options. The Amanda & Stacy Darling Memorial Tennis Center on the west side of Las Vegas is one of the best known with 23 outdoor lighted courts. Other parks with courts include: Lorenzi Park, Sunset Park, and Bob Baskin Park. For more courts, the Las Vegas Online Entertainment guide has an extensive listing.

Several properties also have courts, including Bally's Las Vegas, Flamingo Las Vegas, Las Vegas Hilton, Paris Las Vegas, and the Riviera. America Online Travel has a comprehensive listing. Most newer resorts do not have courts. Rates vary.