Organic wine, like other organic agriculture, is turning into the new "big thing" in wine tasting, and if you are lucky enough to live near Palm Springs or La Quinta, you can take advantage of a local wine tasting event, actually two since there are two restaurants, put on by The Falls Restaurants:

The Falls Restaurants in Palm Springs and La Quinta are presenting an unforgettable evening of fine dining paired with distinctive wines from Benziger Family Winery served with each course. Winemaker Bobby Benziger will be on hand to provide diners with the history of the winery and its unique approach to biodynamic farming.

Wine dinner packages with a five-course meal are available on January 12th from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. at $79 per person plus tax and gratuity at both restaurant locations.

"Biodynamics is the highest level of organic farming," says Benziger. "It's a holistic approach to agriculture that requires the elimination of all chemicals and encourages the most healthy environment around the vineyard. For the past three vintages we have produced a Bordeaux blend off our Estate called 'Tribute.' This is the first ever biodynamic-certified wine from Sonoma or Napa counties. This is not only the right thing for the environment, but it produces wines that are unique to our area."

Wines being featured for the dinner include:

(First Course) 2005 North Coast Sauvignon Blanc: This bright, clean Sauvignon Blanc owes much of its crispness to 100% stainless steel fermentation. Fruit from our growers in the North Coast of Sonoma County consistently produce aromatic wines ripe with flavors of lemon and lime that pair exquisitely with shellfish and summer salads.

(Second Course) 2005 Carneros Chardonnay: The Carneros region is slightly south of Sonoma Valley and is famous for producing rich, full Chardonnays. Cool morning fog and rolling hillside vineyards allow the grapes to mature late into the season, resulting in tropical fruit flavors and excellent depth of body.

(Third Course) 2003 Sonoma County Merlot: Fruit ranging from mountains, hillside, bench and valley floor locations spanning from Alexander Valley to Carneros was hand picked and blended to produce a wine that is supple and full bodied, with layered flavors of toast, dark plum, pepper and a touch of oak. Our 2003 Merlot should be enjoyed during the next 3-4 years and makes an excellent pairing alongside roasted chicken and potatoes, beef stew, or shish kebabs.

(Fourth Course) 2003 Sonoma County Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon: Vineyard lots with exceptional reputations for quality are hand selected for the Benziger Reserve Program. At harvest each lot is barrel fermented separately, allowing the winemakers to have complete control in blending and ensuring that only the very best wine ends up in the bottle. Our 2003 Reserve Cabernet is full bodied and very long and rich on the palate, with a lengthy finish.

(Dessert) 2005 Lake County Muscat Canelli, Bartolucci Vineyard: In the winery we use whole cluster pressing and an aggressive press cut to insure beautiful floral fruit without astringency. Tank fermentation at low temperatures allows us to slow the fermentation process to preserve fruit flavors and aromas. We stop the fermentations with just enough residual sugar to emphasize and balance the crisp acidity. A wonderful Muscat, in a medium sweet style, the 2005 has excellent character pear, apple, honeysuckle and good balance.