Š 2010 J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines, San Jose, CA
A natural partnership.
Harnessing what nature gives us. From sun to soil, from vineyard to bottle, from our hands to your table, J. Lohr is leading the way in bringing earth-friendly practices, technologies and processes to fruition. Learn more at jlohr.com.
r e s p e c t i n g n at u r e , n u r t u r i n g b a l a n c e .
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Amador Big Crush Harvest Festival Saturday – Sunday, October 2-3 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. At Multiple Plymouth Wineries Wine lovers enamored of the rich, robust wines of Amador County in California�s picturesque Sierra Foothills can soon savor them to their heart’s content. A group of 34 member wineries of the Amador Vintners host the vintners’ annual Harvest Wine Festival. For two days during the heart of the grape harvest season, Amador aficionados can partake of great wine, food, music and other harvest festivities amidst the scenic beauty of Amador Wine Country. Tickets for the “Big Crush,� good for both days of the event and all activities, are $30 per person in advance and $35 on event days at participating wineries. Sunday only Tickets are available for $20 each in advance and $25 on Sunday at participating wineries. Each ticket includes a commemorative vintage wine glass. For tickets and for information visit www.bigcrush2010.eventbrite.com.
Calaveras Grape Stomp Saturday, October 2 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. At Multiple Murphys Wineries The annual Grape Stomp event in the Murphys Community Park has become one of the most anticipated events of the year, drawing a large crowd of stompers and spectators from around California. The Stomp features the stomping competition, silent and live auctions which raise money for local high school scholarships and community organizations, as well as art, food, street fair and of course wine! For those who aren’t ready to jump into the barrel, the Gold Rush Street Fair provides hours of strolling through unique gifts, art, food, beer and local Calaveras wine. Call (209) 754-0127 for your Stomp application ($50 per team of two). For information on the Gold Rush Street Fair, call (209) 736-2580.
Grass Valley Taste of the Gold Saturday, September 25, 1 – 4 p.m. Nevada County Fair Grounds 11228 McCourtney Road This fabulously fun and tasty event, featuring some of the Northern Sierra Foothill’s finest restaurants and wineries, takes place on Saturday afternoon of the Draft Horse Classic. Find your favorite wine, and with glass in hand, nibble your
way through more restaurants than you could possibly visit in a long weekend. Tickets for the event are $30 in advance or $40 at the door. To purchase tickets visit www.nswinecountry.com or call (530) 272-8315 for more information.
Lake County Concert in the Garden Tulip Hill Winery Saturday, September 11, 4 – 7 p.m. 4900 Bartlett Springs Road, Nice Tulip Hill Winery joins forces with Operation Tango Mike and the ever-popular band Twice as Good. Join Tulip Hill Winery as they close the season with their final Concert in the Garden and support our troops while sipping award-winning wines paired to tasty seasonal treats. Bring a donation item to send in support of our troops and Tulip Hill Winery will donate $5 from every concert ticket sold to Operation Tango Mike. Doors open at 3 p.m. Tickets are $10 per person which includes wine and food pairings. Bring a blanket or lawn chair and rock and roll the night away. For tickets and more information visit www.tuliphillwinery.com or call (707) 274-9373.
Livermore 29th Annual Harvest Wine Celebration Sunday - Monday, September 5 - 6 12 - 5 p.m. Robertson Park 3200 Robertson Park Road,Livermore The 29th Annual Harvest Wine Celebration showcases historic Livermore Valley Wine Country during the peak of Harvest Season. With over 40 wineries sharing their wines, hospitality and offering a unique experience, it makes for a memorable weekend for wine enthusiasts and friends. On Sunday, hop aboard one of the complimentary shuttle buses, visit numerous wineries, enjoy musical entertainment with friends and celebrate the Harvest. Guests can also choose to drive themselves, bike, or book their own transportation. During this fun-filled day at the wineries, guests will enjoy complimentary wines (at least two varietals), music, arts & craft vendors, food vendors, special wine discounts and more. Monday features a more intimate affair at the wineries, as each winery will offer a unique experience and activity. In addition to complimentary wine tasting and vendors, each winery will offer a special activity allowing guests to tailor their Continued on Page 5
www.vinetimesonline.com • August / September 2010
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c o n t e n t s t h e
f i v e
California
D ’ s
PUBLISHER
Victoria Buonocore
DO:
3
MANAGING EDITOR
What’s Doin’ in Wine Country
Toni Sieling EDITORIAL ASSISTANT & STAFF WRITER
A selection of California wine events you can’t miss.
Tiffany Melanis
DESTINATION:
8
EVENTS EDITOR
Amador to Mariposa
Sally Gersbach
B Y T I F FA N Y M E L A N I S
ADVERTISING
Drink, Eat and Play in Shanendoah Valley, Murphys and Mariposa’s Yosemite.
Sally McGee sally@vinetimesmagazine.com
14 DELIGHTS:
(650) 358-9908 Jody Stathakis
Goodies & Gadgets Check out these three cool essentials for hot August nights: Ciao Bella’s Blackberry Cabernet, Ravi Instant Wine Chiller and Cow Girl Creamery’s creamy cheeses.
jody@rightbrainmarketing.net
Hot August Night
(707) 337-4735
By Scott Erwert • www.erwert.com Digital
21 DISCOVER:
c o l u m n i s t s
Old Town Temecula B Y TO M P L A N T
Park the car and enjoy a walking tour of no less that six wineries plus eateries and shopping galore.
7
Her VineNess on Wine BY LAURA NESS
These summer finds hail from Paso Robles, Livermore Valley, and Creston.
38 DEVOUR:
Chow Bella COMPILED BY TIFFANY MELANIS
15
Wineries serve up their end of summer recipes.
Eat This With... The perfect pairing for refreshing Ceviche.
7
27
Tasting Outside The Box
17
Culinary Road Trip
19
Signorello: Poised for Perfection
BY CYNTHIA BOURNELLIS
The Wine Chixs B Y L I N DA K I S S A M & G I N G E R G I O R DA N O
The Wine Chixs find wine, art and waves in Laguna Beach.
BY CHRISTINA JULIAN
10
From Behind the Tasting Bar Cynthia’s educational trip to UC Davis found more to offer than she bargained for.
f e a t u r e s
Chasing Grapes with S.E. Chase Cellars
BY FRED MCMILLIN
Topnotch wines for any budget.
26
BY LISA J. PRETTY
McMillin’s Picks
31
B Y T I F FA N Y M E L A N I S
The City Cellar BY MICHELLE SIELING
The tale of two new wine-themed restaurants.
B Y D E N I S E KO U Z O U J I A N
B Y S A N D R E W M O N T G O M E RY
23
No Fiddlin’ in Fiddletown
29
Vino in Vallecito
More great California Vine Times articles coming to:
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BY LAURA NESS
B Y L I N DA J . B OT T J E R
P H OTO C R E D I T S : C H A N N E L I S L A N D S M A R I N E & W I L D L I F E I N S T I T U T E , S I E R R A N E VA DA R E C R E AT I O N T O M P L A N T, L I S A J . P R E T T Y, N I C K M E T R A KO S , I R I S H W I N E RY
w i n e r y
C O R P. ,
PRODUCTION
Anne Dobbins Toni Sieling California Vine Times is published by In Flight Publishing and is distributed to wine enthusiasts throughout California. Business matters, advertising and editorial concerns may be addressed to Vine Times as shown below. Copyright 2006, In Flight Publishing, In Flight Media. Vines Times is not responsible for any action taken by any person as a result of reading any part of any issue. The pieces are written for information, entertainment and suggestion–not recommendation. The pursuit of any products or services purchased or any action reflected by this publication is the sole responsibility of the individual and not of this publication, its staff, owners, or contributors. Opinions expressed in this edition are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of Vine Times. All editorial, advertising and graphic matter in this edition is copyrighted. Reproduction in any way is strictly prohibited without the written permission from the publisher. We welcome your letters and emails to the editor. Only signed letters with return addresses and phone numbers will be considered for publication.
k California Vine Times 1040 S. Claremont Street or PO Box 5402 San Mateo CA 94402 voice 650.358.9908 fax 650.358.9254 editor@vinetimesmagazine.com vinetimesonline.com
Have your wine event included in our October/November issue. Please submit your October and November events for inclusion in our next issue by Sept. 13 to editor@vinetimesmagazine.com or submit online at www. vinetimesonline.com.
g u i d e s
Vine Times publishes all winery guides on a rotating space-available basis. Only wineries with tasting rooms are listed. Guides can be downloaded from our website at www.vinetimesonline.com. Amador County......................................6 Calaveras County ..................................9 El Dorado County North/South ......20 Gilroy ......................................................12 Glenn County ..........................................* Humboldt County................................22 Lake County ..........................................22
Livermore Valley....................................37 Lodi..........................................................31 Madera County ......................................* Mariposa County ....................................9 Mendocino County..............................22 Merced County ....................................34 Monterey................................................28
Napa County ..................................24, 25 Nevada County ......................................7 Paso Robles ..........................................16 Placer County..........................................7 Salinas Valley ............................................* San Francisco Bay Area ......................12 San Francisco East Bay ........................10
San Luis Obispo....................................32 Santa Barbara ........................................18 Santa Clara Valley ................................12 Santa Cruz ............................................12 San Benito ................................................* Solano County ......................................25 Sonoma County ............................34, 35
* These guides are downloadable at www.vinetimesonline.com
4 August / September 2010 • www.vinetimesonline.com
Temecula/San Diego County ............33 Tuolume County ....................................9 Yolo County ............................................* Yuba County ............................................7
What’s Doin’ in Wine Country... Continued from Page 3 experiences towards their interests. Advance two-day tickets are $55 and may be purchased at lvwines.org. Tickets may be purchased at the door for $65. Visit lvwines.org for more information.
Mendocino County Yorkville Highlands Wine Festival Saturday,August 14, 2 - 6 p.m Meyer Family Cellars 9750 Highway 128,Yorkville Continuing a long-standing tradition, wine lovers and families alike are encouraged to attend this fun filled day in the scenic Yorkville Highland rolling hills. Highlights will include tasting over 30 local wines made and grown within the region, a tour of Meyer Family Cellars, delicious regional cuisine featuring roast pork and savory lamb barbeque, live music, a silent auction and fun activities such as a grape stomp competition, the barrel roll race and other winery games suitable for both adults and children. There is also the traditional Fire Hose Signing where festival goers are encouraged to sign their name or special message to a 100 foot fire hose as a statement of gratitude to those who risk their lives battling the annual
blazes in California. Tickets are $60 for participants and $35 for designated drivers. Children 5 years and under are admitted free. For tickets and information visit www.yorkvillehighlands.org or call (707) 895-2341.
Napa V. Sattui�s 26th Annual Harvest Ball Saturday, September 25, 6 p.m. V. Sattui Winery 1111 White Ln., St Helena This harvest celebration promises to be a most memorable evening of fine food, wines, music and dancing. This will be the latest celebration in the annual series of tributes focusing on the regional cuisines of Italy. And it will be the culmination of a yearlong celebration of the winery�s founding in San Francisco 125 years ago. You�ll be led to a big top in Vittorio�s Vineyard to enjoy a six-course banquet, prepared by returning Michelin-star chef Stefano Masanti of Madesimo, Italy, who will match dishes from his native Lombardia with V. Sattui’s finest wines, including Reserves and older vintages. For your after-dinner enjoyment, dance to Pride & Joy, one of the most pop-
N A P A
The Great Hall
ular and electrifying dance bands in the San Francisco Bay Area music scene. Tickets are $225 per person. For tickets and more information visit www.vsattui.com/harvestball or call (800) 799-2337.
Paso Robles 12th Annual Winemakers’ Cookoff Saturday,August 7, 6 to 9 p.m. River Oaks Hot Springs 800 Clubhouse Drive, Paso Robles During its twelve-year history, the Paso Robles Winemakers’ Cookoff has become one of Paso Robles’ most-popular wine, food and music events. It is also one of its most unique, featuring not just wine, but the culinary talents of 30 local winemakers pairing their culinary creations with their finest wines and competing for both Judges’ Choice and People’s Choice awards the day of the event. Since the first Winemakers’Cookoff in 1999, proceeds have been deposited in Rotary’s Harlow Ford Scholarship Foundation, building a perpetual fund that has enabled the Paso Robles Rotary Club to award scholarships approaching $300,000. For more information on the Paso Robles Rotary Club and the Winemakers’
Cookoff visit www.winemakerscookoff.com or call (877) 264-6979.
Placer County Placer County Vintners Association
“Grape Days of Summer� Friday - Sunday,August 6-8 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. At Participating Wineries along the Placer County Wine Trail The Placer County Vintners Association (PCVA) is hosting a special wine experience weekend which kicks-off with a special Winemakers’ Dinner. The event continues Saturday with “Grape Days of Summer,� featuring a wine tour and special activities through Sunday, August 8. “Grape Days of Summer� events will be held at PCVA member wineries located along the scenic Placer County Wine Trail from Newcastle to Auburn, and will feature winery tours, wine and food pairings, live music and a variety of special wine education experiences. Not to miss experiences include a “vineyard to barrel tour�, vertical and terroir tastings, sensory evaluation demonstrations and library wines. Weekend Package tickets are $110 per person. Visit www.placerwine.com for tickets and information. Continued on Page 6
V A L L E Y
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707-967-6272
castellodiamorosa.com
Grand Barrel Room
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What’s Doin’ in Wine Country... Continued from Page 5
Santa Barbara
groove to some live music. Each ticket will feed a pup for a week and all tickets are tax-deductible, nonrefundable donations to CIMWI. Arrive at 3:30 p.m. for check-in at the Sea Landing at the Santa Barbara Harbor, as the Condor Express will be leaving promptly at 4 p.m. Advance tickets are required so call (805) 231-7496 to reserve your spot.
Santa Cruz Mountains Your Personal Vineyard for an Afternoon
Fundraiser Cruise to Feed Seals & Sea Lions Sunday, August 15, 4 - 6 p.m. Carina Cellars 2900 Grand Avenue, Los Olivos Channel Islands Marine & Wildlife Institute is hosting a cruise aboard the Condor Express to raise money to help feed the seals and sea lions in rehabilitation. Tickets are $35 and each ticket includes appetizers, two drink tickets, and one raffle ticket, with the ability to purchase more on board. Come taste some amazing Carina Cellars wines and pair with delicious treats provided by Sojourner Café and chef John Fernandez of A Tavola!, or enjoy a cool local brew from The Brewhouse and
Now through September 30 Windy Oaks Estate Vineyard 550 Hazel Dell Road, Corralitos Windy Oaks Estate will conduct private walking tours daily of its 15-acre vineyard, 1,000 feet up on a ridge overlooking the Monterey Bay. Visitors will taste the wines and learn about Windy Oaks unique organic vineyard practices and much more. Each tour will include wine tastings, paired with snacks or a gourmet box lunch on the vineyard ridge. “This is an opportunity to experience our vineyard during the height of the growing season,” says Judy Schultze, coproprietor of Windy Oaks Estate with her husband and winemaker Jim Schultze. Personal vineyard tours at Windy Oaks are for two to six people and will be scheduled daily, by reservation only, between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. Each tour will
Sonoma
6 August / September 2010 • www.vinetimesonline.com
select tasting rooms. You may choose to check-in at 16 different locations. After you've checked-in, you'll be set to roam through the valley tasting wines & enjoying the Harvest Celebration. Visit www.heartofsonomavalley.com for the complete list of participating wineries, tickets and additional information.
Sonoma Wine Country Weekend
Temecula
Friday – Sunday, September 3-5 Multiple Sonoma Wineries An epicurean event unlike any other, Sonoma Wine Country Weekend combines the elegance, sophistication, and style of Taste of Sonoma, with the festivity, frivolity and fundraising of the Sonoma Valley Harvest Wine Auction for three unforgettable days of celebration. This event offers a variety of wine tasting lunches, dinners and galas across the Sonoma County. General admission tickets as well tickets to main events may be purchased at www.sonomawinecountryweekend.com or call (800) 939-7666 for more information.
The 2010 Sonoma Valley Crush September 18-19, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. At Select Sonoma Wineries The Crush Weekend Wine Tasting Pass is $45 per person and gives you access to harvest activities and wine tastings at
DOBRA ZEMLJA 12 12505 Steiner Road, Shenandoah Valley, 209-245-3183, dobraz.com Tasting Daily 10-5 BELLA PIAZZA 31 DOMAINE DE LA TERRE13 19900 Shenandoah School Rd., ROUGE/EASTON WINES Plymouth, 209-245-4600 10801 Dickson Rd, Plymouth Tasting Daily 10-5 209-245-3117, terrerougewines.com 5 BRAY VINEYARDS eastonwines.com 10590 Shenandoah, Plymouth Tasting Fri-Mon 11-4 209-245-6023, brayvineyards.com DRYTOWN CELLARS 14 Tasting Fri-Mon 10-5 16030 Hwy. 49, Drytown 6 C. G. DI ARIE 209-245-3500, drytowncellars.com VINEYARD & WINERY Tasting Fri-Sun 11-5 11919 Shenandoah School Rd, 33 FRENZ VINEYARD & Plymouth, 209-245-4700 WINERY Tasting Thu-Mon 10-4:30 21390 Ostrom Road, Fiddletown 7 CHARLES SPINETTA 209-245-4800 WINERY Tasting Sat-Sun 10:30-4:30 12557 Steiner Road, Plymouth IL GIOIELLO/MORSE 209-245-3384,charlesspinettawinery.com 15 WINES Tasting Sat-Sun 9-4:30; 22355 Lawrence Road, Fiddletown Mon,Thu, Fri 8-3:30 209-245-3395, ilgioiellowinery.com CLOS DU LAC CELLARS/ 32 Tasting Sat-Sun 11-5 GREENSTONE WINERY JEFF RUNQUIST WINES 16 3151 Hwy. 88, Ione, 209-274-2238 10776 Shenandoah Rd., Plymouth Tasting Wed-Sun 10-4 209-245-3143, jeffrunquistwines.com 8 CONVERGENCE Tasting Fri 12-5, Sat-Sun 11-5 VINEYARDS 17 KARLY 14650 HIGHWAY 124, PLYMOUTH 11076 Bell Road, Plymouth 209-245-3600 209-245-3922, karlywines.com Tasting Fri-Sun 10-5 Tasting Daily 12-4 9 COOPER VINEYARDS KARMERE VINEYARDS 18 21365 Shenandoah School, 11970 Shenandoah, Plymouth Plymouth, 209-245-6181 209-245-5000, karmere.com 3 cooperwines.com AVIO VINEYARDS & Tasting Fri-Sun 11-5 or by Appt. Tasting Fri-Sun 11-5 WINERY 20 NINE GABLES 14520 Ridge Rd., Sutter Creek 10 DEAVER VINEYARDS 10778 Shenandoah, Plymouth 209-267-1515, aviowine.com.com 12455 Steiner Road, Plymouth 209-245-3949, 9gables.com Tasting Fri-Sun 11-5 or by Appt. 209-245-4099, deavervineyard.com Tasting Thu-Sun 11-5 4 Tasting Daily 10:30-5 BANTAM CELLARS NUA DAIR VINEYARDS 21 10851 Shenandoah Rd., 11 DILLIAN WINES 13825 Willow Creek, Ione Plymouth, 209-245-6677 12138 Steiner Road, Plymouth 209-245-5567, nuadair.com bantamcellars.com 209-245-3444, dillianwines.com Tasting Sat -Sun 10:30-5:30 or by Appt. Tasting Daily 11-4 Tasting Fri-Sun 11- 4:30
Winery Guide
AMADOR CELLARS 1 11093 Shenandoah Rd, Plymouth, 209-245-6150 amadorcellars.com Tasting Wed-Sun, 12-5 2 AMADOR FOOTHILL WINERY 12500 Steiner Rd., Plymouth 209-245-6307, amadorfoothill.com Tasting Fri-Sun 12-5
last one and one-half to two hours. Cost is $25 per person and includes wine tasting and light snacks, or $35 per person which includes wine tasting and gourmet box lunch. For reservations and further information call (831)724-9562.
SIP Temecula Wine Month Celebration September 1-30 At Multiple Temecula Wineries The Temecula Valley Winegrowers Association is offering three different passport packages for all of September in celebration of wine month. The SIP Passport allows you to choose five of Temecula’s 30 wineries to enjoy for $40. This package includes your Passport and a souvenir TVWA glass. The SIP & RIDE package adds transportation service via the Grapeline Shuttle to your SIP passport. Ticket prices for this package will be determined based on participants’ pick-up location. The SIP & STAY package offers guests the opportunity to enjoy the passport tasting and an overnight stay at the luxurious South Coast Resort Winery & Spa for just $269 for two. Visit www.temeculawines.org for tickets or call (800) 801-9463 more information.
RENWOOD WINERY 22 12225 Steiner Road, Plymouth 209-245-6979/ 800-348-8466 renwood.com Tasting Daily 10:30-5:30 34 SERENIDAD 21339 Dickson Road, Plymouth 209-245-5304 Tasting Thu-Sun 11-5 23 SHENANDOAH VINEYARDS 12300 Steiner Rd, Plymouth 209-245-4455, sobonwine.com Tasting Daily 10-5 24 SOBON ESTATE 14430 Shenandoah Rd, Plymouth, 209-245-6554 sobonwine.com Tasting Daily 9:30-5 STONEHOUSE WINERY 25 10861 Shenandoah, Plymouth 209-245-6888 stonehousewines.com Tasting Fri-Sun 10-5 26 STORY WINERY 10525 Bell Road, Plymouth 209-245-6208, zin.com Tasting Daily 11-5 35 SUTTER CREEK WINETASTING (Crystal Basin Cellars, Gold Hill & Le Mulet Rouge)
85 Main St., Sutter Creek 209-267-5838 suttercreekwinetasting.com Tasting Daily 11-6 27 SIERRA RIDGE VINEYARD & WINERY 14110 Ridge Rd., Sutter Creek, 209-267-1316 sutterridgewine.com Tasting Fri-Sun 11-4
TANIS VINEYARDS 36 13120 Willow Creek Road, Ione, 209-274-4807 tanisvineyards.com Tasting Sat-Sun 10-5:30 19 TERRA D’ORO 20680 Shenandoah School Rd, Plymouth, 209-245-6942 montevina.com Tasting Daily 10-4:30 28 TKC VINEYARDS 11001 Valley Drive, Plymouth 209-245-6428 tkcvineyards.com Tasting Sat 11-5; Sun 1-5 or by Appt. VILLA TOSCANO WINERY37 10600 Shenandoah, Plymouth 209-245-3800 villatoscano.com Tasting Daily 10-5 29 VINO NOCETO 11011 Shenandoah, Plymouth 209-245-6556, noceto.com Tasting Fri, 12-4; Sat-Sun, 11-4 or by Appt. 38 YOUNG’S VINEYARD 10120 Shenandoah, Plymouth 209-245-3005 youngsvineyard.com Tasting Mon-Fri 10-4, Sat-Sun 10:30-5 WILDEROTTER VINEYARD30 19890 Shenandoah School, Plymouth, 209-245-6016 wilderottervineyard.com Tasting Fri-Mon 10:30-5
Submit your changes or new listings to our guides by Sept. 3, 2010 to be included in the October/ November issue. Submit to editor@vinetimesmagazine.com
Chasing Grapes with S.E. Chase Cellars By Christina Julian
I
n Napa, it’s hard to mention S.E. Chase Cellars and not think of the neighboring Hayne Vineyard and its 106-year old, gnarly Zinfandel vines, but more on that later. First, what do women’s clothing, jewelry and Chase Cellars have to do with each other? There’s the given: lots of women love wine and clothes, as do some men. But let’s dig beyond that and Chase’s deep Zinfandel vine roots (35 feet long and counting), and get to the people behind the wine, starting with Jeff Blaum. When I ask him what his chief responsibility at the
winery is, he chuckles, “Garbage man.” I probe further, suspecting there’s more. “On a good day, I’ll call myself a winemaker, on others you can refer to me as the caretaker, plumber, handyman, salesman, and on some of my favorite days, a tasting room cohort.” For Jeff, it’s all about relationships – building the best possible ones you can. A skill that Blaum honed early on in his career, (here comes the connection) during his days in women’s retail. For him, whether you’re catering to ladies in an apparel shop or visitors in a tasting room, it comes down to two magic ingredients: product and service.
Winery Guide SIERRA K NOLLS V INEYARD & 18 WINERY 19635 Kingwood Ct., Grass Valley, 530-268-9225 sierraknollswinery.com Tasting Sat-Sun 12-5 or by Appt. SIERRA STARR V INEYARD & WINERY 19 11179 Gibson Drive, Grass Valley, 530-477-8277, sierrastarrwine.com Tasting by Appt. SMITH VINEYARDS & WINERY 20 13719 Dog Bar Road, Grass Valley, 530-273-7032, smith-vineyard.com, Tasting by Appt. SOLUNE WINEGROWERS 21 16303 Jewett Ln., Grass Valley 530-271-0990, solunewinery.com Tasting Sat-Sun 12-5 or by Appt./Tours by Appt. T RUCKEE R IVER WINERY 22 10061 So. River St.,Truckee 530587-4626, truckeeriverwinery.com Tasting by Appt.
PLACER COUNTY DONO DAL CIELO ESTATE 23 6100 Wise Rd., Newcastle 530-888-0101, donodalcielo.com Fri-Sun 10-5 FAWNRIDGE WINERY 24 5560 Fawnridge Rd., Auburn 530-887-9522, fawnridgewine.com Fri-Sun 10-5 or Tues-Thurs by Appt. HYATT- BAUMBACH WINERY 26 291 Auburn-Folsom Rd.,Auburn 530-305-0048, hbwine.com Tasting Sat-Sun 12-4 or by Appt. 27 M T. VERNON WINERY 10850 Mt.Vernon Rd., Auburn, 530-823-1111, mtvernonwinery.com NEVADA COUNTY I RON M OUNTAIN VINEYARDS 9 Tasting Thu-Sun 11-5 130 Main Street, Nevada City AVANGUARDIA WINES 1 530.478.9450, IMVWines.com OPHIR WINES LLC 29 Winery: 13028 Jones Bar Rd., 7870 Santini Ln., Newcastle Tasting Tue-Sun 10-6 Nevada City, 530-274-9482, 530-823-8030, ophirwines.com avanguardiawines.com LONE B UFFALO V INEYARDS 10 Tasting by Appt. Tasting Sat 12-4 Apr-Dec or by Appt. 2682 Burgard Ln., Auburn Tasting Room: 209 W. Main St, Grass 916-663-4486, lonebuffalovine- PESCATORE VINEYARD & WINERY 30 Ridge Rd., Newcastle Valley, Tasting Daily 12-5 yards.com, Tasting Fri-Sun by Appt. 7055 916-663-1422, pesctorewines.com, B URCH H ALL/ COYOTEVILLE Tasting by Appt. UCCHESI V INEYARDS & 11 WINERIES 2 L WINERY R ANCHO R OBLE V INEYARDS32 108 Mill Street, Grass Valley Mill Street, Grass Valley 340 Fleming Rd., Lincoln 530.272.7000, BurchWines.com 167 530-274-2164, 916-645-2075, ranchoroble.com Tasting Mon,Wed, Fri-Sun; 12-5 lucchesivineyards.com Tasting by Appt. COUFOSCELLARS 5 Tasting Daily 11-6 SECRET R AVINE V INEYARD & 10065 Rough & Ready Rd. M ON TOLIVA V INEYARD & 33 WINERY Rough&Ready, 530.274.2923 12 4390 WINERY God Trail Way, Loomis Tasting Sat 12-5 or by Appt. 15629 Mt. Olive Rd., Chicago 916-652-6015, secretravine.com DOUBLE OA K V INEYARDS 6 Park, 530-346-6577 montoliva.com, Tasting Sat-Sun 12-4 Tasting by Appt. & WINERY I NA CASTELANO 34 14510 Blind Shady Road, N AGGIAR WINERY 13 V 4590 Bell Rd., Auburn Nevada City, 530-292-3235 18125 Rosemary Ln., Grass 530-889-2855, vinacastellano.com doubleoakwinery.com Valley, 530-268-9059 Fri-Sun 12-5 Tasting Sat 11-5 or by Appt. naggiarvineyards.com GREEN FAMILY WINERY 7 Tasting by Appt./Tours by Appt. YUBA COUNTY 3420 Pine Ridge Ln., Auburn N EVADA CITY WINERY 14 R ENAISSANCE 35 530-888-8866, 321 Spring St., Nevada City 12585 Rices Crossing Rd., greenfamilywinery.com 530-265-9463, ncwinery.com Oregon House, 530-575-1254 Tasting Sat-Sun 12-5 Tasting Daily 12-6, Sun 12-5 renaissancewinery.com Tasting Mon-Sat 11-3 by Appt. I NDIAN SPRINGS V INEYARD 8 P ILOT P EAK V INEYARD & 303 Broad St., Nevada City WINERY 16 Submit your changes or new list530-478-1068/ 800-375-9311 12888 Spenceville Rd., Penn Valley, ings to our guides by Sept. 3, 2010 indianspringswines.com Tasting 530-432-3321, pilotpeak.com, to be included in the October/ Sun-Thu 11-5, Fri-Sat 11:30-6 Tasting Sat-Sun 12-5 November issue. Submit to editor@vinetimesmagazine.com
Making the leap into the wine business was destined when his sister, Pam Simpson and husband Andy, came knocking on his door. Their decision to harvest grapes from a twelve-acre parcel within the Hayne Vineyard, in 1998, was a pivotal one. They brought Jeff to the wine bench in September of 2002 when they held their first crush. The vineyard and its founding family run as deep as the vines. In case you’re a numbers type, I’ll repeat myself, the roots reach down over 35 feet into the earth, touching soil and nutrients that others just don’t hit. The yield – the distinctly recognizable characteristics that Chase wines have become known for. When I ask Jeff to elaborate on how this translates to the wine he gets tongue tied and starts tossing about phrases like, “A kaleidoscope of fruit, earthy, subtle tannins,” and my favorite, “a fruity, earthy, trail mix of a
wine.” From his viewpoint, that cornucopia of flavors has a lot to do with the terrior of the vineyard that stems from the soil and far reaching root system. Beyond the physical vine roots, exists a family lineage that runs just as far, dating back to the 1800s and Andy Simpson’s Continued on Page 11
Her VineNess
on
By Laura Ness
Wine
2007 Caliza “Azimuth,” Paso Robles, $50 This is the second vintage of Carl’s stunning signature blend, and it’s nearly as intense and powerful as the 2006, which earned him 92 points from both Laube and Parker. Made from 53 percent Grenache, 35 percent Syrah (Derby Vineyard) and 12 percent Mourvedre (Halter Ranch), it’s laden with bright wild cherry, grippy olive, smoked bacon, tobacco, tanned leather, graphite and an intriguing gunpowder component. It’s a complete movie you happily watch, from trailer to credits. When I contemplate this wine, I think of Kevin Costner dressed in his best cowboy-western getup, gleaming from hatband to boot heels with steel-spurred flair. What an astonishing wellput-together wine this is. Handsome in every way. To purchase: www.calizawinery.com, call (805) 237-1480 or visit their tasting room at 2570 Anderson Road in Paso Robles.
2007 Murietta’s Well Los Tesoros de Joaquin Tempranillo, Livermore Valley, $26 I think I have a cowboy thing going on here. Murietta’s Well is named for a caballero of the 19th century, Joaquin Murietta, who watered his wild horses in Livermore on his way to Mexico to sell them. The label bears his image, a hard-looking, yet snappily ascot-festooned desperado. Tempranillo does really well in Livermore because the climate is similar to the Rioja region of Spain. It’s so easy to love this suede-smooth wine with layers of dark cherries, Santa Rosa plums, bacon, earth and a hint of pepper. This is such a crowd-pleaser of a wine, with a purity of expression that owes much to the talent of the winemaking team headed by Karl Wente. It creates the backbone for a long leisurely dinner of tapas on a warm, saltillo tile patio, with just a hint of cool evening breeze, blowing a bit of spray from a burbling fountain. Is that the sound of wild horses in the dusty distance? To purchase: www.murrietaswell.com, call (925) 456-1290 or visit their tasting room at 3005 Mines Road in Livermore.
2007 Graves Family Winegrowers Mourvedre, Creston, $28 Mourvedre is one of my favorite reds: it’s abundantly gamey, smokey, edgy and filled with what can be called “animale” or sauvage flavors. Aromas are a racy collision of wild berries, herbes de Provence, lavender, leather and musk. This one by winemaker Hilary Graves fits the Mourvedre profile nicely, with abundant wild blueberries, sage, basil, blackberries and black licorice. Notoriously difficult to ripen, the canopy is often shot long before the grapes get where they need to be, and Hilary usually hauls this one in last. It has so much natural flavor, she primarily ferments this in used Chardonnay barrels from Far Niente. Bravo to Graves for really capturing the feral essence of this unique taste-sensation experience. To purchase: www.graveswinegrowers.com, or contact Hilary Graves at: hilary@graveswinegrowers.com; (805) 2262708. Graves has no tasting room: arrange a private tasting at Denner Vineyards at 5414 Vineyard Drive in Paso Robles. www.vinetimesonline.com • August / September 2010
7
...Amador to Mariposa Drink, Eat, Play By Tiffany Melanis
W
ith so many beautiful places to visit in California’s Sierra Foothills, that also offer amazing wine tasting experiences, we at Vine Times couldn’t narrow it down to just one destination in this issue. From the wineries to the sites, each of these three destinations offer an experience that is uniquely their own. Heading from north to south, the amount of activities available to take advantage of can become overwhelming so, to ensure that you get a relaxed yet funfilled stay at these places, we have broken down your travel itinerary into three categories: Drink, Eat and Play. After all, what more could one want to do?
Shenandoah Valley in Amador County First settled during the California Gold Rush, the Shenandoah Valley is still seen as one of California’s many treasures. The first settlers in this area began planting grapes and soon were producing wine as one of the first major industries. Due to the fame surrounding Napa and Sonoma, many tend to forget that that the Shenandoah area was among the first principle wine growing regions in California. Best known for their Zinfandels, this region did suffer economically when the the decline of the Gold Rush days paired with prohibition came to a crash. Still, the areas renowned Zinfandels and other wines survived. With proof of the oldest Zinfandel vineyard dating back to 1869, winemakers continue to pride themselves on their intense flavored wines.
Drink With many of the 33 Shenandoah wineries being boutique style and familyowned, the area seems to welcome you into their homes. Indulging in some of
California’s best Zinfandels is highly recommended, but that’s not all this beautiful area has to offer. The wineries are dedicated to producing premium-quality wines that offer distinctive regional character. Villa Toscano, Shenandoah’s little Tuscany, offers many full-bodied wines that are crafted from century-old vines. Since food and wine go hand in hand, the winery provides a bistro so that you can enjoy a true wine tasting experience as you walk through the courtyard and garden. (www.villatoscano.com, (209) 245-3800) Dobra Zemlja, another Amador County winery, promises to give visitors the ultimate wine tasting experience as you sip and tour through their winery cave. (www.dobraz.com, (209) 245-3183) The experiences you’ll have while visiting Shenandoah Valley wineries will make it hard to leave.
Eat With many “come as you are” restaurants you’ll be able to enjoy the fine dining of Amador County while enjoying a relaxed atmosphere. The areas restaurants are unique in flavor and character and can be found in 19th century buildings that have been transformed into modern hot spots. Sutter Creek Palace is known for its great steaks and large selection of items. With a full bar and patio dining area, the restaurant experience is sure to meet your expectations. (www.thesuttercreek palace .com, (209) 267-1324) The award winning restaurant Taste won’t fail to please your appetite. With an innovative menu like theirs, you’ll try new and exciting foods that will shock and satisfy your taste buds. (www.restauranttaste.com, (209) 2453463) For dessert, visit Sutter Creek Ice Cream Emporium, you can treat your sweet tooth by trying any of their ice cream concoctions, homemade fudge or old fashioned candy. ((209) 267-0543)
String Bean Alley viewed on the drive in to Sutter Gold Mine off historic Highway 49. (Lisa Boulton/Sierra Nevada Recreation Corporation) 8 August / September 2010 • www.vinetimesonline.com
Play With roots as old as Amador County’s you can count on finding countless antique stores. Shopping for vintage treasure is a must on your to-do list. Staying true to its history, the area takes you back to its Gold Rush days by offering gold panning activities with underground cave tours. Taking place the last weekend in September, catch the Native American celebration of the harvest at Indian Grinding Rock State Historic Park. For a more relaxing and serene activity stop by the 13-acre Amador Flower Farm specializing in daylilies. You’ll even be able to take a flower or two home with you.
Murphys in Caleveras County The Murphys area, known as the Queen of the Sierra, is located in Calaveras County. Known for one of the first cries of “GOLD,” this area also got its start during the goldmine days. With its founders John and Daniel Murphy bringing along their luck of the Irish, the area quickly flourished in its gold benefits and invested in wine making. From there the theaters, opera houses and hotels began going up and the business continued to flow in. The area was made for success and the local wine makers wouldn’t have it any other way. They pride themselves on their wines and continue to enhance the area’s history day-by-day.
Drink With over a dozen wineries to choose from, Murphys Main Street welcomes visitors into its many tasting rooms all within walking distance. Many may argue that this area is becoming a little mecca for wine makers and enthusiasts as it continues to grow in its vineyards. Though the tasting rooms main goal is to provide visitors with their finest wines, many seem to offer a little more than just a full glass. Beaux Chevaux Tasting Gallery welcomes visitors with the saying, “Trot on in and experience two tantalizing palettes.” The tasting room is there to cater not only to your craving for good wine but to also to inspire with its local art. Past tasting room events have featured oil painters, jewelry makers and musicians. (www.beauxchevaux.com, (209) 728-2157) Many other wineries seem to follow suit like the provided fondue in the Zucca Mountain Vineyard cellar (www.zuccawines.com, (209) 728-1623) or Black Sheep Winery “different from the rest” award winning wines. (www.blacksheepwinery.com, (209) 728-2157) With everything from concerts and tours to wine making tutorials, the area’s wineries are sure to offer something for every type of visitor.
For the more adventurous there are the caves and caverns. Pictured is the Gold Cliff Mine. (Dave Bunnell/Sierra Nevada Rec. Corp.)
Eat Historic downtown Murphys has a large array of restaurants and cafes sure to satisfy all tastes. With so many wineries right at their door step, many restaurants choose to offer local wines. Murphys Grille, a town staple, welcomes its customers into a restaurant of elegance with generous portions of everything from pasta and chicken to seafood and vegetarian options. (209)728-8800) If European cuisine is what you crave, you can’t pass up the chance to enjoy Auberge 1899. This French restaurant can be found in a Victorian home where gazebo and garden patio seating is offered. Their fresh seafood and french wines are simply delicieux. (209) 728-1899)
Play Though the list of restaurants and wineries goes on, you must save time to enjoy the other things Murphys is known for. The ever so thriving and growing town has countless activities for its visitors to take advantage of. Music is a big deal in this town and it isn’t something that can easily be passed up. You are bound to run into live music at many restaurants, parks and even in its irresistibly quaint downtown. A little on the more adventurous side of things are the caves and caverns. Located on the outskirts of Murphys, the caves provide a variety of tours open to the public. If that’s not enough of the great outdoors, check out Murphys spots for mountain biking, horseback riding, and camping.
Yosemite in Mariposa County Known for its intense beauty as one of the United States first wilderness parks, Yosemite National Park in Mariposa Continued on Page 9
Destination:Amador to Mariposa
Winery Guide (Map not to scale)
The Ahwahnee Hotel in the Yosemite Valley, completed in 1927, is one of America’s most beautiful places to stay. (Photo courtesy of the Ahwahnee Hotel)
CALAVERAS COUNTY
(IN MURPHYS UNLESS NOTED) BEAUX CHEVAUX 2 466 B Main St., 209-728-1000 beauxchevaux.com Tasting Fri-Sat 11-5, Sun 11-4 3 BLACK SHEEP WINERY 221 Main St., 209-728-2157 blacksheepwinery.com Tasting Daily11-5 BODEGA DEL SUR WINERY 4 457 S. Algiers St., 209-728-9030 bodegadelsur.com Tasting Sun,Mon,Thu 11-4;Fri-Sat 11-5 BROLL MOUNTAIN VINEYARDS 6 106 Main St., 209-728-9750 brollmountainvineyards.com Tasting Sat-Sun 1-5 BRICE STATION 7 3353 E. Highway 4, 209-728-9893 bricestation.com Tasting Fri-Sat-Sun 12-6 10 CHATOM VINEYARDS 1969 Hwy. 4, Douglas Flat 209-736-6500 chatomvineyards.com Tasting Daily 11-5 11 CHIARELLA WINES 431 Main St., 209-728-8318 chiarellawines.com Tasting Fri-Sun 12-5 13 DOMAINE BECQUET 415 Main St., 209-728-8487 becquetwinery.com Tasting Mon,Thu, Fri 12-5, Sat-Sun 11-5 14 FRENCH HILL WINERY 8032 S. Main, Mokelumne Hill 209-286-1800 Tasting Fri-Sun 11-5
MARIPOSA COUNTY BUTTERFLY CREEK WINERY 2 4063 Triangle Road, Mariposa 209-966-2097, Tasting Fri-Sat 10-4 GIANELLI VINEYARDS 3 18263 Main St., Jamestown 209-984-1500 gianellivineyards.com Tasting Thu-Sun 12-5 MARIPOSA WINE COMPANY 4 20146 Road 21, Madera 559-673-6372 mariposawine.com Tasting Daily 11-4 MOUNT BULLION VINEYARD 5 6947 N. Highway 49, Mariposa 209-377-8450 mtbullionvineyard.com Tasting Fri-Sat 12-4, or By Appt. 9 SILVER FOX WINERY 4683 Morning Star Lane, Mariposa, 209-966-4800 silverfoxvineyards.com Tasting by Appt./Tours by Appt.
FROG’S TOOTH WINERY 15 380 Main St., Ste. 5, 209-728-2700, frogstooth.com Tasting Fri 1-5, Sat 11-6 18 LARAINE WINES 3675 Six Mile Rd.,Vallecito 209-736-4766, larainewinery.com Tasting Fri-Sun 11-5 or by Appt. 19 HATCHER WINERY 425 Main St, 209-605-7111 hatcherwinery.com Tasting Mon-Thu 12-5, Fri-Sun 11-5 INDIAN ROCK VINEYARDS 20 1154 Pennsylvania Gulch Rd, 209-728-8514,indianrockvineyards.com Tasting Fri- Sun 12-5 21 IRISH VINEYARDS 2849 Hwy. 4,Vallecito 209-736-1299, irishvineyard.com Tasting Mon,Tue, Fri 2-5, Sat-Sun 11-5 22 IRONSTONE VINEYARDS 1894 Six Mile Rd, 209-728-1251, ironstonevineyards.com Tasting Daily 10-5 LAVENDER RIDGE VINEYARDS 25 431 B Main St, 209-728-2441 lavendarridgevineyards.com Tasting Daily 11-5 26 MILLIAIRE 276 Main St., 209-728-1658 milliairewinery.com, Tasting Daily 11-5 MUIR’S LEGACY VINEYARDS 27 260 Jones St., 209-728-0500, muir-hanna.com, Tasting Daily 11-5 NEWSOME-HARLOW WINES 28 403 Main St., 209-728-9817 newsome-harlow.com Tasting Mon-Thu 12-5, Fri-Sun 11:30-5:30
RENNER WINERY 31 310 Town Square Rd., Copperopolis, 209-785-3649 rennerwinery.com Tasting Fri-Sat 12-6, Sun 12-5 32 SOLOMON WINE CO. 397-A Main St., 209-728-8290 solomonwine.com Tasting Mon-Fri 1-5, Sat 12-6, Sun 12-5 33 STEVENOT WINERY 458 Main St., 209-728-0148 stevenotwinery.com Tasting Daily11-5 TANNER VINEYARDS 34 202 Main St., 209-728-8229 tannervineyards.com Tasting Mon-Tue,Thu-Fri 1-5, Sat 12-5:30, Sun 12-5 37 TWISTED OAK WINERY 4280 Red Hill Rd.,Vallecito 209-736-9080, twistedoak.com Tasting Daily 10:30-5:30 Historic Murphy’s Location: 38 350 Main St, Murphys Tasting Mon-Fri 12-5, Sat-Sun 10:30-5:30.Winter hours Fri-Sun & Holidays 12-5 40 VAL DU VINO WINERY 634 French Gulch Rd., 209-728-9911 valduvino.com, Tasting Fri-Sun 12-5 41 VINA MODA WINERY 147 Main St., 209-728-1917 vinamoda.com, Tasting Sat 12-6 ZUCCA MOUNTAIN VINEYARDS 42 431 E. Main St., 209-728-1623 zuccawines.com, Tasting Daily12-5
M A RIPOSA TUOLOMNE
Continued from Page 8 County tends to make the top of most bucket lists. This 1,200 square mile park has become infamous for its deep valleys, grand meadows, ancient giant sequoias and its vast wilderness area. The Ahwahneechee Indians lived here for generations and were then followed by the arrival of Europeans in the mid-1800s. For years the trek through the valleys of Yosemite were difficult and draining. By 1907, the development of the the Yosemite Valley Railroad began making travel an easy journey and welcoming to many visitors. Today, over 3.5 million visitors a year enter the park adding to its history and preservation.
Drink Mariposa wineries continue to thrive due to their ideal weather that allow the grapes to ripen during the warm days and cool with the night breeze. This makes for full-bodied and premium wines that will have you tasting for hours. Butterfly Creek Winery is only a short distance from Yosemite Park and is an ideal location to stop for a picnic and enjoy a glass of wine in the sweet mountain air. (www. yosemitewine.com, (209) 966-2097) Mount Bullion Vineyard has events you’ll want to take advantage of like it’s famous vintage car drive-in. The owners welcome visitors to taste their award-winning wines while enjoying the breathe-taking view.
(www.mtbullionvineyard.com, (209)3778450) The list of Mariposa wineries goes on, each offering wines and and experience you’ll find unforgettable.
Eat As you discover Yosemite you’ll find that the options of eateries become more and more intriguing as you explore. Everything from the casual Mexican cuisine and barbecue in locally owned cafes to the romantic and elegant dining of cliff view restaurants can be found. The Mountain Room Restaurant is among the most praised at the park. Overlooking the 2,424 foot Yosemite Falls, The Mountain Room offers sizzling steaks, fresh seafood and delicious pastas made with local organic ingredients. You can also enjoy their large selection of California wines in the Mountain Room Lounge. (209) 372-1274 ) For a relaxed yet stylish setting for socializing and light dining, Ahwahnee Bar serves award-winning breakfast, lunch and dinner that is sure to win over your taste buds. Restaurant goers have gone as far as naming this restaurant the “crown jewel of Yosemite.” (209) 372-1489)
Play Clearly your time should be spent soaking in the wonder that is Yosemite Continued on Page 15
Premium Wines Map not to scale 13 TUOLOMNE COUNTY MT. BROW WINERY 10850 Mt. Brow Rd., Sonora GOLD MINE WINERY 10 209-532- 8491 22265 Parret’s Ferry Road, mtbrowwinery.com Columbia, 209-532-3089 Tasting Fri-Sun 12-5 Tasting Wed-Sun 12-6 LA BELLA ROSA VINEYARDS 12 117990 Old Wards Ferry Rd., Sonora, 209-533- 8668 labellarosavineyards.com Tasting Sat-Sun 12-5
4063 Triangle Rd. Mariposa, CA 95338 209.966.2097
Locally Grown and Bottled Gift Shop Picnic by the Creek
wine@sti.net www.yosemitewine.com www.vinetimesonline.com • August / September 2010
9
Tasting Outside the Box
Intrepid Vine Times intern, Tiffany, gets stuck “in the box” in the Castello’s authentic medieval dungeon. (Nick Metrakos)
By Tiffany Melanis
I
’m the intern. When I realized that I was moving 3,000 miles away to write for a California wine magazine, I was a little apprehensive. Keep in mind that I’m a South Carolina college girl whose most extensive knowledge of wine are the numerous wine-in-a-box selections at the corner drugstore. Rather than writing about the taste or bouquet of a sauvignon blanc, my expertise usually involves writing about a designers fashion line or the latest fashion faux pas. All of a sudden, I’m getting wine bottles, books and tips from everyone I know and packing my bags for two months of wine writing, researching and tasting in California. From the second I stepped foot in San Francisco I fell in love with the scenery and vibe of the city. I couldn’t wait to see Pier 39, Union Square, the Golden Gate Bridge and everything in between. My enthusiasm for the city sparked a common reaction from the locals. They all warned me that if I liked the city, I’d fall in love with the wine country. So, I eagerly started my internship at Vine Times. I began creating databases, stuffing envelopes and making countless phone calls while picking up wine tips along the way. After a week of the usual intern responsibilities, I finally heard my editor speak those words interns dream of hearing: “on-site assignment.” The Santa Cruz Mountains Vintners’ Festival was a perfect way to start my wine tasting experience. Alittle like college life’s Thirsty Thursdays of bar hopping, I spent a perfect-weather Saturday hopping from one tasting room to the next. Throughout the day, I learned about dozens of wines. Where the grapes came from. How the grapes are made into wine. What to expect in a wine. How to taste wine. Etc., etc. As I struggled to find questions on the topic I knew nearly nothing about, there was always someone near by to answer with more words than expected. Still, after learning more than I thought anyone could about a liquid, I felt as if something were missing. So, as all true journalists should, I dug deeper and found the one thing that makes other wines stand above the rest.
No, it’s not the color, bouquet or even the age of this fascinating drink, it’s something even more enthralling. The one thing that makes a wine more than just something in a bottle is the history behind it paired with the experience of wine tasting that creates a sense of respect and sparks interest in the consumers mind. Sure, you may swear by a wine you know nothing of, but that’s not what true wine tasting is about. The sacred art of wine tasting is something that one works at to appreciate. You ask the questions, you listen carefully and you appreciate every drop in your glass because learning about wine is just as enthralling as drinking it. So, there I am. Half way through my winery stops in Santa Cruz and finally being hit with this epiphany of what wine tasting is all about. The Saratoga and Los Gatos area made me feel like history and tradition were seeping through the cracks. I knew that I needed to make my last few stops memorable if my day of research was to be at all salvageable. As I spoke to the various wine aficionados, I learned a very valuable lesson about the wine industry. Wine making is more than a hobby or career; it’s a way of living. When asked, most of the people pouring for me told stories of how winegrowers got into the wine-making business. Usually taking it on as a hobby, it later became a career for many and a passion in their lives. I learned that everyone from the anomalous Alfred Hitchcock to the graceful Peggy Fleming have gotten involved in the industry. Stories of wineries’ beginnings and the families that owned them were being told in the most diversely beautiful restaurant I have ever been to - La Fondue. The restaurant, decorated in the most unique fashion, was breathtaking. Everything from its baroque painted walls, pistol shaped table lamps and treasured religious icons, made for a juxtaposing feel that worked well together. Something about my surroundings made me appreciate the tasting experience to its fullest. My next stop, the most scenic of the day, was Testarossa winery. As I reached the top of the hill and looked out at the beautiful Santa Cruz Mountains, I was convinced that if good wine was involved, a beautiful scene was going to follow suit. Testarossa is located in the fourth oldest continuously operating winery in California, the historic Novitiate Winery. Since 1888, wine has been a part of the building’s history. Every glass of wine was poured with yet another fun fact about the winery and its family. Inspired by the stories heard at the beautiful Testarossa winery, the rest of my night was spent reading the stories of many other Santa Cruz wineries. A few weeks later the opportunity to visit Napa came my way. With my newfound appreciation for wine tasting, I could
10 August / September 2010 • www.vinetimesonline.com
hardly wait to see what the heart of California wine making had to offer. As I headed to Napa, I got lost in the beauty of the drive. My spontaneity kicked in and I decided to head to the renowned V. Sattui Winery for lunch and tasting. From the backyard barbecue to the indoor marketplace and tasting bar, V. Sattui was nothing short of amazing. I can’t say that I have tasted a wine better than its 2009 Moscato Frizzante. Sipping on my wine and enjoying a variety of grilled foods on the lawn of the winery, I felt as if this place was welcoming me into it’s history. Leaving V. Sattui, I made my way to the Castello di Amarosa, Napa’s royal winery. The 100,000 square foot castle instantly makes you feel as if you have entered a fairy tale. With 107 rooms of Italian beauty, a tour guide led my group through everything from the Catholic chapel and courtyard to the torture chamber and dining hall. Due to the step-by- step tour of the winery’s production, this wine tasting was different than the rest. I not only understood the wine’s story, but I now understood each wine’s lifecycle as well. These are the experiences of an amateur wine taster. Though I have learned so much from my two months of tasting, I know that I have so much more to learn. I now end my internship with a great appreciation for California’s wine, but also with
a sense of respect for the industry’s history and its families. I’ve learned that proper wine tasting involves thinking and drinking outside the box.
Tuscan-inspired architecture and beautiful landscaping perfectly complement the famous wines produced at the V. Sattui winery. (Nick Metrakos) La Fondue 14550 Big Basin Way, Saratoga (408) 867-3332, www.lafondue.com Testarossa Vineyards 300-A College Avenue, Los Gatos (408) 354-6150, www.testarossa.com V. Sattui Winery 1111 White Lane, St. Helena (707) 963-7774, www.vsattui.com Castello di Amarosa 4045 North Saint Helena Highway, Calistoga, (707) 967-6272 www.castellodiamorosa.com
Winery Guide ROCK WALL WINE COMPANY 9 2301 Monarch St., Suite 300, Alameda, (510) 522-5700 rockwallwines.com periscopecellars.com Tasting Thurs-Sun 12-6 or by Appt. Also pouring: R&B Cellars JRE Wines, Blacksmith Cellars Ehrenberg Cellars ROSENBLUM CELLARS 10 2900 Main St., Alameda (510) 865-7007, rosenblum.com Tasting daily 11-6 STAGE LEFT CELLARS 11 2102 Dennison St, Oakland (510) 434-9930 stageleftcellars.com Tasting first Saturday of the month 11-5 URBAN LEGEND CELLARS 13 621 4th St., Oakland (510) 545-4356, ulcellars.com Tasting Fri-Sun 1-6
AUDUBON CELLARS 2 600 Addison St., Berkeley (510) 540-5384 www.auduboncellars.bizland.com Tasting by Appt.
JC CELLARS 5 55 4th St., Oakland (510) 465-5900, jccellars.com Tasting Thurs-Sun 12-6
PERISCOPE CELLARS 6 2 1410 62nd St. Ste B., Emeryville (510) 655-7827, periscopecellars.com Tasting Fri-Sun 1-6. Also pouring URBANO CELLARS wines Sat & Sun 1-6 Submit your changes or new listIRISH MONKEY 4 ings to our guides by Sept. 3, 2010 1017 22nd Ave., Oakland to be included in the October/ (510) 915-5463, irishmonkey.net November issue. Submit to editor@vinetimesmagazine.com Tasting Sat-Sun 12-5 DASHE CELLARS 55 4th Street, Oakland (510) 452-1800 dashecellars.com Tasting Thurs-Sun 12-6
Chasing Grapes with S.E. Chase Cellars Continued from Page 7 great-great grandmother. Sarah Esther Chase Bourn used the family’s property as a working ranch, until son William Bourn II took over the estate and started selling grapes to Napa Valley’s first winemaker, Charles Krug. In 1888 William built Greystone Cellars, a co-op for wine production and storage that became the formidable stone building at the northern tip of St. Helena. In 1894 when phyloxera wiped out the vineyard, William sold the property to the Christian brothers. Less than ten years later the family planted the Hayne Vineyard with Zinfandel that is still thriving and kicking over a century later. Flash forward to 2010 and you can still see the infamous building that now serves as the home of the Culinary Institute of America at Greystone. When asked what makes Napa Zinfandels and theirs so special Blaum says, “Stylistically, it’s a more elegant, feminine style of winemaking. It’s also an expression of the vineyard and its vines. When you’re picking grapes from vines that run as deep as ours, you reach a level where a whole lot of flavors are going on.” The “feminine style” analogy is fitting considering Blaum’s history with women’s clothing and the many hats he wears. It becomes obvious, early on during my visit, that the folks at Chase pay
equal attention to not only tending the grapes but to the people that visit the winery. Blaum notes, “It takes time to develop wine just as it takes time to develop relationships with our visitors. Both are a priority for us.” Jeff makes it his business to understand his wine and the people he pours it for. He’s quick to credit his days in retail for giving him the hands on know-how for relating to people from all walks of life, a skill he deems essential in the wine business. You’ll find that “approachability” factor blended into the tasting room experience, and every bottle of wine the vineyard produces. According to Blaum, the folks at Chase set out to make wines that are balanced, food friendly, and downright drinkable. One sip
confirms – mission accomplished. During a visit to Chase Cellars it’s not uncommon for people to savor the wine, roam the vineyards, pick some grapes, and linger long after the tasting room has closed. You might even find yourself part of an impromptu BBQ, and if it’s action you crave, don’t be surprised if you’re offered a rake to “dig” right in, during harvest. It’s no surprise that the property’s winery building is a modest two car garage, that’s dwarfed by the palatial estates that surround it, further solidifying Chase’s status as one of the most hometown friendly wineries around. When you step into their domain, prepare to be treated more like one of the family than an out of town visitor. They’re known for
throwing social gatherings that strike the perfect balance of fun, friends, food and fine wine, all enjoyed in the relaxed setting of the winery. If you find yourself wine-ward come fall, the Primal Napa Valley outdoor party celebration is not to be missed, with open fire cooked food from nationally recognized chefs bubbling off the grill, wine flowing, and people dancing into the night, as the century-old vines continue to “do their thing” in the background. It’s this hometown charm paired with wine that is truly Zinfully delicious that makes Chase stick out from the pack, in the best possible way. Chase Cellars is located at 2252 Sulphur Springs Avenue in St. Helena. For more information call 707-963-1284 or visit www.chasecellars.com. Christina Julian is freelance writer living in Calistoga. She has been a food and nightlife critic in New York City and recently completed her first novel Dear God, Can I Fire My Family? Her work has been published in the Bay Area’s Bohemian newspaper and she is a regular contributor for Travelhost magazine. Currently she writes for Wacky WineSense (wackywinesense.blogspot.com), a Napa Valley wine, food and frolic blog that puts the fun back into an otherwise serious business.
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11
Pleasant Valley Rd
Hame
s Rd
Haz el
ll De Rd
Santa Cruz Mountains • SF Peninsula • South Bay • Santa Clara Valley Winery Guide
Map Not to Scale
Map created by Artifact, Ink SANTA CRUZ MOUNTAINS & S.F. PENINSULA AHLGREN VINEYARD 1 20320 Hwy. 9, Boulder Creek 831-338-6071, ahlgrenvineyard.com Tasting Sat 12-4 ALFARO FAMILY VINEYARD 2 420 Hames Rd., Corralitos 831-728-5172, alfarowine.com Tasting Sat 12-5 BARGETTO WINERY 3 3535 N. Main St., Soquel 831-475-2258, bargetto.com Tasting Daily 12-5 BEAUREGARD VINEYARDS 4 10 Pine Flat Rd., Bonny Doon 831-425-7777 beauregardvineyards.com Tasting Daily 11-5 BLACK RIDGE VINEYARDS 5 18550 Black Rd., Los Gatos 408-399-6396, blackridgevineyards.com Tasting Third Sat-Sun 11-5 or by Appt. BONNY DOON VINEYARD 6 328 Ingalls Street, Santa Cruz 831-425-4518, bonnydoonvineyard.com Tasting Daily 11:30-5:30 BURRELL SCHOOL VINEYARDS7 24060 Summit Rd, Los Gatos 408-353-6290, burrellschool.com Tasting Thu-Sun 11-5 BYINGTON WINERY & VINEYARD8 21850 Bear Creek Rd., Los Gatos, 408-354-1111 byington.com, Tasting Daily 11-5 CINNABAR WINERY TASTING ROOM 9 14612 Big Basin Way., Saratoga 408-741-5858, cinnabarwine.com Tasting Daily 11-5 COOPER-GARROD VINEYARDS11 22645 Garrod Road, Saratoga 408-867-7116, cgv.com Tasting Mon-Fri 12-5, Sat-Sun 11-5 COPIOUS WINERY 12 427 Swift St., #A, Santa Cruz 813-425-WINE, copiouswinery.com Tasting Fri-Sun 12-5 or by Appt. DAVID BRUCE WINERY 13 21439 Bear Creek Rd, Los Gatos 408-354-4214, 800-397-9972 davidbrucewinery.com Tasting Mon-Fri 12-5, Sat-Sun 11-5
14 DOMENICO WINES 1697 Industrial Rd., San Carlos, 650-593-2335 domenicowines.com Tasting Daily 12-5 or by appt. DOWNHILL WINERY 15 16393 Bonnie Ln, Los Gatos, 408-358-8028, downhillwine.com Tasting by appt. EQUINOX WINE CELLARS & VINOS BARTOLO WINERY 16 427 Swift St., Santa Cruz 831-423-3000, equinoxwine.com Tasting Fri-Sun 12-5 FELLOM RANCH VINEYARDS18 17075 Montebello Road, Cupertino, 408-741-0206 fellom.com, Tasting by appt. FLEMING JENKINS TASTING ROOM 19 45 W. Main Street, Los Gatos 408-358-4949, flemingjenkins.com Tasting Tue-Sun 12-6 GENEROSA WINERY 20 22630 Summit Rd., Los Gatos 408-353-3763 generosawinery.com Tasting by Appt. GLENWOOD OAKS WINERY21 2364 Bean Creek Road, Scotts Valley, 831-438-4097 glenwoodoakswinery.com Tasting Sat 12-4:30 HEARTS FIRE WINERY 22 165 Cristich Lane, Unit K Campbell, 408-858-6029 Tasting 1st Sun. every month 1-4 or by appt. HALLCREST VINEYARDS/ ORGANIC WINE WORKS 23 379 Felton Empire Road, Felton 831-335-4441 hallcrestvineyards.com organicwineworks.com Tasting Daily 12-5 HILLCREST TERRACE 24 429-B Ingalls St., Santa Cruz 831-419-0803 Sat-Sun 12-5, most Fri afternoons HUNTER HILL 25 7099 Glen Haven Road, Soquel 831-465-9294 hunterhillwine.com Tasting Sat-Sun 11-4 or by Appt.
J. LOHR WINERY 26 1000 Lenzen Ave., San Jose 408-918-2160, jlohr.com Tasting Daily 10-5 LA HONDA WINERY 27 2645 Fair Oaks, Redwood City 650-366-4104 lahondawinery.com Tasting 3rd Sat Each Month 11-4 LA NEBBIA WINERY 28 12341 San Mateo Road, Half Moon Bay, 650-726-9463 lanebbiawinery.com Tasting Daily 10-5 LOMA PRIETA WINERY 29 26985 Loma Prieta Wy, Los Gatos, 408-353-2950 lomaprietawinery.com Tasting Sat-Sun, 12-5 MICHAEL MARTELLA WINES 32 17287 Box 103 Skyline Blvd., Woodside, 650-851-6777 michaelmartella.com Tasting by Appt. MJA VINEYARDS 30 328 Ingalls St., Santa Cruz 408-741-2822, mjavineyards.com Tasting Thu-Sun 12-5 THE MOUNTAIN WINERY 33 14831 PIERCE RD., SARATOGA, 408-741-2822 mountainwinery.com Tasting Fri-Sun 12-5 NAUMANN VINEYARDS 1605 Monte Bello Rd., 31 Cupertino, 408-867-7871 naumannvineyards.com Tasting by Appt. NICHOLSON VINEYARDS 34 2800 Pleasant Valley Rd., Aptos, 831-724-7071 nicholsonvineyards.com Tasting Sat 12-4 ODONATA 35 334-A Ingalls St., Santa Cruz 831-566-5147, odonatawines.com Tasting 1st Sat of each month OSOCALIS 36 5579 Old San Jose Road, Soquel 831-477-1718, Tasting by Appt. P&M STAIGER 37 1300 Hopkins Gulch Road, Boulder Creek, 831-338-4346 pmstaiger.com, Tasting by Appt.
12 August / September 2010 • www.vinetimesonline.com
PELICAN RANCH WINERY 38 402 Ingalls St., Santa Cruz 831-426-6911, pelicanranch.com Tasting Fri-Sun 12-5 PICCHETTI WINERY 39 13100 Montebello Road, Cupertino, 408-741-1310 picchetti.com Tasting Daily 11-5 PINDER WINERY 40 165 Cristich Lane, Campbell 877-684-2601. pinderwine.com Tasting Sat 10-3 PLEASANT VALLEY VINEYARD 44 600 Pleasant Valley Rd., Aptos 831-728-2826, pvvines.com Tasting Sat 12-4 POETIC CELLARS 41 5000 North Rodeo Gulch Rd., Soquel, 831-462-3478 poeticcellars.com Tasting Sat-Sun 12-5 REGALE WINERY &VINEYARDS42 24040 Summit Rd., Los Gatos 408-867-3233, ridgewine.com Tasting Fri 4-8, Sat-Sun 11-5:30 RIDGE VINEYARDS 43 17100 Monte Bello Rd, Cupertino, 408-867-3233, ridgewine.com. Tasting Sat-Sun 11-5 ROUDON-SMITH VINEYARDS45 2364 Bean Creek Road, Scotts Valley, 831-438-1244 roudonsmith.com Tasting Sat 12-4:30 SANTA CRUZ MOUNTAIN VINEYARD 47 334-A Ingalls St., Santa Cruz 831-426-6209 santacruzmountainvineyard.com Tasting Wed-Sun 12-5:30 SAVANNAH-CHANELLE VINEYARDS 48 23600 Big Basin Way, Saratoga 408-741-2934 savannahchanelle.com Tasting Daily 11-5 SILVER MOUNTAIN VINEYARDS 402 Ingalls St., Ste 29, 49 Santa Cruz, 831-466-0559 silvermtn.com Tasting Thu-Sun 12-5 SONES CELLARS 50 334-B Ingalls St., Santa Cruz 831-420-1552, SONESCELLARS.COM Tasting Fri-Sun 12-5 SOQUEL VINEYARDS 51 8063 GLEN HAVEN ROAD, SOQUEL, 831-462-9045 soquelvineyards.com Tasting Sat-Sun 11-4 STORRS WINERY 52 303 Potrero St., #35, Santa Cruz, 831-458-5030 storrswine.com Tasting Daily 12-5 TEAM ZIN 830 Jury Ct., San Jose 408-445-2508, Call for appt. TESTAROSSA WINERY 53 300-A College Ave., Los Gatos 408-354-6150, testarossa.com Tasting Daily 11-5
THOMAS FOGARTY WINERY54 19501 Skyline Blvd.,Woodside 650-851-6777, 800-247-4163 fogartywinery.com Tasting Wed-Sun 11-5 VINE HILL WINERY GATOS LOCOS/CUMBRE 57 2300 Jarvis Rd., Santa Cruz 831-427-0436, winesofvinehill.com Tasting by Appt. WINDY OAKS ESTATE VINEYARDS & WINERY 46 380 Sweetwood Way, Corralitos, 831-786-9463 windyoaksestate.com Tasting by Appt. WOODSIDE VINEYARDS 59 340 Kings Mountain Rd, Woodside, 650-851-3144 woodsidevineyards.com Tasting by Appt. ZAYANTE VINEYARDS 60 420 Old Mountain Road, Felton, 831-335-7992 zayantevineyards.com Tasting by Appt. SANTA CRUZ MOUNTAIN WINE GROWERS ASSOCIATION 99
7605–A Old Dominion Ct. Aptos, 831-685-VINE (8463) scmwa.com
SANTA CLARA VALLEY South Santa Clara County & Gilroy CLOS LA CHANCE 3 1 Hummingbird Lane, San Martin, 408-686-1050 800-487-9463, clos.com, Tasting Daily 11-5 CREEKVIEW VINEYARDS 4 12467 Creekview Ct., San Martin, 408-686-0534 creekviewvineyards.com CASTILLO’S HILLSIDE SHIRE WINERY 5 2215 Liberata Dr., Morgan Hill, 408-776-8200 Open Sat. 1-7, Sun. 12-5 FERNWOOD CELLARS 6 7137 Redwood Retreat Rd. Gilroy, 408-848-0611 fernwoodcellars.com Tasting by Appt. FORTINO WINERY 7 4525 Hecker Pass Hwy, Gilroy, 408-842-3305 fortinowinery.com Tasting Tue-Sat 10-5, Sun 11-5 GUGLIELMO WINERY 8 1480 E. Main Ave., Morgan Hill 408-779-2145,guglielmowinery.com Tasting Daily 10-5 HECKER PASS WINERY 9 4605 Hecker Pass Rd., Gilroy 408-842-8755 heckerpasswinery.com Tasting Daily 9-5 JASON-STEPHENS WINERY 10 11775 Watsnville Rd, Gilroy, 408-846-VINE, Tasting Daily 12-6
KIRIGIN CELLARS 12 11550 Watsonville Rd., Gilroy 408-847-8827, kirigincellars.com Tasting Daily 10-5 MARTIN RANCH WINERY 6675 Redwood Retreat Rd., 13 Gilroy, 408-842-9197 martinranchwinery.com Tasting every 3rd Saturday each month 11-4 & by Appt. MONTE VERDE VINEYARDS 14 13775 Sycamore Dr., Morgan Hill, 408-776-8938, monteverdevineyards.com Tasting the 3rd Sat and by Appt. MORGAN HILL CELLARS 1645 San Pedro Ave., 15 Morgan Hill, 408-779-7389 pedrizzetti.com Tasting Tue-Sun 10-5 NATAL VINEYARDS 16 1310 Green Valley Rd Watsonville, 831-750-0271 Tasting by Appt. RAPAZZINI WINERY 19 4350 Monterey Hwy., Gilroy, 408-842-5649 800-842-6262, rapazzini.com Tasting Daily 9-6/Tours RIVER RUN VINTNERS 20 65 Rogge Lane,Watsonville 831-726-3112, Tasting by Appt. SARAH'S VINEYARD 21 4005 Hecker Pass Hwy, Gilroy 408-847-1947, sarahsvineyard.com Tasting Daily 11-5 SATORI CELLARS 22 2100 Buena Vista Ave., Gilroy 408-848-5823, satoricellars.com Tasting Sat-Sun 12-5 or by Appt. SOLIS WINERY 23 3920 Hecker Pass Hwy., Gilroy 408-847-6306, 888-411-6457 soliswinery.com Tasting Daily 12-5/Tours by Appt. SYCAMORE CREEK VINEYARDS 24 12775 Uvas Road, Morgan Hill 408-779-4738 sycamorecreekvineyards.com Tasting Thu- Fri, Mon 12-5, Sat-Sun 11-5 THOMAS KRUSE 25 3200 Dryden Ave, Gilroy 408-842-7016,thomaskrusewinery.com Tasting Tue-Sun 12- 5 CASA DE FRUTA 27 10021 Pacheco Pass Hwy, Hollister, 408-842-7282 casadefruta.com Tasting Mon-Thu 8-7:30, Fri-Sat 8-8:30
Submit your changes or new listings to our guides. Please submit by Sept. 12, 2010 to be included in the October/ November Issue. Submit to editor@vinetimesmagazine.com
Paso Robles Rhône Renegades:
2 O 1 O
A MADOR V INTNERS H ARVEST W INE F ESTIVAL
Acid Freaks Saddle Up in the New Wild West By Laura Ness
Y
Hillary Graves
(Laura Ness)
WORLD CLASS WINE HARVEST FARE LIVE MUSIC HARVEST ACTIVITIES Amy Butler
(Laura Ness)
Anthony Yount
(Laura Ness)
explains Amy, using bio lees. Essentially dead yeast hulls, they glom onto the phenols carrying the pigment and precipitate it out, leaving a yeasty flavor and texture in its place. Butler’s day job is at Edward Sellers, a Rhône house whose tasting room in downtown Paso attracts a lot of Central Valley visitors who stick their glass at her and say, “Give me a Cabernet.” Nope, they don’t get it…at all. She’ll pour them a Syrah and they might just swoon. One thing is certain, when she pours her signature white blend, they might head for the dump bucket with a facial expression reminiscent of someone who tastes fresh pineapple for the first time when all they’re used to is canned. Her brand, Ranchero Cellars, harkens back to the days of the Old West, with its cattle-brand label and cowgirl motif. Despite the decidedly rustic feel to the label, there is nothing rustic about any of her wines. Butler strives to overcome the unfortunate perception that Paso Robles wines are all about heft and Parker ballast, and not about finesse. She seeks to restore white Rhônes to their proper position on the throne: one can carry a bit of extra weight and still dance without tripping over one’s richly embroidered gown. Yount’s personal brand, Kinero, which loosely translates into “cowboy without a saddle,” sports only whites at the moment: a self-defense move made to counteract the predominantly heavy reds Continued on Page 20
NEW WINE RELEASES
Art by Kenneth Susynski
owza! The pucker power of winemaker Amy Butler’s Pippin appletart 2009 Ranchero Cellars Grenache Blanc from a gnarly vineyard atop Adelaida road called La Vista, makes your tongue stand up and salute. This is not like any Paso Robles wine you’ve ever had, unless, of course, you’ve had hers. Or that of her cohort, Anthony Yount, winemaker for Denner. He crafts some very juicy and brightly acidic white wines that command attention: his were among my faves from Hospice du Rhône earlier this year. And then there’s Hillary Graves, who invited me to Denner to meet her renegade compadres, united in the quest to make refreshingly addictive white wines from Paso-grown Rhônes: quite the antithesis of most Paso whites. What draws these three together is not just the cellar equipment they share at Denner, or their preference for wild yeast and stainless barrels. It’s a philosophical departure from what frankly has put Paso Robles on the map. Instead of making big, fat, extracted high-alcohol wines, their quest is to craft fresh and natural wines, both white and red. Their whites really sing, especially their Grenache Blancs. It is a grape these three love, and sometimes loathe. It’s notoriously difficult to grow and to make. “Anything that can go wrong with Grenache Blanc usually does,” says Graves. It’s a high acid grape that can be picked at 21 – 23 brix and still manage to pump itself up to 14.3 percent alcohol. Regardless of the heat it may add during fermentation, that zippy acid will still dominate. Even though it does well in the warmer parts of southern France and Spain, it is prone to sunburn, which can result in its turning a lovely shade of international orange after fermentation. This excessive coloration can be filtered out,
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$3O SATURDAY & SUNDAY $2O SUNDAY ONLY $1O DESIGNATED DRIVERS Presale tickets available through September 29. Tickets available at the door for an additional $5 each. 34 participating wineries. 35 miles east of Sacramento.
www.vinetimesonline.com • August / September 2010
13
E X T R A ! !
LIQUID GOLD DISCOVERED AT MOUNT BULLION VINEYARDS “It’s a new gold rush,” say owners Harold and Kris Casto. The 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon and 2008 Estate Zinfandel are bottled and ready to drink now. “These are big wines,” Harold beams.
. . .Goodies and Gadgets
I
n fashion it’s the accessories that make an outfit. As is the case for proper wine indulging. What good is a wine if not chilled or aerated properly? Would it be the same drinking your favorite Chardonnay in a plastic red cup rather than tall stem glass? Well, of course it wouldn’t be. That’s why we at Vine Times bring you, issue after issue, “Goodies and Gadgets.” Though some may argue that a good wine can stand alone, why not enhance your wine indulging with a few add-ons.
Ciao Bella’s Blackberry Cabernet Sorbet This succulent sorbet is just the scoop of goodness you need after wining and dining. Actually, it’s so good we have decided it’s good to pair with anything! The Vine Times tasting room was filled with ohhh’s and ahhh’s as the staff rated this must-have dessert. People we’re shouting everything from “it’s so good it doesn’t even need chocolate” to “it’s like walking through the caves.” Made with real blackberries, cabernet and organic ingredients, this efervecent sorbet seemed to get more delightful bite after bite. The flavor is bold yet smooth and the smell alone makes your mouth water. Surprisingly, its naturally fat free recipe won’t even break your bank of diet points. This is a guilt free dessert that will leave you wishing we would have told you about it earlier. Ciao Bella began making their soothing and full-bodied flavors of gelato in 1983 in New York’s Little Italy. Since then, they have continued to successfully produce mouthwatering gelato by pairing recipes from classic Italy with ideas of modern America. Visit ciaobellagelato.com to locate the nearest store, kiosk, or grocery freezer housing this little treasure. Ciao Bella’s Blackberry Cabernet Sorbet is sure to please every taste bud so, we confidently recommend this little piece of dessert heaven.
Another big discovery? They’re easy on your budget. Visit Mt. Bullion Vineyards and discover the “new gold rush” for yourself.
Mount Bullion Vineyards 6947 North Highway 49, Mariposa www.mtbullionvineyard.com 209-377-8450 TASTING FRIDAY-SATURDAY, NOON to 4 OR CALL FOR APPOINTMENT (Don’t be shy)
Ravi, an Instant Wine Chiller
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• CHAMPAGNE
• CRAFT BEERS
Amidst preparing for a party, the wine is nearly never forgotten. On the other hand, the chilling of the wine is often the last thing to be remembered. Instead of stalling on pouring a glass or guessing on the temperature of your bottle, the Ravi instantly chills your red or white wine to the appropriate temperature. You simply screw on the freezer kept Ravi and pour a glass of wine while controlling the temperature with the simple touch of your thumb. There’s no mess of wine bucket or fuss of finding a spot in the refrigerator. As the wine is poured using the Ravi it passes through a stainless steel tube chilling the wine appropriately without altering its taste. The slower you pour, the cooler your wine is served. In seconds the Ravi pours a glass of anywhere between 25 and 65 degrees bringing out all the characteristics of the wine. This indispensable gadget will be sure to be your new favorite wine toy. It’s not only an ingenious and practical product, but at $39.99 it’s affordable for fans from Two Buck Chuck to Opus One. For everyone from party throwers to one-glass-a-day drinkers, Ravi is a must make investment to properly serve and enjoy wines. Visit ravisolution.com to find an online shop or store near you.
Cowgirl Creamery’s Cowgirl Deluxe Collection
WE STACK 'EM HIGH AND SELL 'EM LOW! 28061 Jefferson Ave. #5 Temecula, CA 92590 (951) 694-3463 • www.wineonadime.com 14 August / September 2010 • www.vinetimesonline.com
Pt. Reyes’ Cowgirl Creamery truly knows how to make artisan cheese that is uniquely their own. Located only and hour north of San Francisco, the creamery is dedicated to creating cheese that is not only delicious but environmentally responsible and animal friendly. The Vine Times staff enthusiastically indulged in the Cowgirl Deluxe Collection. The set included some of Cowgirl’s best selling cheeses along with a slice of fig/almond cake and a jar of honey. Our tasting experience started off with the newest edition to Cowgirl’s cheese, the Wagon Wheel. Being a basic and everyday cheese, this would be best Continued on Page 15
M c M i l l i n’s P i ck s Try to Remember Our Picks for August and September These wines tasted better than over 200 rivals.
WHITES, PINKS AND SPARKLERS Best Chardonnay Under $15: ForestVille Vineyards (Bronco),Calif.,2008, $6 Over $15: Steele Wines, Calif., 2008, $18 Best Chenin Blanc Under $20: Ballentine Vineyards, Napa Valley, 2009, $15 Best Pink Under $20: Rosé of Zinfandel, Pedroncelli Vineyards, Dry Creek Valley, 2008, $10 Over $20: Provence-Red and White blend, Peju Province, Calif., 2009, $22 Best Pinot Gris Under $20: Acrobat by King Estate, Oregon, 2008,$12 Best Riesling Under $15: Bogle Vineyards, Calif., 2008, $9 Best Sauvignon Blanc Under $15: Targovishte Winery(Bulgarian Masters Vintners), Bulgaria, 2006, $8 Best Sparkling Wines Under $20: Prosecco di Valdobbiadene, Tiamo, Italy (The Henry Wine Group), NV, $15 Best Viognier Under $20: Deaver Vineyards, Amador County, 2007, $19 Best White Dessert Under $20: ReZerve White Port, Shenandoah Vineyards, Shenandoah Valley of Calif., 2002, $11.50 Over $20: Essensia, Orange Blossom Muscat,Quady, Calif., 2008, $21
REDS Best Barbera Under $20: Shooting Star (Steele Wines), Lake County, 2007, $14 Best Cabernet Franc Under $20: Writer's Block (Steele Wines), Lake County, 2007, $16 Over $20: Jarvis Wines, Napa Valley, 2004, $70 Best Cabernet Sauvignon Under $10: Down Under (Bronco),South Eastern, Australia, 2009, $3 Over $10: Jekel Vineyards, Arroyo Seco, Monterey, 2007, $15 Best Grenache Over $20: Daniel Gehrs Wines, Santa Ynez Valley, 2008, $28 Best Malbec Under $10: Diseñio, (Constellation Wines), Mendoza, Argentina, 2008, $7 Best Mission Under $30: Story Winery, Calif., Shenandoah Valley, 2006, $29 Best Merlot Under $20: Frick Winery, Sonoma County,2005, $12 Over $20: Williamson Wines, Dry Creek Valley, 2002, $42 Best Petite Sirah Under $20: Napa Ridge Winery, Napa Valley, 2007,$12 Over 20: Ballentine Vineyards, Napa Valley, 2008, $24 Best Petite Verdot Over $30: Ballentine Vineyards, Napa Valley, 2007,$38 Best Pinot Noir Under $20: Kenwood Vineyards, Russian River Valley,2007, $18 Best Red Blends Under $20: Red Duet, Silkwood Wines,Stanislaus County, 2007, $17 Best Red Dessert Under $30: Zinfandel Port,Deaver Vineyards, Sierra Foothills, NV, $26 Over $20: Deviation, Quady Winery, Calif., $28 Best Sangiovese Under $20: Bonny Doon Vineyards, San Benito County, 2006, $12 Over $20: Story Winery, Calif., Shenandoah Valley, 2004, $25 Best Syrah (Shiraz) Under $20: Alice White(Constellation Wines), South East Australia, 2008, $7 Over $20: Kenwood Vineyards, Sonoma County, 2006, $25 Best Zinfandel Under 20: Bargetto Winery, Lodi, 2007, $18 Over $ 20: Daniel Gehrs Wines, Russian River Valley, 2007, $28 CREDITS: Tasting: Edgar Vogt • Statistics: Ophelia Mercado, Rubella Dequis Fred McMillin has been honored by the Academy of Wine Communications as one of America's 22 best wine writers. He teaches a new wine course every month in San Francisco at S.F. City College, (Ft. Mason campus). For the tasty details, fax Fred at (415)567-4468.
Deaver Country… A Destination All It’s Own If there were a place on the map called Deaver, Califoria, it would be known as the perfect wine weekend getaway. In fact, Deaver Vineyards, the Amador Harvest Inn and the Amador Flower Farm and Nursery, all owned by the Deaver family, sit among the rolling vineyard land of the Shenandoah Valley.
this locale deserves more than a day trip. In between wine tasting, an overnight (or two) at the Amador Harvest Inn will allow time for visiting neighboring wineries, touring a gold mine and picnicking under the shade of elegant oak trees. The Inn is a peaceful haven that practically forces relaxation by taking you back to a simpler time
Winery and Vineyards It all began with the making of good wine. A drive through Deaver’s 300 acres will take you past 120-year-old Zinfindel vines and eight acres of Mission vines, planted around 1853 by Ken Deaver’s great grandfather, John A. Davis. His son, Ken’s grandfather, planted the Zinfandel four decades later. For years, the Deaver’s “old vine” grapes were sold exclusively to home winemakers. The first vintage of Deaver Vineyards Zinfandel was bottled under the “Lakeshore” label in 1985. Since then, Deaver Vineyards has become recognized for its Zinfandels. The Tuscan-style climate of Amador County is also perfect for producing classic Sangiovese, Barbera, and rich Ports. The Deaver Vineyards tasting room is open daily from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Amador Harvest Inn With all that this valley – tucked between the Sierra Foothills – has to offer,
The Flower Farm and Nursery Here you’ll find endless varieties of daylilies to enjoy, right along with a wellstocked gift shop offering a wide variety of gardening, gift and statuary items. Inspired by what they find here, many Deaver customers have designed beautiful home gardens incorporating daylilies into their design. The Amador Flower Farm and Nursery grounds are open to guests throughout the year, everyday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., closing only on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years Day. • Deaver Vineyards: 12455 Steiner Road, Plymouth (95669), 209/245-4099, www.deavervineyard.com. • Amador Harvest Inn: 12455 Steiner Road, Plymouth (95669 800/217-2304, www.amadorharvestinn.com. • Amador Flower Farm: 22001 Shenandoah School Road, Plymouth (95669), 209/245-6660, www.amadorflowerfarm.com.
Destination:Amador to Mariposa Continued from Page 9 National Park. You’ll undoubtedly be taken aback by its mesmerizing waterfalls and dramatic cliffs and rock formations. Even the rollercoaster driving adventure through the park will be something to remember. Take advantage of the great outdoors and sign up for lessons. Whether it be hiking, rock climbing or rafting that catches your interest, you’ll find that there are guides available to ensure that you have a fun and a safe stay at Yosemite. You’ll be able to
indulge in some of the best outdoor activities California has to offer. The ever-so recommended evening strolls through the park cannot be forgotten. What you will soon find when stepping back and looking around is that the natural world and its beauty soothe the soul and refresh the spirit. The Shenandoah Valley, Murphys and Yosemite are each different, with unique wineries, restaurants and activities, but all are sure to create the perfect place to drink, eat and play.
Delights: Goodies and Gagets Continued from Page 14 labeled the snacking cheese. Next was Mt. Tam, the creamery’s award winning and signature cheese. The smooth and creamy consistancy was almost Brie-like and served well as a spread. The most eye appealing of the set was the Red Hawk. Aged for four weeks before selling, Red Hawk’s triple-cream consistency had the most bold taste which made us all going back for seconds. Last, we tried the most visually interesting cheese, St. Pat. Wrapped in nettle leaves, this cheese was created as a spring time cheese with a mellow yet smoky taste. As we finished up our tastings, the Vine Times staff realized that we all had a different vote on the best of the bunch. This quickly brought us to our conclusion that no matter how brave or tame you are in cheese choice, the cowgirl deluxe collection is sure to have a cheese for everyone. With a basket like that, the $98 collection makes for a great choice to set out at parties as you sip on any wine. Starting off as just a small dream shared by two cheese connoisseurs, the creamery stays true to its small business technique yet produces nearly 3,000 pounds of cheese a week and with an online store at cowgirlcreamery.com, their cheeses can be delivered to you no matter where you are. www.vinetimesonline.com • August / September 2010
15
Paso Robles Winery Guide
ADELAIDA WINERY 1 5805 Adelaida Road, PR 805-239-8980, adelaida.com Tasting Daily 10-5 AJB VINEYARDS 2 3280 Township Road, PR 805-239-9432, ajbvineyards.com Tasting Sat-Sun 12-5 ANGLIM WINERY 3 740 Pine Street, PR, 805-227-6813 anglimwinery.com, Tasting ThuSat 11-5:30, Sun 12-5:30 or by Appt. ARROYO ROBLES 4 739 12th Street,PR,877-759-WINE arroyorobles.com, Tasting Daily 11-7 AUGUST RIDGE VINEYARDS 5 8790 E.Hwy.41,Creston 805-239-2455, augustridge.com Tasting Sat-Sun 11-5 or by Appt. B & E VINEYARDS 7 10000 Creston Rd., PR 805-238-4815, bevineyard.com Tasting Fri-Sun 11-5 BELLA LUNA 8 1850 Templeton Rd.,Templeton 805-434-5477, bellalunawine.com Tasting Fri-Sun 10-5 BIANCHI VINEYARDS 3380 Branch Road, PR 9 805-226-9922, bianchiwine.com Tasting Daily 10-5 BRIAN BENSON CELLARS 10 2985 Anderson Rd., PR 805-296-9463, brianbensoncellars.com, Tasting Fri-Sun 10:30-5 CALCAREOUS VINEYARD 11 3430 Peachy Canyon Rd., PR 805-239-0289, calcareous.com Tasting Thu-Mon 11-5 or by Appt. CAPARONE WINERY 12 2280 San Marcos Road, PR 805-467-3827, caparone.com Tasting Daily 11-5 CARMODY MCKNIGHT 13 ESTATE WINES 11240 Chimney Rock Road, PR, 805-238-9392 carmodymcknight.com Tasting Daily 10-5 CASA DE CABALLOS 14 2225 Raymond Ave.,Templeton 805-434-1687, casadecaballos.com Tasting Daily 11-5
CASS VINEYARDS 15 7350 Linne Road, PR 805-239-1730, casswines.com Tasting Mon-Fri 12-5, Sat-Sun 11-6 CASTORO CELLARS 16 1315 N. Bethel Rd.,Templeton 805-238-0725,castorocellars.com Tasting Daily 10-5:30 CHANGALA WINERY 17 3770 Willow Creek Rd., PR 805-226-9060 changalawinery.com Tasting Fri-Sun 11-5 CHATEAU MARGENE 18 4385 LaPanza Road, Creston 805-238-2321 chateaumargene.com Tasting 12-5 Sat-Sun & by Appt. CHUMEIA 19 8331 E. Hwy.46, PR 805-226-0102, chumeiavineyards.com, Tasting Daily 10-5 CLAUTIERE VINEYARD 1340 Penman Springs Rd., PR 805-237-3789, clautiere.com Tasting Daily 12-5 20 D’ANBINO VINEYARDS & CELLARS 22 710 Pine St., PR 805-227-6800, danbino.com Tasting Thu-Mon 11-7 DARK STAR CELLARS 23 2985 Anderson Rd., PR 805-237-2389, darkstarcellars.com Tasting Fri-Sun 10:30-5 DENNER VINEYARDS 24 5414Vineyard Drive, PR 805-239-4287, dennervineyards.com, Tasting Fri-Sun 11-5 DERBY WINE ESTATES 5620 E. Hwy. 46, PR 51 805-238-6300 derbywineestates.com Tasting Daily 10-5 DOCE ROBLES 25 2023 Twelve Oaks Drive, PR 805-227-4766, docerobles.com Tasting Daily 10:30-5:30 DONATI FAMILY 26 VINEYARD 2720 Oak View Rd.,Templeton 805-238-0676 donatifamilyvineyard.com Tasting Daily 10-5
DOVER CANYON WINERY 27 4520 Vineyard Drive, PR 805-237-0101, dovercanyon.com Tasting Thu-Sun 11-5 DUNNING VINEYARDS ESTATE WINERY AND 28 GUEST VILLA 1953 Niderer Road, PR 805-238-4763 dunningvineyards.com Lodging Accommodations Tasting Thu-Mon 11-5 EAGLE CASTLE WINERY 3090 Anderson Rd.,PR 29 805-227-1428, eaglecastlewinery.com Tasting Daily 10:30-5:30 EBERLE WINERY 30 3810 E. Hwy. 46, PR 805-238-9607, eberlewinery.com Tasting Daily 10-6, 10-5 (winter) EDWARD SELLERS VINEYARDS 31 1220 Park Street, PR 805-239-8915, edwardsellers.com Tasting Thu-Mon 12-7 EOS ESTATE WINERY 5625 E. Hwy.46, PR 32 800-249-9463, eosvintage.com Tasting Daily 10-5 34 FALCON NEST VINEYARD & WINERY 5185 Union Rd., PR 805-226-0227, falconnestwine.com, Tasting Daily 10-6 FIRESTONE VINEYARD 2300 Airport Road, PR 35 805-591-8050, firestonewine.com Tasting Daily 10-5 FOUR VINES 36 3750 W. Hwy 46, Templeton 805-237-0055, fourvines.com Tasting Daily 11-6, 11-5 (winter) FRATELLI PERATA 37 1595 Arbor Road, PR 805-238-2809 fratelliperata.com, Tasting by Appt. GARRETSON WINE COMPANY 38 2323 Tuley Ct., Suite 110, PR 805-239-2074. garretsonwines.com, Tasting by Appt. GREY WOLF CELLARS 2174 W. Hwy 46, PR 39 805-237-0771, greywolfcellars.com, Tasting Daily 11-5:30
16 August / September 2010 • www.vinetimesonline.com
40 HALTER RANCH VINEYARD 8910 Adelaida Road, PR 805-226-9455, halterranch.com Tasting Daily 11-5 HANSEN VINEYARD 41 5575 El Pomer Dr.,Templeton 805-239-8412, hansenwines.com Tasting Fri- Sun 11-5 HARMONY CELLARS 42 3255 Harmony Valley Rd., Harmony 805-927-1625/ 800-432-9239 harmonycellars.com Tasting Daily 10-5 HUG CELLARS 43 2323 Tuley Ct., Suite 120D, PR 805-226-8022, hugcellars.com Tasting Thu-Mon 11- 5 & by Appt. HUNT CELLARS 44 2875 Oakdale Road, PR 805-237-1600 huntwinecellars.com Tasting Daily 10-6, 10:30-5:30 (winter) J. LOHR WINERY 46 6169 Airport Road, PR 805-239-8900, jlohr.com Tasting Daily 10-5 JADA VINEYARD 47 5620Vineyard Drive, PR 805-226-4200, jadavineyard.com Tasting Fri-Sun 10-5 or by Appt. JANKRIS WINERY 48 1266 Bethel Road,Templeton 805-434-0319, jankriswinery.com Tasting Daily 11-5 JUDD FAMILY WINES 49 2850 Ranchita Canyon Rd. San Miguel, 805-467-2891 juddfamilywines.com Tasting Fri-Sun 11-5 JUSTIN VINEYARDS & WINERY 50 11680 Chimney Rock Rd., PR 805-238-6932, justinwine.com Tasting Daily 10-5/ Tours by Appt. 51 L’AVENTURE 2815 Live Oak Road, PR 805-227-1588,aventurewine.com Tasting Thu-Sun 11-4 LINNE CALODO 52 CELLARS 3030 Vineyard Drive, PR 805-227-0797, linnecalodo.com Tasting Daily 11-5 LOCATELLI VINEYARDS 8585 Cross Canyons Road San Miguel, 805-467-0067 locatelliwinery.com 53 Tasting Fri-Sun 11-4 or by Appt. LONE MADRONE 54 2485 W. Hwy. 46, PR 805-238-0845,lonemadrone.com Tasting Daily 10:30-5 MALOY O’NEILL 55 VINEYARDS 5725 Union Road, PR 805-238-7320, maloyoneill.com Tasting Fri-Sat 10-5, Sun 12-5 or by Appt. MARTIN & WEYRICH 56 WINERY 2610 Buena Vista Drive, PR 805-238-2520, martinweyrich.com Tasting Daily 10-6 MERIDIAN VINEYARDS 7000 E. Hwy.46, PR 57 805-226-7133, meridianvineyards.com, Tasting Daily 10-5 MIDLIFE CRISIS WINERY 1244 Pine Street, Ste. A, PR 805-237-8730 58 midlifecrisiswinery.com Tasting Thu-Mon 10:30-6 MIDNIGHT CELLARS 59 2925 Anderson Rd., PR 805-237-9601, 805-239-8904 midnightcellars.com Tasting Daily 10-5:30 MINASSIAN YOUNG VINEYARDS 60 4045 Peachy Canyon Rd., PR 805-238-7571 minassianyoung.com, Tasting FriMon 11-5 MITCHELLA VINEYARD & WINERY 61 2525 Mitchel Ranch Way, PR 805-239-8555, mitchella.com Tasting Fri-Sun 12-5
62 MONDO CELLARS 3260 Nacimiento Lake Dr., PR 805-226-2925, mondocellars.com Tasting Daily 10-6 MOONSTONE CELLARS 801 Main St., Suite C, Cambria 805.927.9466/ 877-517-WINE moonstonecellars.com 63 Tasting Thu-Mon 11-5 NADEAU FAMILY 65 VINTNERS 3860 Peachy Canyon Rd., PR 805-239-3574 nadeaufamilyvintners.com Tasting Fri-Sun 11-5 NORMAN VINEYARDS 66 7450 Vineyard Dr., PR 805-237-0138, normanvineyards.com, Tasting Daily 11-5 67 OPOLO VINEYARD 7110 Vineyard Dr., PR 805-238-9593, opolo.com Tasting Daily 10-5 PASO PORT 68 6996 Peachy Canyon, PR 805-239-2229 pasoportwine.com, Tasting Fri, Sat, Sun, Mon 11-5 or by Appt. PEACHY CANYON 69 WINERY 1480 N. Bethel Rd.,Templeton 805-239-1918, peachycanyon.com Tasting Daily 11-5 2020 Nacimiento Lake Dr., PR 805-237-7848 Tasting Sat-Sun 11-5 PENMAN SPRING VINEYARD 70 1985 Penman Springs Rd., PR 805-237-7959, penmansrings.com Tasting Fri-Sun 11-5 PIPESTONE VINEYARDS 2040 Niderer Rd., PR 71 805-227-6385 pipestonevineyards.com Tasting Thu-Mon 11-5 POALILLO VINEYARDS72 1888 Willow Creek Rd., PR 805-238-0600, Tasting by Appt. PRETTY-SMITH 73 VINEYARDS & WINERY 13350 N.River Rd., San Miguel 805-467-3104, Tasting Fri-Sun 11-5 RABBIT RIDGE WINERY & VINEYARDS 75 1172 San Marcos Road, PR 805-467-3331, rabbitridgewinery.com, Tasting Wed-Sun 11-5 RIO SECO VINEYARD & WINERY 77 4295 Union Road, PR 805-237-8884, riosecowine.com Tasting Daily 11-5 RIVERSTAR VINEYARD 78 7450 Estrella Road, San Miguel 805-467-0086, riverstarvineyards.com, Tasting Daily 11-5 ROBERT HALL WINERY 3443 Mill Road, PR 79 805-239-1616, roberthallwinery.com Tasting Daily 10-6, 10-5 (winter) ROCKY CREEK CELLARS 8687 Apple Rd.W. Hwy. 46, Templeton, 805-238-1919 rockycreekcellars.com 80 Tasting Daily 12-5 ROTTA WINERY 81 3750 W. Hwy. 46,Templeton 805-237-0510, rottawinery.com Tasting Mon-Fri 11-5, Sat-Sun 11-6 SAN MARCOS CREEK 83 7750 N. Highway 101, PR 805-467-9260 sanmarcoscreek.com Tasting Daily 11-5 SCULPTERRA WINERY 5015 Linne Road, PR 84 805-226-8881, sculpterra.com Tasting Fri-Sun 10-5 SILVER HORSE 85 VINEYARDS 2995 Pleasant Road, San Miguel 805-467-9309, silverhorse.com Tasting Fri-Mon 11-5 STACKED STONE 86 CELLARS 1525 Peachy Canyon Rd., PR 805-238-7872, stackedstone.com Tasting Mon-Thu by Appt., Fri-Sun 11-5 STILL WATERS
VINEYARD 87 2750 Old Grove Lane, PR 805-237-9231, stillwatersvineyard.com, Tasting Thu-Mon 11-5 STEPHEN’S CELLAR 88 7575 York Mountain Road, Templeton, 805-238-2412 stephenscellar.com Tasting by Appt. SUMMERWOOD WINERY 2175 Arbor Road, PR 89 805-227-1365, summerwood.com Tasting Daily 10-6, 10-5 (winter) SYLVESTER WINERY 90 5115 Buena Vista Dr., PR 805-227-4000 sylvesterwinery.com Tasting Daily 11-6, 11-5 (winter) TABLAS CREEK 92 VINEYARD 9339 Adelaida Rd, PR 805-237-1231, tablascreek.com Tasting Daily 10-5 TERRY HOAGE VINEYARDS 93 870 Arbor Road, PR 805-238-2083 terryhoagevineyards.com Tasting Fri-Sun 11-4 by Appt. THUNDERBOLT WINERY 2740 Hidden Mtn. Rd., PR 94 805-226-9907 thunderboltwinery.com Tasting Fri-Sun 11-5 TOBIN JAMES CELLARS 8950 Union Rd., PR 95 805-239-2204, tobinjames.com Tasting Daily 10-6 TURLEY WINE CELLARS 2900 Vineyard Dr.,Templeton 805-434-1030, turleywinecellars.com, Tasting Daily 9-5 96 VENTEUX VINEYARDS98 1795 Las Tablas Rd.,Templeton 805-369-0127, venteuxvineyards.com Tasting Mon-Fri 12-5, Sat-Sun 10-5 VICTOR HUGO WINERY 2850 El Pomar Dr.,Templeton 805-434-1128, victorhugowinery.om, Tasting by Appt. 99 VIHUELA WINERY 100 1307 Park Street Alley, PR 805-835-4304, vihuelawinery.com Tasting Sun-Mon 11-4,Thu-Sat 11-8 VILLICANA WINERY 101 2725 Adelaida Road, PR 805-239-9456, villicanawinery.com Tasting Thu-Sun 11-5 VINA ROBLES 102 3700 Mill Road, PR 805-227-4812,vinarobles.com Tasting Daily10-6,10-5 (winter) VISTA DEL REY VINEYARDS 103 7340 Drake Road, PR 805-467-2138 Tasting Sun 11-5 & by Appt. WESTBERG CELLARS105 3180 Willow Creek Rd., PR 805-238-932, Tasting by Appt. WILD COYOTE ESTATE WINERY 106 3775 Adelaida Road, PR 805-610-1311, wildcoyote.biz Tasting Daily 11-5 WILD HORSE WINERY 1437 Wild Horse Winery Ct., Templeton, 805-434-2541 wildhorsewinery.com 107 Tasting Daily 11-5 WINDWARD VINEYARD 1380 Live Oak Rd., PR 108 805-239-2565, windwardvineyard.com, Tasting Daily 10:30-5 YORK MOUNTAIN WINERY 109 7505 York Mountain Rd., Templeton, 805-238-3925 yorkmountainwinery.com Tasting Daily 11-4 ZENAIDA CELLARS 1550 W. Hwy. 46, PR 110 805-227-0382, zenaidacellars.com Tasting Daily 11-5 ZIN ALLEY WINERY 111 3730 W. Hwy. 46, PR zinalley.com, 805-238-0959 Tasting by Appt.
Culinary Road Trip . . .Amador County By Denise Kouzoujian
M
y road trip to Amador County began early one beautiful summer day as we ventured back in time and straight into California’s Gold Country. As we drove along Highway 88 the sights and smells of the season’s fresh fruit surrounded us and, the charming fruit stands were too hard to resist. We stopped and picked up a few baskets filled with sweet cherries. I knew I was not only going to find a great wine to pair with my Pulled Pork sandwich but, I would get some great ideas on how to jazz it up with a spectacular summer fruit as well.
Jack Kouzoujian mines for gold with advice from Robert Duke, the former Chief of Police. (Van Kouzoujian)
Our first stop was the historic town of Sutter Creek. As we pulled into town, my son Jack was delighted to see that there was an old western show in full swing. It felt as if we stepped into a classic John Wayne movie as we strolled along Main Street. We stopped for a while as Jack mined for gold and I spoke to the now former Chief of Police, Robert Duke, about our wine country adventure. Chief Duke suggested that we head up to Charles Spinetta Winery, stating that “It is the counties best kept secret!” He also told me that their Zinfandels have a wonderful and very unique taste. I took the Chief’s advice and we headed up the Sierra Nevada Mountains to Charles Spinetta Winery. As I walked in I was immediately greeted by a smiling face and soon began talking to Michael Spinetta about their high quality red wines and the other premium wines they offered. I absolutely fell in love with the Zinetta, which is a fun sweet red Zinfadel with unique flavors that include strawberry, cherries and pomegranate. I also found an incredible Black Muscat that would pair perfectly with most any summer dessert. This wine has hints of rosewater, hibiscus
and blackberry. Chief Duke was right, magnificent Zinfandels with a very unique flare. Both Michael and his father Charles were an absolute delight to talk to. Michael showed us how vinegar grows–that’s right grows, and Charles was just as sweet as can be. I was excited to see their well equipped chef’s kitchen and look forward to cooking in it one day soon. I also used their incredible Pinot Noir vinegar in my coleslaw! Our next stop was a return visit to Story Winery which is always an adventure with its vast grounds, breath-taking views and impressive wines. There’s a quiet mystique as you look out at the 100year-old vines, this winery has been a favorite stop for both my husband and me. We sat and listened to the cool jazz band that was playing on the lower deck while sampling luscious estate Zinfandels here as well. We also got a chance to speak with Bruce & Jan Tichenor, the lovely couple who own, and have been operating Story Winery since retiring from a pharmacy practice in 1992. Here I found another perfect wine to go with my pulled pork. A 2006 Gold Hill Zinfandel that has a rich color, heavenly characteristics and delicate berry flavors.
Dry Rub: 2 tablespoons garlic powder 2 tablespoons brown sugar 1 tablespoon celery seeds 1 tablespoon paprika 1 tablespoon dry mustard 1 tablespoon pepper 2 tablespoons sea salt
1 cup extra virgin olive oil 3/4 cup Pinot Noir Vinegar 3/4 cup sugar 1 tablespoon sea salt 1 tablespoon pepper Combine all vegetables in a large bowl. Mix other ingredients in a sauce pan and cook on medium heat until hot. Let cool to room temperature and pour over mixed vegetables. Mix well, top with sliced cherries and refrigerate for at least three hours before serving.
1 pork shoulder butt, boneless, 4 – 5 pounds 2 cups of barbeque sauce 24 Hawaiian Sweet Rolls
Fresh Cherry Puffs
Pulled Pork Sliders with Cherry Coleslaw
Combine the dry ingredients in a small bowl. Rub the spice blend over the pork loins, cover and let marinade for 3 hours in the refrigerator. Marinade for longer if you have time. Preheat the oven to 300 degrees. Place the pork loins in a roasting pan, cover tightly and bake for about 4 hours, or until the meat begins to fall apart. Remove the pork from the pan and transfer to a platter and allow the meat to rest for about 15 minutes. Pull the pork apart into long strips and place in a bowl. Pour barbeque sauce over the meat and mix well to coat. Place a large scoop of pulled pork on the bun and top with the cherry coleslaw.
Cherry Coleslaw 1 medium head of green cabbage, thinly sliced 1 medium head of purple cabbage, thinly sliced 10 fresh cherries, pitted and sliced 3 carrots cut in half and thinly sliced with a potato peeler or mandolin
Michael and Charles Spinetta of Spinetta Winery. (Van Kouzoujian)
The signs point the way around the vast grounds at Story Winery. (Van Kouzoujian) I felt as if we “Hit the Mother Lode” on our road trip through Amador County and, look forward to returning to this magical region very soon.
1 frozen pastry sheet, cut into eight 1-1/2 x 2-inch-wide strips 1 egg, beaten 1 tablespoon water 1/2 cup sugar 40 fresh cherries, pitted 8 tablespoons apricot preserves Preheat oven 400 degrees In a small bowl, beat egg and water together to make the egg wash Lay out the pastry sheet on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper. Using a pastry brush, lightly brush top side of cut pastry strip with egg wash and sprinkle with a light layer of sugar. Spread 1 tablespoon of the apricot preserve in the middle of each strip and top with five pitted cherries. Bring the four corners of the pastry dough up and to the center and loosely pinch together. Brush top of pastry with egg wash and sprinkle a light layer of sugar on top. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown. Serve warm.
These pulled pork sliders would pair well with Story Winery’s 2006 Gold Hill Zinfandel or Michael Spinetta’s Zinetta. (Van Kouzoujian) Recipes by Denise Kouzoujian Photos by Van Kouzoujian
www.vinetimesonline.com • August / September 2010
17
Santa Barbara County Winery Guide
SANTA BARBARA COUNTY NORTH ADDAMO VINEYARDS 1 400 East Clark Ave, Santa Maria 805-937-6400, AddamoVineyards.com Tasting Tue-Sun 11-7 BEDFORD THOMPSON WINERY & VINEYARD 12 448 Bell St, Los Alamos bedfordthompsonwinery.com 805-244-2107, Tasting Daily 11-5 20 BYRON 5250 Tepusquet Rd, Santa Maria 805-344-2107, byronwines.com Tasting by Appt. CAMBRIA WINERY & 21 VINEYARD 5475 Chardonnay Ln, Santa Maria, cambriawine.com 805-937-8091,Tasting Daily 10-5 COLD HEAVEN 27 448-B Bell St, Los Alamos 805-937-9801, coldheavencellars.com Tasting by Appt. 28 CORE WINERY 145 S. Geary St. #103, Old Orcutt 805-937-1600, corewine.com Tasting Wed-Sun COSTA DE ORO WINERY 30 1331 S. Nicholson Ave., Santa Maria 805-922-1468. cdowinery.com Tasting Sun-Thu 10-6, Fri-Sat 10-8 COTTONWOOD 31 CANYON 3940 Dominion Rd., Santa Maria 805-937-9063 cottonwoodcanyon.com Tasting Daily 10-5:30 32 CURTIS WINERY 5249 Foxen Canyon Rd., Los Olivos, 805-686-8999 curtiswinery.com Tasting Daily 10:30-5:30 FESS PARKER WINERY & 36 VINEYARD 6200 Foxen Canyon Rd, Santa Maria, 805-937-4251 fessparker.com,Tasting Daily 10-5 FIRESTONE VINEYARD 38 5000 Zaca Station Rd, Los Olivos, 805-688-3940, firestonewine.com Tasting Daily 10-5/Tours FOXEN VINEYARD 41 7200 Foxen Canyon Rd, Santa Maria, 805-937-4251 foxenvineyard.com,Tasting Daily 11-4 KENNETH VOLK 58 5230 Tepusquet Road, Santa Maria 805-938-7896, volkwines.com Tasting Daily 10:30-4:30 KOEHLER 59 5360 Foxen Canyon Rd, Los Olivos 805-693-8384, koehlerwinery.com Tasting Daily 10-5 MCKEON-PHILLIPS 68 2115 S. Blosser Road, Unit 114 Santa Maria, 805-928-3025
mckeonphillipswinery.com Tasting Fri-Sun 11-6 or by Appt. RANCHO SISQUOC 79 6600 Foxen Canyon Rd., Los Olivos, 805-934-4332 ranshosisquoc.com,Tasting Daily 10-5 RIVERBENCH VINEYARD 78 & WINERY 6020 Foxen Canyon Rd., Santa Maria, 805-937-8340 riverbench.com,Tasting Daily 10-4 STEPHEN ROSS WINE CELLARS 80 2717 Aviation Way, Ste. F1, Santa Maria, 805-594-1318 stephenrosswine.com Tasting by Appt. TRES HERMANAS VINEYARD 82 9660 Foxen Camp Rd., Santa Maria 805-937-8451 treshermanaswinery.com Tasting Daily 10-5 ZACA MESA 98 6905 Foxen Canyon Rd, LosOlivos 850-688-9339, zacamesa.com Tasting Daily 10-4
SANTA BARBARA COUNTY SOUTH ALEXANDER & WAYNE 2 2922 Grand Avenue, Los Olivos 800-824-8584 alexanderandwayne.com Tasting Daily 11-6 3 ALMA ROSA 7250 Santa Rosa Road, Buellton 805-688-9090, almarosawinery.com Tasting Daily 11-4 ANDREW MURRAY 5 2901-A Grand Avenue, Los Olivos 805-693-9644, andrewmurrayvineyards.com,Tasting Daily 11-6 6 ARTHUR EARL 2922 Grand Avenue, Los Olivos 800-646-EARL, arthurearl.com Tasting Daily 11-6 7 ARTISTE 3569 Sagunto Street, Santa Ynez, CA, 805-686-2626 Artiste.com,Tasting Daily 11-5 9 BABCOCK on Highway 246, west of Buellton 805-736-1455, babcockwinery.com Tasting Daily 10:30-4 BECKMEN 11 2670 Ontiveros Rd, Los Olivos 805-688-8664,Tasting Daily 11-5 14 BERNAT 2879 Grand Ave, Los Olivos 805-688-7265, santabarbarawine.com Tasting Daily 11-9 BLACKJACK RANCH 15 2205 Alamo Pintado Rd, Solvang 805-686-9922, blackjackranch.com Tasting Thu-Mon 11-5 BRANDER 16 2401 Refugio Rd, Los Olivos
805-688-2455, brander.com Tasting Daily 10-5, 11-4 (winter) BRIDLEWOOD 17 3555 Roblar Ave, Santa Ynez 805-688-9000, 800-467-4100 bridlewoodwinery.com Tasting Daily 10-5 BUTTONWOOD FARM19 1500 Alamo Pintado R, Solvang 805-688-3032, buttonwoodwinery.com,Tasting Daily 11-5 CARINA CELLARS 21 2900 Grand Ave, Ste A, Los Olivos 805-688-2459, carinacellars.com Tasting Daily 11-5 CARHARTT VINEYARD22 2990-A Grand Ave., Los Olivos 805-688-0685, carhattvineyard.com Tasting Wed-Mon 11-5 CARR VINEYARDS 24 414 N. Salsipuedes St, Santa Barbara, 805-965-7985 carrwinery.com,Tasting Daily 11-5 CASA CASSARA 25 291 Valley Station Rd, Buellton 805-688-8691, casaassarainery.com Tasting Wed-Mon 10-6 28 CONSILIENCE 2933 Grand Ave, Los Olivos 805-691-1020, consiliencewines.com Tasting Daily, 11-5 D’ALFONSO-CURRAN 29 1557 Mission, Solvang, 805-6883494, dalfonso-curranwines.com Tasting Fri-Mon 11-5 (winter hours) DANIEL GEHRS WINES 31 2939 Grand Ave, Los Olivos 800-275-8138, dgwines.com Tasting Daily 11-6
18 August / September 2010 • www.vinetimesonline.com
DIERBERG, STAR LANE & THREE SAINTS 32 2445 Alamo Pintado Ave,Los Olivos, 805-693-0744,DierbergVineyard.com Tasting Daily 11-5 DRAGONETTE CELLARS 33 1633 West Central Ave., Lompoc 805-737-0200,dragonettecellars.com Tasting Sat 11-4,other days byAppt EAST VALLEY VINEYARD 34 4960 Baseline Ave.,Santa Ynez 805-455-1412,eastvalleywines.com Vineyard Visits by appt. EPIPHANY CELLARS 35 2963 Grand Ave, Los Olivos 866-354-9463, epiphanycellars.com Tasting Thu-Mon 11:30-5:30 FIDDLEHEAD CELLARS 62 597 E Chestnut Ave, Lompoc 800-251-1225/ 805-742-0204 fiddleheadcellars.com Thu-Sat 11-4 and by Appt. FLYING GOAT 76 CELLARS 1520 E. Chestnut, Unit A, Lompoc 805-736-9032, flyinggoatcellars.com Tasting Thu-Sat 11-4 40 FOLEY ESTATES 6121 E Highway 246, Lompoc 805-737-6222, foleywines.com Tasting Daily 10-5 42 GAINEY 3950 East Highway 246 Santa Ynez, 805-688-0558 gaineyvineyard.com,Tasting Daily 10-5 HITCHING POST 46 406 East Highway 246, Buellton 805-688-0676,hitchingpostwines.com Tasting Daily 4-8
HUBER CELLARS 47 539 Mission Dr., #A, Solvang 805-686-9323, hubercellars.com Tasting Daily 10– 5 JAFFURS WINE CELLAR 51 819 East Montectio St, Santa Barbara 805-962-7003, jaffurswine.com Tasting Fri-Sun 12-4 or by Appt. 53 JOHN KERR At Los Olivos Tasting Room 2905 Grand Ave., Los Olivos 805-688-5337, jkerrwines.com Tasting Daily 11-6 KALYRA 55 343 North Refugio Rd Santa Ynez, 805-693-8864 kalyrawinery.com,Tasting Daily 11-5 KEN BROWN WINES 56 Terravant Wine Ctr. 70 Industrial Way, Buellton 805-448-3791, By Appt. only 60 LAFOND 6855 Santa Rosa Rd, Buellton 805-688-7921,lafondwinery.com Tasting Daily 10-5 37 LA VIE 308-D North 9th St., Lompoc 805-291-2111, lavievineyards.com Tasting Fri-Sun, 11-5 LINCOURT VINEYARDS 63 1711 Alamo Pintado Rd, Solvang 805-688-8554, lincourtwines.com Tasting Daily 10-5 LONGORIA 64 2935 Grand Ave, Los Olivos 866-RLWINES, longoriawine.com Tasting Daily 11-4:30 LUCAS & LEWELLEN 65 1645 Copenhagen Dr., Solvang 805-686-9336, llwine.com Tasting Daily 11-5:30 66 MANDOLINA 1665 Copenhagen Dr, Solvang 805-686-5506,Tasting Daily 11-5:30 MELVILLE 69 5185 East Hwy. 246, Lompoc 805-735-7030, melvillevineyards.com Tasting Daily 11-4 MOSBY 72 9496 Santa Rosa Rd., Buellton 800-70-MOSBY/ 805-688-2415 mosbywines.com Tasting Sat-Sun 10-5, Mon-Fri 10-4 OREANA / CELLAR 205 73 205 Anacapa St, Santa Barbara 805-962-5857, cellar205.com Tasting Daily 11-5 76 PALMINA 1520 East Chestnut Ct, Lompoc 805-735-2030, palminawines.com Tasting Thu-Sat11- 4 or by Appt. 77 PRESIDIO 1603 Copenhagen Dr. #1, Solvang, 805-966-9463, presidowinery.com Tasting Daily 11-6 RIDEAU 80 1562 Alamo Pintado Rd, Solvang 805-688-0717, rideauvineyard.com Tasting Mon-Fri 10:30-5, Sat-Sun 10:30-5:30
81 ROBLAR WINERY 3010 Roblar Avenue, Santa Ynez 805-686-8540, roblarwinery.com Tasting Daily 10-5 82 ROYAL OAKS 1651 Copenhagen Dr, Solvang 805-693-1740, royaloakswinery.com Tasting Daily 10-5:30 RUSACK 83 1819 Ballard Canyon Rd, Solvang 805-688-1278, rusackvineyards.com Tasting Daily 11-5 84 SANFORD 5010 Santa Rosa Rd, Lompoc 805-688-3300 or 800-426-9463 sanfordwinery.com,Tasting Daily 11-5 SANTA BARBARA WINERY 85 202 Anacapa St, 805-963-3633/ 800-225-3633 sbwinery.com,Tasting Daily 10-5 SCOTT CELLARS 86 2933 San Marcos Ave, Los Olivos 805-570-0048, scottcellars.com Tasting Wed-Mon11-5 SHOESTRING WINERY 87 800 East Hwy. 246, Solvang 800-693-8612, shoestringwinery.com Tasting Fri-Sun 11-4 or by Appt. 88 STOLPMAN 2434 Alamo Pintado, Los Olivos 805-688-0400 stolpmanvineyards.com Tasting Daily 11-5, ex. Fri 11-6 SUMMERLAND WINERY 89 2330 Lillie Ave, Summerland 805-565-9463, summerlandwine.com Tasting Tue-Thu 11-5, Fri- Sun11-7 SUNSTONE 90 125 Refugio Rd, Santa Ynez 800-313-9463, sunstonewinery.com Tasting Daily 10-4 TASTES OF THE VALLEYS 91 Au Bon Climat,Arcadian, Margerum & more... 1672 Mission, Solvang, 805-688-7111 tastesofthevalleys.com, Tasting Daily 12-8, Sat 12-9 TENSLEY/LEA WINES 92 2900 Grand Ave., Ste. B, Los Olivos 805-688-6761, tensleywines.com Tasting Fri-Sat 11-5 TRE ANELLI WINE 93 2923 Grand Ave., Los Olivos 805-686-3000, treanelliwine.com Tasting Daily 11-5 WINE COUNTRY 94 TASTING (Core, Great Oaks, Huber, J.Wilkes, Qupe,Silver, Taz,Verdad) 2445 Alamo Pintado Ave., Los Olivos, 805-686-9699 Tasting Daily 11-5 WHITCRAFT WINERY 95 36-A S. Calle Cesar Chavez, Santa Barbara, 805-965-0956 whitcraftwinery.com Tasting Fri-Sun 12-4
Signorello: Poised for Perfection J. Lohr San Jose WIne Center Events Wine & Summer Dessert Pairing Seminar
Perfection is very apparent at Signorello, from the moment you pull into the parking lot and see the meticulously cropped ivy, covering exactly half the wall of the tasting room building. (Kat Ryan Montgomery)
By Sandrew Montgomery
N
apa’s Signorello Vineyards and Estate is a true testament to endurance and quality of the utmost. The first wine to be released was from the 1985 Vintage – a fantastic year for Cabernet Sauvignon in a string of four consecutive great vintages. Ray Sr. and Ray Jr. Signorello realized that their 100 acre estate along the Silverado Trail was producing some of the Valley’s most sought after ultra premium grapes after garnering great accolades for the wineries they were selling to: Caymus, Cakebread and Cuvaison. It was then the decision was made to transition from grower to producer, making Chardonnay and Pinot Noir in addition to Cabernet. “In 1977, this property was virgin ground and Dad originally intended to retire here. He didn’t really know what he was getting into. In 1988, I graduated from business school and the stock market had just crashed, so I started coming up here from San Francisco every other day. Steve DeWitt was our winemaker then and it was just Steve and I running the show. Here I am 22 years later!” says a beaming Ray Jr. Ray is a very intriguing and successful entrepreneur who travels considerably with his additional ventures including a Canadian distributorship, Real Estate holdings, two additional wine brands and a recent partnership with Snake River Farms, arguably the best beef and pork in the U.S. I asked Ray how this co-marketing arrangement began: “ I was hosting the L.A. Times wine writer at Wolfgang Puck’s Restaurant, “Cut,” and I ordered all this beef – different kinds – to show off our
flagship wine, a vertical of Padrone. And it dawned on me – this is the best pairing!” Ray called to discuss the possibility of an exclusive arrangement. “ They are family owned – we believe in Snake River and Snake River Farms believes in Signorello. This is one of the best ever strategic alliances.” “Our wines are more European in style,” remarks Signorello Jr. Now, with only his second wine maker in 25 years, Bordeaux-born Pierre Bierbent carries on the tradition and has woven in a European sophistication and elegance that makes for pure wines of distinction that are delicious by themselves. However, when paired with gastronomic cuisine, such as the imagination of Roger Babel of Creative Palate Works, the wines attain an even higher level of excellence!
Blackberry Pot de Crème
Descriptor Seminar
The Enoteca One can call and make an appointment for the Tasting Room Monday through Thursday or it is open to the public Friday through Sunday where you can taste Estate Wines with the very affable and knowledgeable hospitality staff directed by the extremely gracious Kathy Wood. The best way to truly experience Signorello is to make reservations for the Enoteca, for either the 11 a.m. or 2:30 p.m. seating’s, Mondays through Thursdays. These small plates are “architecturally decorated” to blend flavors, texture, color, visual appeal and are perfectly paired with Signorello’s wines, making for an orgasmic “umami” experience. The menu changes seasonally so you can come back and enjoy a whole new Continued on Page 32
jlohr.com www.vinetimesonline.com • August / September 2010
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Paso Robles Rhône Renegades: Continued from Page 13 that characterize this appellation. He enjoys hijacking tasting room visitors who say they don’t drink whites. “House rules here are that you try everything,” Yount tells them, and they are usually blown away by his delicately-crafted Denner lineup, especially the whites. His Kinero Cellars branded 2009 Grenache Blanc is called “Alice,” for his grandmother, who lives in Ohio and enjoys her three olive vodka martinis. It’s deliciously deft, with flavors of bright peaches and nectarines. “This is for a summer day, when it’s 105 in the shade here in Paso,” he says. I’ll drink it any day: here’s to Alice. Graves is a Hawaii-born and raised library science major turned vineyard consultant who grows mostly Rhônes and Tempranillo at her estate, Ohana vineyard out in Creston. She also leases vineyards
on the Westside of Paso near Denner. She pours a wickedly addictive white called Monkey Wrench: so named because it’s always the one wine, the only white she makes, that gives her fits. It’s predominantly Grenache Blanc with Viognier, and walks a fine line between perfume and peachy pineappleness. She says it’s very popular in her native state, because it handles Asian style spices so nicely. Who knew a Monkey Wrench could be such a good thing? Another white that can really shine in the right hands and with the right barrel treatment is Roussanne. Both Butler and Yount make fine examples. Butler goes for a blend of 65 percent Grenache Blanc and 35 percent Roussanne, called “Chrome.” The 2009 has heady ripe baked pear aromas, hints of bright polished apple and delivers rich plush bananas foster that takes
me right back to Commanders Palace in New Orleans, without the plaque on the teeth, and sans calories. The Grenache keeps it flying high. Yount’s Roussanne, the 2009 “Rustler,” is cloaked in a velveteen sheen of oak – just right for this level of royalty. Fermented in two-thirds new oak, it sees Hungarian, French and stainless barrels, and about one third does not go thru malo. The texture is soft, rich and almost erminelike, but it delivers a surprisingly salty finish that is not unlike drinking yeasty rich champagne with fresh-shucked oysters. A brilliantly elegant wine that delivers you straight to the promised land. All three of these renegade winemakers laugh when Yount says that “Kinero” could also mean a clumsy person without proper tools: kind of like a winemaker trying to work with fruit that might not be grown in STONE’S THROW WINERY 27 3541 N. Canyon Rd., Camino 530-622-5100, stonesthrowwines.com Tasting Fri-Sun May-Dec, by Appt. STOVER OAKS 28 5241 Nashville Tr., Placerville 530-626-WINE Tasting Fri-Sun 11-5 THOMPSON MINING CAMP WINERY 29 4801 Rock Barn, Shingle Springs 530-677-6510 Tasting Thu-Sun 10-5 VENEZIO VINEYARDS & WINERY 31 5821 Hwy. 49, Pilot Hill 530-885-WINE, venezio.com Tasting Wed-Sun 11-5 WOFFORD ACRES VINEYARDS 32 1900 Hidden Valley Ln., Camino 530-626-6858, wavwines.com Tasting Thu-Sun 11-5 or by Appt.
Winery Guide
EL DORADO SOUTH BUSBY CELLARS 1 6375 Grizzly Flat Rd, Somerset, 530-344-9119 busbycellars.com Tasting Fri-Sun11-5:30
EL DORADO NORTH AURIGA WINE CELLARS 1 3500 Carson Rd., #D2, Camino, 530-647-8078 aurigawines.com Tasting Fri-Sun, 11-5 BOA VISTA ORCHARDS/ VINEYARDS 2 2952 Carson Rd., Placerville 530-622-5522, boavista.com Tasting Daily 11-5 BOEGER WINERY 3 1709 Carson Rd., Placerville 530-622-8094 boegerwinery.com Tasting Daily 10-5 CHATEAU RODIN WINERY 4 4771 Green Hills Rd. , Placerville 530-622-6839 chateaurodin.com Tasting Wed-Sun 11-5 CHEVALIER WINERY 5 5720 French Creek Rd., Shingle Springs, 530-677-1676 chevalierwinery.com Tasting Sat 12-5 CRYSTAL BASIN CELLARS 7 3550 Carson Rd., Camino 530-647-1767 crystalbasin.com Tasting Daily 11-5 COULSON ELDORADO WINERY 8 3600 Carson Rd., Camino 530-644-2854 www.coulsonwinery.com Tasting Thu-Sun 11-5
DAVID GIRARD VINEYARDS 9 741 Cold Springs Rd., Placerville 530-295-1833 davidgirardvineyards.com Tasting Fri-Sun 11-5 FENTON HERRIOTT VINEYARDS 11 120 Jacquier Ct., Placerville fentonherriott.com 530-642-2021 Tasting Thu-Sun 11-5/Tours by Appt. FINDLETON ESTATE & VINEYARD 12 3500 Carson Rd., Camino 530-644-4018 finzinwines.com Tasting Fri-Sun 11-5 GOLD HILL WINERY 13 5660 Vineyard Ln., Placerville 530-626-6522 goldhillvineyard.com Tasting Thu-Sun 10-5 HOLLY’S HILL VINEYARDS & WINERY 14 3680 Leisure Ln., Placerville 530-344-0227 hollyshill.com Tasting Daily 10-5 16 ILLUMINARE ESTATE 3500 Carson Rd., Camino 530-647-1884 illuminarewinery.com Tasting Fri-Sun 11-5 JODAR VINEYARDS & WINERY 17 3405 Carson Court, Camino 530-644-3474, jodarwinery.com Tasting Daily 11-5
LAVA CAP WINERY 18 2221 Fruitridge Rd, Placerville 530-621-0175/ 800-475-0175 lavacap.com Tasting Daily 11-5 19 MADROÑA VINEYARDS 2560 High Hill Rd., Camino 530-644-5948 madronavineyards.com Tasting Daily 11-5 21 MIRAFLORES WINERY 2120 Four Springs Trail, Placerville, 530-647-8505 mirafloreswinery.com Tasting Daily 10-5 NARROW GATE VINEYARDS 22 4282 Pleasant Valley Rd., Placerville, 530-644-6201 narrowgatevineyards.com Tasting Fri-Sat 10-5, Sun 12-5 PARAVI VINEYARDS 23 2875 Larsen Dr., Camino 530-647-9463 primusvineyards.com Tasting Daily 11-5 SIERRA VISTA WINERY & VINEYARD 25 4560 Cabernet Wy., Placerville 530-622-7221/ 800-WINE-916 sierravistawinery.com Tasting Daily 10-5 SOGNO WINERY 26 3046 Ponderosa Rd., Shingle Springs, 530-672-6968 sognowinery.com Tasting Wed-Sun 11-5
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CANTIGA WINEWORKS 2 5980 Meyers Ln, Somerset 530-621-1696 cantigawine.com Tasting Fri-Sun 11-5 and by Appt. CEDARVILLE VINEYARD 3 6320 Marestail Rd, Fair Play 530-620-9463 cedarvillevineyard.com Tasting by Appt. CHALET FLEUR DE LYS 4 7696 Perry Creek Rd, Somerset, 530.620.2246 fleurdelyswinery.com Tasting Fri-Sun 11-5 or by Appt. CHATEAU ROUTON 5 2800 Omo Ranch Rd, Fair Play, 530-620-5818 chateaurouton.com Tasting Wed-Sun 11-5 COLIBRI RIDGE WINERY 6 & VINEYARDS 6100 Grey Rock Rd, Fair Play, 530-620-7255 colibriridge.com Tasting Fri-Sun 11-5 CHARLES B. MITCHELL WINERY 7 8221 Stoney Creek Rd, Fair Play, 530-620-3467 charlesbmitchell.com, Tasting Mon-Fri 11-5, Sat-Sun 10:30-5 DK CELLARS 7380 Vineyard View Dr., Fair Play, 530-620-1132 dkcellars.com Tasting Fri-Sun 11-5
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the right place, and without all the fancy equipment a financially well-endowed winemaker might have at their behest. There are plenty of those in Paso. They may boast ginormous, over the top wineries the size of strip malls here in these once caballero, cow and cattle dominated hills, but none of them are making wines like these. Welcome to the new, old West, where renegades and outlaws once again are poised to make a long overdue comeback. Taste with the winemakers at Denner Winery, 5414 Vineyard Drive in Paso Robles. Make arrangements for a private tasting by contacting the winemakers: Hillary Graves: hilary@graveswinegrowers.com; (805) 226-2708 AnthonyYount: anthony @kinerocellars.com; (805) 215-2442 Amy Butler: amyjean@charter.net; 805423-3765
10 FITZPATRICK WINERY 7740 Fairplay Rd., Fair Play 530-620-3248/ 800-245-9166 fitzpatrickwinery.com Tasting Daily 11-5 ex.Tue GRANITE SPRINGS WINERY 12 5050 Granite Springs Winery Rd., Fair Play, 530-620-6395/ 800-638-6041, latcham.com Tasting Fri-Sun 11-5 14 IVERSON WINERY 8061 Perry Creek Rd., Fair Play 530-620-7474 iversonwinery.com Tasting Fri-Sun 11-5 or by Appt. LATCHAM VINEYARDS 15 2860 Omo Ranch, Mt. Aukum 530-620-6642/ 800-750-5591 latcham.com Tasting Thur-Mon 11-5 MOUNT AUKUM WINERY 17 6781 Tower Rd., Mount Aukum 800-591-9463, mountaukum.com Tasting Daily 11-5 OAKSTONE WINERY 18 6440 Slug Gulch Rd., Fair Play 530-620-5303 oakstone-winery.com Tasting Wed-Sun 11-5 PERRY CREEK VINEYARDS 19 7400 Perry Creek Rd. Fair Play 530-620-5175 perrycreek.com Tasting Daily 11-5
SIERRA OAKS ESTATES 21 6713 Mt.Aukum Rd., Fair Play 530-620-7079 sierraoaksestates.com Tasting Wed-Sun 11-5 22 SINGLE LEAF VINEYARD & WINERY 7480 Fairplay Rd., Fairplay 530-620-3545/ 888-ONE-LEAF singleleaf.com Tasting Wed-Sun 11-5 TOOGOOD ESTATE WINE 23 CAVES 7280 Fair Play Rd, FairPlay 530-620-1910 toogoodwinery.com Tasting Fri-Sun 11-5:30 or by Appt. URSA VINEYARDS 24 5951 Mt.Aukum Rd, Somerset 530-647-2646 ursavineyards.com Tasting Fri-Sun 11-5 VAN DER VIJVER ESTATE 25 7451 Fairplay Rd., Fair Play 530.620.3210 Tasting 11-5 Wed-Sun & by Appt. WINDWALKER VINEYARDS 26 7360 Perry Creek Rd., Fair Play 530-620-4054 windwalkervineyard.com Tasting Daily 11-5 or by Appt. WINERY BY THE CREEK 27 8085 Perry Creek Rd., Fair Play 530-620-2402 winerybythecreek.com Tasting Thu-Sun 11-5
. . . Old Town Temecula By Tom Plant
J
ust a few short years ago, if you wanted to go wine tasting in Temecula, you had to go to the heart of Wine Country and spend the day driving from winery to winery. My how things have changed. Old Town Temecula has joined Rancho California Road and the De Portola Trail as a wine destination. At this writing there are no less than six wineries with tasting rooms in Old Town with more on the way making Temecula’s Old Town an ideal spot for a walking wine tour.
Buzz and Kimberly Olson of Tesoro Vineyards have been pouring at their tasting room in Old Town Temecula since 2008. (Tom Plant)
Buzz and Kimberly Olson of Tesoro Vineyards decided they would set up shop there after learning how long the funding and permit process would take to build and open a tasting room at their vineyards. As you head south on Front Street, their tasting room is the first one you will happen upon at 28475 Old Town Front St. Kimberly and Buzz put the power of faith to the test when they opened there in March 2008 and they have been open ever since. Their tasting room is charming, they are wonderful hosts and Etienne Cowper is producing stellar wines for them, including Sangiovese, Syrah, a newly released Viognier and a red blend called Il Terazzo Rosso. Across the street and down the block at 28500 Old Town Front Street is Longshadow Winery. John Broderson grew up on a horse ranch in Wyoming and moved to California playing guitar in a band. In 1999 he purchased a vineyard on Calle Contento in Temecula with no intention of opening a winery. One thing led to another and in 2003 he opened the doors to his tasting room. When they looked at expanding they considered San Diego’s
BEAUX CHEVAUX
CHATEAU RODIN
• • • • • • • • • • •
Fairplay Wine Area 800-622-1323
$599,000
Just down the street at 28544 Old Town Front Street is The Collective, home to wines from Atwood Vineyards, Eve, Fazeli Vineyards, Middle Ridge Winery and Woodworth Vineyards. Each winery is under the auspices of Temecula Valley Winery Management. The beautiful space opened its doors last year. It features a half circle tasting bar and comfortable seating downstairs and a private members lounge Continued on Page 22
SIERRA VIEWS
Attention Home Wine Makers Country home on 7+ idyllic acres Home has new AC/heater Beckman Estate vineyards- 5 Acres of Zin & Syrah Tasting room in downtown Murphys Peaceful mountain ranch location Winery, all equipment, license & labels included Wine club Inventory included in price New cooling in winery building Possible assumption of existing loan
$1,600,000
The Palomar Inn Hotel is home to the Temecula House of Wine. The wine club members receive an assortment of wines from local wineries. (Tom Plant)
PONDEROSA RANCH
WINERY & TASTING ROOM
WINERY & TASTING ROOM • 20 Acres w/ 17 acres of vineyard • Chardonnay, Zin, Barbara, Merlot & Cab grapes • 3-Story house, 2 fireplaces & woodstove • Tasting room • Winery • Apartment over winery building • Big well • Super big decks overlooking vineyard • All winery equipment and inventory included
Gas Lamp district and Encinitas before finally deciding to open their Old Town tasting room in 2008. Longshadow is a small production winery with no more than 400 cases of each varietal. The rustic cowboy theme is carried over in the Old Town location and their “Cowboy Bistro” serves up tasty grub from sandwiches and burgers to Filet Mignon and seared Ahi. As you continue south you’ll find the Palomar Inn Hotel located at 28522 Old Town Front St. Built in the 1920s, it’s home to both the House of Wine and Curry Vineyards. Carlo Palma found tourists had no way of taking home the Mexican pottery he was selling, so in 2005 he changed course and opened the Temecula House of Wine. His focus is on local wines and his wine club members receive an assortment of wines from different local wineries in each shipment. In the hotel lobby is the tasting room for Curry Vineyards. Charlie Curry produces about 500 cases annually of estate Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Syrah as well as Old Vine Zinfandel sourced from grapes grown in Rancho Cucamonga. He opened his tasting room in January of this year.
• • • • • • •
39+ gorgeous idyllic acres 3 Bedroom/3 bath home overlooks huge pond Small vineyard Barn & shop Sprawling ranch home- needs TLC Vaulted ceilings & hardwood floors All useable acres w/ Sierra views from the top of the property
$695,000
Shenandoah Valley Wine Area 800-748-5931 www.vinetimesonline.com • August / September 2010
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Discover: Old Town Temecula Continued from Page 21 upstairs. Winemakers from each winery drop in from time to time and if your timing is good, you may be able to chat one of them up. Down the block, turn left on Main Street and you’ll find Temecula Hills at Villa di Calabro at 41955 Main Street. This joint venture between Steve and Valerie Andrews of Temecula Hills and Oak Mountain Wineries and Mike and Mindy Calabro is located in a beautiful old building newly refurbished by Steve. Enjoy wines from either winery or a Mimosa made with Villa di Calabro’s sparkling Muscat. Mike will also invite you to taste his line of olive oils and vinegars. The back patio is an ideal place to unwind as you sit
by the fountain. The most recent addition to the wine landscape of Old Town is Lorimar Winery at 42031 Main Street. Lawrie Lipton and Mark Manfield (Lawr – I – Mar) opened their tasting room early this year after buying the old Providence Winery. They took some of the existing inventory and then recruited Etienne Cowper, Dr. Enrique Ferro and Mike Tingley to help them fill out their line up. They are planning several events and have already hosted a blues and barbeque event at the vineyard location. Masia de Yabar Winery, located at 41955 Fifth Street has been working on their Old Town location for the past several months and it should be open by the time you read this.
Winery Guide
MENDOCINO COUNTY ANDERSON VALLEY WINE 1 EXPERIENCE (Claudia Springs, Philo Ridge, Raye’s Hill)
Hwy. 128, Downtown Boonville 707-895-3993, Tasting Daily 11-5 BARRA OF MENDOCINO 2 7051 North State St., Redwood Valley, 707-485-0322, barraofmendocino.com, Tasting Daily 10-5 BREGGO CELLARS 3 11001 Hwy. 128, Boonville 707-895-9589, breggo.com Tasting Daily 11-5 BRUTOCAO CELLARS 4 13500 S. Hwy. 101, Hopland 707-744-1664,brutocaocellars.com, Tasting Daily 10-5 7000 Hwy. 128, Philo 5 800-661-2103, Tasting Daily 10-5 CHIARITO VINEYARD 7 2651 Mill Creek Rd., Ukiah chiaritovineyard.com 707-462-7146, Tasting by Appt. CLAUDIA SPRINGS WINERY 8 1810 Hwy. 128, Navarro 707-895-3993, claudiasprings.com Tasting Fri-Mon 11-5 COLE BAILEY VINEYARDS 9 12482 Inez Way, Redwood Valley, 707-485-9507, colebailey.com, Tasting by Appt. DEMUTH WINERY 11 16125 Deer Meadows Rd., Boonville, 707-895-3729 demuthwinery.com, Tasting by Appt. DOMAINE SAINT GREGORY 13 13251 S. Hwy. 101, Ste. 3, Hopland, 707-744-8466 Tasting Daily 10-5 DUNCAN PEAK VINEYARDS 14 14500 Mountain House Rd., Hopland, 707-283-3632, duncanpeak.com, Tasting by Appt.
DUNNEWOOD VINEYARDS 15 2399 North State St., Ukiah 707-467-4843, Tasting Mon-Thu 8-4 ELIZABETH VINEYARDS 17 8591 Colony Dr., Redwood Valley, 707-485-9009, Tasting by Appt. ESTERLINA 19 1200 Holmes Ranch Road, Philo 707-895-2920,esterlinavineyards.com Tasting by Appt. FIFE VINEYARDS 21 3620 Road B, Redwood Valley 707-485-0323, fifevineyards.com Tasting Daily 10-5 FREY VINEYARDS 22 14000 Tomki Rd., Redwood Valley, 707-485-5177/800-760-3739, freywine.com, Tasting by Appt. GIRASOLE VINEYARDS 24 7051 N. State Rd., Redwood Valley, 707-485-0322,girasolevineyards.com, Tasting Daily 10-5 GOLDENEYE 25 9200 Hwy. 128, Philo 707-895-3202, Tasting Daily 11-4 GRAZIANO FAMILY OF WINES 26 13251 S. Hwy. 101, Ste. 3, Hopland, 707-744-8466 grazianofamilyofwines.com Tasting Daily 10-5 GREENWOOD RIDGE VINEYARDS 27 5501 Hwy. 128, Philo 707-895-2002, greenwoodridge.com Tasting Daily 10-5 HANDLEY CELLARS 30 3151 Hwy. 128, Philo 707-895-3876/ 800-733-3151 handleycellars.com, Tasting Daily 10-6 HUSCH VINEYARDS 32 4400 Hwy. 128, Philo 707-895-3216/ 800-55-HUSCH huschvineyards.com,Tasting Daily 10-6
JEPSON VINEYARDS 34 10400 S. Hwy. 101, Ukiah, 707-4688936/ 800-516-7342, jepsonwine.com, Tasting 10-5/Tours by Appt. JERIKO ESTATE WINERY 35 12141 Hewlitt & Sturdtevant Rd., Hopland, 707-744-1140 jerikoestate.com, Tasting Daily 10-5 LAZY CREEK VINEYARDS 37 4601 Hwy. 128, Philo 707-895-3623, Tasting by Appt. LE VIN WINERY 38 33151 Hwy. 128,Yorkville 707-894-2304, levinwinery.com Tasting by Appt. LOLONIS WINERY 39 1905 Road D, Redwood Valley 707-485-8207, lolonis.com Tasting by Appt. LONDER VINEYARDS 40 4780 Monte Bloyd Rd., Philo 707-895-3900, Tasting by Appt. MAPLE CREEK WINERY 41 20799 Hwy. 128,Yorkville 707-895-300, maplecreekwine.com, Tasting Daily 10:30-5 MCDOWELL VALLEY VINEYARDS TASTING ROOM 43 13380 S. Hwy. 101, Hopland 707-744-8911, mcdowellsyrah.com, Tasting Sat-Sun 10-5, Mon-Fri 11-5 MCNAB RIDGE TASTING ROOM, LAWSON STATION 44 13441 S. Hwy. 101, Hopland 707-744-1986, Tasting Daily 10-5 MENDOCINO WINE CO. 46 45070 Main St., Mendocino 707-937-6193, mendocinowineco.com, Tasting Daily 10-5 MEYER FAMILY CELLARS 48 19750 Hwy. 128,Yorkville 707-895-2341, mfcellars.com Tasting 10-5 ex. Sun MILANO FAMILY WINERY 49 14594 S. Hwy. 101, Hopland 707-744-1396/ 800-564-2582 milanowinery.com, Tasting Daily 10-5 NAVARRO VINEYARDS 50 5601 Hwy. 128, Philo 707-895-3686/ 800-537-9463 navarrowine.com, Tasting Daily 10-5 NELSON FAMILY VINEYARDS 51 550 Nelson Ranch Rd., Ukiah 707-462-3755,nelsonfamily-vineyards.com, Tasting Daily 11:30-5 OSTER WINE CELLARS 53 13501 Tomki Rd., Redwood Valley, 707-485-5257, osterwine.com, Tasting by Appt. PACIFIC ECHO CELLARS 54 8501 Hwy. 128, Philo 707-895-2065/ 800-824-7754 Tasting 11-5/Tours by Appt. PACIFIC STAR WINERY 56 33000 N. Hwy. 1, Fort Bragg 707-964-1155, pacificstarwinery.com, Tasting Daily 11-5 PARDUCCI WINE CELLARS 57 501 Parducci Rd., Ukiah 707-463-5350, parducci.com Tasting Daily 10-5 PHILO RIDGE VINEYARDS 59 27700 Nash Mill Rd., Philo 707-489-2303, philoridge.com Tasting by Appt. ROEDERER ESTATE 60 4501 Hwy. 128, Philo roedererestate.com, 707-8952288, Tasting Daily 11-5
22 August / September 2010 • www.vinetimesonline.com
Dining choices abound in Old Town, with everything from burgers at Mad Madeleine’s, Mediterranean at Soro’s, Italian at Palumbo’s to fine dining at The Public House, Baily’s, The Gambling Cowboy and The Edge. So make a day of it with wine tasting and fine dining in the vibrant and busy Old Town Temecula.
Lorimar Winery is the most recent addition to Old Town. Mark Manfield (right) and Lawrie Lipton opened their tasting room early this year. (Tom Plant) SCHARFFENBERGER CELLARS 62 8501 Hwy. 128, Philo scharffenbergercellars.com 707-895-2288, Tasting Daily 11-5 63 SILVERSMITH VINEYARDS 3700-A Rd. J, Redwood Valley, 707485-1196, atasteofredwoodvalley.com, Tasting Sat-Sun 11-5 or by Appt. STANDISH WINE COMPANY 65 5101 Hwy. 101, Philo, 707-8959213, Tasting Daily 10:30-4:30 THREE FAMILIES WINERY 66 13500 Hwy.101, Ste. H, Hopland, 707-473-0301, threefamilieswinery.com Tasting Daily 11-5 TOULOUSE VINEYARDS 68 8001 Hwy. 128, Philo 707-895-2828, toulousevineyards.com, Tasting by Appt. VIN DE TEVIS 70 51161 Covelo Rd., Dos Rios 707-983-9433, vindetevis.com Tasting by Appt. WEIBEL VINEYARDS 71 13300 Buckman Dr., Hopland 707-744-2200, weibel.com Tasting by Appt. WHALER VINEYARDS 72 6200 Eastside Rd., Ukiah 707-462-6355, Tasting by Appt. YORKVILLE CELLARS 73 25701 Hwy. 128,Yorkville 707-894-9177, yorkvillecellars.com Tasting Daily 11-6 ZINA HYDE CUNNINGHAM 75 WINERY 14077 Hwy. 128, Boonville 707-895-9462, zinawinery.com Tasting Daily 10-5 LAKE COUNTY BRASSFIELD ESTATE WINERY 2 10915 High Valley Rd., Clearlake Oaks, 707-998-1895 brassfieldestate.com, Tasting by Appt.
CEAGO DEL LAGO 3 5115 E. Hwy. 20, Nice, 707-2741462, ceago.com, Tasting Daily 10-5 COUGAR’S LEAP WINERY 4 9300 N. Seigler Springs Rd., Kelseyville, 707-279-0651 cougarsleap.com, Tasting May-Oct Fri-Sun 11-5 or by Appt. DUSINBERRE CELLARS 6 5627 Gaddy Ln., Kelseyville 707-279-2995, Tasting by Appt. EDEN CREST VINEYARDS & 8 WINERY 2550 Big Valley Rd., Kelseyville 707-279-2987, edencrestwine.com, Tasting by Appt. GREGORY GRAHAM WINES 9 13633 Point Lakeview Rd., Lower Lake, 707-995-3500 ggwines.com, Tasting Sat-Sun 10-5 THE LAKE COUNTY WINE 12 STUDIO 9505 Main St., Upper Lake 707-275-8030, Tasting Thu-Sun 1-7 LANGTRY ESTATE VINEYARDS 13 & WINERY 21000 Butts Canyon Rd., Middletown, 707-987-9127 langtryestate.com, Tasting Daily 10-5 MOORE FAMILY WINERY 15 11990 Bottle Rock Rd., Kelseyville, 707-279-9279, moorefamilywinery.com Tasting Sat-Sun 11-5 MT. KONOCTI GROWERS 16 WINERY 2550 Big Valley Rd., Kelseyville 707-279-4213, pearbubbles.com Tasting by Appt. NOGGLE VINEYARDS & 18 WINERY 700 Old Long Valley Rd., Clearlake Oaks, 707-998-0319 nogglevineyardsandwinery.com Tasting Sat-Sun 10-5 or by Appt.
PLOYEZ WINERY 19 11171 Hwy. 29, Lower Lake 707-994-2106, ployezwines.com Tasting Daily 11-5 RED LAVA WINE TASTING 21 8040 Hwy. 29, Kelseyville 707-278-0224, redlavavineyards.com, Tasting Daily 11-6 ROSA D'ORO VINEYARDS 22 3915 Main St., Kelseyville 707-279-0483 rosadorowine.com Tasting Wed-Sat. 10:30-6:30, Sun 11-5 SHANNON RIDGE WINERY 24 12599 E. Hwy 20, Clearlake Oaks, 707-998-9656, shannonridge.com, Tasting Daily 10:30-5 SIX SIGMA WINERY & 25 VINEYARDS 13372 Spruce Grove Rd., Lower Lake, 707-994-2086 sixsigmaranch.com, Tasting by Appt. STEELE WINES 27 4350 Thomas Dr., Kelseyville 707-279-9475, steelewines.com Tasting Mon-Sat 11-5 TERRILL CELLARS AND 29 TUSCAN VILLAGE 16175 Main St., Lower Lake 707-252-8444, terrillcellars.com Tasting Daily 10-4 TULIP HILL WINERY & 30 VINEYARDS 4900 Bartlett Springs Rd, Nice, 707-274-9373, tuliphillwinery.com Tasting Daily 10-6 WILDHURST VINEYARDS 31 3855 Main St., Kelseyville 800-595-WINE, wildhurst.com Tasting Daily 10-5 HUMBOLDT COUNTY (not shown on map) BRICELAND VINEYARDS WINERY 5959 Briceland Rd., Redway 707-923-2429, Tasting by Appt. CURTIS AND DAVID 1800 Q St., Arcata, 707-499-0920, curtisanddavid.com, Tasting by Appt. FIELDBROOK WINERY 4241 Fieldbrook Rd., McKinleyville 707-839-4140, fieldbrookwinery.com, Tasting by Appt. HEIDRUN MEADERY WINERY 55 Ericson Crt., Ste. 4, Arcata 707-825-8748,heidrunmeadery.com, Tasting by Appt. ROBERT GOODMAN WINERY 937 10th St., Arcata, 707-825-7406, robertgoodmanwines.com, Tasting by Appt. TRINITY VALLEY VINEYARDS 11000 West End Rd., Arcata 707-822-7094, trinityvalleyvineyards.com Tasting by Appt. WOODENHEAD VINTNERS 5700 River Rd., Santa Rosa 707-887-2703, woodenheadwine.com Tasting Thu-Sun 10:30-4:30 Submit your changes or new listings to our guides by Sept 3, 2010 to be included in the October/ November issue. Submit to editor@vinetimesmagazine.com
No Fiddlin’ Around in Fiddletown By Laura Ness
I
f you’ve been ordering off wine lists for oh, the past 20 years or so, chances are you’ve come across Renwood. They’ve always been a safe haven. I’ve trusted their Barbera, Syrah and Sangiovese to deliver dependable, well-made bottles of wine at a fair price. While in Placerville this May, I ran into winemaker Joe Shebl, who was on the winemaking team at Renwood for several years. He’s now consulting for a number of small brands in the Shenandoah Valley, including Driven and Borjon, plus he has his own label, Fiddletown Cellars. The latter features a beautiful violin on the outside, and some mighty tasty Zin on the inside. Shebl and his business partner at Fiddletown Cellars, Reno Farinelli, set up their ICF (insulated concrete form) shop in the tiny Fiddletown AVA, on the northern edge of Amador County. It is a subAVA of the sleepy Shenandoah Valley, which lies within the larger Sierra Foothills AVA. Joe sources his Zin from vineyards at an elevation of 1,800 feet, where they have the longest growing season in Amador County. There are now 40 plus wineries in Amador, with more on the way. In fact, it will soon be home to one of the largest winemaking facilities, complete with amphitheatre, event center and what will be the first cave system in Amador county, and is being built by the Helwig Family. It’s the modern day version of mining. Driven Cellars is a 2200-case Plymouth-based venture of Chris Chinco’s, and the silk-screened packaging is striking. I loved the 2007 Driven Zin ($23), with its great acid, maple syrup notes and classic Zin cocoa dusty finish. Borjon is the baby of the youngest winery owner in America, Iscander “Isy” Borjon. His French-Mexican father, Jesus,
has been a labor contractor in Amador for over 25 years, and the label bears his silhouetted image. The 2007 Borjon Barbera from Cooper Vineyards ($30) is filled with black licorice and a salty lick of prosciutto. “The best Barbera fruit in the Valley comes from Cooper,” says Shebl, and he should know. Shebl’s passion is creating wines that you can enjoy without patience. That’s my vernacular for “you can drink them tonight.” In all his winemaking endeavors, Shebl makes liberal use of some very tasty French oak chips – never American chips. This helps him tame what can be roughedged tannins in varieties like Sangiovese and Barbera. Much like a fine emery board creates a polished manicure, Shebl’s oak chip regimen really smooths out Zin to a level of elegance previously achieved only with very expensive new French oak barrels. Why spend money on barrels if you don’t have to? Shebl’s 2008 Fiddletown Old Vine Zin is a deeply satisfying quaff of history from a 40-year old vineyard interlaced with some Alicante Bouchet. Polished and bright, it oozes cherries and boysenberries with a succulence that lingers. Hard to choose between this and the 2008 Bent Bow Zin from Amador, a strawberry, guava, pomegranate and cranberry packed beauty, with a smooth opulence that characterizes this man’s magic hand. They retail from $15 to $24. Don’t choose: get both. For more information on Fiddletown Cellars and their wines, call (209) 245-5719 or email Reno G. Farinelli at reno@fiddletowncellars.com. Bojorn Cellars tasting room is located at 11270 Shenandoah Road in Plymouth. For more information call (209) 245-3087 or visit www.borjonwinery.com. Driven’s tasting room is located at 12595 Steiner Road in Plymouth. For more information call (209) 245-4545 or visit www.drivencellars.com.
• Gold Country's luxurious relaxation retreat • Panoramic valley & American River views • Close to wineries and activities
Taste xcellence! E the
SOQUEL VINEYARDS
2010 California State Fair Wine Competition GOLD MEDAL WINNER
2008 PINOT NOIR Lester Family vineyard
2010 Chronicle Wine Competition Winners: One Double Gold • 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, Garvey Family Vineyard
Four Golds • 2006 Pinot Noir,
Touring Santa Maria Valley Wine Country Just Got Easier Experiencing the distinctive flavors of the Santa Maria Valley wine country just got easier with the release of a newly expanded touring booklet produced by the Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce and Visitor & Convention Bureau. The free 16-page glossy booklet is available directly through the Chamber, and is also viewable and printable at http://santamariavisitor.com/cm/wine_country/wine_tasting_gui de.html. The booklet, which is titled Santa Maria Valley Wine Country: A Guide to Local Wineries and Restaurants, offers a new cover and layout; a larger map; expanded sections
on Santa Maria Valley restaurants, local wine and food shopping, wine pairing suggestions with Santa Maria Style barbecue, wine packages and tasting tours, and a wine events calendar. The booklet opens with an introduction to the unique winegrowing qualities of the Santa Maria Valley, followed by a page headlined Before You Begin Wine Tasting, which provides safety tips, touring suggestions, contact information and driving directions. The booklet also provides winery profiles, local photography and space for writing personal tasting notes. Continued on Page 37
• • •
Santa Cruz Mountains, Lester Vineyard 2008 Pinot Noir, Santa Cruz Mountains, Lester Vineyard 2007 Sangiovese, Paso Robles, Luna Matta Vineyard 2007 Pinot Noir, Santa Cruz Mountains, Lester Vineyard
2009 SF Chronicle Gold Medal Winners: • 2007 Pinot Noir, Santa Cruz Mountains, Saveria Vineyard • 2007 Pinot Noir, Santa Cruz Mountains, Bald Mountain Vineyard
Order Online at www.soquelvineyards.com Open for tasting every Saturday and Sunday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. 8063 Glen Haven Rd • Soquel, CA
831.462.9045 www.vinetimesonline.com • August / September 2010
23
Napa Valley Winery Guide
MAP 1 ANGWIN CHATEAU WOLTNER 100 150 S.White Cottage Rd. 707-965-2445, AT LAMBORN FAMILY VINEYARDS 101 925-254-0511, lamborn.com, A SUMMIT LAKE VINEYARDS 102 2000 Summit Lake Dr.,707-965-2488 summitlakevineyards.com, A CALISTOGA AUGUST BRIGGS WINE 105 333 Silverado Tr.,707-942-4912 augustbriggswine.com Tasting Daily 10:30-4:30 BENNETT LANE WINERY 106 3340 Hwy. 128, 707-942-6684 Tasting Daily 10-5:30, T CALISTOGA CELLARS 107 1371 Lincoln Ave., 707-942-7422, calistogacellars.com, A CASTELLO DI AMOROSA 108 4045 N. St. Helena Hwy, 707-967-6272 castellodiamorosa.com, Tasting Daily 9:30-6/Dec-Feb 15 ‘til 5, Tours by appt. CHATEAU MONTELENA WINERY 109 1429 Tubbs Lane, 707-942-5105 montelena.com, Tasting Daily 9:30-4 CLOS PEGASE WINERY 110 1060 Dunaweal Ln., 707-942-4981, clospegase.com, Tasting Daily 10:30-5T CONSTANT-DIAMOND MOUNTAIN VINEYARD 111 2121 Diamond Mountain Rd., constantwine.com, 707-942-0707 CUVAISON WINERY 112 4550 Silverado Tr., 707-942-2468, cuvaison.com, Tasting Daily 10-5, 1221 Duhig,Napa 707-942-2455,A DUTCH HENRY WINERY 115 4310 Silverado Tr., 707-942-5771/ 800-224-5879, dutchhenry.com, AT GRAESER WINERY 116 255 Petrified Forest Rd., graeserwinery.com,707-942-4437,Tasting Daily 10-5 117 HELENA VIEW JOHNSTON VINEYARDS 3500 Hwy. 128, 707-942-4956 helenaview.com, AT LARKMEAD VINEYARDS 118 1100 Larkmead Ln.,707-942-0167 larkmead.com, AT PAOLETTI VINEYARDS 120 4501 Silverado Tr., 707-942-0689, giannipaoletti.com, A REVERIE ON DIAMOND 121 MOUNTAIN 1520 Diamond Mountain Rd. 707-942-6800, reverie.com, AT ROBERT PECOTA WINERY 122 3299 Bennett Ln.,707-942-6625 robertpecotawinery.com, A SCHRAMSBERG VINEYARDS & 124 CELLARS 1400 Schramsberg Rd., 707-9424558, schramsberg.com, AT SILVER ROSE RESORT WINERY 125 351 Rosedale Rd., 707-942-9581, silverrose.com, A STERLING VINEYARDS 126 1111 Dunaweal Ln.,707-942-3300 / 800-726-6163,sterlingvineyards.com Tasting Daily 10:30-4:30, T STORYBOOK MOUNTAIN WINERY 127 3835 Hwy. 128, 707-942-5310 storybookwines.com, AT
SUMMERS WINES 128 1171 Tubbs Ln.,707-942-5508 summerswinery.com, Tasting Daily 10:30-4:30 TWOMEY CELLARS 130 1183 Dunaweal Ln., 707-942-2700/ 800-505-4850, twomeycellars.com Tasting Mon-Sat 9-4, T VINCENT ARROYO WINERY 131 2361 Greenwood Ave., 707-9426995, vincentarroyo.com, A VON STRASSER WINERY 132 1510 Diamond Mountain Rd., 707942-0930, vonstrasser.com, AT WERMUTH WINERY/ 133 RANCHO DE LAS FLORES 3942 Silverado Tr., 707-942-5924, A ZAHTILA VINEYARDS 134 2250 Lake County Hwy., 707-9429251, zahtilavineyards.com, AT DEER PARK DEER PARK WINERY 136 1000 Deer Park Rd.,707-963-5411 Tasting Fri-Sat 10-5 VIADER VINEYARDS 137 1120 Deer Park Rd. 707-963-3816, viader.com, AT POPE VALLEY AETNA SPRINGS CELLARS 139 7227 Pope Valley Rd., 707-965-2675, aetnaspringscellars.com, A POPE VALLEY WINERY 140 6613 Pope Valley Rd., popevalleywinery.com, 707-965-1246, A MAP 2 ST. HELENA ANDERSON'S CONN VALLEY 200 VINEYARDS 680 Rossi Road,707-963-8600 connvalleyvineyards.com, A ARGER-MARTUCCI VINEYARDS 201 1455 Inglewood Ave.,707-963-4334, arger-martucci.com, A BALLENTINE VINEYARDS 203 2820 St.Helena Hwy.707-963-7919,ballentinevineyards.com, A BARNETT VINEYARDS 204 4070 Spring Mountain Rd,707-9637075, barnettvineyards.com, AT BENESSERE VINEYARDS 205 1010 Big Tree Rd.,707-963-5853, benesserevineyards.com, Tasting Daily 10-5, T BERINGER VINEYARDS 206 2000 Main St., 707-967-4412 beringer.com,Tasting Daily 10-6,T BUEHLER VINEYARDS 207 820 Greenfield Rd.,707-963-2155, buehlervineyards.com,AT BURGESS CELLARS 208 1108 Deer Park Rd.,707-963-4766/ 800-752-9463,burgesscellars.com,A CAFARO CELLARS 210 1591 Dean York Lane 707-963-7181, AT CAIN VINEYARD & WINERY 211 3800 Langtry Rd. 707-963-1616, cainfive.com, AT CALAFIA CELLARS 212 629 Fulton Lane, 707-963-0114 calafiacellars.com. A CASA NUESTRA WINERY 213 3451 Silverado Trail North, 707-9635783,casanuestra.com,AT
CATACULA LAKE WINERY 214 4105 Chiles Pope Valley Road 707-965-1104 CHAPPELLET VINEYARD 215 1581 Sage Canyon Road, 800-494-6379, chappellet.com. AT CHARLES KRUG WINERY 216 2800 Main St.,707-967-2229 charleskrug.com,Tasting Daily 10:30-5 CHATEAU BOSWELL 217 3468 Silverado Tr., 707-963-5472 chateauboswellwinery.com, A CONN CREEK WINERY/ 219 VILLA MT. EDEN 8711 Silverado Tr., 707-963-9100, conncreek.com, Tasting Sun-Fri 11-4, Sat 10-4, T CORISON WINERY 220 987 S. St. Helena Hwy. 707-963-0826, corison.com, A DOMAINE CHARBAY WINERY 222 4001 Spring Mountain Rd.,707-9639327/ 800-634-7845,charbay.com,A A DOZEN VINTNERS 223 (Splenetic,Reverie,Von Strasser,Destino,Eagle and Rose,Adams Ridge,Howell Mountain,Fife, Lamborn Family,Koves-Newlan)
3000 Hwy.29 N.,707-967-0666 adozenvintners.com,Tasting Daily 10-5 DUCKHORN VINEYARDS 224 1000 Lodi Lane, 707-963-7108 duckhorn.com, AT EAGLE & ROSE ESTATE 223 3000 St. Helena Highway. 707967-0666, eagleandrose.com Tasting Daily 10-5, T EHLERS ESTATE WINERY 227 3222 Ehlers Lane, 707-963-5972 ehlersestate.com, Tasting Daily 10-5, T FLORA SPRINGS WINE CO. 228 677 S. St. Helena Hwy. 707-967-8032,florasprings.com Tasting Daily 10-5, T
24 August / September 2010 • www.vinetimesonline.com
FORMAN WINERY & VINEYARDS 229 1501 Big Rock Rd., 707-963-0234, A FRANK FAMILY VINEYARDS 119 1091 Larkmead, 800-574-9463 frankfamilyvineyards.com Tasting Daily 10-5, T FREEMARK ABBEY WINERY 231 3022 N. St. Helena Hwy., 707-9639694, freemarkabbey.com, Tasting Daily 10-5, T GUILLIAMS VINEYARDS 233 3851 Spring Mountain Rd., 707-963-9059, A HALL WINERY 234 401 S. St. Helena Hwy. 866-667-4255, hallwines.com, T HEITZ WINE CELLARS 235 436 S.St.Helena Hwy.,707-963-3542, heitzcellar.com,Tasting Daily 11-4:30, T JOSEPH PHELPS VINEYARDS 236 200 Taplin Road, 707-963-2745 jpvwines.com, A KELHAM VINEYARDS 238 360 Zinfandel Ln., 707-963-2000, kelhamvineyards.com, AT KULETO ESTATE WINERY 239 2470 Sage Canyon Rd.,707-9639750,kuletoestate.com, AT LORENZA-LAKE WINERY 240 1764 Scott Street,707-963-8593, A LOUIS M.MARTINI WINERY 242 254 S. St. Helena Hwy. 707-968-3361/ 800-321-WINE louismartini.com, Tasting Daily 10-6, T MARKHAM VINEYARDS 243 2812 N. St. Helena Hwy., markhamvineyards.com 707-963-5292, Tasting Daily 11-5 MERRYVALE VINEYARDS 244 1000 Main St., 707-963-2225/ 800-326-6069, merryvale.com Tasting Daily 10-6:30, T MILAT VINEYARDS 245 1091 S. St. Helena Hwy. milat.com, 707-963-0758/ 80054-MILAT, Tasting Daily 10-5:30 MOUNT VEEDER WINERY 391 1178 Galleron Rd., 707-967-3830 (Franciscan Oakville Estate) mtveeder.com, Tastng Daily 10-5, T NEWTON VINEYARDS 248 2555 Madrona Ave., 707-963-9000, newtonvineyard.com, AT NICHELINI WINERY 249 2950 Sage Canyon Rd, 707-9630717, nicheliniwinery.com Tasting Sat-Sun 10-5, or AT PRAGER WINERY & PORT WORKS 252 1281 Lewelling Lane, 707-963-7678/ 800-969-7678, pragerport.com Tasting Mon-Sat 10:30-4:30 PRIDE MOUNTAIN VINEYARDS 253 4026 Spring Mountain Rd., 707-9634949, pridewines.com, AT
PROVENANCE VINEYARDS 319 1695 S. St. Helena Hwy., 707-9683633, provenancevineyards.com Tasting Daily 10:30-5:30, T RAYMOND VINEYARD & CELLAR 255 849 Zinfandel Ln., 707-963-3141/ 800-525-2659, raymondvineyards.com, Tasting Daily 10-4, T RITCHIE CREEK VINEYARD 256 4024 Spring Mountain Rd., ritchiecreek.com, 707-963-4661, A ROBERT KEENAN WINERY 257 3660 Spring Mountain Rd., keenanwinery.com, A 707-963-9177 ROMBAUER VINEYARDS 258 3522 Silverado Tr., 707-963-5170, rombauervineyards.com, Tasting Daily 10-5, T RUSTRIDGE WINERY 260 2910 Lower Chiles Valley Rd. 707-965-9353, rustridge.com, A RUTHERFORD WINE CO. 261 1680 Silverado Tr., 707-968-3200 roundhillwines.com Tasting Daily 10-4:30 SCHWEIGER VINEYARDS 263 4015 Spring Mountain Rd., 707-9634882, schweigervineyards.com, AT SEAVEY VINEYARD 264 1310 Conn Valley, 707-963-8339 seaveyvineyard.com, AT SHERWIN FAMILY VINEYARDS 265 4060 Spring Mtn. Rd. 707-9631154, sherwinfamilyvineyards.com,AT SPRING MOUNTAIN 266 2805 Spring Mountain Rd., 707-9674188, springmountainvineyard.com, AT SMITH-MADRONE VINEYARDS 267 4022 Spring Mountain Road, 707963-2283, smithmadrone.com, A SPOTTSWOODE WINERY 268 1902 Madrona Ave.,707-963-0134 spottswoode.com, T ST. CLEMENT VINEYARDS 269 2867 N.St.Helena Hwy.,707-967-3033, stclement.com, Tasting Daily 10-5, T STONY HILL VINEYARD 270 3331 N.St.Helena Hwy.,707-9632636, stonyhillvineyard.com, AT SUTTER HOME WINERY 272 277 S. St. Helena Hwy. 707-963-3104/ 800-967-4663 sutterhome.com, Tasting Daily 10-5 TASTING ON MAIN 273 1142 Main St., 707-967-1042 Tasting Daily 10:30-6 TERRA VALENTINE 274 3787 Spring Mountain Rd., 707967-8340, terravalentine.com, AT TRINCHERO NAPA VALLEY 275 3070 N.St.Helena Hwy.,707-9631160, trincherowinery.com Tasting Starting Summer ‘09 TUDAL WINERY 276 1015 Big Tree Rd., 707-963-3947 tudalwinery.com, AT
V. SATTUI WINERY 278 1111 White Lane, 707-963-7774, vsattui.com,Tasting Daily 9-6,9-5 (winter),T VOLKER EISELE FAMILY ESTATE 279 3080 Lower Chiles Valley Rd. 707-965-9485, volkereiselefamilyestate.com, AT WHITEHALL LANE WINERY 280 1563 S.St.Helena Hwy.,707-963-9454 800-963-9454,whitehalllane.com Tasting Daily 11-5:45 WILLIAM HARRISON VINEYARDS 281 1443 Silverado Tr., 707-963-8310, whwines.com. Tasting Thurs-Mon 11-5 MAP 3 RUTHERFORD ALPHA OMEGA WINERY 301 1155 Mee Lane @ Hwy. 29, 707-963-9999, aowinery.com Tasting Daily 10-6 BEAULIEU VINEYARD 302 1960 S. St. Helena Hwy. 707-967-5200, bvwine.com Tasting Daily 10-5, T CAKEBREAD CELLARS 304 8300 St. Helena Hwy. 707-963-5221/ 800-588-0298, cakebread.com, Tasting Daily 10-4:30, T CAYMUS VINEYARDS 305 8700 Conn Creek Rd., 707-963-4204, caymus.com, A FLEURY FAMILY WINERY 307 950 Galleron Rd., 707-967-8333, AT FRANCISCAN OAKVILLE ESTATES 309 1178 Galleron Rd., 707-967-3993, franciscan.com, Tasting Daily 10-5, T FROG'S LEAP WINERY 310 8815 Conn Creek Rd., 707-9634704/ 800-959-4704, frogsleap.com, T GRGICH HILLS CELLARS 312 1829 S.St.Helena Hwy., 800-532-3057, grgich.com,Tasting Daily 9:30-4:30,T HONIG VINEYARD & WINERY 314 850 Rutherford Rd., 707-963-5618, honigwine.com, AT MUMM CUVÉE NAPA 316 8445 Silverado Tr.,707-967-7700 mummnapa.com,Tasting Daily 10-5.T PEJU PROVINCE WINERY 318 8466 S.St.Helena Hwy.,707-963-3600, peju.com,Tasting Daily 10-6,T QUINTESSA 251 1601 Silverado Tr., 707-967-1601 quintessa.com, AT RUBICON ESTATE 321 1991 St.Helena Hwy.,800-782-4266, rubiconestate.com Tasting Daily 10-5,T RUTHERFORD GROVE WINERY 322 1673 St. Helena Hwy., 707-9630544,rutherfordgrovewinery- .com, Tasting Daily 10-4:30 RUTHERFORD HILL WINERY 262 200 Rutherford Hill Rd., 707-963-1871/ 800-637-5684 rutherfordhill.com,Tasting Daily 10-5,T
(24 boutique wineries)
7830-40 St. Helena Hwy., 707-944-1710, napawineco.com Tasting Daily 10-4 NICKEL & NICKEL 349 8164 St. Helena Hwy., 707-9679600, nickelandnickel.com, AT OAKFORD VINEYARDS 350 1575 Oakville Grade, 707-9450445, oakfordvineyards.com, A OPUS ONE WINERY 351 7900 St. Helena Hwy. 707-9449442, opusonewinery.com., AT PLUMPJACK WINERY 353 620 Oakville Cross Road, 707945-1220, plumpjackwinery.com Tasting Daily 10-4 ROBERT MONDAVI WINERY 355 7801 S.St.Helena Hwy.,707-226-1335 888-RMONDAVI,robertmondaviwinery.com, Tasting Daily 10-4, T RUDD WINERY 356 500 Oakville Cross Road 707-944-8577, ruddwines.com, AT SADDLEBACK CELLARS 357 7802 Money Road, 707-944-1305 saddlebackcellars.com, A SILVER OAK CELLARS 359 915 Oakville Cross Road 707-944-8808/ 800-273-8809 silveroak.com, Tasting Mon-Sat 9-4, T TURNBULL WINE CELLARS 361 8210 S. St. Helena Hwy. 707-963-5839/ 800-887-6285 turnbullwines.com Tasting Daily 10-4:30, T YOUNTVILLE BELL WINE CELLARS 364 6200 Washington St., 707-944-1673 bellwine.com, Tasting Daily 10:30-4 CHATEAU CHEVRE 365 2030 Hoffman Lane, 707-942-5105, A CLIFF LEDE VINEYARDS 367 1473 Yountville Crossroad, 707-944-8642, cliffledevineyards.com Tasting Daily 10-5, T
COSENTINO WINERY 378 7415 St. Helena Hwy., 707-9441220, cosentinowinery. com, Tasting Daily 10-5:30 DOMAINE CHANDON 380 1 California Dr., 707-944-8844 chandon.com, Tasting Daily 10-6, T FRANUS WINE COMPANY 381 2055 Hoffman Ln., 707-945-0542 peterfranus.com, A GIRARD WINERY 237 6795 Washington St., 707-968-9297 girardwinery.com, Tasting Daily 10-6, T GOOSECROSS CELLARS 383 1119 State Ln., 707-944-1986/ 800-276-9210, goosecross.com Tasting Daily 10-4:30 HAVENS WINE CELLARS 385 2055 Hoffman Ln., 707-261-2000, havenswine.com, Tasting Daily 10-4:30 HILL FAMILY ESTATE 386 6512 Washington St., 707-944-9580, hillfamilyestate.com,Tasting Daily 10-6, T HOPE & GRACE WINERY 387 6540 Washington St., 707-944-2500 hopeandgracewines.com, Tasting Mon-Sat 10-5:30 or A HOPPER CREEK WINERY 388 6204 Washington St. , 707-944-0675 hoppercreek.com, A JESSUP CELLARS 390 6740 Washington St., 707-944-8523 jessupcellars.com, Tasting Daily 10-6
THE HESS COLLECTION 425 4411 Redwood Rd., 707-255-8584, hesscollection.com, Tasting Daily 10-4 JAEGER WINE CO. 427 4324 Big Ranch Rd.,707-255-4456, A JARVIS VINEYARDS 428 2970 Monticello Rd., 707-255-5280/ 800-255-5280, jarviswines.com, A JV WINE & SPIRITS 429 301 First St., 707-253-2624/ 877-469-9463, jvwineandspirits.com, Tasting Daily 1-6 JUDD’S HILL WINERY 430 2332 Silverado Trail 707-255-2332, juddshill.com, AT KIRKLAND RANCH WINERY 432 1 Kirkland Ranch Rd., 707-254-9100, kirklandwinery.com, Tasting Daily 10-4:30 LAIRD FAMILY ESTATE 433 5055 Solano Ave., 877-297-4902. lairdfamilyestate.com Tasting Daily 10-5 or by Appt., T LUNA VINEYARDS 435 2921 Silverado Tr., 707-255-2474, lunavineyards.com, Tasting Daily 10-5, T MADONNA ESTATE 436 5400 Old Sonoma Rd., 707-255-8864/ 866-724-2993, madonnaestate.com, Tasting Daily 10-5, T MAYACAMAS VINEYARDS 438 1155 Lokoya Rd., 707-224-4030, mayacamas.com, A MCKENZIE-MUELLER 439 VINEYARDS & WINERY MAP 4 2530 Las Amigas Rd., 707-252-0186, mckenziemueller.com, A NAPA ACACIA VINEYARD 401 MONTICELLO VINEYARDS 440 2750 Las Amigas Rd., 707-226-9991 4242 Big Ranch Rd., 707-253-2802/ 800-743-6668, Tasting Daily 10-4:30 877-226-1700, acaciawinery.com Tasting Daily 10-4, Sun- A MOSS CREEK WINERY 441 ALTAMURA WINERY 402 6015 Steele Canyon Rd., 707-2521295, mosscreekwinery.com, A 1700 Wooden Valley Rd., 707-253-2000, altamura.com, A NAPA WINE MERCHANTS 442 ANDRETTI WINERY 403 (Tasting for Astrale e Terra,Ceviche,Crichton 4162 Big Ranch Rd., 707-261-1717, Hall,Gustavo Thrace, Liparita,Rocca Family,St. andrettiwinery.com,Tasting Daily 10-5,T Barthelemy,Waterstore,Young Ridge,Z-52) 1146 First St., 707-257-6796 BALDACCI FAMILY VINEYARDS 363 napawinemerchant.com 6236 Silverado Tr., 707-944-9261, Tasting Mon-Sat 10-5 baldaccivineyards.com, AT PARADUXX 444 BLACK STALLION WINERY 405 7257 Silverado Tr.,707-945-0890 4089 Silverado Tr., 707-253-1400 paraduxx.com, A blackstallionwinery.com PINE RIDGE WINERY 445 Tasting Daily 10-5 5901 Silverado Tr. , 707-252-9777/ BOUCHAINE VINEYARDS 406 800-575-9777, pineridgewinery.com 1075 Buchli Station Rd., 707-252Tasting Daily 10:30-4:30, T 9065/ 800-654-WINE, bouchaine.com REGUSCI WINERY 446 Tasting Mon-Fri 10-4, Sat 10:30-5, T 5584 Silverado Tr., 707-254-0403 CEJA VINEYARDS 408 regusciwinery.com, A 1248 First St., 707-226-6445 REYNOLDS FAMILY WINERY 447 cejavineyards.com 3266 Silverado Tr., 707-258-2558, Tasting Daily 11-6 reynoldsfamilywinery.com, AT CHIMNEY ROCK WINERY 366 ROBERT CRAIG WINE CELLARS 448 5350 Silverado Tr., 800-257-2641, chimneyrock.com,Tasting Daily 10-5, T 880 Vallejo St., 707.252.2250, ext 1, robertcraigwine.com, AT CLOS DU VAL WINE CO. LTD.368 ROBERT SINSKEY VINEYARDS 449 5330 Silverado Tr., 707-261-5225, closduval.com, Tasting Daily 10-5, T 6320 Silverado Tr., 707-944-9090/ 800-869-2030, robertsinskey.com DARIOUSH WINERY 412 Tasting Daily 10-4:30 4240 Silverado Tr., 707-257-2345, 451 darioush.com, Tasting Daily 10:30-5, T SAINTSBURY 1500 Los Carneros Ave. DEL DOTTO CAVES 413 707-252-0592, saintsbury.com, T 1055 Atlas Peak Rd., 707-256-3372, SHAFER VINEYARDS 452 deldottovineyards.com, AT DOMAINE CARNEROS BY 414 6154 Silverado Tr., 707-944-2877, shafervineyards.com, A TAITTINGER SIGNORELLO VINEYARDS 453 1240 Duhig Rd., 800-716-2788 4500 Silverado Tr., 707-255-5990, domaine.com, Tasting Daily 10-6 ELKE VINEYARDS 416 signorellovineyards.com, AT SILENUS VINTNERS 454 2222 Third Ave., 707-258-1822 5225 Solano Ave., 707-299-3930, elkevineyards.com, A ELKHORN PEAK CELLARS 417 silenusvintners.com, A SILVERADO HILL CELLARS 456 200 Polson Rd.,707-255-0504 3103 Silverado Tr., 707-253-9306, A 888-829-5082 elkhornpeakcellars.com, A SILVERADO VINEYARDS 394 ELYSE WINERIES 418 6121 Silverado Tr., 707-257-1770/ 800-997-1770, silveradovineyards.com 2100 Hoffman Lane, 707-944Tasting Daily 10-4:30, T 2900, elysewinery.com, A 458 FARELLA-PARK VINEYARDS 420 SKY VINEYARDS 1500 Lokoya Road, 707-9352222 Third Ave., 707-254-9489 1391,skyvineyards.com, A farella.com, AT FRAZIER 421 STAG’S LEAP WINE CELLAR 395 40 Lupine Hill Rd., 707-255-3444/ 5766 Silverado Tr., 707-261-6441, 707-255-1399, frazierwinery.com, AT stagsleap.com, Tasting Daily 10-4:30, T 461 HAGAFEN CELLARS 423 STAR HILL WINERY 1075 Shadybrook Ln. 4160 Silverado Tr. 707-255-1957, A 888-HAGAFEN, hagafen.com, A 462 HARTWELL VINEYARDS 424 STELTZNER VINEYARDS 5998 Silverado Tr., 707-252-7272, 5795 Silverado Tr., 707-255-4269, steltzner.com, Tasting Daily 10:30-4:30 hartwellvineyards.com. AT
STONEHEDGE WINERY 463 1004 Clinton St., 707-256-4444 stonehedgewinery.com, Tasting Mon-Sat 10-6:30 or A TREFETHEN VINEYARDS 465 1160 Oak Knoll Ave. 707-255-7700/ 866-895-7696 trefethenfamilyvineyards.com Tasting Daily 10-4:30, T TRUCHARD VINEYARDS 466 3234 Old Sonoma Rd., 707-2537153, truchardvineyards.com, AT TULOCAY WINERY 467 1426 Coombsville Rd. 707-255-4064, tulocay.com, A VAN DER HEYDEN VINEYARDS 469 & WINERY 4057 Silverado Tr., 707-257-0130/ 800-948 9463 vanderheydenvineyards.com, AT VINE CLIFF WINERY 470 7400 Silverado Tr., 707-944-1364, vinecliff.com, Tasting Daily 10-5 VINTNER’S COLLECTIVE 471 TASTING ROOM (Ancien,Ahnfeldt,Buoncristiani,D Cubed, Destino,Gregory Graham,Longfellow,Melka, Mi Sueno,Richard Perry,Parallel,Phelan, Showket,Spelletich Cellars,& Vinoce)
1245 Main St., 707-255-7150 vintnerscollective.com,Tasting Daily 11-6
WHITFORD CELLARS 473 4047 E. 3rd Ave.,707-942-0840 whitfordcellars.com, A WILLIAM HILL ESTATE 474 1761 Atlas Peak Rd., 707-265-3024, williamhillwinery.com, AT CARNEROS ARTESA WINERY 476 1345 Henry Rd., 707-224-1668 artesawinery.com, Tasting Daily10-5 FOLIO WINEMAKERS’ STUDIO 478 1285 Dealy Ln., 707-256-2757 foliowine.com, Tasting Daily 10-5 AMERICAN CANYON GREENFIELD WINERY 479 205B Jim Oswald Rd. 707-552-0362, Tasting Daily 10-4 SOLANO COUNTY FAIRFIELD / SUISAN VALLEY GV CELLARS 481 1635 Mason Rd.,707-864-2089, Tasting Sat-Sun 11-5 LEDGEWOOD CREEK WINERY 482 4589 Abernathy Road, Suisun Valley, 707-426-4424 ledgewoodcreek.com Tasting Daily 10-5 WOODEN VALLEY WINERY 483 4756 Suisun Valley Road, 707-864-0730, woodenvalley.com, Tasting Mon-Sun 10-5
A = Tasting by Appointment T = Tours For ease of use, note that the color of the number next to each winery listing corresponds to the map with a border of the same color.
1 Angwin, Calistoga, 2
Deer Park, Pope Valley St. Helena
3 Yountville, 4
Rutherford, Oakville Napa, Carneros, American Canyon, Solano County: Fairfield, Suisan Valley
www.vinetimesonline.com • August / September 2010
25
Napa Valley Winery Guide
SAWYER CELLARS 324 8350 St.Helena Hwy.,707-963-1980 800-818-.2252,sawyercellars.com Tasting Daily 10-5,T SEQUOIA GROVE VINEYARDS 325 8338 S. St. Helena Hwy.,707-9442945, sequoiagrove.com Tasting Daily 10:30-5, T STAGLIN FAMILY VINEYARDS 327 1570 Bella Oaks Ln., 707-963-4507, staglinfamily.com, AT ST.SUPÉRYVINEYARDS &WINERY 328 8440 S. St. Helena Hwy. 707-963-4507/ 800-942-0809 stsupery.com, Tasting Daily 10-5, T SULLIVAN VINEYARDS 271 1090 Galleron Rd.,877-BIG-REDS, sullivanwine.com,Tasting Daily 10-5, T SWANSON WINERY 330 1271 Manley Lane, 707-967-3500 swansonvineyards.com, A ZD WINES 332 8383 Silverado Tr., 707-963-5188 800-487-7757, zdwines.com Tasting Daily 10-4:30,T OAKVILLE BONDED WINERY #9 334 7830-40 St. Helena Hwy., 707-9451213, bondedwinery9.com, A CARDINALE ESTATE 335 7600 St. Helena Hwy., 707-948-2643/ 800-588-0279, cardinale.com, A FAR NIENTE 337 1350 Acacia Drive 707-944-2861, farniente.com, AT FOLIE À DEUX WINERY 225 7481 St. Helena Hwy., 707-944-2565, folieadeux.com, Tasting Daily 10-6 GARGIULO VINEYARDS 340 575 Oakville Cross Road,707-944-2770, gargiulovineyards.com,AT GROTH VINEYARDS & WINERY 342 750 Oakville Cross Road, 707754-4254, grothwines.com, AT MINER FAMILY VINEYARDS 344 7850 Silverado Tr.,707-944-9500/ 800-366-WINE, minerwines.com Tasting Daily 11-5, T NAPA CELLARS 345 7481 St. Helena Hwy., 707.944.2565, napacellars.com, Tasting Daily 10-6 NAPA WINE COMPANY 347
COOPER • GARROD Estate Vineyards “A Destination Worth Knowing” Mon - Fri 12 - 5 Sat • Sun 11 - 5 408.867.7116
www.cgv.com
Savor hand-crafted, award-winning wines in the 1922 “Fruit House,” our historic tasting room. View San Francisco Bay from horseback at our 108-year ranch. Select your wines in person or online. Directions: Highway 280 to Foothill Expwy/Foothill Blvd, south 5 miles to stop sign in Stevens Creek Park, straight on Mt Eden Road for 1.6 miles, left on Garrod Road.
22645 Garrod Road, Saratoga, CA 95070 www.cgv.com
26 August / September 2010 • www.vinetimesonline.com
From Behind
the
Tasting Bar
By Cynthia Bournellis
Wine Debauchery in Davis
I
never thought a course on wine microbiology would be so fun. It was a Saturday in spring and I was sitting in class at UC Davis. During breaks between intense lectures on cellular biology, yeast strains and Brix, relationships were being formed over, what else, wine. The festivities all started with an invitation to lunch. A woman (I’ll call her Kate) sitting two rows in front of me, with an air of “winemaker” about her, was chatting with three guys from Orange County who were considering taking their wine making venture commercial. After joining their discussion, I learned that Kate was a local and asked her for restaurant recommendations. She offered to take the four of us to lunch and suggested a popular Italian deli in downtown Davis. “Davis has a downtown?” I pondered. My familiarity with Davis has been the university buildings that face Highway 80, letting one know that they are passing through a major agrarian community on their way to wherever. For me, that wherever has been the Sierras. We piled into Kate’s SUV. Our conversations flowed without uncomfortable pauses. It was if we were lifetime friends; the energy among us was simpatico. One’s love of wine has a way of creating instant bonds–no matter how fleeting. Downtown Davis was alive with activity. The Italian deli delivered as Kate promised. After lunch, she showed us some of Davis’ quaint streets and Craftsman homes, with price tags that belie its farming roots. We were fueled and ready for the second half of class: bacteria, malolactic fermentation, biofilm and microbial issues. Oh, and let’s not forget one of my favorite subjects: Brett. Short for Brettanomyces, Brett is bacteria that can cause wine to smell like a barnyard or sweaty horse. (If I recall what a sweaty horse smells like, I’ll let you know.) Class ended promptly at 4 p.m., and it was time for a glass of wine. I chatted-up a winemaker friend who was also in attendance with one of my wine club customers. I paused to give Kate my business card, when she invited me on a local wine tasting jaunt. Davis has wineries? They certainly don’t advertise them. One invite led to another and another, and before I could say “Zygosaccharomyces,” a caravan of wine microbiology students ensued. Our first stop was Fiddlehead Cellars, which specializes in Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc. I highly recommend the 2009 Gooseberry Sauvignon Blanc and 2006 Seven Twenty Eight Pinot Noir Cuvee. Next was Rominger West, whose impressive red cellar floor – a urethane concrete surface with granite grit that reminded me of my grandmother’s front porch – outshone its wines. We socialized with the winemaker while sharing a bottle of his 2005 Herrin Vineyard Red blend, compliments of Kate. One bottle down and two wine flights later, Kate invited us to her home for some serious wine consuming. I was a bit nervous having a bunch of “strangers” descend on her home, especially since we hadn’t met her husband. She ensured us though that we’d be welcome; according to her husband, who I’ll call Roy, Kate has a reputation for bringing home “strays.” Their hospitality was unprecedented. Hors d’ oeuvres on the patio were complimented with a double magnum of 1997 Helen Turley Zinfandel. That was my first encounter with an old Zin. While it must have tasted fine in its day, it obviously had fully matured: a hint of fruit but bricking nonetheless. I quickly found myself counting cats (nothing to do with the Zin). I couldn’t help it. Everywhere I turned, there they were: by the pool, near the bushes, on the patio table. Five in all! I was having a Where’s Waldo moment. Bottle number two down, Roy popped the cork on a Schramsberg sparkling, you know, something to cleanse our palates before dinner. Dinner being the operative word, we headed to Seasons Restaurant, an upscale establishment in downtown Davis. (Yes, I’m guilty of thinking that Davis doesn’t boast fine restaurants. Then again, Davis isn’t known for haute cuisine.) Our new-found friends brought five bottles of some of their finest treasures – 2001 vintages of well-renowned Insignia (which sell for $100-plus a bottle). Roy insisted we try the house Margarita first. I took a sip of my friend’s (by far, the third best margarita I’ve ever tasted; email me if you want to know the other two), as I wanted to save what was left of my waning palate for the wines. I salivated while Roy poured the first of the Insignias into my glass. I didn’t care that my entrée – grilled salmon with whipped potatoes, beets and arugula – may not be the best pairing. My lack of patience had taken over my food-pairing sensibilities. Insignia has been described as wines with aplomb and dignity, and have a reputation for being among the best of California’s old-school Cabernet Sauvignon-based wines. After dinner, the Insignia Bordeaux was the last bottle standing. This called for dessert. I won’t say what we had – I’d rather not insult the wine. Cynthia Bournellis works in the Santa Cruz Mountains wine industry. She can be reached at, roxybaccus@sbcglobal.net.
The Wine Chixs By Linda Kissam & Ginger Giordano
Wine, Art and Waves
T
here’s nothing better than good wine. Then again, there’s really nothing more inspiring than great art. But if you think about it, what could be better than an amazing hotel near the beach? Luckily, The Wine Chixs got to experience it all in Laguna Beach. We decided to visit Laguna Beach when we heard the theme for this year’s Pageant of the Masters was “Eat, Drink & Roof top fun at La Casa del Camino. Be Merry!” We thought this was strictly an (Ginger Giordano) art town. How could, and why would, the Pageant be built around that theme, and could it live it up to the promise? Well…it could and it did in an exceptional way that may just surprise and delight you… in a wine kind of way of course. It certainly did so for us. With some great help from Ashley Johnson, Marketing Manager for The Laguna Beach Visitors & Conference Bureau (lagunabeachinfo.com) The Wine Laguna Canyon Winery (Linda Kissam) Chixs spent two days in Laguna enjoying the sand, surf, food, wine, lodging and art of it all. We arrived at our hotel around noon to meet the co-owner Chris Keller in the hotel restaurant and check in. La Casa del Camino (casacamino.com) was built in 1929 as a seaside retreat for Hollywood movie stars. It’s a hip Mediterranean style landmark hotel combining European charm with modern beach style and amenities. Once we met with Chris, we could see why this place is a local and visitor favorite. Chris loves the place and it shows up in the details. He is also passionate about Laguna. “I don’t leave here often,” he told us. “Laguna really has everything I need. We’re not just about art. We’re about wine, food, and family also. I hope your article will help get that message out.” No problem Chris, The Wine Chixs are with you on that point. We loved the hotel’s K’ya Bistro restaurant. It comes complete with an interesting food and wine menu that speaks to everyone’s taste and pocket book. On any given afternoon and evening the place is packed. The food and wine prices are so well chosen, reasonably priced, and delicious you would be foolish not to patronize it. And hey, the staff is wise and thoughtful. We never wanted for attention or good food while eating dinner or breakfast there. Of course, if the Bistro scene isn’t your deal, then head up to the rooftop for a grand ocean view, nibbles, wine, beer, and cocktails. It too, is generally packed. All guestrooms have their own unique characteristics and antique furnishings. Rooms have recently been completely renovated. We were treated to rooms in the CASA Surf Project. Think ten rooms, ten designers, ten surf company sponsors. Quirky, elegant and fun, with ocean views AND a portion of the night’s fee goes to a charity, specific to each room. Those looking for great food, premium wines, and a delicious night’s sleep can find it all here. Our next stop was Las Brisas (lasbrisaslagunabeach.com) Restaurant where we met with executive general manager, Fuoad Ziady. Overlooking the Pacific Ocean and the stunning Laguna Beach coastline, Las Brisas has been a Southern California landmark since its inception in 1938 as the Victor Hugo Inn. Converted to Las Brisas in 1979, it has become a magnet for locals and for visitors from all over the world. We cannot say enough good things about this place. It’s an OMG experience from start to finish. We were treated to delicious fresh appetizers (Guacamole Tstilo Mexico), seafood (Mero con Tomatillo, Frutas del Mar, Ceviche de Robalo), beef (La Asada) and chicken (Enchilada) entrees, and world-class service. The wine list is appropriate, affordable and interesting. We want to stress that this was an inspiring outing with beautiful food presentation and tastes. Special in every way, but perhaps the “ best dish” on the menu was executive manager Fuoad. He leads this place to the wonderful experience it is. We highly recommend you join him for breakfast, lunch, dinner, Sunday Brunch, wine, or cocktails. Indoor or outdoor seating completes the picture. Tell him the Wine Chixs sent you. Continued on Page 32 www.vinetimesonline.com • August / September 2010
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the fairytale . . . S tepandintocreate a magical memory.
Taste the Enchantment Award Winning Premium Wines Open Daily from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Reservations Required 41720 Calle Cabrillo, Temecula www.briarrosewinery.com (951) 308-1098
Sierra Foothill Ranch FIDDLETOWN,
CALIFO RNIA
A unique opportunity to own a 714+/- acre ranch with rolling wildflowerfilled meadows with specimen Oak and Pine forests nestled in the Sierra Foothills between San Francisco and Lake Tahoe. Located approximately 45 miles east of Sacramento and just minutes from Shenandoah Valley, as well as the quaint gold rush town of Sutter Creek, the ranch compound includes a 1960’s era ranch house and two+ acres of dry-farmed grape vines. Water is plentiful with a 24 acre foot reservoir, a few seasonal stock ponds, numerous ground water springs, and a babbling creek with cascading waterfalls. Plus, a ridge-top that takes in 360 degree views from the snow-capped Sierra to Mount Diablo and the Coastal Range. This ranch has acres of additional plantable land for vineyards or gardening, and miles of trails for that leisurely hike or horseback ride. Price reduced to: $6,000 per acre. Go to www.ranchbuyer.com for more detailed information.
Winery Guide
1 BARGETTO WINERY 700 G Cannery Row, Monterey 831-373-4053, bargetto.com Tasting Daily 10:30-6 3 BAYWOOD CELLARS 381 Cannery Row,Ste.C,Monterey 831-645-9035 baywood-cellars.com Tasting Daily 12-6, Sun 1-5 BERNARDUS WINERY 12 5 W. Carmel Valley Road, Carmel Valley, 831-659-1900, bernardus.com, Tasting Daily 11-5 BLACKSTONE WINERY 20 800 South Alta St., Gonzales, 831-675-5341 blackstonewinery.com Tasting Daily 11-4 8 BOETÉ WINERY 7156A Carmel Valley Rd, Carmel Valley, 831-659-7563 boetewinery.com, Tasting Thu-Fri 2-5:45, Sat-Sun 12-5:45 CHALONE VINEYARDS 25 Stonewall Canyon Rd. & Hwy 146, Soledad, 831-678-1717 chalonevineyard.com Tasting Sat-Sun 11:30-5 or by Appt. CHATEAU JULIEN WINE ESTATE 9 8940 Carmel Valley Road, Carmel, 831-624-2600 chateaujulienwine.com Tasting Mon-Fri 8-5, Sat-Sun 11-5/ Tours by Appt.
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JOULLIAN VINEYARDS LTD. 2 Village Drive, Suite A, 13 Carmel Valley, 831-659-8100 joullian.com, Tasting Daily 11-5 MANZONI ESTATE VINEYARD 21 30981 River Road, Soledad 831-675-3398 manzoniwines.com Tasting Sat-Sun 11-5 MARILYN REMARK 17 WINERY 645 River Road, Salinas 831-455-9310, remarkwines.com Tasting Sat-Sun 11-5 MEADOR ESTATE WINERY/ VENTANA VINEYARDS 5 2999 Hwy. 10, Monterey 831-372-7415, meadorestate.com Tasting Daily 11-6 7 MORGAN WINERY 204 The Crossroads, Carmel 831-626-3700, morganwinery.com Tasting Thu-Mon 10-6 PARAISO VINEYARDS 24 38060 Paraiso Springs Rd., Soledad, 831-678-0300 paraisovineyards.com Tasting Mon-Fri 12-4, Sat-Sun 11-5 PESSAGNO WINERY 19 1645 River Road, Salinas 831-675-9463, pessagnowines.com Tasting Fri 11-4, Sat-Sun 11-5 ROBERT TALBOTT VINEYARDS TASTING ROOM 53 W. Carmel Valley Road, Carmel Valley, 831-659-3500 talbottvneyards.com Tasting Thu-Mon 11-5 SAN SABA VINEYARD 26 35801 Foothill Rd., Soledad 831-678-2292, sansaba.com Tasting Tue-Sun 11- 5 SCHEID VINEYARDS INC. 10 1972 Hobson Ave., Greenfield 831-386-0316, scheidvineyards.com Tasting Daily 11-5/Tours by Appt. TALBOTT VINEYARDS 11 53 W. Carmel Valley Rd, Carmel Valley, 831-659-3500 talbottvineyards.com, Tasting Daily 11-5 TASTE OF MONTEREY 1. 700 Cannery Row, 27 Monterey, 831-646-5446, tastemonterey.com Tasting Daily 11-6 2. 127 Main St., Salinas 28 831-751-1980 Tasting Mon-Thu 11-5, Fri-Sat 11-6, Sun 11-4
CHATEAU SINNET 14 13746 Center St., Carmel Valley 831-659-2244, chateausinnet.com Tasting Sun-Thu12-5, Fri-Sat 12-6 16 CIMA COLLINA San Carlos, b/t Ocean & 7th, Carmel-By-The-Sea 831-620-0645, cimacollina.com Tasting Thu-Mon 11-6 GALANTE VINEYARDS 4 Off Dolores b/t Ocean & 7th, Carmel-By-The-Sea 831-624-3800, galantevineyards.com Tasting Daily 12-6 15 GEORIS WINERY 4 Pilot Road, Carmel Valley 831-659-1050, georiswine.com Tasting Daily 11-5 HAHN ESTATES/SMITH & HOOK WINERY 23 37700 Foothill Road, Soledad 831-678-4555, hahnestates.com Tasting Mon-Fri 11-4, Sat-Sun 11-5 Tours by Appt. HELLER ESTATE 10 ORGANIC VINEYARDS 69 W. Carmel Valley Rd., Carmel Valley, 831-659-6220 800-625-8466, hellerestate.com Tasting Mon-Thu 11-5:30, Fri-Sun 11-6 Submit your winery or changes to be included in our October/ Noverber issue’s guides. Please submit by Sept. 3, 2010 to editor@vinetimesmagazine.com
Tasting Room Open Daily 12 to 6
MJA VINEYARDS Home of Serene Cellars and DaVine Cellars
THE CHICKERING COMPANY RANCHES, LAKES, RIVERS/BROKER
TERRY HUNDEMER, BROKER-ASSOCIATE
328-A Ingalls Street • Santa Cruz
(530) 265-5774
831.421.9380 • CathyB@MJAVineyards.com
Email: ranches@chickeringco.com website: www.ranchbuyer.com
Member of Surf City Vintners
28 August / September 2010 • www.vinetimesonline.com
Vino in Vallecito By Linda J Bottjer
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he search for golden riches brought miners to Calaveras County back in the mid nineteenth century. Some meander around still hoping to strike it big by finding the malleable mineral. Oenophiles know the on-going wealth is now discovered at area wineries. The town of Vallecito is our focus where the Irish family, and their same named vineyard, believe wine, family and a renegade spirit are the essential ingredients to the good life. As the award winning vintner Russell Irish started making wine before he was actually old enough to drink it. Years later, both estate grown grapes and those grown to Irish’s specifications create mouth welcoming joys. Their Petite Sirah melds the dulcet duo of dark cherry with the vanilla laden toast of French oak. Well balanced in acid and with a soft on the tongue savoriness it serves to heighten a variety of rich entrees and grilled meats. The zestier Barbera also supports any depth of char upon beef or lamb. The Petite Sirah is also a major component of the Kilkenny Red along with an equal portion of Zinfandel and a bit of a medicinal flavoring from the Cabernet
Sauvignon. Pinot Grigio, Chenin Blanc and Viognier are the trio of juices that brightly dance upon the tongue as the Kilkenny White. Malbec, the deep black-berried Touriga and a robust Graciano show off Irish’s appreciation of Portuguese and Spanish varietals. A dusky Tempranillo complete with leathery tones is a highlight of the winery’s De Ireys (old style spelling of Irish) series of wines. While the respect for wine is great the air of pomposity is not. “Pog Mo Thoin”, a red blend, translates from the Gaelic into an action that requires a derriere and a pursing of lips. It is the response to those who sometimes forget the humble origins of wine and add an air of elitism to the pleasure of drinking it. A few minutes away is Twisted Oak Winery where owners Jeff and Mary Stai, and winemaker Scott Klann show the enjoyment of wine is far from being the sole domain of snobs. Their logo might look demure – but that is where the illusion ends. A sense of absurd fun is immediate as one enters their “Rubber Chicken National Forest” enroute the twisting road that climbs to where the winery and one of the tasting rooms reside. Their other tasting room is in downtown Murphys.
Upon reaching either of their tasting rooms, there is no doubt for those with a penchant for the bold flavors of Rhône or Iberian styled wines that Nirvana resides in Calaveras County. The tannins of the ‘06 Tanner Vineyard Syrah are palpable as are the sweet- berried notes up against spicy spikes of clove while the dry finish lingers to a satisfying conclusion. Mostly made of Mourverdre the Calaveras County River of Skulls’coloring is almost as dark as its name. Honoring the Spanish translation for Calaveras, its tastes are complex. Deep dense sinker drops of tobacco and smoky oak are aerated, only slightly, with a tart sweetness of raspberries and fresh cherries. For those who prefer a lighter sip, stone fruit flavorings of peaches and apricots combine with the crisp tartness of green apples in the Verdelho. Although aged six months in American stainless steel the taste is that of a French-countryside summer made even more resplendent by capturing a heady lilac aroma. Another Rhône delectable features a red blend of Mourvedre, Syrah, and Grenache. The effect often stuns tasters into rants of rapturous expletives. When it comes to Iberians, either a day, or a night spent with any vintage of the
The “Twisted Oak” of Twisted Oak Winery in Vallecito. (Twisted Oak Winery) winery’s The Spaniard guarantees one has discovered the elixer to a life well lived. All estate grown, it is the best of earthy blends from their peppery Tempranillo lightened with the slightest of citrus zestiness and deepened with a flash of cedar and lush and large fruitiness from Graciano and Garnacha. Vallecito wineries provide a fluid celebration to the joys of visiting Calaveras County. Irish Vineyards is located at 2849 Highway 4 in Vallecito. For more information call (209) 736-1299 or visit www.irishvineyards.com. Twisted Oak Winery is located at 4280 Red Hill Road at Hwy 4 in Vallecito. For more information call (209) 736-9080 or visit their website at www.twistedoak.com.
www.vinetimesonline.com • August / September 2010
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7 T H A N N UA L - S A N D I E G O B AY
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The City Cellar
Winery Guide
By Michelle Sieling
Heart and Heirloom Cafe A Tale of Two Wine-Themed Restaurants
I
LODI WINE & VISITOR 1 CENTER 2545 W.Turner Rd., Lodi 209-365-0621, lodiwine.com Tasting Daily 10-5 ABUNDANCE VINEYARDS 2 21482 N. Ray Rd., Lodi 209-334-0274 abundancevineyards.com Tasting by Appt. BERGHOLD VINEYARDS 3 17343 N. Cherry Rd., Lodi 209-333-929 bergholdvineyards.com Tasting Thu-Sun 11-5, & by Appt. 4 BORRA VINEYARDS & WINERY 1301 E. Armstrong Rd., Lodi 209-368-2446, borrawinery.com Tasting Daily 12-5 5 CELLAR DOOR 21 N. School St., Lodi 209-339-4394 lodicellardoor.com Tasting Tue- Wed 12-6, Thu-Sat 12-9, Sun 12-5 CRYSTAL VALLEY CELLARS 16750 E. State Hwy. 88, 6 Clements, 209-759-3888 cosentinowinery.com/cvc Tasting Daily 10-5 d’Art Wines 7 13299 N. Curry Ave., Lodi 209-334-9946, dartwines.com Tasting Sat-Sun 12-5 DELICATO VINEYARDS & CLAY STATION WINES 12001 S. Hwy. 99, Manteca 209-824-3501,claystationwine.com Tasting Daily 9-5:30 E2 FAMILY WINERY 9 9009 W. Highway 12, Lodi 209-334-5911, e2familywinery.com Tasting by Appt. GNEKOW FAMILY WINERY 17347 East Gawne Rd. Collegeville, 209-463-0697, 888-446-3569, gnekowwinery.com Tasting Daily 11-5 GRANDS AMIS WINERY 10 115 N. School St., Ste. 5, Lodi 209-369-6805, grandsamis.com Tasting Fri-Sun 1-5, or by Appt. HARMONY WYNELANDS 11 9291 E. Harney Ln., Lodi 209-369-4184 harmonywynelands.com Tasting Mon-Sat 11-5:30 Sunday/Holidays 12:30-5 HERITAGE OAK WINERY 10112 E.Woodbridge Rd, 12 Acampo, 209-986-2763 heritageoakwinery.com Tasting Mon-Fri 2-5pm, Sat 12-6, Sun 1-4
HOUSLEY’S CENTURY 13 OAK WINERY 22211 N. Lower Sacramento Rd., Acampo, 209-334-3482 centuryoakwinery.com Tasting Sat 12-4, or by Appt. JESSIE’S GROVE WINERY 1973 W.Turner Rd., Lodi 14 209-368-0880, jgwinery.com Tasting Daily 11-5 15 JEWEL 3750 E.Woodbridge Rd, Acampo, 209-340-8500 jewelwine.com Tasting Daily 11-5 LANGETWINS WINERY16 1525 E. Jahant Rd., Acampo 209-334-9780, langetwins.com Tasting by Appt. THE LUCAS WINERY 17 18196 N. Davis Road, Lodi 209-368-2006, lucaswinery.com Tasting Thu-Sun 12-4:30/Tours by Appt. M2 WINES 18 1376 East Turner Rd,. Ste. D, Lodi, 888-757-9463 m2wines.com Tasting Fri-Sun 11-5 or by Appt. 19 MACCHIA 7099 E. Peltier Rd, Acampo 209-333-2600 macchiawines.com Tasting Thu-Mon 11-5 MCCONNELL ESTATE 20 10686 W. Stockton Blvd, Elk Grove, 916-685-5368 mcconnellestates.com Tasting Fri-Sun 11-5 MICHAEL DAVID WINERY 4580 W. Highway 12, Lodi 21 209-368-7384 lodivineyards.com Tasting Daily 10-5 22 OAK RIDGE WINERY 6100 E. Highway 12, Lodi 209-369-4758 oakridgewinery.com Gift Cottage Daily 10-5 or by Appt. OMEGA CELLARS 23 13731 N. Highway 88, Lodi 209-367-1910 omega-cellars.com Tasting Sat-Sun 12-5 PEIRANO ESTATE 24 VINEYARDS 21831 N. Highway 99, Acampo 209-369-9463, peirano.com Tasting Wed-Sun 11-4:30 RIPKEN VINEYARDS & 25 WINERY 2472 West Sargent Rd, Lodi 209-367-WINE (9463) ripkenwine.com Tasting Sat-Sun 12-4/Tours SIQUEIRA WINE COMPANY 26 220 S. Cluff Ave., Lodi 209-403-9200 or 800-769-8491 siqueirawine.com Tasting by Appt.
SPENKER WINERY 27 17303 N. DeVries Rd., Lodi 209-367-0467 Tasting Sat-Sun 12-4 By Appt. January-April 28 ST. AMANT WINERY 1 Winemaster Way, Lodi 209-367-0646 stamantwine.com Tasting by Appt. VAN RUITEN FAMILY 29 WINERY 340 W. Highway 12, Lodi 209-334-5722, vrwinery.com Tasting Daily 11-5 30 VINO CON BRIO AT AMOROSA VINEYARDS 7889 East Harney Ln, Lodi 209-369-5392, 888-410-VINO vinoconbrio.com Tasting Thu-Mon 12-5 or by Appt. VINO PIAZZA 32-38 12470 Locke Road, Lockeford (Wineries 32-38 are all in Vino Piazza)
BOITANO FAMILY WINES 209-727-3270 32 boitanofamilywines.com Tasting Sat-Sun 12-5 LA VIDA DULCE WINERY 33 209-727-3966 lavidadulce.com Tasting Fri-Sun 12-5 MOKELUMNE OAK VINTNERS 209-339-3754 34 mokelumneoakvintners.com Tasting Fri-Sun 12-5 OLDE LOCKEFORD WINERY 209-727-9770 35 vinopiazza.com/oldelockeford Tasting Daily 11-5 36 PASOS VINEYARDS 559-978-0523 or 209-727-3153 pasoswinery.com Tasting Fri-Sat 11-6, Sun 11-5 STAMA WINERY 37 209-727-3314 or 408-464-6923 stamawinery.com Tasting Mon,Wed,Thu 11-5 Fri-Sun 11-6 38 WATTS WINERY 209-329-1569, wattswinery.com Tasting Fri-Mon 12-5 WOODBRIDGE BY ROBERT MONDAVI 5950 E.Woodbridge Rd, Acampo, 209-365-8139 woodbridgewines.com Tasting Daily 10:30-4:30 Tours Daily 9:30 & 1:30
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Submit your winery or changes to be included in our October/ November issue’s guides. Please submit by Sept. 3, 2010 to editor@vinetimesmagazine.com
f wine themed restaurants weren’t such a hot trend in San Francisco, I might have less to write about in this column. Lucky for me, two such places opened just in the Mission neighborhood during the past half year. But the fact that they are both wine-themed, have names that start with “H” and are in the same neighborhood is about the only thing that they share. Each offers their clientele different price ranges, and wine drinking experiences. Let me begin with Heart, a wine bar/restaurant/gallery space, which opened at the beginning of 2010 in a former auto-repair shop. What once was a place comprised of grease, rubber hoses and steel is now reclaimed wood, cement floors, and of course wine bottles. Before you even enter the place, you will be hit by how loud it is in there. The narrow crowded space can be jam packed with people, especially on the weekends, so bring your elbow pads. This is not a sit down and relax with a glass of wine kind of place. This is a get your friends together, make a lot of noise, and tip back jelly glasses full of wine. In fact, there’s no set seating. It’s all first come, first served, and much of it at long raised communal tables. Even ordering is a bit chaotic. On a busy night, it’s not easy to spot the bar where you order, even though it’s a straight shot from the doorway. Once you locate it, you will wait in line, make your choice, and put in your order at the bar. Everything is paid for up front, unless you would like “table service.” That is, if you can get a table. Most of the almost 100 wines available by the glass, bottle, and even retail are French, Italian, or Spanish. Outside of that there’s a small amount of Spanish sherry and craft beers to choose from. Wines by the glass run about $7-$20. We tried a couple of unassuming reds, a 2008 Hofer Zweigelt ($7) and 2005 Tarantas Tempranillo/Cabernet Crianza ($6). If you go, don’t expect any elegant wine pairings with your food, though the selection of small plates is good. Douglas Monsalud and his team at Kitchenette in the Dogpatch neighborhood are responsible for the food. Heart has limited kitchen space so many of the items are smoked, braised or pickled at Kitchenette and then assembled at Heart. On our visit we shared and enjoyed raw Day Boat scallops with preserved lemon, fennel oil, radishes, chili flakes, and wild arugula ($9); fig wood smoked Berkshire pork belly sliders with mustard bbq sauce and cider slaw ($9); and parchment baked halibut, with Bok Choy, baby carrots, spring onions, and mint ($12). I’m all about bringing wine to the masses, but I think Heart misses the mark. I’m not into a mob scene. In the end, you feel just as the space is set up—like you’re at a gallery show jostling for drinks and floor space with all of the freeloaders…except this time you are paying for it. Perhaps it’s the lack of time spent in the business. Jeff Segal is still in his mid-twenties and has no background in food, let alone owned a food business. So to be fair, for someone who just started a restaurant, if you judge by the crowds on every night, business is booming. Give him a few more years; it will be interesting to see what happens with a little wisdom that will come with time. If you want to try it for yourself, check their Twitter feed for events and updates on what they are serving, any wine or drink deals and who they are featuring in their gallery, which changes roughly once a month: http://twitter.com/heartwine Not far away is a completely different wine and food experience. Opened just this spring, Heirloom Café occupies a large and light space on the corner of Folsom and 21st Streets. Maybe you could say I am comparing apples and oranges (or grapes and cranberries for that matter), but if I’m going to go out and spend money on dinner and wine, I’m putting it here. The restaurant seats about 48 people, spread out in a collection of two tops, benches on the wall, a long communal table and a few seats along the marble bar, which overlooks the large open kitchen. The pale yellow paint, vintage-pattern wallpaper and original circa1900 floorboards give the place a farmhouse feeling that is comfortable and charming, but not in any way contrived. Heirloom is all about refinement, but it’s not fussy, nor over-calculated. The menu is limited (one Prix Fixe meal, a couple of entrees, a handful of sides), but executed with a skill that shows the experience of owner Matt Strauss and his staff. Which for Matt means everything from his teenage job at McDonald’s to his time as a sommelier and server at both of San Francisco’s own Jardinière and RN74, not to mention the list of honors he received during his stint at Wilshire in Los Angeles. Basically, we should trust the guy. Best proof of skill and experience of the staff when I was there: a perfectly roasted halibut—moist, tender, flaky, savory. The fish was accompanied by English peas, mushContinued on Page 37 www.vinetimesonline.com • August / September 2010
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Signorello: Poised for Perfection Continued from Page 19 culinary experience and taste the wines in a whole new context. On a recent visit, our charming hostess, Kathy Wood, Director of Hospitality, presented us with a glass of Rosé of Pinot Noir and said, “ We designed the Enoteca to feel like you are in your own living room so you are relaxed and comfortable and, you can learn as much as you want to.” The first two courses were served with the proprietary 2008 “Seta,” an Estate blend of 60 percent Semillon and 40 percent Sauvignon Blanc, and the 2007 “Vieilles Vignes” Chardonnay Estate made from original, pre-phylloxerra vines. The idea is to have both wines play off both courses for you to determine your preference. I favored the Early Girl Tomato Gazpacho with cucumber and cilantro relish with grey salt and coriander crackers with the Seta, as the nose of fig, vanilla and graham cracker make a nice compliment to the cracker, while the flavors of apple and vanilla wafer play nicely off the sweetness of the peach, and acidity of the tomatoes counter balance the acidity of the wine. Quite the summer refresher! The Chardonnay paired nicely with the peach and heirloom tomatoes salad with goat cheese in Chardonnay vinai-
grette, striking a nice contrast between the sweetness of the peaches and the elegant nose of French Vanilla, honey, lemon and butterscotch. These flavors are replicated on the tongue and finishes with a Eureka Lemon Crème Brulee that enhances the brightness of the Heirlooms. Now for the Reds. First up, the 2007 “Luvisi” vineyard Zinfandel paired with smoked allspice-cured local rabbit, with morel mushrooms, fresh cherries and blood oranges, and pistachios for one dish. The next course, the roasted Snake River Farms Kurobuta pork with roasted tricolored beets in truffle vinaigrette. With the rabbit, the Zinfandel showed an elegant style, emphasized cranberry, cinnamon, cumin, cedar and pomegranate reduction accenting the allspice smokiness, whereas with the tender pork, plumped up the blackberry, raspberry and ripe black plum elements coming from Calistoga (warmer climate) fruit. Just writing this, I am salivating, remembering all the delightful interplay of wine, meat, spices and fruits dancing on the palate. As if this were not enough, now comes the Flagship wines of the Estate: 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon blended with 17 percent Merlot, 8 percent Cabernet Franc and, in honor of the late Ray Sr., “Padrone”
Ray Signerllo, proprietor, Kathy Wood, Director of Hospitality and Sandrew Montgomery, writer and Sommelier outside by Signorello’s infinity pool. (Kat Ryan Montgomery)
a 2006 blend of 83 percent Cabernet Sauvignon, 12 percent Merlot and 5 per-
cent Cabernet Franc. These two wines Continued on Page 36
Winery Guide
The Wine Chix Continued from Page 27 We didn’t forget the art experience (with a wine twist of course). In the evening, PR specialist Chris Trela treated us to a guided tour of the Laguna Playhouse (lagunaplayhouse.com). It’s a 400-seat equity theatre full of great shows and professional talent. They have an exciting line-up each year, worthy of your attention. Love the fact they serve wine at intermission! Seriously folks, get on the Internet and check them out. Right next door is the Festival of the Arts (foapom.com) featuring the Pageant of the Masters. We both have been to many performances over the years. It’s always amazing to watch this 90-minute presentation of “living pictures.” Think classic and contemporary paintings made to come alive on stage with real people posing to look like the characters in the paintings while standing in faithful, true to the painting backgrounds. Special make up and stage lighting make it all pop. We couldn’t have imagined that the evening could get more creative than years past…but something about the “Eat, Drink, and Be Merry” theme really took wings and made this production fly. We loved all the wine references, and were knocked out of our seats by the Mardi Gras parade of food, wine and foolishness just before intermission. This is a MUST see this year for its upbeat and creative production. Last stop on our way out of town was Laguna Canyon Winery (lagunacanyonwinery.com). Who knew there was an award-winning, 2,500 case winery in Laguna? We do now, and so should you. Twenty-two small lot wines and two very passionate vintners, make this winery special. The wines are smooth, complex, well thought out. Who can resist an owner whose vision of success is showing up every day and enjoying what he does? The question of course was, yes these are exceptional wines, but who makes them? As it turns out, the grapes come from Napa and Sonoma, but the wines are all Laguna hand-crafted. Co-owners Marlowe and Darin Huber are the winemakers. Marlowe told us it’s quite a sight to see a big semi back into the smallish facility and begin unloading grapes. They have a crusher, storage facilities, tanks, barrels, a labeler, and a bottling line. They also have an event room, a wine club, and plans to open a second facility. The current one is (and will stay) on Laguna Canyon Road right before you hit the art fairs. The second tasting room will be at 680 Glenneyre Street in the middle of the Laguna shopping district beginning in August 2010. Be sure and taste the ‘06 Russian River appellation Malbec (75 cases, $34.00/bottle), the ‘06 Chalk Hill appellation Sangiovese (150 cases, $32.00/bottle), and the ‘05 gold medal Paso Cab (250 cases, $25.00/bottle).
32 August / September 2010 • www.vinetimesonline.com
1 ALAPAY CELLARS 415 First St., Avila Beach 805-595-2632, alapaycellars.com Tasting Sat-Thu10:30-6, Fri 10:30-8 3 BAILEYANA 5828 Orcutt Rd, SLO 805-269-8200, baileyana.com Tasting Daily10-5 CERRO CALIENTE CELLARS 5 831-A Via Esteban, SLO 805-544-2842,cerrocalientecellars.com Tasting Fri-Sun 11-5 8 CHAMISAL WINERY 7525 Orcutt Rd, SLO 805-541-9463, domainealfred.com Tasting Daily 10-5 6 CLAIBORNE & CHURCHILL 2649 Carpenter Canyon, SLO 805-544-4066, claibornechurchill.com Tasting Daily11-5 10 EDNA VALLEY VINEYARDS 2585 Biddle Ranch Rd, SLO 805-544-5855, ednavalley.com Tasting 10-5/Tours 15 KELSEY SEE CANYON VINEYARDS 1947 See Canyon Rd, SLO 805-595-9700, kelseywine.com Tasting Daily11-5:30 16 KYNSI WINERY 2212 Corbett Canyon Rd,
Arroyo Grande, 805-544-8461, kynsi.com, Tasting Thu-Mon 11-5 LAETITIA VINEYARD & WINERY 18 453 Laetitia Vineyard Dr, Arroyo Grande, 805-481-1772 laetitiawine.com, Tasting Daily 11-5 23 PERBACCO CELLARS 1850 Calle Joaquin, SLO 805-787-0485, perbaccocellars.com Tasting Thu-Mon 11-5 PIEDRA CREEK WINERY 24 6425 Mira Cielo Drive, SLO 805-541-1281, Tasting by Appt. 26 REFUGIO VINEYARD COMPANY 1691 See Canyon Rd, SLO 805-801-1919, Tasting by Appt. SALISBURY VINEYARDS 28 6985 Ontario Rd., SLO 805-595-9463,salisburyvineyards.com Tasting Daily 11-6 SAUCELITO CANYON VINEYARD 29 3080 Biddle Ranch Rd, SLO 805-543-2111,saucelitocanyon.com Tasting Daily 10-5 30 SEXTANT WINES 3536 S. Higuera, Ste 250, SLO 805-542-0133, sextantwines.com Tasting Thu-Mon 11-5 or by Appt.
STEVEN ROSS WINE CELLARS 32 3031 Lopez Dr.,Arroyo Grande 805-489-0446, talleyvineyards.com Tasting Daily 10:30-4:30 33 TALLEY VINEYARDS 3031 Lopez Dr.,Arroyo Grande 805-489-0446, talleyvineyards.com Tasting Daily 10:30-4:30 TANGENT 31 5828 Orcutt Rd, SLO 805-597-8250, tangentwines.com Tasting Daily 10-5 35 TOLOSA WINERY 4910 Edna Rd., SLO 805-782-0500, tolosawinery.com Tasting Daily 11-5 WINDEMERE/CATHY MACGREGOR WINES 39 3536 S. Higuera, Ste. 240B, SLO 805-542-0133 Tasting Daily 11:30-4 WOLFF VINEYARDS 40 6238 Orcott Rd, SLO 805-781-0448, wolffvineyards.com Tasting Daily 11-5 41 WOOD WINERY 136 Bridge St., Arroyo Grande 805-489-9663, wildwoodwine.com Tasting Thu-Mon 11-5
Memories of a Fling in the Santa Lucia Highlands By Laura Ness
A
mid the roses and views at the Hahn Estate on River Road in Soledad, the 4th annual Highlands Fling, held May 15, dished out brilliant Chardonnays and phenomenal Pinots at every turn. It was hard to spit most of these Highlands beauties, and the “Love the Wine You’re With” button McIntyre was handing out seemed positively prescient. Thirty one wineries presented their wares at this wonderful event that sports great wines poured by congenial winemakers, in a beautiful setting, accompanied by good food, live music and absolutely no pretension whatsoever. Sure, there are the big names people were taught to worship from the Spectator hymnal: Pisoni, ROAR, Testarossa, Tantara, etc. But they have become the old story. Today, there are so many new and noteworthy wines from this AVA, there is
little need to succumb to the trap of scorewhore trappings. Genuine quality trumps Trump anytime. I give you Boekenoogen. Can’t pronounce it? Doesn’t matter. This is some of the best Chardonnay you’ll ever taste. There were so many memorable sips at the Fling, it’s hard to choose the highlights. I loved Morgan’s 2008 Double L Chardonnay, cheered for the stunningly gorgeous pale pink La Rochelle 09 Pinot rose from McIntyre fruit, swooned over the 09 Pelerin Chardonnay barrel sample from the new Sierra Mar vineyard (can’t wait for this one to be released), and smacked our lips over the perfectly poised McIntyre Estate Chardonnay, with its delightful balance of fruit, flaxen texture and acidity. Both the Logan and Sleepy Hollow Chardonnays from Talbott, the results of winemaker Dan Karlsen’s rejuvenation of this storied vineyard and brand, made it to the top of our charts. This is truly heaven on earth for
Burgundian varietals. Once we gorged ourselves on Chardonnay, the next plunge was Pinot, and that pool is deep, wide and filled with deliciousness. Once one starts, one cannot stop, and I could not stop raving about the Wrath 07 Pinot with its finish as smooth as a silk Talbott tie. I danced happily over the 08 Sarmento Vineyard Pinot from Sequana, one of the Hess Collection brands that impressed me right from the outset with an elegant and satisfying rendition of Pinot from this distinctive vineyard. It went on to win Best of Show at the 2010 Monterey Wine Competition. Morgan’s 2007 Double L Pinot is a benchmark for the Bench, with its great texture, depth of fruit and breadth of expression. The 2008 is a worthy successor. A new discovery was the tangy 08 Hope & Grace Pinot, brightly filled with strawberries and a hint of citrus. The 2007 Talbotts Sleepy Hollow Pinot is a thing of beauty, a nod to the French method of warm fermentation. Another legendary
Cheryl Warner of McIntyre. (Laura Ness) vineyard, Tondre Grapefields, produced a 2007 Pinot that is big-boned, meaty and filled with roasted beets and anise. Our last stop was the Lucienne table, where a wee dram of the 2007 Doctor’s Vineyard Pinot seemed just the right prescription for a truly memorable Fling in the Highlands.
Winery Guide
TEMECULA ALEX’S RED BA R N 1 WINERY 39820 Calle Contento 951-693-3201, redbarnwine.com Tasting Sat-Sun 11-6 BAILY VINEYARD & WINERY 2 33440 La Serena 951-676- WINE, bailywinery.com Tasting Daily 11-5, ex. Sat 10-5 BELLA VISTA VINEYARD & WINERY 3 41220 Calle Contento 951-676-5250, bellavistawinery.com Tasting Daily 10-6 BRIAR ROSE WINERY 4 41720 Calle Cabrillo 951-308-1098, briarrosewinery.com Tasting Daily 10-5 CALLAWAY VINEYARD & WINERY 5 32720 Rancho California Rd. 951-676-4001 or 800-472-2377 callawaywinery.com Tasting Daily 10-5/Tours by Appt. CHURON WINERY 6 33233 Rancho California Rd. 951-694-9071, churonwinery.com Tasting Daily 10-5
COUGAR VINEYARD & WINERY 7 39870 De Portola Rd. 951-491-0825, cougarvineyards.com, Tasting Daily 11-6 DANZA DEL SOL WINERY 10 39050 De Portola Rd. 951-302-6363, danzadelsolwinery.com Tasting Fri-Mon 11-6 DOFFO WINERY 8 36083 Summitville St. 714-715-6610, doffowines.com Tasting Fri-Sun 10-5 FOOT PATH WINERY 32 36650 Glen Oaks, 951-265-9951 footpathwinery.com Tasting M-F 12-5, S-S 10-5 FALKNER WINERY 9 40620 Calle Contento 951-676-8231, falknerwinery.com Tasting Daily 10-5 11 HART WINERY 41300 Avenida Biona 951-676-6300 thehartfamilywinery.com Tasting Daily 9-4:30 KEYWAYS VINEYARD & WINERY 12 37338 DePortola Rd. 951-302-7888, keywayswine.com Tasting Daily 10-6
LEONESSE CELLARS 14 38311 DePortola Rd. 951-302-7601, leonessecellars.com Tasting Daily 10-5 or by Appt. LONGSHADOW RANCH WINERY 15 39847 Calle Contento 951-587-6221 longshadowranchwinery.com Tasting Mon-Fri 12-5, Sat-Sun 10-5 LORIMAR WINERY 19 Old Town Temecula Tasting Room 42031 Main St., 951-240-5177 lorimarwinery.com, Tasting Sun-Thu 12-6, Fri-Sat 11-9 M AURICE CAR’RIE VINEYARD & WINERY 16 34225 Rancho California Rd. 951-676-1711 mauricecarriewinery.com Tasting Daily 10-5 MIRAMONTE WINERY 17 33410 Rancho California Rd. 951-506-5500/ 866-MIRAMONTE miramontewinery.com Tasting Daily 10-5 MOUNT PALOMAR WINERY 18 33820 Rancho California Rd. 951-676-5047, mountpalomar.com Tasting Sun 11-6, Mon-Thu 10-5, Fri-Sat 10-6
OAK MOUNTAIN 20 WINERY 36522 Via Verde, 951-699-9102 oakmountainwinery.com Tasting Daily 11-5 PALUMBO FAMILY 21 VINEYARDS & WINERY 40150 Barksdale Cir., 951-676-7900, palumbofamilyvineyards.com Tasting Sat-Sun 10-5, Fri 12-5or by Appt. PONTE FAMILY ESTATE 22 35053 Rancho California Rd. 951-694-8855, pontewinery.com Tasting Daily 10-5 ROBERT RENZONI 23 VINEYARDS 37350 De Portola Rd., 951-302-VINO robertrenzonivineyards.com Tasting Daily 11-6 SOUTH COAST WINERY 24 34843 Rancho California Rd. 951-587-9463/ 866-9-WINERY wineresort.com, Tasting Daily 10-6 STUA RT CELLARS 25 33515 Rancho California Rd. 888-260-0870, stuartcellars.com Tasting Daily 10-5 TESORO WINERY Old Town Tasting Room 26 28475 Old Town Front Street 951-308-0000, tesorowines.com Tasting Mon-Thu 1-6, Fri 11-8, Sat 10-8, Sun 1-6 TEMECULA HILLS WINERY 27 47200 De Portola Rd. 951-767-3450, temeculahillswinery.com Tasting Daily 11-5,Tours by Appt. THORNTON WINERY 28 32575 Rancho California Rd. 951-699-0099, thorntonwine.com Tasting Daily 10-5,Tours Sat-Sun 11-4 VAN ROEKEL WINERY AND VINEYARDS 29 34567 Rancho California Rd. 951-699-6961/ 800-716-1711 Tasting Daily 10-5 VINDEMIA ESTATE WINERY 33133 Vista Del Monte 33 951-699-0601, californiadreamin.com Tasting Fri-Sun 10-5 WIENS FAMILY CELLARS 35055 Via Del Ponte 30 951-694-9892, wienscellars.com Tasting Daily 10-5 WILSON CREEK WINERY & VINEYARD 31 35960 Rancho California Rd. 951-699-9463, wilsoncreekwinery.com Tasting Daily 10-5
SCHWAESDALL WINERY 17677 Rancho De Oro Rd., (not shown on map) Ramona, 760-789-7542 BELLE MARIE WINERY schwaesdallwinery.com 26312 Mesa Rock Rd., Tasting Sat-Sun 10-6 Escondido, 760-796-7557 SHADOW MOUNTAIN bellemarie.com VINEYARDS & WINERY Tasting Daily 11-5, 34680 Highway 79, Tours Sat at 1:00 by Appt. Warner Springs , 760-782-0778 BERNARDO WINERY shadowmountainvineyards.com 13330 Paseo del Verano Norte, Tasting Wed-Sun 10-5 Rancho Bernardo, 858-487-1866 TWIN OAKS VALLEY bernardowinery.com VINTNERS Tasting Mon-Fri 9-5, Sat-Sun 10-6 @ Prime Meats & Sausages COUNTRY CELLARS 735 E. Mission Rd., San Marcos, 4456 Hwy. 78, Julian 760-471-9192 760-765-0089, countrycellars.com Tasting Thu-Sun 11-4 Tasting of wine and beer: WITCH CREEK WINERY Wed-Sun 11-5, open holiday 2906 Carlsbad Blvd., Carlsbad Mondays 11-4 760-720-7499 FALLBROOK WINERY witchcreekwinery.com 2554 Via Rancheros, Fallbrook Tasting Daily 11-5 760-728-0156 fallbrookwinery.com Tasting by Appt. FERRARA WINERY 1120 West 15th Ave, Escondido 760-745-7632 ferrarawinery.com Tasting Daily 10-5 J. JENKINS WINERY 1255 Julian Orchards Drive Julian, 760-765-3267 jenkinswinery.com Tasting Sat-Sun 11-5 or by Appt. LENORA WINERY 632 Main St., Ramona 760.788.1388 lenorawinery.com Tasting Fri-Sun 11-6 MENGHINI WINERY 1150 Julian Orchards Drive, Julian, 760-765-2072 menghiniwinery.com Tasting Mon-Fri 10-4, Sat-Sun 10-5 ORFILA VINEYARDS 13455 San Pasqual Rd., Escondido, 760-738-6500 orfila.com, Tasting Daily 10-6 SAN CLEMENTE WINE CO. 212-1/2 Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente, 949-429-7067 scwinecompany.com Tasting Mon-Fri 2-7:30, Sat-Sun 2-8:30 Submit your winery or changes to be included in SAN PASQUAL WINERY our October/November 5151 Santa Fe Street, Ste. H, San Diego issue’s guides. Please submit 858-27-7550 by Sept 3, 2010 to editor@ sanpasqualwinery.com vinetimesmagazine.com Tasting Tue-Thu 11-4, Fri-Sat 12-6
SAN DIEGO COUNTY
www.vinetimesonline.com • August / September 2010 33
Sonoma Valley Winery Guide
STRYKER SONOMA 24 5110 Hwy. 128, 707-433-1944 strykersonoma.com, Tasting Daily10:30-5 THE MEEKER VINEYARD 25 ANNAPOLIS 21035 Geyserville Ave. ANNAPOLIS WINERY 1 707-431-2148, meekerwine.com 26055 Soda Springs Rd., 707-886- Tasting Mon-Sat 10:30-6, Sun 12-5 5460, annapoliswinery.com TRENTADUE WINERY 26 Tasting Daily 12-5 19170 Geyserville Ave.707-433-3104 CLOVERDALE trentadue.com, Tasting Daily 10-5, T CELLAR NO. 8 2 HEALDSBURG 26150 Asti Rd., 866-557-4970 A LEXANDER VALLEY VINEYARDS 28 cellarno8.com, Tasting Thu-Mon 10-5 5110 Hwy. 128, 707-433-7209 FRITZ WINERY 3 avvwine.com, Tasting Daily 10-5 24691 Dutcher Creek Rd. A. RAFANELLI WINERY 29 707-894-3389/ 800-418-9463 4685 West Dry Creek Rd., 707fritzwinery.com 433-1385 arafanelliwinery.com, A Tasting Daily 10:30-4:30, T AMISTA VINEYARDS 30 ICARIA CREEK WINERY 4 3320 Dry Creek Rd., 707-43127750 Asti Rd., 707-486-9623 9200 amistavineyards.com icariawinery.com, A Tasting Thu-Mon 11-4:30 PASTORI WINERY 5 AMPHORA WINES 31 23189 Geyserville Ave. 4791 W. Dry Creek Rd., Bldg. 6, 707-857-3418, A 707-431-7767, amphorawines.com, WATTLE CREEK WINERY 6 Tasting Daily 11-4:30 25510 River Rd., 707-894-5166, ARMIDA WINERY 32 wattlecreek.com, A 2201 Westside Rd., 707-433-2222 GEYSERVILLE armida.com, Tasting Daily 11-5 CLOS DU BOIS WINES 11 CAMELLIA CELLARS 35 19410 Geyserville Ave., 57 Front St., 707-433-1290 707-857-3100/ 800-222-3189 cameliacellars. com, Tasting Daily 11-6 closdubois.com CHATEAU SOUVERAIN 36 Tasting Daily 10-4:30, T 308B Center St., 707-433-2822 DAVID COFFARO VINEYARD & chateausouverain.com WINERY 12 Tasting Daily 11-6 7485 Dry Creek Rd. DAVIS FAMILY VINEYARDS 38 707-433-9715, coffaro.com 52 Front St., Tasting Daily 11-4, T 707-433-3858, daviswines.com DE LORIMIER WINERY 13 Tasting Thu-Sun 11-4:30 2001 Hwy. 128, 707-857-2000 DE LA MONTANYA 39 delorimierwinery.com, A 999 Foreman Ln., 707-433-3711 dlmwine.com, Tasting Fri-Sun 11-5 FRANCIS FORD COPPOLA 300 Via Archimedes, 707-857-1980 DEUX AMIS WINES 40 franciscoppolawinery.com 1960 Dry Creek Rd., 707-431Tasting Daily 11-5 7945, deuxamiswines.com, A FRICK WINERY 15 DOMAINE DANICA 42 23072 Walling Rd., 1960 Dry Creek Rd. 707-857-1980, frickwinery.com 707-431-1902, A Tasting Sat-Sun 12-4:30 DRY CREEK VINEYARD 43 GEYSER PEAK WINERY 16 3770 Lambert Bridge Rd., 70722281 Chianti Rd. 707-857-2500/ 433-1000, drycreekvineyard.com 800-255-9463, geyserpeakwinery.com Tasting Daily 10:30-4:30 Tasting Daily 10-5 DUTCHER CROSSING WINERY 44 17 8533 Dry Creek Rd., 866-431LOCALS TASTING ROOM Geyserville Ave. @ Hwy. 128, 2711, dutchercrossingwinery.com 707-857-4900, tastelocalTasting Daily 11-5, T wines.com, Tasting Daily 11-6 EVERETT RIDGE VINEYARDS & 20 WINERY PEDRONCELLI WINERY 46 1220 Canyon Rd., 707-857-3531, 435 W. Dry Creek Rd., 707-433pedroncelli.com, Tasting Daily 10-4:30 1637, everettridge.com ROBERT YOUNG VINEYARDS 21 Tasting Daily 10-5 4950 Red Winery Rd., 707-431FERRARI-CARANO WINERY 47 4811, ryew.com, Tasting Daily 10-4:30 8761 Dry Creek Rd., 707-433SILVER OAK CELLARS 22 6700, ferrari-carano.com 24625 Chianti Rd., 707-857-3562, Tasting Daily 10-5, T silveroak.com Tasting Mon-Sat 9-4
SONOMA COUNTY NORTH
FORCHINI VINEYARDS & WINERY 49 5141 Dry Creek Rd., 707-4318886, forchini.com, A T GALLO OF SONOMA 50 320 Center St., 707-433-2458 galloofsonoma.com, Tasting Daily 10-6, T GROVE STREET WINERY 52 1451 Grove St., 707-836-5615, grovestreetwinery.com Tasting Daily 11-4:30, T HOLDREDGE WINERY 53 51 Front St., 707-431-1424 Tasting Sat-Sun 11-4:30 HUNTINGTON WINE CELLARS54 53 Front St., 707-433-5215 huntingtonwine.com, Tasting Thu-Sun 11-5 JORDAN VINEYARD & WINERY 57 1474 Alexander Valley Rd., 800654-1213, jordanwinery.com, A T KENDALL-JACKSON WINE ESTATES 58 337 Healdsburg Ave., 707-4337102 kj.com, Tasting Daily 10-5
34 August / September 2010 • www.vinetimesonline.com
59 LA CREMA WINERY 235 Healdsburg Ave. 707-431-9400, lacrema.com Tasting Daily 10:30-5:30 LAKE SONOMA WINERY 60 340 Healdsburg Ave., 800-7509463, lakesonomawinery.net Tasting Daily 10-5 LAMBERT BRIDGE WINERY 61 4085 W. Dry Creek Rd. 800-975-0555, lambertbridge.com Tasting Daily 10:30-4:30 LONGBOARD VINEYARDS 63 5 Fitch St., 707-433-3473 longboardvine-yards.com, Tasting Thu-Sat 11-7, Sun 11-5 or by Appt. MAURITSON FAMILY WINERY64 2859 Dry Creek Rd., 707-431-0804 mauritsonwines.com Tasting Daily 10-5 MAZZOCCO VINEYARDS 65 1400 Lytton Springs Rd., 707-4318159, mazzocco.com, Tasting Daily 11-5
MICHEL-SCHLUMBERGER FINE WINE ESTATE 66 4155 Wine Creek Rd., 707-433-7427 michelschlumberger.com, A T MILL CREEK VINEYARDS & WINERY 68 1401 Westside Rd., 707-433-5098 millcreekwinery.com Tasting Daily 10-5 MURPHY-GOODE WINERY 69 20 Matheson St., 707-431-7644 murphygoodewinery.com Tasting Daily 10:30-5:30 NALLE WINERY 70 2383 Dry Creek Rd., 707-433-1040 nallewinery.com, Tasting 12-5 Sat or A OPTIMA WINE CELLARS 73 498 Moore Ln., 707-431-8222 optimawinery.com, A PASSALACQUA WINERY 74 3805 Lambert Bridge Rd. 707-433-5550, passalacquawine ry.com, Tasting Daily 11-5 PETERSON WINERY 75 4791 Dry Creek Rd., Bldg. 7 707-431-7568, petersonwinery.com Tasting Daily 11-4:30 PRESTON VINEYARDS & WINERY77 9282 W. Dry Creek Rd., 707-4333372, prestonofdrycreek.com Tasting Daily 11-4:30 QUIVIRA VINEYARDS 78 4900 W. Dry Creek Rd., 707-431-8333 quivirawine.com, Tasting Daily 11-5, T RAYMOND BURR VINEYARDS 79 8339 W. Dry Creek Rd., 888-9000024, raymondburrvineyards.com, A RIDGE VINEYARDS 82 650 Lytton Springs Rd., 707-433-7721 ridgewine.com, Tasting Daily 11-4 ROSENBLUM WINE CELLARS 83 250 Center St., 707-431-1169 rosenblumcellars.com Tasting Daily 10-6 SAPPHIRE HILL WINERY 85 Front St., 707-431-1888 sapphirehill.com Tasting Thu-Mon 11-4:30 SAUSAL WINERY 86 7370 Hwy. 128, 800-500-2285 sausalwinery.com, Tasting Daily 10-4 SBRAGIA FAMILY VINEYARDS 87 9990 Dry Creek Rd., 707-473-2992, sbragia.com, Tasting Daily 11-5, T SEGHESIO WINERY 88 14730 Grove, 707-433-3579 seghesio.com, Tasting Daily 10-5
SELBY WINERY 89 215 Center St., 707-431-1288 selbywinery.com, Tasting Daily 11-5:30 SIMI WINERY 92 16275 Healdsburg Ave., 707-4336981/ 800-746-4880, simiwinery.com Tasting Daily 10-5, T STONESTREET VINEYARDS 93 7111 Hwy. 128, 800-355-8008 stonestreewines.com, A STUHLMULLER VINEYARDS 94 4951 W. Soda Rock Ln., 707-4317745, stuhlmullervineyards.com, A TALTY WINERY 96 7127 Dry Creek Rd.,707-4338438, taltyvineyards.com, A TELDESCHI WINERY 97 3555 Dry Creek Rd., 707-4336626, teldeschi.com, Tasting Daily 12-5 TOAD HOLLOW VINEYARDS100 409A Healdsburg Ave. 707-431-8667, toadhollow.com, Tasting Daily 10:30-5:30 UNTI VINEYARDS 101 4202 Dry Creek Rd., 707-4335590, untivineyards.com, A WILSON WINERY 103 1960 Dry Creek Rd. 707-433-4355, wilsonwinery.com Tasting Daily 11-5 YOAKIM BRIDGE WINERY 104
SONOMA COUNTY CENTRAL 7209 Dry Creek Rd. 707-433-8511, yoakimbridge.com Tasting Fri-Sun 11-4:30, A CAZADERO FLOWERS VINEYARD & WINERY 1 28500 Seaview Rd., 707-847-3661 flowerswinery.com, A FORESTVILLE HARTFORD FAMILY WINERY 2 8075 Martinelli Rd., 707-887-8010 hartfordwines.com, Tasting Daily 10-4:30 JOSEPH SWAN VINEYARDS 3 2916 Laguna Rd., 707-573-3747, swanwinery.com, Tasting Sat-Sun11-4:30 TOPOLOS AT RUSSIAN RIVER VINEYARDS 4 5700 Gravenstein Hwy. N. 707-887-3344, russianrivervineyards.com, Tasting Thu-Sun 11:30-4:30 WOODENHEAD 5 5700 River Rd., 707-887-2703 woodenheadwine.com Tasting Thu-Sun 10:30-4:30
WHITE OAK VINEYARDS & 45 WINERY 7505 Hwy. 128, 707-433-8429 whiteoakwinery.com Tasting Daily 10-5
SONOMA COUNTY SOUTH KENWOOD BLACKSTONE WINERY 1 8450 Sonoma Hwy., 707-833-1999 blackstonewinery.com Tasting Daily 10-4:30 CHATEAU ST. JEAN WINERY 2 8555 Sonoma Hwy., 707-833-4134, chateaustjean.com, Tasting Daily 10-5, T FAMILY WINERIES OF SONOMA VALLEY 5 9200 Sonoma Hwy., 707-833-5504 familywineries.com, Tasting Daily 11-6 KAZ VINEYARD & WINERY 6 233 Adobe Canyon Rd. 707-833-2536,kazwinery.com Tasting Fri-Mon 11-5 KENWOOD VINEYARDS 7 9592 Sonoma Hwy.,707-833-5891 kenwoodvineyards.com Tasting Daily 10-4:30 KUNDE ESTATE WINERY 8 9825 Sonoma Hwy. 707-833-5501, kunde.com Tasting Daily 10:30-4:30 LANDMARK VINEYARDS 11 101 Adobe Canyon Rd., 707-833-0218, landmarkwine.com Tasting Daily 10:30-4:30 LEDSON WINERY & VINEYARDS 12 7335 Sonoma Hwy., 707-537-3810/ 800-539-2331 ledson.com,Tasting Daily 10-5 MUSCARDINI CELLARS 8910 Sonoma Hwy., 707-833-0526 muscardinicellars.com Tasting Daily 11-6 SL CELLARS 13 9380 Sonoma Hwy., 707-833-5070 slcellars.com, Tasting Daily 10:30-5 THE WINE ROOM 15 9575 Sonoma Hwy., 707-833-6131 the-wine-room.com Tasting Mon-Thu 11-4, Fri-Sun 11-5 VJB VINEYARDS & CELLARS 16 9077 Sonoma Hwy., 707-833-2300, vjbcellars.com, Tasting Daily 10-5
SANTA ROSA FISHER VINEYARDS 47 6200 St. Helena Rd.,707-5397511, fishervineyards.com, A HANNA WINERY RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY 48 5353 Occidental Rd., 707-575-3371, hannawinery.com Tasting Daily 10-4 HARVEST MOON ESTATE 49 2192 Olivet Rd., 707-573-8711 harvestmoonwinery.com Tasting Daily 10:30-5 BALLETTO VINEYARDS & DUTTONGOLDENFIELD TASTING ROOM 50 57 Occidental Rd., 707-568-2455, ballettovineyards.com, duttongoldfield.com, Tasting Daily 10-4 BATTAGLINI ESTATE WINERY 51 2948 Piner Rd., 707-578-4091, A MARTIN RAY WINERY 54 2191 Laguna Road, 707-823-2404, martinray-winery.com Tasting Thu-Mon 11-4 MATANZAS CREEK WINERY 55 6097 Bennett Valley Rd. 707-528-6464/ 800-590-6464 matanzascreek.com Tasting Daily 10-4:30 PARADISE RIDGE WINERY 56 4545 Thomas Lake Harris Dr. 707-528-9463, paradiseridgewinery.com, Tasting Mon-Fri 11-5 PELLEGRINI FAMILY VINEYARDS 57 4055 West Olivet Rd. 800-8910244, pellegrinisonoma.com, A T SABLE RIDGE VINEYARDS 60 6320 Jamison Rd., 707-542-3138, sableridge.com, A T SIDURI 61 980 Airway Court, Ste. C, 707-578-3882, siduri.com, A ST. FRANCIS 62 100 Pythian Rd., 888-675-9463 stfranciswine.com, Tasting Daily 10-5, T GLEN ELLEN SUNCE WINERY & VINEYARD 63 ARROWOOD VINEYARDS 1839 Olivet Rd.,707-526-9463 18 suncewinery.com, Tasting Daily 10:30-5 & WINERY 14347 Sonoma Hwy., 707-935SEBASTOPOL 2600, arrowoodvineyards.com IRON HORSE VINEYARDS 66 Tasting Daily 10-4:30, T 9786 Ross Station Rd. AUDELSSA ESTATE WINERY 19 707-887-1507, ironhorsevine13647 Arnold Dr. yards.com, Tasting Daily 10-3:30, T 707-933-8514, audelssa.com LYNMAR WINERY TASTING ROOM67 Tasting Fri-Mon11-5, T 3909 Frei Rd., 707-829-3374 B. R. COHN WINERY 20 lynmarwinery.com, Tasting Daily 10-5 15000 Sonoma Hwy., MARIMAR TORRES ESTATE 68 707-931-7924, brcohn.com, 11400 Graton Rd.,707-823-4365, Tasting Daily 10-5, T marimarestate.com, Tasting Daily 11-4, T BENZIGER FAMILY WINERY 21 PETERS FAMILY WINERY 69 1883 London Ranch Rd. 707-935-3000, benziger.com 2064 N. Gravenstein Hwy., Ste. Tasting Daily 10-5, T 102, 707-829-3111 peteresfamilywinery.com, A DEERFIELD RANCH WINERY 24 SEBASTOPOL VINEYARDS 71 1310 Warm Springs Rd., 707-8338757 Green Valley Rd.,, 707-829- 5215, deerfieldranch.com, A 9463, sebastopolvineyards.com ERIC ROSS WINERY 25 Tasting Daily 11-5 14300 Arnold Dr., 707-939-8525, TAFT STREET WINERY 72 ericross.com, Tasting Thu-Mon 11-5 2030 Barlow Ln., 707-823-2049, IMAGERY ESTATE WINERY 28 taftstreetwinery.com, Tasting Mon- 14335 Hwy. 12, 707-935-4515 Fri 11-4, Sat-Sun 11-4:30 imagerywinery.com Tasting Sun-Thu 10-4:30, Fri-Sat 10-5 WINDSOR LOXTON CELLARS 29 74 11466 Dunbar Rd., 707-935-7221, INMAN FAMILY WINES 5793 Skylane Blvd., Ste. C loxtonwines.com, A 707-395-0689 inmanfamilywines.com,A VALLEY OF THE MOON WINERY30 MARTINELLI VINEYARDS & 777 Madrone Rd., 707-939-4510, WINE TASTING 75 valleyofthemoonwinery.com, 3360 River Rd.,707-525-0570 Tasting Daily 10-4:30 martinelliwinery.com, Tasting Daily 10-5 WELLINGTON VINEYARDS 31 RUSSIAN HILL ESTATE 76 11600 Dunbar Rd., 707-939-0708 4525 Slusser Rd., 707-575-9428 800-816-9463, wellingtonvineyards.com russianhillestate.com Tasting Daily 11-4, T Tasting Thu-Mon 10-4 SONOMA BARTHOLOMEW PARK WINERY 34 1000 Vineyard Ln., 707-935-9511, store.bartpark.com, Tasting Daily 11-4:30 BUENA VISTA WINERY 35 18000 Old Winery Rd. 707-938-1266/ 800-926-1266 buenavistawinery.com Tasting Daily 10-5, T
CASTLE VINEYARDS & WINERY 36 122 West Spain St., 707-996-1966, castlevineyards.com, Tasting Daily 10-5 CHARLES CREEK VINEYARD 37 483 W. First St., 707-935-3848 charlescreek.com, Tasting Daily 11-6 CLINE CELLARS 38 24737 Arnold Dr., 707-940-4000 clinecellars.com, Tasting Daily 10-6, T CORNERSTONE PLACE 39 (multiple winery tasting room) 23570 Hwy. 121, 707-933-3010 cornerstoneplace.com, Tasting Daily 10-5 FAVERO VINEYARDS 42 3939 Lovall Valley Rd., 707-9353939. faverovineyards.com, A T GLORIA FERRER CHAMPAGNE CAVES 43 23555 Hwy. 121,707-996-7256 gloriaferrer.com, Tasting Daily 10-5, T GUNDLACH-BUNDSCHU WINERY 44 2000 Denmark St., 707-938-5277 gunbun.com, Tasting Daily 11-4:30 HANZELL VINEYARDS 45 18596 Lomita Ave., 707-996-3860 800-393-4999, hanzell.com, A HOMEWOOD WINERY 46 23120 Burndale Rd., 707-996-6353 homewoodwinery.com Tasting Daily 10-4 LARSON FAMILY WINERY 49 23355 Millerick Rd., 707-938-3031 larsonfamilywinery.com Tasting Daily 10-5 50 MACROSTIE WINERY 21481 E. 8th St., #25, 707-996-4480 macrostiewinery.com, A T MOON MOUNTAIN VINEYARD51 1700 Moon Mountain Dr. 707-996-5870, moonmountainvineyard.com, A T NICHOLSON RANCH WINERY52 4200 Napa Rd., 707-938-8822 nicholsonranch.com Tasting Daily 10-6 PETRONI VINEYARDS 54 990 Cavedale Rd., 707-935-8311, petronivineyards.com,A RAVENSWOOD WINERY 55 18701 Gehricke Rd., 707-933-2332 ravenswood-wine.com, Tasting Daily10-4:30 ROBERT HUNTER WINERY 56 15655 Arnold Dr., 707-996-3056 roberthunterwinery.com,A T ROBLEDO FAMILY WINERY 57 21901 Bonness Rd., 707-939-6903 robledofamilywinery.com, A ROCHE WINERY 58 28700 Arnold Dr., 707-935-7115 800-825-9475, rochewinery.com Tasting Daily 10-5 SCHUG CARNEROS ESTATE WINERY 60 602 Bonneau Rd. 707-939-9363/ 800-966-9365 schugwinery.com, Tasting Daily 10-5 SEBASTIANI VINEYARDS & 61 WINERY 389 E. 4th St., 707-933-3230 sebastiani.com, Tasting Daily 10-5 SONOMA ENOTECA 62 (multiple winery tasting room) 35 E. Napa St.,707-935-1200 sonoma-enoteca.com Tasting Wed-Mon 11-6,Tue 3-6 65 THE CELLAR DOOR (multiple winery tasting room) 1395 Broadway, 707-938-4466 sonomacellardoor.com, Tasting Mon,Thu-Sun 11-6,Tue-Wed 4-6 66 VIANSA WINERY 25200 Arnold Dr., 707-935-4700 800-995-4740, viansa.com, Tasting Daily10-5, T PETALUMA 67 ADOBE ROAD WINERY 1995 S. McDowell Blvd., 707-9397967, adoberoadwines.com, A KELLER ESTATE 69 5875 Lakeville Hwy., 707-765-2117, kellerestate.com, A
NOT ON MAPS MARIN COUNTY PACHECO RANCH WINERY 235 Alameda del Prado, Novato, 415-883-5583 pachecoranchwinery.com, A POINT REYES VINEYARD INN 12700 Hwy. 1, Point Reyes Station 415-663-1011, ptreyesvineyardinn.com Tasting Sat-Sun 11-5 STEPHEN ZELLERBACH VINEYARD 159 Glen Park Ave., San Rafael 707-527-0172, A WINDSOR VINEYARDS 72 Main St.,Tiburon 800-2149463,windsorvineyards.com, Tasting Sun, Mon-Thu 10-6, Fri-Sat 10-7
A = Tasting by Appointment T = Tours For ease of use, note that the color of the number next to each winery listing corresponds to the map with a border of the same color.
NORTH Annapolis, Cloverdale, Geyserville, Healdsburg
CENTRAL Cazadero, Forestville, Guernville, Healdsburg, Santa Rosa, Sebastopol, Windsor
SOUTH Kenwood, Glen Ellen, Sonoma, Petaluma Submit your changes or new listings to our guides by Sept. 3, 2010 to be included in the October/November issue. Submit to editor@ vinetimesmagazine.com
www.vinetimesonline.com • August / September 2010
35
Sonoma Valley Winery Guide
GUERNEVILLE KORBEL CHAMPAGNE CELLARS 7 13250 River Rd. 707-824-7000, korbel.com Tasting Daily 9-4:30, T HEALDSBURG ACORN WINERY 8 12040 Old Redwood Highway 707-433-6440, acornwinery.com, A ALDERBROOK WINERY 9 2306 Magnolia Dr., 707-433-9154 alderbrook.com, Tasting Daily 10-5 ARISTA WINERY 10 7015 Westside Rd., 707-473-0606, aristawinery.com, Tasting Thu-Mon 11-5 C. DONATIELLO WINERY 13 4035 Westside Rd. 707-431-4409, cdonatiello.com, Tasting Daily 11-5 CHALK HILL WINERY 14 10300 Chalk Hill Rd., 707-6574837, chalkhill.com, A T CHATEAU FELICE 15 223 Center St., 707-836-9010 chateaufelice.com, Tasting Fri-Sat 11-6, Sun-Thu 11-5 CHRISTOPHER CREEK WINERY16 641 Limerick Ln., 707-431-8243, christophercreek.com, Tasting Daily 11-5 DAVIS BYNUM WINERY 19 8075 Westside Rd., 707-433-2611, davisbynum.com, Tasting Daily 10-5 DENATALE VINEYARDS 20 11020 Eastside Rd., 707-431-8460, A DOMAINE ST. GEORGE WINERY & VINEYARD 21 1141 Grant Ave., 707-433-5508 domainesaintgeorge.com, A T FIELD STONE WINERY & VINEYARD 23 10075 Hwy. 128, 707-433-7266, fieldstonewinery.com Tasting Daily 10-5 FOPPIANO VINEYARDS 24 12707 Old Redwood Hwy. 707-433-7272, foppiano.com Tasting Daily 10-4:30 GARY FARRELL VINEYARDS & WINERY 25 10701 Westside Rd., 707-4732900 garyfarrellwines.com Tasting Daily 11-4, T HANNA WINERY ALEXANDER VALLEY 27 9280 Hwy. 128, 707-431-4310 hannawinery.com, Tasting Daily 10-4 HOP KILN WINERY 28 6050 Westside Rd., 707-433-6491 hopkilnwinery.com, Tasting Daily 10-5 J. ROCHIOLI VINEYARD & WINERY 30 6192 Westside Rd., 707-433-2305, rochioliwinery.com, Tasting Thu-Mon 11-4 J VINEYARDS & WINERY 31 11447 Old Redwood Hwy. 707-431-3646, jwine.com Tasting Fri-Sun 11-4, T JOHNSON’S ALEXANDER VALLEY WINES 32 8333 S. Hwy. 128, 707-433-2319 johnsonavwines.com, Tasting Daily 11-4 KENDALL-JACKSON WINE CENTER 33 337 Healdsburg Ave., 707-4337102, kj.com, Tasting Daily 11-5 LANCASTER ESTATE 34 15001 Chalk Hill Rd., 707-4338178, lancaster-estate.com, A T LIMERICK LANE VINEYARDS 36 1023 Limerick Ln., 707-433-9211 limericklanewines.com Tasting Daily 10-5 MIETZ CELLARS 38 602 Limerick Ln., 707-431-7103, mietzcellars.com, A PORTER CREEK VINEYARDS 39 8735 Westside Rd., 707-433-6321 portercreekvineyards.com Tasting Daily 10:30-4:30 ROCHIOLI VINEYARDS & WINERY 40 6192 Westside Rd., 707-433-2305 rochioliwinery.com Tasting Thu-Mon 11-4 RODNEY STRONG VINEYARDS 41 11455 Old Redwood Hwy. 707-431-1533, rodneystrong.com Tasting Daily 10-5, T VERITE WINERY 44 4611 Thomas Rd., 707-433-9000, veritewines.com, A
For Pilots Who Love Pinot: The AOPA Wine Club The classic aviation poem “High Flight” states that pilots have “done a hundred things you have not dreamed of.” Pilots live fascinating lives and see the world from a unique perspective. Skiing, the beach, and extended family are only a short flight away. Pilots get to fish places only accessible by aircraft. Pilots are mobile, always on the go, always looking for something new, something untried, a new experience to enjoy. For AOPA members who are just learning about wines or are full-fledged oenophiles, AOPA has launched a Wine Club that offers intriguing selections to enhance wine enjoyment as well as to broaden and educate your wine palate. Far from a one-taste-fits-all program, the AOPA Wine Club allows you to customize the selection of wine in each shipment. From the quantity of bottles in each shipment to the price range, the choice is yours. What makes the club so unique is that AOPA has located vintners who are not just leading wine producers, but who also share a passion for wine and for the aviation
lifestyle. What’s more, they are each AOPA members so they recognize the important mission of AOPA to defend and secure flying. These AOPA members own and operate Burgess Cellars, Failla Wines, La Sirena, Trefethen Vineyards and Chateau Montelena. If you don’t want to commit to joining the Club, you can buy single bottles at the AOPA Wine Store. AOPA President Craig Fuller explains the impetus behind the Club: “We developed the Club to bring you an opportunity to help further our mission while discovering some of the greatest wines in the world. We will focus on wines that embody these two passions, bringing you cuvees produced by passionate aviators, as well as some favorites from my own table or shared with some of my friends in the aviation community.” All proceeds from the AOPA Wine Club will be turned right back to AOPA to further the goals of the association of working on behalf of general aviation pilots. For more information or to join the Club, visit www.aopawineclub.org.
Signorello: Poised for Perfection The
Ultimate
California
Wine Experience!
Sandrew, “The Original Personal Sommelier” Impress your guests for your next Wine Country Excursion, Dinner Party, Special Occasion, Corporate Team Building or Holiday Celebration. California Wine Historian and Sommelier Sandrew Montgomery will dazzle you with a customized Food and Wine Pairing Seminar based on your international or California specific preferences. Delivered graciously in an entertaining manor in the privacy of your home, vacation residence or one of our various venues.
Call us today for your free consultation: 800.338.0270 (ext 203)
www.SandrewsWineServices.com 36 August / September 2010 • www.vinetimesonline.com
Continued from Page 32 partnered with smoked duck on a bed of toasted barley, sun drop tomatoes, Basil and pine nuts tossed with a Fig Vincotto. Plated next to the duck, was the Snake River Farms Filet Mignon served with Fingerling potatoes, black olives, roasted trumpet royal mushrooms and black currant sauce. The Estate Cab’s nose emanated smoke, black currants, blackberries, red plums and allspice while the flavors on the tongue mirrored the aromatics and picked up black plum and Asian spices, making for an exciting contrast with the saltiness of the smoked duck. With the richness of the filet, the dark fruits were emphasized having a natural affinity for the olives, mushrooms and black currants. Ray’s tribute to his dad and Italian heritage, “Padrone” is a very special and sophisticated wine that pairs beautifully with these last two “entrees” in a similar fashion to the Estate, but in a more polished manner. It’s nose of exotic Asian spices, black tea, mineral blackberry and black currant is spectacular, and the long lasting finish is refined and defines what a truly classic Napa Cabernet is all about! Perfection is very apparent at Signorello, from the moment you pull into
the parking lot and see the meticulously cropped ivy, covering exactly half the wall of the tasting room building, to the friendly greeting of the staff as you enter and see the beautiful exhibition commercial kitchen, to the precisely set glassware and silver of the Enoteca. “I want to create the greatest Food and Wine Experience in Napa Valley – we have some new things on the horizon. I want the experience to be perfect – you know, the level of sophistication when you walk into the Four Seasons, Ritz Carlton or Mandarin Oriental. So I have now hired Frank McCormick, formerly the General Manager of Jordan Winery, and have a great full-time Chef coming on board who will also manage our organic gardens – I can’t tell you who that is yet, but I have hired him as well as a renown consulting winemaker!,” Ray expounds. Signorello is poised to take it to the very highest pinnacle – go experience for yourself! Signorello Estate is located at 4500 Silverado Trail in Napa. For more information or reservations at the Enoteca, call (707) 255-5990 or (800) 982-4229 or visit www.SignorelloEstate.com.
Viist Vine Times online for the latest Wine Country news.
www.vinetimesonline.com
CALENDAR Vine Times publishes an editorial calendar listing the subject of emphasis for each issue and regional stories planned for each issue. Subject to change.
The City Cellar
Winery Guide
October / November Destination: Harvest Round-Up Discover: Chico’s Sierra De Oro Farm Trail
Submit your event for our next issue. Email your press release or event information by September 13th for your Oct./Nov. events to:
editor@vinetimesmagazine.com or submit via our website at: www.vinetimesonline.com
INDEX TO ADVERTISERS Amador Vintners............................................13 Bella Vista Inn ..................................................23 Briar Rose ........................................................28 Burrell School..................................................39 Butterfly Creek ................................................9 Castello diAmorosa ........................................5 Cooper Garrod..............................................26 Deaver ..............................................................29 Dedricks Cheese..............................................9 Hunter Hill ......................................................39 J. Lohr ............................................................2, 19 Keller & D’Agostini ......................................21 Loma Prieta......................................................39 Lorimar Winery ............................................27 MJA Vineyards ................................................28 Mount Bullion Vineyards ............................14 Poetic Cellars..................................................39 San Diego Food & Wine Festival ............30 Sandrew Montgomery ................................36 Santa Clara Valley Winegrowers ..............36 Soquel Vineyards ............................................23 South Coast Winery ....................................40 Storvino ............................................................39 Summit Wine Trail ........................................40 Synapse Wines ..................................................9 The Chickering Company..........................28 Thornton Winery..........................................27 Vine Hill ............................................................39 Wine on a Dime............................................14 Winterhill............................................................9 Zia ..........................................................................9
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1 BATTAION CELLARS 21 S. Livermore Ave., #109, Livermore (@Blacksmith Sq.), 925-245-9242, battaioncellars.com Tasting Fri 4-7, Sat-Sun 12-5 2 BENT CREEK WINERY 5455 Greenville Rd., Livermore, 925-455-6320, bentcreekwinery.com Tasting Fri-Sun 12-4:30 or by Appt. BIG WHITE HOUSE WINERY 3 6800 Greenville Rd., Livermore, 925-449-1976, bigwhitehouse.com Tasting Sat-Sun 12-4:30 or by Appt. BOAVENTURA DE CAIRES WINERY 5 9309 Tesla Rd., Livermore 925-606-9672, boaventuravineyard.com Tasting 1st weekend each month & by Appt. BODEGAS AGUIRRE WINERY 6 8580 Tesla Rd., Livermore 925-606-0554, bodegasaguirre.com Tasting Sat-Sun 12-4:30 or by Appt. CEDAR MOUNTAIN WINERY 8 7000 Tesla Rd., Livermore 925-373-6636, cedarmountain winery.com, Tasting Sat-Sun 12-4 CHARLES R VINEYARDS 9 8195 Crane Ridge Rd., Livermore, 925-454-3040 charlesrvineyards.com Tasting Fri-Sun 12-4:30 or by Appt. CHOUINARD VINEYARDS 10 33853 Palomares Rd., Castro Valley 510-582-9900, chouinard.com Tasting Sat-Sun 12-5 & by Appt. 11 CONCANNON VINEYARD 4590 Tesla Rd., Livermore 925-456-2508, concannonvineyard.com, Tasting Daily 11-4:30 CROOKED VINE WINERY 12 4948 Tesla Rd., Livermore 925-449-0458, crookedvine.com Tasting Mon-Thu 12-4, Fri-Sun 12-5 CUDA RIDGE WINES 15 5385 East Avenue, Livermore 510-304-0914 CudaRidgeWines.com Tasting by Appt. & Scheduled Events DEER RIDGE VINEYARDS 16 1828 Wetmore, Livermore 925-447-4328, deerridgevineyards.com, Tasting Fri-Sun 11-5 EAGLE RIDGE VINEYARD 18 10017 Tesla Rd., Livermore 925-743-9427, Tasting Sat-Sun 12-4:30 or by Appt. ECKERT ESTATE WINERY 19 2400 Arroyo Rd., Livermore 925-371-8606, eckertestate.com Tasting Sat-Sun 12-5 or by Appt. EL SOL VINEYARD 20 8626 Lupin Way, Livermore 925-606-1827, elsolwine.com Tasting Fri-Sun 12-5 ELLISTON VINEYARDS 21 463 Kilkare Road, Sunol 925-663-8219, elliston.com Tasting Sat-Sun 11-5 FENESTRA WINERY 24 83 Vallecitos Road, Livermore 925-447-5246,fenestrawinery.com Tasting Fri-Sun 12-5 GARRÉ VINEYARD & WINERY 25 7986 Tesla Rd., Livermore 925-371-8200, garrewinery.com Tasting Sat-Sun 11:30-5 27 HIDDEN CREEK WINE 21 S. Livermore Ave., #101 Livermore (@Blacksmith Sq.), 925-989-1163, thecrushwinemaking.com, Tasting Fri-Sun 1-6
JOHN CHRISTOPHER CELLARS29 25 S. Livermore Ave., #103, Livermore (@Blacksmith Sq.), 925-456-9463, johnchristophercellars.com, Tasting Thu-Sun 12-6 LA ROCHELLE WINERY & 30 STEVEN KENT WINERY 5443 Tesla Rd., Livermore 925-243-6440, larochellewinery.com, stevenkent.com Tasting Daily 12-4:30 LES CHENES ESTATE VINEYARDS 31 5562 Victoria Ln., Livermore 925-373-1662,lechenesvine.com, Tasting Sat-Sun 12-4:30 or by Appt. LITTLE VALLEY WINERY 32 5700 Greenville Rd., Livermore 925-862-9006, Tasting Fri-Sun 12-5 LIVERMORE VALLEY CELLARS 33 2838 Cellars Dr., Livermore 925-454-9463, lvcwines.com Tasting Sat-Sun 12-5, or by Appt. 34 LONGEVITY WINES 35 Rickenbacker Circle South Livermore, 925-454-9463, lvcwines.com Tasting Sat-Sun 12-5, or by Appt. 35 MCGRAIL VINEYARDS 5600 Greeville Rd.,Livermore 925-373-6214, mcgrailvineyards.com Tasting Sat-Sun 12-4:30 or by Appt. MITCHELL KATZ WINERY AT RUBY HILL 36 1188 Vineyard Ave., Pleasanton, 925-931-0744, mitchellkatzwinery.com, Tasting Thu-Sun 12-5 MURRIETA'S WELL 37 3005 Mines Rd., Livermore 925-456-2390, muriettaswell.com Tasting Daily 11-4:30 38 NOTTINGHAM CELLARS 2245 S.Vasco Rd., Livermore, 925-294-8647 nottinghamcellars.com Tasting Fri 2-6, Sat-Sun 12-4:30 PAGE MILL WINERY 40 1960 S. Livermore Ave., Livermore, 925-456-7676 pagemillwinery.com Tasting Sat-Sun 12-4:30 or by Appt. RED FEATHER WINERY & VINEYARD 41 5700 Greenville Rd., Livermore, 510-861-2722, redfeatherwinery.com Tasting Mon-Thu 1-5, Fri 12-6 Sat 12-8, Sun 1-5 or by Appt. RED SKYE WINERY 42 21 S. Livermore Rd. #101, Livermore, 510-795-7725 redskyewine.com, Tasting Fri 3-6, Sat 1-6, Sun 1-5 or by Appt. RETZLAFF ESTATE WINERY 43 1356 S. Livermore Ave., Livermore, 925-447-8941 retzlaffwinery.com, Tasting TueFri 12-2, Sat-Sun 12-4:30 44 RHYAN ESTATE VINEYARDS 5385 East Ave., Livermore 408-712-1984, rhyanestatevineyards.com, Tasting Wed-Fri 12-5, Sat-Sun 11:30-5 or by Appt. RIOS-LOVELL ESTATE WINERY 46 6500 Tesla Road, Livermore 925-443-0434, rios-lovellwinery.com Tasting Wed-Fri 12-3, Sat-Sun 11-5 RODRIGUE-MOLYNEAUX WINERY 47 3053 Marina Ave., Livermore 925-447-4280, rodriguemolyneaux.com Tasting Sat-Sun 12:30-5
RUBY HILL WINERY 48 400 Vineyard Ave., Pleasanton 925-931-9463, rubyhillwinery.net Tasting Wed-Sun 11-5:30 51 STONY RIDGE WINERY 4948 Tesla Road, Livermore 925-449-0458,stonyridgewinery.com Tasting Mon-Wed 12-3,Thu-Sun 11-4:30 TAMAS ESTATE WINERY 52 5489 Tesla Rd., Livermore 925-456-2380, tamasestates.com Tasting Daily 11-4:30 53 TENUTA VINEYARDS 633 Kalthoff Commons, Livermore, 925-960-1006 tenutawinery.com Tasting Fri-Sun 12-5 or by Appt. THE SINGING WINEMAKER 55 5443 Tesla Rd., Livermore 925-606-9463, teslavintners.com, Tasting Fri-Sun 12-5 THOMAS COYNE WINERY 56 51 E.Vallecitos Rd., Livermore 925-373-6541, thomascoynewinery.com, Tasting Sat-Sun 12-5 WENTE VINEYARDS ESTATE WINERY 59 5565 Tesla Rd., Livermore 925-456-2305, wentevineyards.com Tasting Daily 11-4:30 WENTE VINEYARDS VISITORS CENTER 60 5050 Arroyo Rd,. Livermore 925-456-2405, wentevineyards.com Tasting Daily 11-6:30 WESTOVER VINEYARDS/ 61 PALOMARES WINERY 34329 Palomares Canyon Rd., Castro Valley, 510-537-3932 westoverwinery.com, Tasting Mon-Fri 1-5, Sat-Sun 12-5 or by Appt. WHITE CRANE WINERY 63 5405 Greenville Rd., Livermore 925-455-8085, whitecranewinery.com Tasting Fri-Sun 12-4:30 or by Appt. WOOD FAMILY VINEYARDS 64 7702 Cedar Mountain Dr., Livermore, 925-606-7411 woodfamilyvineyards.com Tasting by Appt. & Scheduled Events
Continued from Page 31 rooms, and a light cauliflower puree. It was all delicate, yet full of flavor. There was absolutely not one error made. Plus it was complimented with a 2005 Pouilly-Fume, De Ladoucette. It’s that kind of perfect pairing that shows those who are partial to reds, like my dining companion and me, that there is more to life than crimson wines. The halibut was part of the Prix Fixe selection that was offered that night. This selection started with pole beans, La Quercia prosciutto, roasted figs and parmesan (yes, please!), which was paired with a 2008 Marsanne, Qupe. We finished stuffing our stomachs with an olive oil cake, topped with strawberries and black pepper syrup. The total price of three courses and two pairings: $50. To fill out our menu, we also ordered a New York steak, which came with yellow-eye beans, charred escarole, and currant pesto ($22). The wine here is sourced from 25 top producers from around the world. Glasses range from $8 for a 2008 Rose, Chateau Musar to $21 for a 2006 Chateauneuf-duPape ‘La Crau,’ Vieux Telegraphe. Almost all of the wines are available by both bottle and glass. Though, a list of older wines is available, too. You just have to ask. In a way it’s not fair to write about these two places together just because they both emphasize wine, but it’s hard not to when they are situated about a half mile away from each other and are both relatively new. Each offers its own interpretation of a wine and food experience. It’s just up to you to decide which one works best for you. Heart is located at 1270 Valencia Street in San Francisco For more information call (415) 285-1200 or visit www.heartsf.com. Heirloom Café is located at 2500 Folsom Street in San Francisco. For more information call (415) 821-2500 or visit www.heirloom-sf.com.
Touring Santa Maria
Submit your changes or new listings to our guides by Sept. 3, 2010 to be included in the October/November issue. Submit to editor@ vinetimesmagazine.com
Continued from Page 23 Gina Keough, manager of the Santa Maria Valley Visitor & Convention Bureau noted that visitor interest in local wine tasting continues to escalate. The Santa Maria Valley has long been known as a world-class wine region blessed with a long, cool growing season, and the opening of several newer tasting rooms has only added to the valley’s wine touring stature. For more information about Santa Maria Valley wine tasting as well as local lodging, dining and other attractions, visit www.santamaria.com or call the Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce and Visitor & Convention Bureau at (800) 331-3779.
www.vinetimesonline.com • August / September 2010
37
Chow Bella and Eat This With...
Ingredients: 1 pound of unsalted organic butter (the butter should be soft but not melted) 6 finely chopped cloves of garlic 1 heaping tablespoon of finely chopped rosemary 1 heaping tablespoon of chopped parsley (you can also use basil) 1/4 cup of extra virgin organic olive oil Salt and pepper to taste Method: In a food processor put the butter, garlic, rosemary, and parsley. Blend all the ingredients while adding the olive oil until the mixture is smooth. Put the mixture in a bowl and garnish with rosemary and parsley leaves.
Zinfandel and Black Pepper Marinated Tri-Tip Renwood Winery, 12225 Steiner Road, Plymouth, (209) 245-6979, www.renwood.com This meal is the perfect way to kick off your barbecue season. Pour yourself a glass of Renwood Zinfandel and cook with the rest. This sweet and spicy tri-tip is sure to become a sunny day favorite. Serves 4-6
Ingredients: 4 cups Renwood Zinfandel, divided use 6 sprigs fresh thyme 4 sprigs fresh savory 1 clove garlic 1 shallot 6 green cardamom pods 1 stick cinnamon 2 cloves 1 bay leaf 1 tri-tip roast, about 1 to 1.5 pounds 1 tablespoon coarse ground fresh black pepper Sea salt to taste
Method: Place 2 cups of Zinfandel into a saucepan and bring to a boil, remove from the stove, and add the thyme, savory, garlic, shallot, cardamom, cinnamon, cloves and bay leaf. Set aside to cool, allowing the flavors to infuse the Zinfandel. Meanwhile, rub the tri-tip with the coarse ground black pepper. Put the tri-tip in a zipper-type plastic bag. When the marinade has cooled add it to the tri-tip and seal the bag. Marinate for 2 to 4 hours in the refrigerator. Place the remaining 2 cups of Zinfandel into a saucepan and place on the stove over high heat. Reduce it until just 1/4 cup remains; add the honey and season to taste with sea salt. Set aside. Remove the tri-tip from the marinade and season well with sea salt. Place on the hot grill and cook until the desired doneness. The time will vary depending on the size of the tri-tip, the heat of the grill, and the desired doneness of the meat. The last 3 to 5 minutes before the tri-tip is done, brush with zinfandel and honey reduction. This will give the meat a nice glaze. Be sure to monitor the heat of the grill, as too high a heat will cause the honey in the glaze to caramelize very quickly. Allow the tri-tip to rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing. Thinly slice across the grain of the meat. Serve immediately.
Individual Molten Chocolate Cakes Deaver Vineyards, 12455 Steiner Rd., Plymouth in Shenandoah Valley, (209) 245-4099, www.deavervineyard.com. Paired with Deaver Vineyards Merlot Port, these tiny cakes are a little piece of chocolate heaven. Serves 4
Ingredients: 4 one-ounce squares of semi-sweet or dark baking chocolate 1/2 cup butter 1 cup powdered sugar 2 eggs 2 egg yolks 6 tablespoons flour Whipped cream for topping Method: Pre-heat oven to 425 degrees. Butter 4 custard cups (3/4 cup) or small soufflé dishes. Melt chocolate and butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir with wire whisk until it is completely melted. Stir in sugar until well blended. Stir in flour. Divide batter between prepared custard cups. Place on baking sheet and bake 13-14 minutes or until sides are firm but center is soft. Let stand one minute. Carefully, run a small knife around the edge of cakes to loosen. Invert cakes onto dessert dishes. Top your dessert with whipped cream and a sprinkle of powdered sugar, serve immediately.
38 August / September 2010 • www.vinetimesonline.com
Eat Ceviche With... Sauvignon Blanc With the dog days of summer upon us, I think we all appreciate not only a refreshing wine but also dishes that are light and can be served cold. Every time I make up a bowl of ceviche to serve with chips, it disappears and my guest are always impressed. The great news is that, although it comes across as something special, it is very easy to prepare. All it takes is good fish, lots of lime juice and a few other ingredients. There is no traditional cooking involved since the acidity of the lime juice is what “cooks” the fish. The texture is awesome, the flavor spectacular, and even better this is an extremely healthy dish. It makes a great appetizer for summer get-togethers. For an even healthier way to serve this appetizer, the ceviche can be served on Belgium endive petals instead of corn chips. If serving on chips, the blue corn chips make a very nice presentation. If you are serving ceviche at an outdoor event, be sure to keep it cool. I often serve it in a chilled bowl and then set that bowl inside a slightly larger bowl filled with crushed ice.
Tilapia Ceviche Recipe
By Lisa J. Pretty
Frey Vineyards, 14000 Tomki Rd., Redwood Valley in Mendocino County, (707) 4855177, www.freywine.com. As made by Chef Tamara Frey This simple, yet mouth-watering spread is perfect on slices of warm baguette. Served with Frey Organic Sangioves, it's sure to be a party favorite.
Lisa Pretty is owner/winemaker at Pretty-Smith Vineyards & Winery as well as owner of the Pretty Café. One of her favorite activities is to experiment with food and wine combinations and find ones with the “wow” factor. You can find several of her favorite pairings on the blog site EatThisWith.com.
Eat This With...
Chow Bella
Compiled By Tiffany Melanis
Rosemary & Garlic Butter
2 Tilapia fillets, diced 6 cherry tomatoes, diced 1 green onion, diced 1/4 teaspoon red chili sauce 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped Salt & pepper to taste Optional ingredients for a spicy ceviche: 1 clove garlic, crushed 1 Serrano pepper, finely chopped Marinade: Juice of 2-3 fresh limes Place chopped fish in glass container. Pour fresh lime juice over fish, stirring to coat all fish pieces. If fish pieces are not covered completely, add more lime juice. Cover the container and place in refrigerator for three hours. The fish is cooked by the lime’s acidity rather than by heat. Drain and discard lime juice. Mix the fish with tomatoes, onion, chili sauce, cilantro and, if you want a spicy version, add the garlic and Serrano pepper. Season with salt and pepper and squeeze a little lime juice over the top. Note: Although traditionally made with tilapia, snapper, or seabass, ceviche can be made with various fish including shell fish – this recipe works great with sea scallops or shrimp for a very impressive appetizer.
Sauvignon Blanc In terms of a refreshing wine, with a good level of acidity, Sauvignon Blanc tends to be on the top of my “go to” list in the summer. The grape itself was traditionally grown in the Bordeaux region of France; however, today excellent Sauvignon Blancs are made by producers in regions spread across the globe – some of the best ones I have had come from the Loire Valley in France, New Zealand, Chile and of course right here in California. The name Sauvignon is base on the French “sauvage” which means wild – you don’t often find a whimpy Sauvignon Blanc. The climate, region and winemaker handling will dramatically impact the flavor profile of a Sauvignon Blanc. In cooler climates the herbaceous flavors of the grape will shine through – in some cases there may even be a hint of cat pee – and yes there are people including me who actually enjoy that style. What you should never find is a green/vegetative edge to a Sauvignon Blanc – that is the result of mismanagement in the vineyard. Instead you should find notes of green herbs, green tea, straw, hay and raw gooseberry. In warmer climates you will find fruit flavors shining through with grapefruit, melon and fig. If the winemaker decides to ferment and age without oak you will often find a nice mineral, even flinty finish. Some winemakers will ferment in oak and perhaps age for a short period of time in neutral barrels to produce a smoky style. In general, I prefer a very young Sauvignon Blanc with little or even no exposure to oak. To go with the ceviche, I wanted a nice level of acidity and flavors that would complement the fish. I select-
ed three wonderful wines from the Central Coast. Lisa’s Favorite: 2009 Halter Ranch Sauvignon Blanc “A vivacious white wine brimming with fresh citrus, honeydew melon, fig and creamy vanilla aromas, coupled with vibrant melon, lemon-lime, white grapefruit and mineral flavors. This wine boasts a long, racy finish with bright mineral tones and a touch of pineapple.” Retail $21, www.halterranch.com Paso Pick: 2009 Vina Robles Sauvignon Blanc - Jardine “Brilliant straw color with intense citrus aromatics; candied fruit flavors with a touch of lychee. Fresh lively acidity, flavors of ripe pear; mineral notes with a balanced, creamy finish.” Retail $16, www.vinarobles.com Value Pick: 2008 Tangent Sauvignon Blanc “Highlights of green apple, passion fruit, lemon and grapefruit flavors, backed by notes of grass and minerals, and balanced with a lively acidity.” Retail $13, www.tangentwines.com