Quick Bites: Fire's effect on vineyards, Alton Brown, tasting room debut and more.

A number of discerning wine drinkers' favorite vineyards reside in Cachagua Valley.

They include big names and small-batch growers alike, Bernardus, Boekenoogen, Galante, Georis, Heller Estate, Joullian, Rombi and Silvestri among them.

Fortunately Monterey County Vitners and Growers report none are experiencing significant damage at this time.

In fact, many are aiding the response.

Industry employees that were not evacuated have been on the scene since the fire began Saturday, not only preparing should the fire expand, but assisting with resources and man power.

That included using bulldozers and crews to clear brush from the property lines, digging trenches and assembling water trucks.

Vineyard reservoirs have also been tapped as a source of water for fire-fighting efforts.

“The safety of our neighbors is now our primary concern," was the word from Bernardus' Matt Shea. "We’re providing water, feeding people and have become a safe haven for rescued animals."

Jack Galante of Galante Vineyards has also been taking in animals and providing both paddock space and feed.

Even though Monterey County had an early grape harvest, there are still grapes on the vine.

John Boekenoogen from Boekenoogen Winery said he was hoping to avoid smoke taint on the grapes, even though my recollection of the Basin Complex Fire was some very pleasant smoky character on a number of Cachagua wines.

“Thankfully with the position of southeasterly winds, we expect to avoid smoke taint,” he says.

I'd be far more concerned about the effects of smoke retardant.

Joullian winemaker Ridge Watson puts us both in our place, pointing out that it took three weeks of fires for any flavor.

In related news, much harvesting and crush activities have been slowed as PG&E is working to restore power.

For official fire updates and evacuation orders, follow the Weekly home page reports and visit the Cal Fire Incident Information site.

More news nibbles appear here:

• Trailside Cafe Carmel Valley (298-7453) used last weekend to stage an Oktoberfest with superlative German food and 16 authentic German beers—and to serve a reminder it has a standout beer selection and a recently completed outdoor beer garden. In fact, it went so well beer-loving Sean Allen is extending it to cover every weekend in October. 

• A sneak photo peek of new Boardwalk Sub Shop in Monterey is up on the blog, www.mcweekly.com/edible.

• Not too far from there, Melville Tavern readies to give downtown Monterey new gastropub next month(ish).

• Gorgeous new Lucia at Bernardus (658-3595) has introduced fried chicken-brisket Wednesdays ($28 includes a ton of food and a glass of wine), Breast Cancer Month drink deals and a mini foodie festival called Craftsman Exchange. More on the blog.

• Real Good Fish, formerly Local Catch Monterey Bay, just scored a massive catch of a Chase Bank grant to support its pioneering local sourcing of seafood and partnerships with area schools to stock cafeterias with fresh seafood. More on the blog soon.

• Roadhouse Wine Bar (372-1909) next to Tarpy's on the border of Monterey and Del Rey Oaks breaks out an open house style grand opening on September 30 from noon-8pm. There will be some Franscioni-provided bites, a free glass of Rosé and a 10 percent discount for wine purchases. 

• From 11:30am-1:30pm Sunday, Sept. 27, aspiring celebrity chef Luca Paris visits The Wharf Marketplace doing a live cooking demo and what he prepares will be their feature BBQ as well.

• Scheid Family Wines' District 7, fresh off a turn as the official wine for Monterey Jazz Fest, scores 90 for its Cab (just $20), 92 for Viento Vineyard Pinot ($34) and another 92 for the Riverview Vineyard Chard ($29) from Wine Enthusiast for its 2012s.

• St. Paul’s Episcopal unleashes a robust tri-tip barbecue Monday, Oct. 5, to benefit a range of community projects: $12 for a tri-tip sandwich, salsa, salad, fruit and homemade cookies.

• Seaside’s American Legion on La Playa (394-6604) brings in the Vincent & Tony show for Friday barbecue: tri-tip, ribs, chicken wings, collard greens, mac and cheese, plates $10-$15, sandwiches $6, 5pm on, with music by DJ Randy.

• Folktale Winery hosts its first Wine Club Pick Up Party 4-8pm Sunday, Sept. 27. 

• Two pairs of tickets to Oct. 3's upscale Party with Alton Brown at the Monterey Bay Aquarium are on the plate for those who share their favorite dish from a Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch Partner.