California Vine Times Magazine by Toni Sieling

The Unmistakable Merlot.

Flavor Second to None

jlohr.com ÂŠ 2010 J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines, San Jose, CA

. . .Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Doinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; in Wine Country

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Mendocino Mendocino County Crab and Wine Days January 21 - 30 Discover Mendocino County Crab & Wine Days. Mendocino Countyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s rugged coastline has been home to generations of fishermen who harvest the bounties of the cold, clear Pacific Ocean, including delicious Dungeness crab. And, every January, Mendocino County celebrates this delightful crustacean and locally grown and produced wines with a Festival that delights foodies and oenophiles alike. Wineries, restaurants and innâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s throughout the region open their doors to share special crab and wine pairings with festival-goers. To make the trip more fun, they are hosting a Crab & Wine Days Passport Wine Tasting. Visit participating wineries for a chance to win great prizes! Tasting runs from Jan.21- 30. Events are individually priced. For complete information and a listing of all events, times and locations, visit gomendo.com or call (866) 466-3636.

International Alsace Varietals Festival Saturday, February 12 Mendocino County Fairgrounds in Boonville, CA Grand Tasting, 1 - 4 p.m. Visit the beautiful Anderson Valley for a weekend in celebration of your favorite aromatic white wines! This event highlights Gewurztraminer, Riesling, Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc and Muscat, made by the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s finest producers of Alsace-style wines. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the only event like it in the entire country. Meet the winemakers and enjoy music by local artists and perfectly paired bites crafted by local chefs. Tickets are $65/person. Technical Conference, 9 - 11:30 a.m. Listen to and interact with winemakers and wine experts from around the globe as they discuss winemaking and grape growing specifically for Alsace varietals. Breakfast is included. Tickets are $45/person. International Alsace Festival Winemakers Dinner 6:30 p.m., Scharffenberger Cellars, Philo Enjoy dinner with the winemakers and learn about their wines in the elegant private dining room at Scharffenberger Cellars. You will be surrounded by local

artworks while savoring the warm, cozy atmosphere. This sumptuous, sit-down dinner will be prepared by a renowned local chef and each course will be perfectly paired with wines featured at the festival or locally produced. Tickets are $125/ person.

Alsace Festival Winery Open Houses Sunday, February 13 Various Wineries in the Anderson Valley Spend the day exploring the wineries of Anderson Valley. Many wineries will feature their Alsace Varietal wines. Enjoy food pairings, music, art and more. There is no charge. For tickets and information on events and participating wineries visit the website at www.avwines.com/index.php/alsace-festival/ or call (707) 895-WINE (9463).

Paso Robles 9th Annual Esprit du Vin, the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Spirit of Wineâ&#x20AC;? With the Wineries of Highway 46 East in Paso Robles January 14 - 17 At participating wineries

Grand Event Saturday, January 15, 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. Vina Robles Winery, 3700 Mill Road, Paso Robles This exciting weekend consists of special events at each participating winery Friday through Monday, a grand event at Vina Robles with all ten wineries Saturday evening, and a complementary â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Wineries of Highway 46 Eastâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; tasting passport to be used all weekend long. Completed passports will be entered into a special drawing for fantastic prizes including a Paso Robles Wine Country Tour with Grapeline Tours and other incredible prizes. Drawing to be held at the end of January. On Saturday night, January 15, ten wineries will gather at beautiful Vina Robles for an exciting night of Wine, Cheese and Appetizers. Wines will be expertly paired with different gourmet cheeses. Stroll around and savor each pairing! Gourmet olives, olive oils, breads and bites will also be served. Tickets are $20 per person (plus tax), $35/couple (plus tax) and there is also an industry discount. For a list of participating wineries, reservations and information, log onto www.pasorobleswinerieseast.com or contact Brown Paper Tickets at 1(800) 8383006 or order online at www.brownpapertickets.com. You can also purchase Continued on Page 5

www.vinetimesonline.com â&#x20AC;˘ December 2010 / January 2011

c o n t e n t s t h e

f i v e

California PUBLISHER

D ’ s

Victoria Buonocore

DO:

MANAGING EDITOR

Toni Sieling

What’s Doin’ in Wine Country

STAFF WRITER

Tiffany Melanis

DESTINATION:

EVENTS EDITOR

Sally Gersbach

Napa

SALES & MARKETING DIRECTOR

BY CHRISTINA JULIAN

Sonoma

Denise Kouzoujian

B Y S A N D R E W M O N T G O M E RY

denise@vinetimesmagazine.com ADVERTISING

13 DELIGHTS:

Sally McGee sally@vinetimesmagazine.com

Goodies & Gadgets COVER ART

21 DISCOVER:

The Old Sugar Mill in Clarksburg

Sparkling Wine by Vaso Peritos Mixed Media www.northbaygallery.net

Jody Stathakis For all inquires please call (650) 358-9908 PRODUCTION

Anne Dobbins Toni Sieling

B Y K I M B E R LY H O R G - W E B B

c o l u m n i s t s

38 DEVOUR:

Chow Bella COMPILED BY VICTORIA BUONOCORE

Her VineNess on Wine BY LAURA NESS

Laura picks four wines worthy of your holiday celebrations.

Eat This With... BY LISA J. PRETTY

f e a t u r e s

Carmel Valley’s Heller Estate BY LAURA NESS

Guglielmo: The True G3 x 3G Winery BY LAURA NESS

Make Your Next Paso Tasting a Pleasant One BY LISA J. PRETTY

Culinary Road Trip B Y D E N I S E KO U Z O U J I A N

Napa’s Judd’s Hill offers up some tasty wines to pair with lamb chops and pumpkin soup.

From Behind the Tasting Bar BY CYNTHIA BOURNELLIS

Winemakers weigh in on the 2010 Harvest.

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

Hop on board Temecula’s Wine Trolley.

True Prosecco is a True Delight

The City Cellar BY MICHELLE SIELING

Wine in a keg?! Sample it at The Living Room in Redwood City.

BY CHRISTINE PICCIN

Sparkling for a New Decade

A “Prelude” to Temecula’s Europa Village

BY LAURA NESS

More great California Vine Times articles coming to:

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B Y TO M P L A N T

Miraflores Winery BY LAURA NESS

P H OTO C R E D I T S : C H I C K H A R R I T Y, K AT R YA N M O N T G O M E RY, K I M B E R LY H O R G - W E B B , L I S A J . P R E T T Y, L I S A J . P R E T T Y, P AT R I C K T R E G E N Z A , T O M P L A N T

w i n e r y

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 February/March 2011 issue. Please submit your February and March events for inclusion in our next issue by January 1. Email 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 ..................................33 Calaveras County ..................................8 El Dorado County North/South ......20 Gilroy ......................................................12 Glenn County ......................................31 Humboldt County................................22 Lake County ..........................................22

Livermore Valley....................................37 Lodi..........................................................13 Madera County ....................................13 Mariposa County ....................................8 Mendocino County..............................22 Merced County ....................................34 Monterey................................................28

4 December 2010 / January 2011 • www.vinetimesonline.com

Napa County ..................................24, 25 Nevada County ......................................7 Paso Robles ..........................................16 Placer County..........................................7 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 ..............................................36 Solano County ......................................25 Sonoma County ............................34, 35 Temecula/San Diego County................6

Tuolume County ....................................8 Yolo County ..........................................13 Yuba County ............................................7

What’s Doin’ in Wine Country... Continued from Page 3 tickets by phoning Vina Robles Winery at (805) 227-4812.

Polar Express Reading Sunday, December 5 & 12 4:30, 5:30, 6:30 & 7:30pm Le Vigne Winery at Sylvester Vineyards, 5115 Buena Vista Drive, Paso Robles Join Le Vigne Winery for a charity reading of “The Polar Express.” While enjoying this magical Christmas story, meet Santa and Mrs. Claus, The Uncommon Carolers, a Pajama contest and a surprise guest from the North Pole! Proceeds benefit local foster and high needs children and families served by the Family Care Network. Adults $20, La Famiglia $15 includes wine & cheese, Kids $10 includes cookie and hot cocoa. Please RSVP as space is very limited. RSVP to info@levignewinery.com or by calling (805) 2274000. or visit levignewinery.com

tasting, local food & crafts vendors, Christmas tree contest and holiday decorations, a toy drive and more. Each winery will be decorating a fresh-cut, 6' Silver Tipped Fir tree with a special theme. These local trees have been donated by Snowy Peaks Tree Farm in Forest Hill and are a sight to see. Vote for your favorite themed tree and get a chance to win a mixed case of Placer County wines! Bring a child's toy to donate for the Shriners Toy Drive and wine tasting is free. (Otherwise, individual winery tasting fees apply). The participating Placer County Wine Trail wineries in Auburn - Newcastle are: Baumbach, Casque Wines, Dono dal Cielo, Fawnridge, Lone Buffalo Vineyards, Mt. Vernon and Vina Castellano. For complete information visit placerwine.com.

San Francisco

Meridian Holiday Open House Saturday, December 11 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. 7000 Highway 46 East, Paso Robles Meridian Vineyards will be celebrating the season with a complimentary Holiday Open House. Sample exclusive “Limited Release” wines, mulled cider, festive cupcakes by Amy Bakes Cupcakes of Atascadero and make your holiday wreath with vines cut from their vineyards. Wine Club members are in for an extra treat from 2 to 4 p.m., including a private tasting in the barrel chai and a special barrel sample paired with gourmet macaroni and cheese from Cahoots Catering! For more information call (805) 226-7133 or visit meridianvineyards.com.

Le Vigne Winery at Sylvester Vineyards Holiday Open House Saturday, December 11 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. 5115 Buena Vista Drive, Paso Robles Come get your last minute holiday shopping done at this Holiday Open House. Wine specials include the California Sparkling at $65/case and Kiara reserve cabernet at $100/case. Also, don’t miss out on building your own gift basket and 20 percent off all pre-built gift baskets. Come sample all of the food and wine they have to offer. For more information visit levignewinery.com or call (805) 227-4000.

Placer County Placer County Wine Trail Holidays in the Hills Saturday – Sunday, December 11–12 12-5 p.m. Visit the wineries of the Placer County Wine Trail for a weekend of wine

(John Sieling)

The 20th Annual Zinfandel Advocates & Producers (ZAP) Wine Festival January 27-29 San Francisco,Various Locations The 20th Anniversary ZAP Festival consists of four events in three days, showcasing approximately 250 wineries, pouring their barrel samples and new releases, together with educational seminars, culinary demonstrations and decadent food pairings. The ZAP Festival is the most comprehensive showing of Zinfandel wines in the world.

Good Eats and Zinfandel Pairing Thursday, January 27 From 6 to 9 p.m. Fort Mason Center in San Francisco Foodies rejoice! Enjoy delectable pairings from 50 restaurants and 50 wineries. Cost: $140 public/$100 members

“Flights! Stories From The Vineyard” Zinspiration Series Friday January 28, 10:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. The Westin St. Francis Hotel

Union Square This event includes a rare guided tasting of Zinfandel flights. Cost: $65 public/$40 members

Evening with the Winemakers Friday, January 28, 5-10 p.m. The Westin St. Francis Hotel Union Square Dine with the winemakers and vintners who craft the remarkable wines presented at this opulent benefit auction and gourmet dinner high atop San Francisco. Cost: $225 includes membership

Grand Zinfandel Tasting & Silent Auction - Public Tasting Saturday, January 29, 2 -5 p.m. Fort Mason Center, San Francisco More than 250 wineries showcase their latest releases, barrel tastings, blends and rare collections of Zinfandel. A selection of artisanal cheese and nibbles will be included. All attendees receive a commemorative wine glass. Cost: $70/$60 members (includes 1 hour early admission) ZAP supports research and scholarships, and this year will inaugurate a new beneficiary: The American Heart Association/Stroke Association. Tickets are now on sale! Visit Zinfandel.org for tickets and event details. Become a ZAP member ($44) and enjoy exclusive benefits and member savings.

Santa Cruz Mountains The Santa Cruz Mountains Winegrowers Association Presents:

The Great Wine Weekend Two Events, January 15 and 16

Santa Cruz Mountains Winter Passport Day Saturday, January 15, 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. More than 50 participating SCM wineries The Santa Cruz Mountains Winegrowers Association invites you to join them when more than 50 Santa Cruz Mountains wineries - from Ahlgren to Zayante - open their doors to Passport Program participants. Passports, which cost just $40 per person, provide entry into participating wineries, including many that are not normally open to the public. Passport holders will be invited to tour the facilities, meet the winemakers, and sample the fruits of their labors - including special wines poured only for citizens in the Passport Program. Many of these awardwinning wines can be hard to find in stores (and of course are not available there for sampling). Special prices are often available during passport. As an added feature, several of Santa Cruz Mountain’s finest restaurants and wine bars are offering spe-

cial discounts to Passport Holders on the day of the event. Purchase passports at any participating winery, online at www.SCMWA.com, or by calling (831) 685-VINE (8463). For a complete list of participating wineries visit the website.

8th Annual Wine & Crab Taste - Off Sunday, January 16, 2 - 5 p.m. At participating Restaurants Taste wonderful crab dishes paired with luscious local wines. Four of the finest Santa Cruz Mountains restaurants will be battling it out in hopes of being named “Crab Cook 2010.” They need your help to make the decision, so come and judge for yourself! All four restaurants will be preparing two crab dishes to satisfy your appetite. The $49 ticket price allows you to taste food and wine at the two restaurants of your choice ($16 each additional restaurant), and then cast your ballot for the winner. All ballots will be tallied to determine the “Consumer Choice Awards” as well as scores from professional judges for the “Judges Choice Awards”. For more information, a list of participating restaurants, and to make reservations, call (831) 685-VINE (8463), go to www.SCMWA.com and enter promo code GW11 for a $5 off discount when you attend both events, or email info@ scmwa.com.

Tasting Room Tuesdays at the Fairmont in San Jose 170 South Market Street, San Jose The Fairmont San Jose is proudly showcasing wines from the local Santa Cruz Mountains. Featuring two unique Santa Cruz Mountain Winegrowers Association wineries per month. A winery representative will pour and be available for “vine talk” from 5 to 7 p.m. in the luxurious Lobby Lounge in the center of San Jose’s most iconic hotel. The wines will also be available the week following each tasting in The Lounge and Pagoda Restaurant and full bottle prices will be offered at a 50 percent discount during the tasting events. Schedule of upcoming Tasting Room Tuesday’s: December 7 and 14 - Sarah's Vineyard January 11 and 25 - Poetic Cellars February 1 and 8 - Vino Tabi Winery March 1 and 8 - Martin Ranch Winery For more information and a complete list of Tasting Room Tuesdays, visit Fairmont.com/sanjose or call 1(866) 5404493.

Continued on Page 6

www.vinetimesonline.com • December 2010 / January 2011

What’s Doin’ in Wine Country... Continued from Page 5

Temecula A Babes in Toyland Holiday Saturday, December 11, 6 - 9 p.m. Callaway Vineyard and Winery32720 Rancho California Road, Temecula Take the family and toast the holidays at Callaway. A magical Babes in Toyland setting awaits you in the Barrel Room, as you enjoy a sparkling wine and hors d'oeuvres reception, followed by a buffet dinner and Callaway wine. Let the sounds of the season, provided by live musicians, set the holiday mood as you relax and sip your wine while the kids are busy decorating cookies, getting their pictures taken with Santa, and various other activities. Tickets are $60 per person, plus tax;

Children 12 and under are $30 per person, plus tax. Visit callawaywinery.com for tickets and information or call (951) 6764001, or toll free at (800) 472-2377.

Holiday Magic with Family Courtside Skating Sunday-Monday, Dec 19-20, 1-10 p.m. South Coast Winery, 34843 Rancho California Road,Temecula Remember all those fun-filled holiday memories you had as a child? Here’s your chance to let your inner child come out to play; and while you’re at it, bring your entire family. Holiday music fills the air, while you skate the day away on South Coast Wineries 1,800-square-foot skating rink. Hot chocolate, tractor rides thru the vineyards and plenty of other libations allow you to enjoy this winter family fun in

the beautiful Southern California Wine Country Sun. Reserve early by calling (951) 5879463 Ext. 7210 or visit wineresort.com for reservations and complete information.

Ol' Fashioned Christmas Celebrations December 24 - 25, 5 - 10 p.m. South Coast Winery, 34843 Rancho California Road,Temecula Add a touch of sparkle to this year’s holiday festivities and experience a South Coast Winery Christmas tradition first hand. They will be rolling out the red carpet with special menu creations and phenomenal wine pairings at the resort’s Vineyard Rose Restaurant for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Spirits are sure to soar as you relax and let their staff attend to

every detail. Make reservations early for best seating by calling (951) 587-9463 Ext. 7237 or visit wineresort.com.

2nd Annual Rhythm & Rio Carnevale December 31,Doors open at 7:30 p.m. South Coast Winery, 34843 Rancho California Road,Temecula Join South Coast Winery for an unforgettable night of music, magic and miracles benefiting Shriners Hospital for Children. You'll think you've been transported to Rio as you dance and romance to the sultry sounds of Samba and marvel at the extravagant entertainments planned to delight. It's sure to be a New Year's Eve you will never forget because Grammy Award winning song stylist Stephanie Mills will be Continued on Page 7

Winery Guide

TEMECULA ALEX’S RED BARN 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 & 7 WINERY 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

6 December 2010 / January 2011 • www.vinetimesonline.com

OAK MOUNTAIN WINERY 20 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 27 WINERY 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

SAN DIEGO COUNTY (not shown on map) BELLE MARIE WINERY 26312 Mesa Rock Rd., Escondido, 760-796-7557 bellemarie.com Tasting Daily 11-5, Tours Sat at 1:00 by Appt. BERNARDO WINERY 13330 Paseo del Verano Norte, Rancho Bernardo, 858-487-1866 bernardowinery.com Tasting Mon-Fri 9-5, Sat-Sun 10-6 BONDED WINERY 5151 Santa Fe St. San Diego 858-270-7550 Tasting Sat 12-4 or by Appt. COUNTRY CELLARS 4456 Hwy. 78, Julian 760-765-0089, countrycellars.com Tasting of wine and beer: Wed-Sun 11-5, open holiday Mondays 11-4 FALLBROOK WINERY 2554 Via Rancheros, Fallbrook 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

SAN PASQUAL WINERY & GALLERY 8364 La Mesa Blvd., La Mesa 619-462-1797 sanpasqualwinery.com Tasting Mon-Thu 11-8, Fri-Sat 11am-10pm, Sun 11-5

Submit your winery or changes to be included in our February / March issue’s guides. Please submit by Jan. 10, 2011 to editor@ vinetimesmagazine.com

What’s Doin’ in Wine Country... Wiens Family Cellars Continued on Page 6 center stage. Warming up for her in the New Year's Eve Gala Grand Ballroom will be the Latin sensation, Son Mayor and returning for their second year, the Brazilian sounds of Sambaguru. Tickets include gourmet food and awardwinning wines, plus access to Rhythm & Rio Carnevale! Come for entertainment and spend the night with the special Rhythm & Rio rates available at South Coast Winery Resort & Spa for guests. Make New Year's Eve last the entire weekend! Visit wineresort.com for complete details and reservations or call (213) 368-3378.

December 31, 7 p.m. - 2 a.m. 35055 Via Del Ponte,Temecula Enjoy live music by Buzz Campbell & Hot Rod Lincoln, stationed appetizers in the barrel room, and a champagne reception and midnight toast. An incredible iced seafood bar and scrumptious plated dinner including a salad, entrée, side, and dessert will be served to guests in the event pavilion. Tickets are $110 per person and can be purchased by visiting wienscellars.com or call (951) 694-9892, Toll Free: (888) 98-WIENS

PLACER COUNTY

NEVADA COUNTY AVANGUARDIA WINES 1 Winery: 13028 Jones Bar Rd., Nevada City, 530-274-9482, avanguardiawines.com Tasting Sat 12-4 Apr-Dec or by Appt. Tasting Room: 209 W. Main St, Grass Valley, Tasting Daily 12-5 B URCH H ALL/ COYOTEVILLE WINERIES 2 108 Mill Street, Grass Valley 530.272.7000, BurchWines.com Tasting Mon,Wed, Fri-Sun; 12-5 5 COUFOSCELLARS 10065 Rough & Ready Rd. Rough&Ready, 530.274.2923 Tasting Sat 12-5 or by Appt. DOUBLE OA K V INEYARDS 6 & WINERY 14510 Blind Shady Road, Nevada City, 530-292-3235 doubleoakwinery.com Tasting Sat 11-5 or by Appt. I NDIAN SPRINGS V INEYARD 8 303 Broad St., Nevada City 530-478-1068/ 800-375-9311 indianspringswines.com Tasting Sun-Thu 11-5, Fri-Sat 11:30-6 LUCCHESI V INEYARDS & 11 WINERY 167 Mill Street, Grass Valley 530-274-2164, lucchesivineyards.com Tasting Daily 11-6 M ON TOLIVA V INEYARD & 12 WINERY 15629 Mt. Olive Rd., Chicago Park, 530-346-6577 montoliva.com, Tasting Sat-Sun 12-4

N AGGIAR WINERY 13 18125 Rosemary Ln., Grass Valley, 530-268-9059 naggiarvineyards.com Tasting by Appt./Tours by Appt. N EVADA CITY WINERY 14 321 Spring St., Nevada City 530-265-9463, ncwinery.com Tasting Daily 12-6, Sun 12-5 P ILOT P EAK V INEYARD & WINERY 16 12888 Spenceville Rd., Penn Valley, 530-432-3321, pilotpeak.com, Tasting Sat-Sun 12-5 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 STA R R 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 530-587-4626, truckeeriverwinery.com Tasting by Appt.

Saturday,January 22,10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Callaway Vineyard & Winery- 32720 Rancho California Road,Temecula In Winter it’s time to prune the vines for their winter nap. Enter the vineyard and learn why pruning is good for the vine, how to prune correctly and what to consider before snipping away. The pruning seminar will be followed by a relaxed tasting in the Chardonnay Room where topics like how to serve and store wines will be discussed. In addition, various bottle sizes and shapes will be viewed and you will

learn what their shapes can tell you about the wine that’s in them. The series of seminars ends with a delightful tasting of Callaway’s sparkling and dessert wines as well as their tawny port, paired with desserts! Guests will leave with a bottle of Callaway wine, two wine glasses, a collection of dessert recipes that pair well with Callaway wines and a certificate of completion. Seminar includes wine pruning, wine tasting, wine and dessert tasting and a certificate of completion for $88.50 per person. Visit callawaywinery.com for tickets and information or call (951) 676-4001, or toll free at (800) 472-2377.

Her VineNess

Winery Guide

Map is not to scale

A Taste of Winter Winemaking Seminar

B AUMBACH WINES 23 291 Auburn Folsom Rd., Auburn 530-305-0048, baumbachwines.com Tasting Sat-Sun 12-5 & by Appt. CIOTTI CELLARS 24 10555 Harris Rd., Auburn 916-534-8780, ciotticellars.com Sat-Sun 12-6 CRISTALDI V INEYARDS 24 10555 Harris Rd., Auburn 916-759-1291, cristaldivineyards.com Sat-Sun 12-6 DONO DAL CIELO ESTATE 25 6100 Wise Rd., Newcastle 530-888-0101, donodalcielo.com Fri-Sun 12-5 FAWNRIDGE WINERY 26 5560 Fawnridge Rd., Auburn 530-887-9522, fawnridgewine.com Fri-Sun 10-5 or Tues-Thurs by Appt. FORTEZZA WINERY 24 10555 Harris Rd., Auburn 530-889-2824, fortezzawinery.com Sat-Sun 12-6 GREEN FAMILY WINERY 27 3420 Pine Ridge Ln., Auburn 530-888-8866,greenfamilywinery.com Sat-Sun 12-4:30 LONE B UFFALO V INEYARDS 28 2682 Burgard Ln., Auburn 916-663-4486, lonebuffalovineyards.com, Tasting Fri-Sun 12-5 M T. VERNON WINERY 29 10850 Mt.Vernon Rd., Auburn, 530-823-1111, mtvernonwinery.com Tasting Thu-Sun 11-5 PESCATORE VINEYARD & WINERY 30 7055 Ridge Rd., Newcastle 916-663-1422, pesctorewines.com, Tasting Sat-Sun 12-5 & by Appt. P OPIE BY DUA RTE FAMILY V INEYARDS 24 10555 Harris Rd., Auburn 916-768-7643, popiewines.com Sat-Sun 12-6 R ANCHO R OBLE V INEYARDS32 340 Fleming Rd., Lincoln 916-645-2075, ranchoroble.com Tasting by Appt. SECRET R AVINE V INEYARD & WINERY 33 4390 God Trail Way, Loomis 916-652-6015, secretravine.com Tasting Sat-Sun 12-5 & by Appt. V I NA CASTELANO 34 4590 Bell Rd., Auburn 530-889-2855, vinacastellano.com Thu-Sun 12-5 WISE V ILLA WINERY 35 4226 Wisel Rd., Lincoln 916-752-6635, wisevillawinery.com Tasting by Appt.

YUBA COUNTY R ENAISSANCE 36 12585 Rices Crossing Rd., Oregon House, 530-575-1254 renaissancewinery.com Tasting Mon-Sat 11-3 by Appt.

Submit your winery or changes to be included in our February / March issue’s guides. Please submit by Jan. 10, 2011 to editor@ vinetimesmagazine.com

Wine

By Laura Ness 2009 Occasio Fume Blanc,LivermoreValley,Del ArroyoVineyard,$24 Hmm…Sauvignon Blanc on oak? I’ve never been much of a fan. But, when it’s done totally right, with just the perfect amount of perfectly seasoned oak added to the most amazing Sauv Blanc fruit, you have a recipe for pure enjoyment. Don’t drink this beauty from Livermore too cold: it wants to be about 60-65 degrees, to allow the smoky, minerally, almond perfume aromatics to waft up, along with decadent promises of pear crème brulee. The flavors are even more intriguing than the aromas, though, delivering wave after wave of perfectly planned layers of juicy, unctuous pineapple and green banana – even kiwi, ripe pears, and yes, wonderful crème brulee. But it goes one step farther: how about pear crème tart in sweet butter almond crust? Yum. I’d actually pair this with Humboldt Fog goat cheese, sage honey and Bosc pears, with Marcona almonds. Whether you call it Sauvignon Blanc or Fume Blanc, delectable just begins to describe this well-made, very limited wine. Occasio Winery’s tasting room is located in Livermore. Visit occasiowinery.com or call (925) 371-1987.

2009 Clayhouse Sauvignon Blanc, Paso Robles, $14 Here is a perfect example of a Sauvignon Blanc made without wood, but still possessing a bit of that creaminess on the palate that people so love about Chardonnay. Except this is nothing like Chardonnay. It’s what I call that “Crossover” rendition of Sauv Blanc, somewhere in between austere New Zealand and softer California dreamin’ styles. It’s a good, clean middle of the road example, with starfruit, pear, honeydew and a bit of grassiness. Because it is fermented and stirred on the lees (yeast), the wine has a very creamy texture, even though it saw no oak. You’d be proud to serve it as a pre-dinner beverage with finger foods. Just pour, sniff and enjoy. This is not a crossword puzzle of a wine. Best part: it’s only 13 percent alcohol. The Clayhouse tasting room is located in downtown Paso Robles. Visit clayhousewines.com or call (805) 238-7055.

2007 Big Basin Coastview Vineyard Syrah, Monterey, $48 Fans of massive, spicy cooler-climate Syrahs, this one is for you. From high in the Gabilan mountains overlooking the Salinas Valley, this wine grew up at 2400 feet, and developed a lot of attitude, along with that lofty altitude. Aromas of white pepper and sandalwood tickle your nose and the spicy flavors of Fresno chile peppers, dark blackberrytinged chocolate and wild arugula tantalize your mouth from the first sip to the long, eternal finish. Bradley Brown knows how to get the most out of Syrah, and this is but one example of his impressive lineup of big, muscular wines that refuse to sit in the back seat. They’ve got to drive, baby, so move over. The Big Basin Vineyards tasting room is located in Saratoga Village. Visit bigbasinvineyards.com or call (408) 564-7346.

2009 J Lohr Estate Falcon’s Perch Pinot Noir, Monterey, $17 It was with great pleasure that we swooped down upon a glass of the 09 J. Lohr Estate Falcon’s Perch Pinot Noir, packed with the fruitiness of Dijon clones that had clearly not lacked for water. Darkly hued and imbued with unmistakable Pinot Noirness, this wine coats the glass with glycerine, and promises something richer than the 13.9 percent alcohol designation indicates. The aromas are fields of Salinas-ripe strawberries, cherries, rhubarb and Chinese five-spice. It’s a Pinot to the core, and the angularity of its delivery is indeed a tribute to its namesake, the falcon, which is often seen scouring the landscape from the lone pine on Cypress Avenue. They’ve also installed numerous birds of prey boxes around the J. Lohr vineyards to encourage the nesting of owls to help naturally control the vine-damaging rodent population. Find this wine on the J. Lohr website (jlohr.com) or at one of the J Lohr tasting rooms, either in downtown San Jose – (408) 918-2160) or Paso Robles – (805) 239-8900. www.vinetimesonline.com • December 2010 / January 2011 7

Wine That Dances, A Spot That Entrances Carmel Valley’s Heller Estate

Winery Guide (Map not to scale)

By Laura Ness

t was a scene from the 1980 horror flick, The Fog, but without Adrienne Barbeau. Heller Winemaker, Rich Tanguay, opened the door to the barrel room at Heller Estate and a floor to ceiling mist swallowed us up into its wet maw. Moisture gleamed on each barrel stave and I wondered how the wines liked being kept in a tepid Finnish sauna. Rich explained that the moisture is akin to a cave, and keeps the angels’ share (that portion of wine that transpires naturally through the barrel’s pores) down to a bare minimum, reducing the need for frequent top offs required in drier environments. He insists this also helps to evaporate the alcohol, which is not a bad thing, considering this is a toasty climate, and the grapes come in ready to rocket. Here among the 100 acres of mostly own-rooted old vines, planted beginning in 1968, one appreciates the sun-drenched climate that bakes the hills to parchdom, and keeps the sprinklers going at places like the Marinus vineyard where they have river rights. Says Rich, “We have barely enough water to give each block a small drink from time to time.” The pinot, on younger vines, was about to be picked, and exhibited signs of desiccation, but the old vine Cabernet was solidly turgid, smacking of peppery vitality. Having finally completed veraison, the Petit Verdot appeared to be the overloaded caboose on the grape train, its abundant, uniformly spaced clusters looking like the precise rows of a military marching band, loudly defying the potential rains of October and November, and maybe even December. But the Dolly Parton award for effusively prolific personality must go to the Chenin Blanc, which looked like the foundations department at Macy’s during a two-for-one bra sale: bursting out all over in a chaos of mismatched cup sizes and colors. The clusters on the morning side were freckled and blushing, with flavors of apricots and ripe melon, while those on the shadier side were precociously packed with tart Pippin apple. Combined, they will make another lip-smacking vintage of what has become the winery’s signature varietal. The 2008 is solid Gold, but the 2009 – just about to be bottled – might go Platinum. That’s if there’s any left after Rich started pouring tank samples for the Rio Grill staff, who ventured to the ranch for a Heller immersion. These young folks know their wines: they were all over the organic story, asking smart questions and exhibiting an impressive knowledge of

A show of fall colors at the entrance to C ar mel Valley’s Heller Estate. (Rich Tanguay) CALAVERAS COUNTY

(IN MURPHYS UNLESS NOTED)

Heller winemaker RichTanguay. (Laura Ness)

local wines. God bless them: they have no fear of Chenin, as might their parents. They could not keep their glasses filled with this goddess of pure springtime deliciousness. While they Chenined, I ruminated over the unique flavors this little inland valley imparts to the rather lovely 07 Cachagua Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, with its inviting cherry-tobacco, bitter chocolate and licorice basil highlights. The 2002 Merlot is just beginning to wake up from its lengthy Sleeping Beauty nap, offering deep, rich, dark fruit flavors layered with tannins as sound as an extra-firm Posturepedic. When you visit the tasting room in Carmel Valley Village, you’ll enjoy the many bronze and aluminum sculptures created by renowned sculpture creator, Toby Heller, that grace the premises. Their fluid lines evoke a sense of harmony and balance, providing a visual context for their fanatic commitment to organic and sustainable practices in the vineyard and the winery. You’ll recognize The Dance, a replica of the 15-foot bronze that overlooks the vineyard estate: it graces the wine label, a fitting representation of their motto, “Wine That Dances on Your Palate.” Heller Estate is located at 69 W. Carmel Valley Rd. in Carmel Valley. For more information call toll free at (800) 625-8466 or (831) 659-6220 or visit their website at hellerestate.com.

8 December 2010 / January 2011 • www.vinetimesonline.com

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 CHIARELLA WINES 11 431 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 IRONSTONE VINEYARDS 22 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

31 RENNER WINERY 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 34 TANNER VINEYARDS 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

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 Submit your winery or LA BELLA ROSA VINEYARDS 12 changes to be included in our 117990 Old Wards Ferry Rd., February/March issue’s guides. Sonora, 209-533- 8668 Please submit by Jan. 10, 2011 labellarosavineyards.com to editor@vinetimesmagazine Tasting Sat-Sun 12-5 .com

...Napa and Sonoma Much to Do in Sonoma By Sandrew Montgomery

hen folks come to Northern California’s Wine Country, they are usually surprised by how large Sonoma County is, especially if they have previously visited Napa County and its one valley. If Sonoma was on the East Coast, it would be a state, as it is as large as Rhode Island! The county of Sonoma has six distinct valleys for wine enthusiasts each with their own AVA (American Viticultural Area) appropriate varietals and exciting and relaxing getaway aspects. There are too many to mention for one article, but here are some of my favorite haunts! If you are staying in Santa Rosa, take either of these two trips west. For one, take Highway 12 to the funky little town of Sebastopol and check out the cool shops that are centered around the main street. Then continue out to the coast toward Bodega Bay and stop at the Freestone Winery for some “Fog Dog” wine. If you are a golfer, then by all means play the public course at Bodega Harbor Links. Make sure at the 18th hole, you step out onto the beach and you might catch a glimpse of a seal or dolphin. From there, head to Lucas

Wharf Restaurant and snag a crab cocktail or Calamari with sour dough bread – fantastic for dipping in the creamy, garlicky sauce, and watch the Dungeness crabs come in fresh off the boat. For a truly unique wine experience just up the road is “Gourmet au Bay” where you can kick back on the Kaya Deck and order from a few different flights of wines by the glass served on a mini surf board containing your three selections. Here, you will be overlooking the Bay and if conditions are right, you’ll see several windsurfers and kite boarders putting on a show just for you – you may never want to leave! However, if you want to enjoy a great sunset and gourmet dinner, then by all means, the Inn at the Tides is for you. For another days adventure from Santa Rosa, travel north on highway 101 and take the River Road/Mark West Springs exit towards the West. At your first right you can go to Kendall Jackson and enjoy some culinary education in the Vineyards and gardens, as well as inside for a well thought out food and wine pairing. From there, get back on River Road and on to Martinelli Winery. The tasting room here is a classic old red barn and the feel is very rustic – the wines are over the

Bodega Bay

(Kat Ryan Montgomery)

top! As you snake along River Road, there will be amazing views of the historic Russian River and many ancient Redwood trees that will lead you into the town of Guerneville. Be sure to spend some time walking around this town that will be sure to take you back in time to the ‘70s. A real treat awaits you at Armstrong Woods – boasting some of the largest and oldest Redwood trees – make sure you have your camera! Keep heading west, and you will land in an old artist’s colony, “Duncan’s Mills.” Lots of small shops here with unique clothing, arts and knick-knacks. If you are weary

at this point, head slightly North on Highway One to the little teeny town of Jenner and take a stroll on the beach, where you are sure to find seals and many other delights that are at the mouth of the Russian River where it spills into the Pacific Ocean. Now go enjoy an amazing dinner with a gorgeous sunset at “River’s End” Restaurant. You earned it! And if you want more ideas about tastings and wine and food pairings, don’t forget to contact me at www.SandrewsWineServices.com or 707738-2337. Enjoy!!!

Napa Valley–More Than Just Great Grapes By Christina Julian

Rainbows in the geyser. (Chick Harrity)

hile wine and farming have always been a way of life in Napa Valley, there is much more that lurks amidst the grapevines, with traditions of food, adventure, and wellness – waiting to be uncorked. Known as one of the “Great Wine Capitals” of the world this fertile and geographically compact stretch, while only a mere 30 miles long, boasts a multitude of things beyond the vino bottle, to quench your thirst. Napa serves as the gateway to world class culinary traditions that fork out from Napa and Yountville to St. Helena and Calistoga. Whether you crave the perfect pasta to pair with your wine or perhaps you’ve always yearned to poke around in the kitchen and learn from the masters at the Culinary Institute of America, the Napa Valley is guaranteed to feed your fix. If you’re feeling adventurous, leave your car back at the hotel and opt for peddling your way through the valley. Many hotels like Solage and the Bardessono Inn offer complimentary cycles to their guests and several bike outfitters will customize

tasting and town tours. Napa is so invested in the future of the great outdoors it recently broke ground on the first mile stretch of the Napa Valley Vine Trail, which at its completion, will afford visitors with walking and biking paths that run from Vallejo to Calistoga. “We have raised over $1M in donations and pledges to help fund the Vine Trail,” said Chuck McMinn Executive Director, Napa Valley Vine Trail Coalition. Other outdoor treasures include a drive up to The Petrified Forest and hiking through Bothe State Park where you’ll enjoy a perennial creek through shaded redwood forests. Stretch your limits by making the connecting trek that extends to Bale Mill Grist, and for the highly honed hiker, haul up the front face of Mt. Saint Helena through Robert Lewis Stevenson State Park. If outward bound isn’t your style tap into unique perspectives of the valley by hot air ballooning or drifting down the Napa and neighboring Russian River. The fruits of the countryside offer more than sweat and sweet views, when you opt for nurturing your body and soul in the wine country way. With more than 55 spas in the region you can reinvigorate with vino thera-

py, massage in volcanic ash, exfoliate with grape seeds, and have your body dabbed with Meyer lemon and olive oils plucked from the vines and the trees of the countryside. January brings Calistoga’s 3rd Annual Health & Wellness festival where visitors can partake in free exercise and yoga classes, hikes, massages, seminars, and even free mudbaths, all month long. “The event includes every aspect of wellness that we have in abundance in Calistoga. We have been a wellness destination since the 1860s,” says Eden Umble, Public Relations & Marketing Director for the Calistoga Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center. Whether it’s the “Cabernet Crush” treatment at St. Helena’s Meadowood Resort or bellying up to the “mud bar” at Calistoga’s Spa Solage, your body will get a workout in all things relaxation. While Napa is all about hedonistic spa pleasures it also prides itself on being kind to the environment through eco-friendly recreational experiences to sustainable agriculture practices and organic gardening. The Napa Vintners Association continues to drive efforts towards “green and best Continued on Page 10

www.vinetimesonline.com • December 2010 / January 2011

Guglielmo:The True G3 x 3G Winery By Laura Ness

aven’t heard of Guglielmo Winery? Too bad, as they are truly one of California’s pioneer vintners, having been making wines in the Santa Clara Valley for 85 years. They farm 80 acres of vineyards and produce about 60,000 cases annually of award-winning varietal wines, including Zinfandel, Barbera, Petite Sirah and a slew of others. A lot of the fruit they use is sourced from small vineyards throughout the Santa Clara

Valley AVA, so they really do think small, although their operation is impressively large. Most of what they crush and process is done at the behest of other wineries: they have an insanely busy custom crush business. Truckload after truckload of fruit arrives daily during harvest, and the bottling line hums like a room full of internet servers Continued on Page 14 Right: The three Guglielmo brothers, from left to right, George, Gene and Gary. (Greg Richtarek)

Napa Valley – More Than Just Great Grapes Continued from Page 9 practice” certifications for wineries – Hall Wines being one of the first in California to gain Gold Leed® status. Resorts like Solage and the Bardessono Inn have done their part by earning “green” designations. While the town of Napa has always Calistoga’s Spa Solage www.solagecalistoga.com (866) 942-7442 Bardessono Inn www.bardessono.com, (707) 204-6000 Napa Valley Vine Trail vinetrail.org The Petrified Forest petrifiedforest.org, (707) 942-6667 Bothe State Park www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=477, (707) 942-4575 Robert Lewis Stevenson State Park www.parks.ca.gov/default.asp?page_id =472, (707) 942-4575 Calistoga’s 3rd Annual Health & Wellness Festival All month long in January, CalistogaVisitors.com St. Helena’s Meadowood Resort www.meadowood.com (800) 458-8080 Buchon www.bouchonbakery.com (707) 944-2253 Botegga www.botteganapavalley.com, (707) 945-1050 French Laundry frenchlaundry.com, (707) 944-2380 Calistoga’s Venge Vineyards www.vengevineyards.com (707) 942-9100 Mustard Festival www.mustardfestival.org Auction Napa Valley www.napavintners.com/anv/ Calistoga’s Winter in the Wineries Dec. 3-Feb. 6, CalistogaVisitors.com Lighted Tractor Parade December 4, CalistogaVisitors.com Yountville’s Festival of Lights Nov 26, www.yountville.com

been synonymous with wine, the Valley is comprised of unique communities and towns, each one varied in vibe, spirit, and surroundings. Napa proper and its newly revitalized downtown serves as the nucleus of nightlife and shopping. “We feel an integral part of the city’s downtown renaissance,” says Kristine Youngberg, General Manager AVIA Hotel. Yountville caters to food enthusiasts boasting the most Michelin-rated restaurants per capita than anywhere else in the world. Famed restaurants like Buchon, Botegga, and the oftlauded French Laundry are cropping up as quickly as the grapes, while Oakville is heralded for producing top-notched Cabernets. “I consider the region the Grand Cru appellation of Napa Valley for growing Bordeaux varietals,” says Kirk Venge, winemaker and proprietor for Calistoga’s Venge Vineyards. The town of St .Helena exudes a chic feel with boutique shops, galleries and more world class cuisine packed amidst its quaint main street strip. Calistoga, as Napa’s northernmost town, has been dubbed the wellness capital of the region with mud baths and spa services bubbling all over town and colorful murals painting a story of yesteryear. While the streets lull with a cowboy town demeanor,

its inhabitants are nothing but serious when it comes to the business of relaxation. Seasons change as do towns. With time’s turning you’ll see that no two seasons in Napa are alike. The tail end of winter and entry to spring are earmarked by the Mustard Festival as the valley bursts with green foliage and yellow wild flowers, and towns hop with food, art, and music. The world-renowned Auction Napa Valley ushers folks from Spring into Summer as visitors and celebrities vie for world class wines all in support of the community. The summer continues to sing with live music, film and art hosted in neighboring parks and vineyards. Lakes and streams run over with boating, camping and fishing along

the river and Lake Berryessa. The arrival of fall is unmistakable with the heavenly scents of harvest crush and its accompanying entertainment scene of art strolls, street festivals and celebrations. Winter comes alive as communities bustle with holiday cheer at Calistoga’s Winter in the Wineries, the Lighted Tractor Parade and Yountville’s Festival of Lights. If you’ve got the time, Napa’s got more than enough magic to fill your days and cap off your nights. While bouncing to Napa for a weekend jaunt is dreamy, the region offers many more grape gems with which to fill your basket. So stay a little or preferably a while longer, to enjoy all the fruits that the legendary Napa Valley has to offer.

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

The hot springs at Calistoga Springs. (Calistoga Spa Hot Springs) AUDUBON CELLARS 2 600 Addison St., Berkeley (510) 540-5384 www.auduboncellars.bizland.com Tasting by Appt.

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 winery or changes IRISH MONKEY 4 to be included in our February / 1017 22nd Ave., Oakland March issue’s guides. Please sub(510) 915-5463, irishmonkey.net mit by Jan. 10, 2011 to editor@ Tasting Sat-Sun 12-5 vinetimesmagazine.com DASHE CELLARS 55 4th Street, Oakland (510) 452-1800 dashecellars.com Tasting Thurs-Sun 12-6

Santa and his “Sleigh” at the Lighted Tractor Parade. (Chick Harrity)

10 December 2010 / January 2011 • www.vinetimesonline.com

JC CELLARS 5 55 4th St., Oakland (510) 465-5900, jccellars.com Tasting Thurs-Sun 12-6

Make Your Next Paso Tasting a Pleasant One By Lisa J. Pretty

ith the growing number of Paso Robles wine brands, it is not surprising to find a number of the wineries banning together to draw tasters to their section of the wine map. For several years now we have seen the Far Out Wineries, the Back Road Wineries, the Wineries of 46East, and the Wineries of 46West popping up with their own brochures, tasting maps, advertisements and special events. Newer to the joint marketing initiatives are the Wineries of Union Road, the Downtown Wineries and the Pleasant Valley Wine Trail. I recently joined the Pleasant Valley Wine Trail and am very impressed with what the group is doing. Located at the northern tip of the Paso Robles AVA, with rolling hills planted in vines and views of the hills of San Miguel, each of the members grows at least some of their own fruit and makes the product at their estate facility. In a day where having a bonded winery often just entails purchasing fruit and/or wine from the bulk market and having the wine bottled at a custom crush facility (where a small, fenced in space is dedicated as the bonded winery area), it is refreshing to see a group of wineries actually growing and producing their own product from start to finish. The Pleasant Valley Wine Trail is easily accessible from either Highway 101 or Highway 46East and its eleven members can all be found along a twelve mile trail. Typically the person staffing the tasting room will be an owner and/or the winemaker, making the tasting experience extra special. If you are looking to get away from the busy roads, enjoy beautiful country views and experience warm hospitality, try the newest wine trail in Paso Robles for a pleasant wine tasting experience. The Pleasant Valley Wine Trail hosts “Bordeaux Blitz” each year, offering visitors a rare opportunity to taste all the wines and olive oils at one location. Live music and food along with wine tasting make for the perfect way to spend an afternoon. Bordeaux Blitz will be held April 23 at RiverStar Vineyards and a portion of the proceeds from the events will be donated to charity. Also through out the year, the group have themed weekends once each month where all of the members will offer something special such as “Fantastic Futures” with a taste of wines not yet released, “Tour de Trail” with passports and prizes, “Pleasantly Sweet” with dessert wines or sweet treats, “Cheese Please!” with wine and cheese pairings. The first weekend in December has a holiday flair with “Shop and SIP” to make

(Lisa J. Pretty) holiday shopping a fun experience. Trail members stocked the shelves with lots of great gift items in addition to the fabulous estate wines. Visit pleasantvalley.com for all the details. Here is just a little about each of the members along the Pleasant Valley Wine Trail (check their websites for hours of operation and complete product offering): Cinquain Cellars makes all of their wines by hand on their land and share their art form and passion with visitors. They are open on special weekends and by appointment so be sure to call ahead when you plan your trip. Their flagship wine is the Reserve Meritage, an estate-grown blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Malbec and Petite Verdot – it is worth a visit to try this blend that has been rated 94 points, won a gold medal and received a Best of Class of Region at the California State Fair. (805) 400-5978, cinquaincellars.com J&J Cellars is a family-owned winery with a deep commitment to producing high quality wines at reasonable prices. They have several estate wines with one of the most popular being the recently released J&J Cellars 2008 Tempranillo. The wine has won two gold medals and is a great value at just $18 a bottle. Their patio and event areas are as warm and welcoming as the tasting room and the perfect place to celebrate with a glass of J&J sparkling wine. (805) 467-2891, jjcellars.com Locatelli has an intimate tasting room where you will find exceptional limitedproduction wines, many of which are produced from their estate vineyard into single varietals and proprietary blends. They have nearly 10 years of winemaking expeContinued on Page 14

www.ORFILA.com

JOIN GUGLIELMO WINERY FOR OUR 22ND ANNUAL HOLIDAY GIFT FAIRE Dec. 4 & 5 and 11 & 12 10am to 5pm Enjoy our award-winning wines, gourmet food, hot mulled wine, and holiday carolers! Browse our huge selection of unique holiday gifts! From wine-themed gifts to custom gift baskets, you can please everyone on your list. 1480 East Main Avenue Morgan Hill, CA 408-779-2145 www.guglielmowinery.com

www.vinetimesonline.com • December 2010 / January 2011

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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 December 2010 / January 2011 • 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 57 2300 Jarvis Rd., Santa Cruz 831-427-0436, vinehillwinery.com Tasting every 3rd weekend each month 12-5 & special events 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 weekend each month 12-5 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 winery or changes to be included in our February / March issue’s guides. Please submit by Jan. 10, 2011 to editor@ vinetimesmagazine.com

Winery Guide . . .Goodies and Gadgets Bissinger’s Chocolate-Covered Wine Grapes There is one thing that seems to come hand-in-hand with the holidays – sweets! Can you imagine your holiday season without the pumpkin pie, holiday shaped sugar cookies or chocolate truffles? Of course not! That’s why we at Vine Times are recommending these Bissinger’s wine grapes. These plump purple grapes are infused with Shiraz wine and covered in Bissinger’s famous dark chocolate. The gluten-free, irresistible treat melts in your mouth with a surprising burst of luscious wine. Chocolate and wine lovers alike will be thrilled over these tiny treats’ burst of flavor. Packaged in a perfect eight ounces, the wine grapes make a great stocking stuffer. Buy them in bulk and use them as add-on gifts or just pass them out as favors at your next holiday party. At $16 per pack you won’t even feel guilty ordering yourself a bundle. Visit www.bissingers.com and order your wine grapes today!

Etched Wine Bottles Wine is a great gift for any occasion. But add a personalized touch to the vino and your gift is sure to be the best under the tree. Personalwinebottles.com is making that happen for you this holiday season and beyond. Just choose from over 13 different templates including messages like “Season Greetings,” “Christmas Blessings,” “Happy Chanukah, and “Happy Birthday.” When you’ve done that, you can add your own two-lined personal message to the bottle. The message is carefully etched by sand blasting, which leaves a lasting impression. It’s also hand-painted making each bottle unique. After creating your wine bottle online, you can finalize your order by choosing from 11 red wines. The people you gift this to will be shocked by the beautiful wine bottle and touched that you thought of something so personal. When they’ve enjoyed the wine they will be able to keep the bottle forever and remember your thoughtful gift. Prices range from $82-$112. Visit personalwinebottles.com for complete information.

Wine-opoly What’s a holiday party without any games? While you and your friends are enjoying the cooler weather and sipping on your favorite bottles of wine, play a fun game of Wine-opoly. Modeled after the favorite game Monopoly, Wineopoly takes you into the wonderful world of wine. Players can buy their favorite wines, bundles of grapes and trade them in for handy decanters. But make sure to brush up on your wine and cheese edict because you can be fined for serving a pairing faux pas or forgetting to pay your import taxes. Aside from being a fun and challenging game, it’s educational! Each card includes a fun fact about a wine. You don’t have to worry about ending up in jail and loosing three turns, but watch out for the wine cellar where players are sent to age. Play smart and you’ll be yelling “Cheers” all the way to the bank…or wine shop. This game is fun for all wine lovers and aspiring connoisseurs, and is sure to be a holiday gift hit. Visit LateForTheSky.com and order your Wine-opoly today. $24.95 each.

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 COSENTINO WINERY 3750 East Woodbridge Rd., 6 Acampo, 209-333-8014 cosentinowinery.com/cvc Tasting Daily 10-5:30

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 9 E2 FAMILY WINERY 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 12 10112 E.Woodbridge Rd, 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 14 1973 W.Turner Rd., Lodi 209-368-0880, jgwinery.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. 18 M2 WINES 1376 East Turner Rd,. Ste. D, Lodi, 888-757-9463 m2wines.com Tasting Fri-Sun 11-5 or by Appt. MACCHIA 19 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. 23 OMEGA CELLARS 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. 32-38 VINO PIAZZA 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 209-727-3966 33 lavidadulce.com Tasting Fri-Sun 12-5 MOKELUMNE OAK VINTNERS 34 209-339-3754 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 37 STAMA WINERY 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

Submit your winery or changes to be included in our February / March issue’s guides. Please submit by Jan. 10, 2011 to editor@ vinetimesmagazine.com

Pleasant Valley Wine Trail To San Francisco Locatelli MISSION STREET

CROSS CANYONS

RIVER ROAD

ROAD

MAP NOT TO SCALE

RO AD

River Star

Tackitt Family

Silver Horse

ANY ON

Tassajara LA

CHIT AC

REL

VON DO

HOG

101

AD LLEN RO

Terrace Hill Olive Oil

J&J Cellars

RAN

EST

PLEASANT

MISSION STREET EXIT

RIVER ROAD

San Miguel

Ranchita Canyon Villa San-Juliette

Pretty-Smith

CANYO

BUCKHORN RIDGE PLACE AD IND N RO E

Cinquain PEN

DE PLA NCE CE

TA VIS ENA E BU DRIV

AKS ER O RIV DRIVE

AIRPORT ROAD

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TOWER ROAD

JARDINE ROAD

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RIVER

best.” The estate also has a vacation guest apartment to offer visitors a true wine country experience. (805) 467-0086, riverstarvineyards.com Silver Horse is a family owned and operated winery specializing in Bordeaux and Spanish varietals. The property has a large event area and several picnic areas to enjoy the spectacular views. With a pizza oven, horseshoe pit and bocce ball court you may not want to leave. Be sure to try their blend known as “The Big Easy.” (805) 467-9463, silverhorse.com Tackitt Family is a small, familyowned winery located on vineyards where their grandfather planted vines in the mid 70s. Be sure to taste the estate Gewurztraminer that is from the original planting resulting in a low production of high quality fruit. Crisp and refreshing the wine has a very limited production with only 70 cases produced this vintage. (805) 296-0866, tackittfamilyvineyards.com Tassajara Cellars is a small family owned winery currently located in the Silver Horse barrel room. The winery is the vision of a brother and sister team to create small lots of handcrafted wines. When you visit be sure to taste the 2006 Pinot Noir. (805) 239-8511, tassajaracellars.com Terrace Hill Olive Oil offers a break from wine tasting with their estate grown

SPRING STREET

Continued from Page 11 rience and invite guests to come discover what they have been missing. While you are there be sure to try their Estate Petite Sirah and Estate Malbec. (805) 467-0067, locatelliwinery.com Pretty-Smith is a one-woman operation delivering 100 percent estate grown Bordeaux varietals and blends. The wines are typically aged in oak for 3.5 years for a soft, smooth, and silky style. Be sure to try the estate Cabernet Sauvignon, a wine that has won several gold medals, received 90point ratings and Best of Class for the Region over the past decade. (805) 4673104, prettysmith.com Ranchita Canyon offers you the opportunity to taste wines right in the building where they are made. Positioning themselves as “nothing fancy, just good wines with warm family hospitality” this is a great stop to relax and taste their Old Vine Zinfandel and Old Vine Petite Sirah. The old vine offering is from the estate vineyards planted almost 40 years ago. (805) 4679448, ranchitacanyonvineyard.com RiverStar is a family owned and operated 80-acre estate vineyard and winery. While you are there be sure to taste the 2007 Affinity, “a classic showing of the precision, balance, concentration and finesse that exemplify Paso Robles at its

ESTRELLA ROAD

DRY CREEK ROAD

46E

To Fresno, Bakersfield, & interstate-5

AD RO

To San Luis Obispo & Los Angeles

olive oils, vinegars, spices and rubs. The Tuscan style tasting room includes a relaxing picnic area overlooking the olive trees planted on the hillside. Family owned and operated, this is a very tasty stop with several gold medal products. (805) 467-1906, terracehilloliveco.com Villa San Juliette will soon be opening their tasting facility and winery along

the trail. The 168-acre estate produces a wide range of wines and although the facility is not yet open it may be possible to book a private tasting and perhaps even taste the 2008 Chorum, their reserve blend. (805) 550-0522, villasanjuliette.com

Guglielmo

Miraflores Winery is located in a unique California viticulture area in the Sierra Foothills. Producing excellent high mountain fruit, at elevations up to 2900 feet. The wines produced from these high mountain vineyards are rich in taste and beautifully balanced. Come and experience the difference in our wines at Miraflores Winery. Open Daily from 10 am - 5pm 2120 Four Springs Trail, Placerville, California 95667 530 647 8505 www.mirafloreswinery.com

14 December 2010 / January 2011 • www.vinetimesonline.com

Continued from Page 10 during the online holiday shopping frenzy. Three Guglielmo brothers run the operation. I call them the Three G’s: Gene (Director of Sales), Gary (General Manager) and George (Winemaker), and they’re the 3rd generation to carry on the heritage begun by their grandfather who emigrated to San Francisco from the Piedmonte region of Italy in the early 20th century. Following the milkman-style home delivery model, Emiglio left jugs of wine on customer doorsteps along his route to San Francisco. He would also haul barrels to local liquor stores, where devotees could get refills. On Sundays at the winery in Santa Clara county, the family put out a spread for adventurous souls who preferred to fetch their wines from the source: like going to communion. Back in the days before packaging became more important than the entity inside, everyone brought their own containers to wineries. In Italy, they still do. That’s a recycling model worth emulating. As we know from miniskirts, hot pants, small cars (think MGs and Datsun B210s) and good rock n’ roll, the past is generally worth

another go-round. Platform shoes, lava lamps and fondue sets I can skip, however. Guglielmo wines, though, should not be skipped, especially their relatively new TRE line, the distinctively bold label of which bears the outline of three brothers. It feels like a cross between The Sopranos and Jersey Shore, but the Chardonnay comes from Monterey, so whine not, and Emile’s Table Wines (named for grandfather Emile) are the epitome of the good old jug wines that used to drive a Pinto and now favors a Prius. Young Alan DeWitt is the other half of the winemaking team that crafts these gems: he and George make a fine old school-new school team, with tasty results. Among my favorites is the refreshing, dry 2009 Rosatello, made from a Piedmont-ese grape called Grignolino. It’s pretty in the glass, and offers hints of strawberry and guava. The Sauv Blanc and Pinot Grigio are solid and I love the old vine Zin, which comes from head-trained vines and delivers lots of zininess without the jamminess. The Barbera speaks with the quiet, yet warm demeanor exhibited by the 3Gs. Old world style still rules.

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Sparkling for A New Decade Try these sparkling wines from the Russian River and the Santa Lucia Highlands on your holiday table and at your New Years Celebrations By Laura Ness La Rochelle: Steven Mirassou waited a long time to disgorge a sparkling under the La Rochelle brand. It’s a bit ironic that his family sold all the sparkling equipment to Barry Jackson at Equinox some years back, and here they are, using it again, at long, long last. But heck, what goes around… The 2007 Blanc de Noirs ($30) sparkling from the Martini clone off the McIntyre estate vineyard in the Santa Lucia Highlands of Monterey, is truly one of the prettiest sparkling wines you can find. Pale as the first pink light of dawn, it sparkles with the thrill of tea rose, bright cinnamon and spritely raspberry-rhubarb punch. As light as air, it dances on your tongue like spring’s first rain, and practically makes a rainbow of colors in your mouth. It’s airily bright and intensely focused with minerally hints of cranberry and Bosc pear, and some subtle rejoinders of edgy raspberry lemonade. You might find yourself joining the

La Rochelle wine club just to get this fairy princess of a wine. But then you’ll find yourself amongst the subtly more well endowed Pinot Noir wood nymphs that inhabit this label’s provocatively precocious collection of bottled beauties. Ah, such a predicament. Visit rwine.com. Caraccioli Cellars: Do you want a real French connection? Caraccioli, and don’t let the Italian name fool you, makes Santa Lucia Highlands sparkling in the dry, yeasty, leesy style that delivers aromas and flavors of a French morning on the Left Bank, brimming over with freshly baked brioche and baguette. This relative newcomer to the world of bubbles offers Brut and Brut Rosé, crafted by the genius Michel Salgues, previously head winemaker at Roederer Estate in Anderson Valley. The acidity in both sparklers is profound and calls for fruit des mers, especially oysters. Despite the stiff price of nearly $50 srp (you can find it more reasonably priced at Star Market in Salinas), you can-

not go even remotely wrong with either one of these wines. The 06 Brut Cuvée is the hands-down winner, a pale white, cap-sleeved shantung silk dress that makes any woman drinking it as alluring as Catherine Deneuve. The yeasty aromas are divine and the texture like sweet buttercream. The Brut Rosé is softer and wears a small pink shawl of sweetness that wraps itself nicely around the shoulders of your tongue with the pleasantly shy fruitiness of a Kir Royale. Are they worth $52? If you’re already blowing $45 on French stuff, these are a worthy replacement, and you’re saving energy to boot. They are sufficiently classy, so the answer is oui, oui! Visit Caraccioli Cellars.com. McIntyre: Secret fact: most of the vines originally planted in the Monterey appellation were destined for early picking and transporting to the northland to make sparkling wines for the likes of Schramsberg and Gloria Ferrar. The first sparkling to be made in the Santa Lucia

(Patrick Tregenza) Highlands in modern times, i.e., since Google became a replacement for Websters, Encylopedia Brittanica and your entire collection of Cliff notes, L’Homme Qui Ris ($29) is a mature, yeasty sparkler made from 60 percent Pinot Noir and 40 percent Chardonnay directly from McIntyre’s estate-owned vineyard and spends at least 20 months “en tirage.” That Continued on Page 20

True Prosecco is a True Delight

By Christine Piccin

hen I pop a cork at my holiday get-together, I want a wine that turns heads but that doesn’t break the bank. While Champagne might seem too serious or expensive, D.O.C.G. Prosecco, Italy’s top sparkling wine, is refreshing and lively sometimes elegant or minerally, floral, aromatic, and fruity, with notes of melon, peach, pear and citrus. It’s the perfect party wine and sells for around $15. With good reason, Prosecco sales in the U.S. rose over 30 percent last year. And if I want to kick it up a notch – there is a jewel of a Prosecco in the $20 to $30 range that comes from the tiny Cartizze area, one hill, in fact. Crafted by just a handful of winemakers, this true Prosecco "cru" – a vineyard or area of vineyards of a single vine variety – is elegantly perfumed with flavors of apricots and peaches, with hints of orange flower and rose. Cartizzes are the Cartiers of the Prosecco world – impressive, but still very affordable.

Prosecco is decidedly not Champagne, but it is a wine that has its place, comes from prime Italian vineyard estates and appellations, and is produced in a style to please every palate. This Italian sparkling wine hails from the northeast corner of Italy just an hour north of Venice. Prosecco Country is lush with rolling hills blanketed with vineyards, dotted with castles, and famous for its breathtaking scenery. Grapes for true Prosecco sparkling wine are grown on southern-facing slopes between the sheltering Dolomites and the Adriatic Sea, around the towns of Conegliano and Valdobbiadene. The origins of the main grape variety that goes into Prosecco sparkling (now called ‘Glera’) are somewhat of a mystery, but some scholars say it was known as the ‘Pucino’ in the time of the Roman Empire. It was rumored that the Empress Livia Augusta was particularly fond of the wine from this grape. Viticulture in the region dates back to ancient times, as evidenced by the work of man who has, over the centuries, sculpted the sunniest slopes with elaborate terracing. Since the steep slopes make it difficult to mechanize vineyard work, to the present, planting and harvesting has mostly been done by small growers, by hand. Because of its lengthy history in the region, Prosecco from the Conegliano-

Valdobbiadene area has recently been granted the prestigious Italian D.O.C.G. status (Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita), a guarantee that the wine comes from the birthplace of Prosecco, and adheres to the strictest of quality standards. There are only 41 Italian wines that are entitled to the D.O.C.G. label, and only Prosecco with that label is true Prosecco. A consortium closely follows all phases of Prosecco production, from the planting of the vineyards, to the pruning, to choosing the right moment for harvesting the grapes. The grapes are harvested by hand then pressed very gently so that only the free-run juice from the heart of the berry is extracted and made into sparkling wine. The production method protects and preserves the wine’s lovely flavors and aromas. Before they are released for market, they are tasted one final time by a special commission, which certifies the wine’s quality, and approves a special seal for the bottle. There are two main styles of sparkling D.O.C.G. Prosecco widely available. “Extra Dry” is classic Prosecco, brilliant gold in color, and enlivened by strands of tiny bubbles. It is rich in aromas of apple and pear, bright with a hint of citrus, offering a soft texture and a floral bouquet. Italians love its barely perceptible sweetness as an aperitif wine, ideally served lightly chilled to 45-50°F. Extra Dry

Prosecco also compliments vegetable soups, seafood, pasta dishes with light meat sauces, and fresh cheeses. Brut Prosecco is the most modern of the Prosecco wines, and it has garnered an international following. It is characterized by richer aromas of citrus fruit, with elegant mineral and yeasty notes, and is refreshingly brisk. This is the sparkling wine par excellence for the table. Brut Prosecco should be served chilled (4446°F) and goes well with fish and vegetables hors d’oeuvres and seafood or, as is the custom in Prosecco Country, throughout the entire meal. At the top of the quality pyramid is Cartizze, the very special Prosecco from the historic “Superiore di Cartizze” subzone, a single hill of vineyards situated between the villages of Santo Stefano, Saccol and San Pietro di Barbozza. This sparkling wine is usually made in the Brut style, and is distinct and truly sumptuous. The intensity of its color signals the complexity of the aromas that are to follow: from apple to pear, apricot to citrus fruit and rose, with a pleasant endnote of toasted almonds. Whether Prosecco is Extra Dry or Brut, from Cartizze, Conegliano or Valdobbiadene, the D.O.C.G. label indicates an authentic Italian Prosecco. Any other is simply a cheap imitation.

www.vinetimesonline.com • December 2010 / January 2011

Paso Robles Winery Guide

ADELAIDA WINERY 1 5805 Adelaida Road, PR 805-239-8980, adelaida.com Tasting Daily 10-5 2 AJB VINEYARDS 3280 Township Road, PR 805-239-9432, ajbvineyards.com Tasting Sat-Sun 12-5 3 ANGLIM WINERY 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 5 VINEYARDS 8790 E.Hwy.41,Creston 805-239-2455, augustridge.com Tasting Sat-Sun 11-5 or by Appt. 7 B & E VINEYARDS 10000 Creston Rd., PR 805-238-4815, bevineyard.com Tasting Fri-Sun 11-5 8 BELLA LUNA 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 ESTATE WINES 13 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 20 Tasting Daily 12-5 D’ANBINO VINEYARDS & 22 CELLARS 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 51 5620 E. Hwy. 46, PR 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 VINEYARD 26 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 FALCON NEST 34 VINEYARD & WINERY 5185 Union Rd., PR 805-226-0227, falconnestwine.com, Tasting Daily 10-6 FIRESTONE VINEYARD 35 2300 Airport Road, PR 805-591-8050, firestonewine.com Tasting Daily 10-5 36 FOUR VINES 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 39 2174 W. Hwy 46, PR 805-237-0771, greywolfcellars.com, Tasting Daily 11-5:30 HALTER RANCH 40 VINEYARD

16 December 2010 / January 2011 • www.vinetimesonline.com

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) 46 J. LOHR WINERY 6169 Airport Road, PR 805-239-8900, jlohr.com Tasting Daily 10-5 47 JADA VINEYARD 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 90 LA VIGNE WINERY 5115 Buena Vista Dr., PR 805-227-4000 lavignewinery.com Tasting Daily 11-6, 11-5 (winter) 52 LINNE CALODO 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 53 locatelliwinery.com Tasting Fri-Sun 11-4 or by Appt. 54 LONE MADRONE 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 57 7000 E. Hwy.46, PR 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 60 VINEYARDS 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 63 moonstonecellars.com Tasting Thu-Mon 11-5 65 NADEAU FAMILY 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 68 PASO PORT 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 71 2040 Niderer Rd., PR 805-227-6385 pipestonevineyards.com Tasting Thu-Mon 11-5 POALILLO VINEYARDS72 1888 Willow Creek Rd., PR 805-238-0600, Tasting by Appt. 73 PRETTY-SMITH 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 79 3443 Mill Road, PR 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 CELLARS 86 1525 Peachy Canyon Rd., PR 805-238-7872, stackedstone.com Tasting Mon-Thu by Appt., Fri-Sun 11-5

STILL WATERS 87 VINEYARD 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) TABLAS CREEK VINEYARD 92 9339 Adelaida Rd, PR 805-237-1231, tablascreek.com Tasting Daily 10-5 TERRY HOAGE 93 VINEYARDS 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 95 8950 Union Rd., PR 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 VINEYARDS97 1795 Las Tablas Rd.,Templeton 805-369-0127, venteuxvineyards.com Tasting Mon-Fri 12-5, Sat-Sun 10-5 VIA VEGA WINERY 98 22378 Adobe Rd., PR 805-423-2190, viavega.com Tasting Fri-Sat 11-5, Sun by appt. 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 103 VINEYARDS 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 106 WINERY 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 107 wildhorsewinery.com Tasting Daily 11-5 WINDWARD VINEYARD 108 1380 Live Oak Rd., PR 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 110 1550 W. Hwy. 46, PR 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 . . . Napa Valley By Denise Kouzoujian

had intended to take a road trip back to Lodi when, woops! It took a sharp turn and I ended up visiting Napa instead. The evening before I hit the road, my friends Kathryn and Laura unknowingly “peaked my curiosity.” They told me about spectacular wines and the incredible people behind the glass at Judd’s Hill Winery in Napa Valley. The family that built the winery sounded so wonderful, they reminded me of my own lively Greek family. I just had to drive up to meet them, taste their delicious wines, and have a little adventure! I picked up my mother on a very special morning – the morning our own SF Giant’s were back in town after winning the World Series! As we passed through San Francisco, heading towards the Bay Bridge, we gave a big wave out to the fans and players at the Giant’s Victory Parade. We soon found ourselves engulfed by the warm fall colors as we drove into Napa Valley and onto the Silverado Trail. I always enjoy driving through this beautiful wine region and stopping at the fruit and vegetable stands peppered along the highway. Terrific thoughts of a sweet and

savory pumpkin soup, a comforting Grilled Lamb Chop & Polenta, and wilted greens sitting atop a rich mushroom sauce filled my head. Now, to find the perfect wine to enjoy with these new dishes! As we entered the drive, we passed the estate vineyard leading up to Judd’s Hill Winery. The grounds were filled with enticing vegetable gardens and a lovely patio canopied by beautiful trees, flowers and shrubs. We were greeted by Judd Finkelstein (owner and winemaker), our friends, Kathryn and Laura, along with other members of their family. It was an absolutely gorgeous afternoon. The sun shone brightly on the golden colors in the vineyard, providing a spectacular backdrop while sitting in the garden patio as we tasted unbelievable wines. Judd shared his personal journey and his family’s history with us as well. We were then introduced to J Brewner, resident wine and food pairing guru. As sweet as can be, J was bursting with knowledge. We talked about the delicious wines and creative dishes to complement them. We listened to wonderful stories about the family that is behind the Judd’s Hill Winery. Judd’s parents, Art and Bunnie, started the winery out of

their L.A. garage in the early 70s. From what he said, they are an amazing couple with creative minds, a love for the arts, and a longtime passion for wine. As J entertained, we drank from the Judd collection, leading me to find the perfect wines I was looking for. Judd’s Hill 2008 Estate Pinot Noir, Napa Valley – $34. This wine will enhance the dining experience not only with my Sweet and Savory Pumpkin Soup but with a Pumpkin Pie as well. Yes, Pumpkin Pie – J swears by it! These grapes get more sun allowing a better chance to ripen, giving more dynamic and bold flavors. Judd’s Hill 2009 Old Vine Zinfandel, Lodi – $30. How about that – I managed to get to Lodi after all! These grapes are hand picked off of 76-year-old vines grown in Lodi. This gorgeous wine has a great balance of spice with a smooth, creamier texture and a soft herbal finish. On this trip, I walked away with more than I had hoped for. I found not only great wines to enjoy with my dishes but I joined the wine club and became part of the Judd’s Hill “family” as well. I walked in with a hand-shake and a smile, then left hours later with a few bottles of vino and a hug.

Savory Mushroom Sauce

Grilled Lamb Chops & Polenta, Wilted Greens Sitting atop a Savory Mushroom Sauce This dish is not only elegant but warm and comforting as well. Savor this simple dish throughout the holiday season and enjoy with your family and friends. Serves 4.

Grilled Lamb Chops & Polenta

8 small lamb rib chops, thin-cut and lean 1 tablespoon French gray sea salt, coarse (coarse sea salt works fine, too) 2 tablespoons dried sage 2 tablespoons dried thyme 2 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil Pinch of black pepper 1 package of cooked polenta Combine sea salt, sage and thyme in a small bowl. Place the lamb chops in a shallow baking dish. Drizzle olive oil over the chops and gently rub in to coat each chop, bone and all. Sprinkle half of the salt-and-herb mixture and pepper on one side of the chops; flip over chops and sprinkle the other side to coat the meat on all four sides. Let chops sit for about 10 minutes, flipping occasionally. Grill chops on the barbeque or in a grill pan over medium heat for 3-4 minutes each side. Set aside. Slice the polenta into 1/2 inch circles and grill about 1 to 2 minutes on each side.

2 cups of a variety of mushrooms, thinly sliced 1 shallot, thinly sliced 2 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped 2 tablespoon fresh thyme, picked Pinch of fine sea salt Dash of pepper 2 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil 1 tablespoon butter 1/4 cup prepared French Demi-glaze 1/8 cup heavy cream Over a medium heat, sauté mushrooms and shallots in a sauté pan with olive oil and butter. Sprinkle a dash of salt and pepper and cook down for about 5 minutes or, until they begin to turn a golden brown. Add French DemiGlaze and half of the sage & thyme; reduce heat to low and let simmer for another 5 minutes. Slowly pour in heavy cream and set aside.

Wilted Mixed Greens:

2 Bunches Swiss Chard 2 Bunches Kale 4 Large Shallots 3 Cloves Garlic 1/4 Cup Olive Oil 1/2 Cup Chicken Broth Salt and Pepper to taste Cut greens into large 1 inch pieces and set aside. Heat oil in a large pan and add garlic and shallots and a pinch of salt. Cook until they begin to caramelize. Add greens to pan and cook down. Once greens have wilted, add chicken broth and cover for about 3-4 minutes. Plate, serve and enjoy with a glass of Judd’s Hill Winery’s 2009 Old Vine Zinfandel

Denise Kouzoujian with family and friends enjoying a gorgeous afternoon at Judd’s Hill Winery. (J Brewner)

Judd’s Hill wines displayed in their tasting room. (Denise Kouzoujian)

Judd Finkelstein proudly holding his grape pumice after the crush. (Denise Kouzoujinan)

Sweet & Savory Pumpkin Soup This cool weather soup is not only simple but comforting as well. Sweetened with apples, sweet milk & honey, it almost tastes like pumpkin pie in a bowl. 5 cups pumpkin, peeled, seeded and cut into 1-1/2 inch pieces 2 medium apples, peeled, cored and sliced 1 medium sweet onion, chopped 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 tablespoon butter 6 cups low-sodium chicken stock 1/4 cup honey 1 small can sweetened evaporated milk (I use non-fat) 1 to 3 pinches of sea salt 1 cup crème fraiche 1/4 teaspoon ground white pepper 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/4 teaspoon ground all spice In a large sauce pan, sauté the pumpkin, butternut squash, onions, apples and a pinch of salt until the onions begin to turn golden brown. Add the rest of the ingredients, except the evaporated milk, to the pan. Bring to a boil and let simmer on low heat for 25 minutes, or until tender. Mix with an immersion blender until creamy, and then slowly stir in evaporated milk. Let cool a bit, then salt & pepper to taste. Serve warm and garnish with a dollop of crème fraiche, a hint of cinnamon and toasted pumpkin seeds.

www.vinetimesonline.com • December 2010 / January 2011

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 BYRON 20 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 & WINERY 78 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 December 2010 / January 2011 • 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 LAFOND 60 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 64 LONGORIA 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. STOLPMAN 88 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 93 TRE ANELLI WINE 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

A “Prelude” to Temecula’s Europa Village

perfect time to curl up with

By Tom Plant If you live in the Temecula region, you have probably passed the sign on Rancho California Road dozens of times over the past several years, advertising the imminent arrival of Europa Village. The long journey towards bringing this trio of boutique wineries from concept to reality is nearing its realization. On October 13, golden shovels sent dirt flying at the official groundbreaking ceremony for Europa Village’s Prelude tasting room. While onlookers sipped Europa Village Pinot Grigio and Tempranillo, what started as a dream began to take shape. Partners Dan Stephenson and Denis Ferguson spoke of what was to come. Representatives from several area wineries, including Briar Rose, Wilson Creek and Miramonte lent their support, and Jeff Greene, chief of staff for Assemblyman Kevin Jeffries of the 66th District added his best wishes while presenting a certificate of appreciation. Denis looks at Prelude as a screening room, if you will, a definition for the Europa Village project. Prelude is the initial tasting room that will introduce people to Europa Village while the rest is being built. It will be housed in the first 3,400 square foot L-shaped building that will eventually feature a small French bistro at one end with an above ground “cave” at the other hosting intimate wine events. Not only will Europa Village be unlike anything else in the Temecula Valley, he says it will be unlike anything else anywhere. The goal is to replicate a time gone by when the pace of life was slower. Three boutique wineries: C’est La Vie Chateau, Bolero Cellars and Vienza will be at the heart of the village. Nuances of the old world will be evident from the gardens to the small streets where you can stroll among all three wineries. Ferguson says they want to tell a story. “If Europa Village is a book, you want to at least get them into the first couple of chapters and then have them come back for more.” The principals believe a respect for this area and their neighbors will play a key role in their success. To that end, they are involved with a master plan for wine country. “Without respect, you don’t have success,” says Ferguson. “We succeed if everyone else succeeds.” Supervisor Jeff Stone sees huge potential for the region. Ferguson notes that the Temecula Valley is one of the few wine regions that allows amenities other than winemaking. Many regions do not allow their wineries to have an on-site restaurant or to host concerts, Temecula does. With that in mind, the plan is to offer restaurants and events in harmo-

Mid winter’s storms are the some J. Lohr wine – fireside.

Local color stands in as the Color Guard (Tom Plant)

The dirt flew on October 13 at the official groundbreaking ceremony for Temecula’s Europa Village Prelude Tasting Room. (Tom Plant)

Partners Dan Stephenson and Denis Ferguson spoke of their plans for the project. (Tom Plant) ny with the old world European feel Europa Village will offer. Their values in winemaking aim for consistency with age-old values of European winemaking traditions. The wines will focus on varietals from the Mediterranean, Rhône, Priorat, Piedmont and Tuscany regions. Prelude will have one winemaker creating wines for all three Continued on Page 30

SAN JOSE

PASO ROBLES

jlohr.com www.vinetimesonline.com • December 2010 / January 2011

Sparkling for A New Decade Continued from Page 15 means it gathers the richness and depth one expects to find in a classic bubbly and also allows for a wine that improves with age, unlike so many sparkling wines made to be consumed immediately upon production. This Grande Duchesse calmly delivers a French boulangerie’s more toasty, weighty baked goods, like custard filled pastries and almond croissants. You’ll find yourself licking your lips for a taste of buttery crumbs. Now, really, can your iPhone app do that? Visit mcintyrevineyards.com. J Vineyard and Winery: Don’t cross the threshold of the New Year without a treat from the Sparkling Queen of the Russian River Valley. For those of you who have missed the champagne-christened

boat, J, begun by winemaker Judy Jordan in 1986, is a legend. Here, sparkling wine is made according to the mêthode champenoise, the traditional method used to make Champagne in the eponymous region northeast of Paris. More power to them for doing some really cool varietals also, but their prowess remains the bubble-zone. They have two delightful ways to uncork a celebration for the holidays. There’s the J Cuvee 20 Brut NV ($20, jwine.com) that celebrates their 20 years of winemaking with a blend of 49 percent Chardonnay, 49 percent Pinot Noir and 2 percent Pinot Meunier. Deliciously inviting, and at a very reasonable price, this bubbly packs crisp apple, grapefruit and angel food cake along with hints of toasty almonds and caramel, plus some nice ripe pear. A tad of residual sugar guarantees that

everyone will enjoy. The J Brut Rose NV ($35, jwine.com) is a stalwart and stately sparkling, made from 56 percent Pinot and 44 percent Chardonnay, with a gorgeous pale pink sheath and so much engaging flavor beneath. The aromas of strawberries, ripe nectarines and Pink Lady apples beckon you to peel back the skin and dip your tongue into the deliciousness of cherry, rhubarb, key lime, ruby grapefruit, blood orange and tangerine. What a treat to enjoy with salmon mousse or citrus-marinated prawns grilled in a bath of blood orange or lime olive oil from Stella Cadente out of Mendocino. By itself it is fine, but so rich a body and texture deserves cuisine. Such a sacrifice! Happy New Year to all and to all a good night, and enjoy an endless flight of great bubblies. 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 & 12 VINEYARD 3500 Carson Rd., Camino 530-644-4018 finzinwines.com Tasting Fri-Sun 11-5 13 GOLD HILL WINERY 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 ILLUMINARE ESTATE 16 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 MADROÑA VINEYARDS 19 2560 High Hill Rd., Camino 530-644-5948 madronavineyards.com Tasting Daily 11-5 MIRAFLORES WINERY 21 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

20 December 2010 / January 2011 • www.vinetimesonline.com

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

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 IVERSON WINERY 14 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

21 SIERRA OAKS ESTATES 8171 Mt.Aukum Rd., Mt.Aukum 530-620-7079 sierraoaksestates.com Tasting Wed-Sun 11-5 SINGLE LEAF VINEYARD 22 & 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

. . .The Old Sugar Mill in Clarksburg By Kimberly Horg-Webb

he Old Sugar Mill is located along the scenic Sacramento River in Clarksburg, Calif. The building was originally located in Logan Utah. When the Utah factory closed in 1933 it was brought to Clarksburg piece by piece by railroad. It produced sugar until 1993 and was then vacant for several years until plans were made by the Carvalho Family to renovate the building and create a destination for another commodity; wine tasting and a custom crush facility. The Old Sugar Mill opened its’ doors in 2003 and is now home to a unique union of six California wineries and their signature wines: Todd Taylor Wines, Three Wine Company, The Solomon Wine Company, Heringer Estates, Clarksburg Wine Company and the Carvalho Family Wines. Each winery offers visitors something different. The Carvalho Family Winery has been making premium wine for more than 100 years. The family tradition started in the villages and vineyards of Portugal and now continues in Clarksburg. They are dedicated to the production of small-lot, hand-crafted California wines using grapes

from the Clarksburg appellation and other high-quality vineyards throughout California. Todd Taylor Wines produces single vineyard designated wines. Grapes are specifically selected from vineyards that produce premium fruit for their varietal. Todd Taylor makes its own wine from start to finish using traditional methods and aged in oak cooperage that highlights the flavors of the specific grape. The Heringer Estates premium wines have more than 140 years of farming experience under its belt. Winemaker Michael Heringer is the sixth generation of Heringers to farm in the Clarksburg area. Heringer family members are directly involved in both managing the vineyards and handcrafting the wine. Michael’s wife, Donna Heringer was proudly holding the newest member of their family, Tucker, in her arms while explaining why her family knows how to make wine. “There are six generations of grape farmers at Heringer so we know how to grow grapes,” she said. “There is great wine here in a close proximity and it is a great place to come out and see.” Sacramento resident Bernadette Austin-Bower took a day trip to The Mill

BANTAM CELLARS

NAPA VALLEY AVA • • • • • • • •

Fairplay Wine Area 800-622-1323

$1,320,000

Inside The Old Sugar Mill’s hallway’s. (Kimberly Horg-Webb)

SHENANDOAH VALLEY WINERY

SHENANDOAH VALLEY

5 Acres w/ small vineyard 1900 SqFt ranch home Great highway exposure 2800 Sqft tasting room w/ kitchen, office & storage Paved parking lot Small orchard surrounds country house Home has 800 sqft double car garage In the middle of all the Shenandoah Valley Wineries

$2,690,000

(Kimberly Horg-Webb)

with her parents who were visiting from out of town. “We just finished tasting at Heringer. I like tasting the fruity wines and like Chardonnay and dessert wines the best,” Austin-Bower, said. She says she has been to The Mill before and thought it would be a fun place to take her family. Rudy Meyers, also from Sacramento, is another repeat visitor. He keeps coming back for more because he likes the atmosphere and all the different varieties of wines. “It is rare to find a place like this Continued on Page 22

TASTING ROOM & HOUSE

NAPA - 131 ACRES

• 131 Acres- 2 separate parcels • Breathtaking views- San Pablo Bay, Napa River, Mt Tamalpais & valley vineyards • 1 Acre Syrah Noir • 59+/- Plantable acreage • Multiple building sites • Close to Napa airport & Napa marina • Easy access from Hwy 12 in Napa County • Unbelievably priced at $20K an acre! • Possible Seller financing w/acceptable terms • Bank owned, BLA needs county approval

Outside The Old Sugar Mill

SHENANDOAH AVA • • • • • •

65 acres with great building sites and views Tasting room Capable of 12K-14K cases a year Long established label 2 winery buildings – 9800 sq ft total Price includes license, label, equipment, wine club and real property • Big well - plenty of water • 1500 sqft office • Owner financing w/sufficient down payment

$1,995,000

Shenandoah Valley Wine Area 800-748-5931 www.vinetimesonline.com • December 2010 / January 2011

Discover:The Old Sugar Mill in Clarksburg Continued from Page 21 with all the different wineries in one location,” he said. Tim Waits, president of Clarksburg Wine Growers and Vintners Association, had the same to say about the unique setting. “All the wineries here offer something

The Old Sugar Mill Marketing Representative Mary Tye with Clarksburg Wine Growers and Vinters President Tim Waits. (Kimberly Horg-Webb)

different so it gives people a chance to taste a lot of different wines and helps promote them,” Waits said. “We are so fortunate to have this in our community.” Waits started growing grapes six years ago. He has 135 acres split between Pinot Noir and Petite Sirah. According to him, Clarksburg is a small community that is really close to a large community so visiting it is like going back in time. It was also the first time Lodi residents Jerry and Lauren Wisenor visited The Mill. The couple says it’s not only a great place for them to taste wine but it’s also a pet friendly establishment and they like that they can bring their dog. The Sugar Mill actually prides itself in being a place for the entire family. Many of the wineries offer children candy and pets dog treats so they don’t feel left out when

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, 44 LAWSON STATION 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 December 2010 / January 2011 • www.vinetimesonline.com

their parents are wine tasting. Co-owner of Three Wine Company, Erin Cline says the people who come to taste are a casual group who bring their pets and children along for the experience. Cline and her husband Matt came up with the name, Three by what the couple believes is important in making good wine; soil, micro-climate and sustainable winegrowing. Matt Cline has been practicing his skills at making wine for the last 20 years. He has a close relationship with the growers who he buys from in Contra Costa County. “We opened up in 2007 and are the newest winery to open here,” Erin said. Three of Three’s most popular wines are the premium Zinfandel, Carignane and the Mataro. Soloman Wine Company has three labels: Cloud 9, their premium signature blend; Garsa Wine, a special blend; and 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.

Lodi residents Jerry and Lauren Wisenor taste wine at Solomon Wine Company while Solomon employee Bill Brown explains the various selections. (Kimberly Horg-Webb) Muse Wine which is their light body party wine. Bill Brown, Soloman Wine pourer, has been working there for the past four years. He says he sees not only visitors from out of the area but a lot of locals taste wine; some of the locals that come for tastContinued on Page 30

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-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 winery or changes to be included in our February / March issue’s guides. Please submit by Jan. 10, 2011 to editor@ vinetimesmagazine.com

Miraflores Winery By Linda J Bottjer

egacy is a word often used for sports’ teams and family memories. To sit with winemaker Marco Capelli at Miraflores Winery as the setting sun casts random patterns of golden rays through vines of Viognier grapes is to be where the patina of California’s winemaking legacy is burnished for the next generation. Like old vines are cherished and treated with respect, so is the advice of winemakers past. Capelli learned from one of the best – André Tchelistcheff. Known as the “dean of American winemaking,” the Russian born enologist met the young Capelli in Napa at the start of his career. The man also credited for advising Robert Mondovi and Louis Martini had a constant mantra when it came to producing great wine: It all begins in the vineyards. Three decades later Capelli can be found still practicing the maestro’s concepts as he flawlessly adds his own alchemy to the wines of Miraflores Winery, found in El Dorado County’s Pleasant Valley section. Working with three wineries in the Sierra Foothills’AVAhe is continually encouraged by the superiority of grapes found there. At 2,900 feet, Miraflores represents the highest altitude of vineyards he works with. He finds the soils among the winery’s many micro climates to be well drained and possessing a well balanced mineral structure. Capelli knows his job is not to inflict his own tastes on the wine, but rather reflect the tastes of the winery owners. With Victor and Cheryl Alvarez he has owners whose professionalism he respects – from their belief in growing only the best grapes to Victor’s expertise regarding when to pick the grapes. The Alvarez desire for bountiful and abundantly vibrant wines is what Miraflores delivers. Do try the ‘08 Princesa NV Muscat Canelli, a lovely apertif wine. Flavors including apricot marmalade and caramel with a bit of orange zest intersect for a taste that is far from cloying. Instead it is an engaging invitation to the palette for a multi course meal or a bit of cheese. Cluster pressed Calaveras County grapes are tank fermented giving the ‘09 Pinot Grigio’s apple crispness a refreshing snap at the roof of the mouth. Gardenia wearing Billie Holiday might never have sung the blues had she been offered a glass of the 2009 Viognier. Barreled lightly in new oak, the tropical notes are mutely played as the floral, particularly gardenia botanicals and lack of added yeasts bring a dulcet wine that harmonizes well with dishes like sushi. Coriander and tamarind tinged chicken tikka would work wonderfully with the flintiness of their Chardonnay brought out

The seamless melding of old and new be found in the recently opened new tasting room at Miraflores Winery. (Linda J. Bottjer) by the wine’s natural lack of malolactic fermentation. Do focus on the 2007 Barbera for its open robustness brought on by a smoked cedar taste with the fruit forward of massive cherry. A powerhouse of Syrahs can be found at Miraflores. Two contrasting rewards of the Methode Anciennes begin with the bright bouquet of violets and finish as tastes of tart red currant linger on the tongue. Soft with a hit of heat along the upper palette the ‘07 is a particular thrill. A Syrah of the same vintage also possesses a rich nose this time of graphite coming in part from 20 months in a barrel with 40 days spent on the skins. The Botricelli profusely amplifies Capelli’s skills from Nature’s unique offerings. With only a 12 percent alcohol level, the fat taste it delivers from Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc grapes of Lake County surprises many. Botrytis Cinerea is the deepening reason. The mold on grapes intensifies the full honeyed nectar aspect drawn out in part from a 100 percent French oak aging. Sipped with a nibble of Roquefort cheese it serves to remind all that the true joys in life are often simple ones. The seamless melding of old and new is also found in the recently opened new tasting room. The new structure is studded with items of the past including sixteenth century flooring and a simply embellished stone fireplace from seventeenth century Cyprus. Beams overhead were constructed from lumber dating back to the Mexican War of three centuries ago. Original implements used by seekers of treasure are found on the grounds as if their past serves as a beacon for those of today who search out wealth of wine. Legacies are still in the making.

Santa Claus is coming to Story Winery! Saturday, December 18th, 11am to 5pm JOIN US FOR THE FESTIVITIES!! 10525 Bell Road • Plymouth, CA (209) 245-6208 • (800) 713-6390

www.zin.com Hours: Mon-Fri Noon to 4 • Sat-Sun 11 to 5

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 Four Golds: 2006 Pinot Noir, 2008 Pinot Noir, 2007 Sangiovese, 2007 Pinot Noir

Order Online at www.soquelvineyards.com Miraflores Winery is located at 20 Four Springs Trail in Placerville. They are open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information visit their website at mirafloreswinery.com or call (530) 647-8505.

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 • December 2010 / January 2011

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 HELENA VIEW JOHNSTON 117 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 138 7227 Pope Valley Rd., 707-965-2675, aetnaspringscellars.com, A CLEAVAGE CREEK WINERY 139 6307 Pope Valley Rd., cleavagecreek.com, 707-965-1246, A POPE VALLEY WINERY 140 6613 Pope Valley Rd., popevalleywinery.com, 888-295-1280, 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

24 December 2010 / January 2011 • www.vinetimesonline.com

FLORA SPRINGS WINE CO. 228 677 S. St. Helena Hwy. 707-967-8032,florasprings.com Tasting Daily 10-5, T 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 301 ALPHA OMEGA WINERY 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

(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 MAP 4 NAPA ACACIA VINEYARD 401 2750 Las Amigas Rd., 707-226-9991 877-226-1700, acaciawinery.com Tasting Daily 10-4, Sun- A ALTAMURA WINERY 402 1700 Wooden Valley Rd., 707-253-2000, altamura.com, A ANDRETTI WINERY 403 4162 Big Ranch Rd., 707-261-1717, andrettiwinery.com,Tasting Daily 10-5,T BALDACCI FAMILY VINEYARDS 363 6236 Silverado Tr., 707-944-9261, baldaccivineyards.com, AT BLACK STALLION WINERY 405 4089 Silverado Tr., 707-253-1400 blackstallionwinery.com Tasting Daily 10-5 BOUCHAINE VINEYARDS 406 1075 Buchli Station Rd., 707-2529065/ 800-654-WINE, bouchaine.com Tasting Mon-Fri 10-4, Sat 10:30-5, T CEJA VINEYARDS 408 1248 First St., 707-226-6445 cejavineyards.com Tasting Daily 11-6 CHIMNEY ROCK WINERY 366 5350 Silverado Tr., 800-257-2641, chimneyrock.com,Tasting Daily 10-5, T CLOS DU VAL WINE CO. LTD.368 5330 Silverado Tr., 707-261-5225, closduval.com, Tasting Daily 10-5, T DARIOUSH WINERY 412 4240 Silverado Tr., 707-257-2345, darioush.com, Tasting Daily 10:30-5, T DEL DOTTO CAVES 413 1055 Atlas Peak Rd., 707-256-3372, deldottovineyards.com, AT DOMAINE CARNEROS BY 414 TAITTINGER 1240 Duhig Rd., 800-716-2788 domaine.com, Tasting Daily 10-6 ELKE VINEYARDS 416 2222 Third Ave., 707-258-1822 elkevineyards.com, A ELKHORN PEAK CELLARS 417 200 Polson Rd.,707-255-0504 888-829-5082 elkhornpeakcellars.com, A ELYSE WINERIES 418 2100 Hoffman Lane, 707-9442900, elysewinery.com, A FARELLA-PARK VINEYARDS 420 2222 Third Ave., 707-254-9489 farella.com, AT FRAZIER 421 40 Lupine Hill Rd., 707-255-3444/ 707-255-1399, frazierwinery.com, AT HAGAFEN CELLARS 423 4160 Silverado Tr. 888-HAGAFEN, hagafen.com, A HARTWELL VINEYARDS 424

5795 Silverado Tr., 707-255-4269, hartwellvineyards.com. AT 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 2530 Las Amigas Rd., 707-252-0186, mckenziemueller.com, A MONTICELLO VINEYARDS 440 4242 Big Ranch Rd., 707-253-2802/ 800-743-6668, Tasting Daily 10-4:30 MOSS CREEK WINERY 441 6015 Steele Canyon Rd., 707-2521295, mosscreekwinery.com, A NAPA WINE MERCHANTS 442 (Tasting for Astrale e Terra,Ceviche,Crichton Hall,Gustavo Thrace, Liparita,Rocca Family,St. Barthelemy,Waterstore,Young Ridge,Z-52)

1146 First St., 707-257-6796 napawinemerchant.com Tasting Mon-Sat 10-5 PARADUXX 444 7257 Silverado Tr.,707-945-0890 paraduxx.com, A PINE RIDGE WINERY 445 5901 Silverado Tr. , 707-252-9777/ 800-575-9777, pineridgewinery.com Tasting Daily 10:30-4:30, T REGUSCI WINERY 446 5584 Silverado Tr., 707-254-0403 regusciwinery.com, A REYNOLDS FAMILY WINERY 447 3266 Silverado Tr., 707-258-2558, reynoldsfamilywinery.com, AT ROBERT CRAIG WINE CELLARS 448 880 Vallejo St., 707.252.2250, ext 1, robertcraigwine.com, AT ROBERT SINSKEY VINEYARDS 449 6320 Silverado Tr., 707-944-9090/ 800-869-2030, robertsinskey.com Tasting Daily 10-4:30 SAINTSBURY 451 1500 Los Carneros Ave. 707-252-0592, saintsbury.com, T SHAFER VINEYARDS 452 6154 Silverado Tr., 707-944-2877, shafervineyards.com, A SIGNORELLO VINEYARDS 453 4500 Silverado Tr., 707-255-5990, signorellovineyards.com, AT SILENUS VINTNERS 454 5225 Solano Ave., 707-299-3930, silenusvintners.com, A SILVERADO HILL CELLARS 456 3103 Silverado Tr., 707-253-9306, A SILVERADO VINEYARDS 394 6121 Silverado Tr., 707-257-1770/ 800-997-1770, silveradovineyards.com Tasting Daily 10-4:30, T SKY VINEYARDS 458 1500 Lokoya Road, 707-9351391,skyvineyards.com, A STAG’S LEAP WINE CELLAR 395 5766 Silverado Tr., 707-261-6441, stagsleap.com, Tasting Daily 10-4:30, T STAR HILL WINERY 461 1075 Shadybrook Ln. 707-255-1957, A STELTZNER VINEYARDS 462

5998 Silverado Tr., 707-252-7272, steltzner.com, Tasting Daily 10:30-4:30 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,

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 • December 2010 / January 2011

Napa Valley Winery Guide

rutherfordhill.com,Tasting Daily 10-5,T 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 334 BONDED WINERY #9 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

The Ultimate California Wine Experience!

From Behind

the

Tasting Bar

By Cynthia Bournellis

2010 Harvest Santa Cruz Mountains Growers and Winemakers Weigh In

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

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 December 2010 / January 2011 • www.vinetimesonline.com

The 2010 harvest in California has been the question on the minds of tasting room customers asking how this year’s crop will fair. To keep them abreast, I spent most of October talking to winemakers and grape growers in the Santa Cruz Mountains to get their take on things. Their consensus: the 2010 vintage is not doomed. In fact, the vintage holds much promise: acids are high and sugar levels are good, so the wines Jeff Emery, winemaker, Santa Cruz should be nicely balanced. Mountain Vineyard, looks through a Cooler temperatures this year are one refractometer to check the degree of Brix reason acids are up. Cooler weather, how- in Cabernet Sauvignon grapes from ever, had growers and winemakers dancing Luchessi Vineyard in Cupertino. around harvest, as temperatures fluctuated (Cynthia Bournellis) erratically. Winter rains lingered into spring, and brisk temps dominated summer. Fall was a mix of hot and cold snaps, with heat spikes in late September and mid-October, followed by intermittent rains through Halloween. The 2010 harvest was unlike any winemaker Michael Sones, of Sones Cellars, has seen since 1995, according to his wife and co-winemaker Lois. Because harvest came later this year than in the last few years, the duo saw more than their share of grape shipments in October, a time when harvest winds down not up. More than half the grapes they source from 12 Jeff Emery, winemaker, Santa Cruz vineyards arrived mid-month. Santa Cruz Mountain Vineyard Mountain Vineyard, looks through a (SCMV) also got deluged. “ Grapes are refractometer to check the degree of Brix coming in all at once…we are totally in Cabernet Sauvignon grapes from slammed with fermentations right now, no Luchessi Vineyard in Cupertino. (Cynthia Bournellis) fewer than 20 of them to monitor at the same time,” said SCMV owner and winemaker Jeff Emery in early October. One exception is Cabernet Sauvignon Emery gets from Luchessi Vineyard in the Cupertino foothills. When we spoke earlier that month, Emery said the grapes were still a few weeks away from being picked. His estimation was spot on. I accompanied him to Luchessi to gather cluster samples and measure Brix (sugar levels). I had no idea the jaunt would result in a workout. Roughly 800 feet above sea level, the vineyard is planted on a steep hillside in rich soil that, by the way, had just been tilled. My boots burrowed into the terrior with each vertical step. Better to have dry soil than wet – gathering samples in the rain and mud would have been challenging. And, rain was just two days away. Emery had to work fast, as the plan was to harvest the next day. Following Emery through the vineyard was like chasing after a child on an Easter egg hunt – he briskly bobbed and weaved through each block, grasping at clusters bursting from 30-year-old, gnarley head-pruned vines. He put the clusters from each block into plastic baggies and crushed them with one hand, then applied juice to his handheld refractometer, a device that measures Brix. “ 24.5 Brix,” he said. “ That’s pretty good. 25 would be better, but this is good.” The final field test was taste. “ I look at flavor more than acid,” said Emery. “ If acids are too high and sugars are too low, then Cabernet grapes will take on a green bean quality from being under-ripe.” I watched while he drank from the baggie, trying to anticipate his diagnosis. “ Things are starting to catch up,” he said, referring to an increase in Brix due to the last heat wave. The heat spell during that time was a godsend for many vineyards, and a death knell for others. Sones lost the Zinfandel they get from San Lucas in Monterey County. “ The grapes got badly burned and turned to raisins,” said Lois. Due to cooler temperContinued on Page 28

The Wine Chixs By Linda Kissam & Ginger Giordano

Hop on Board the Wine Trolley! The Wine Chixs love a good deal, premium wines, and a chance to visit a wine district in style. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been on shuttles, in limos, and certainly navigated our own car, but a trolley carâ&#x20AC;Śnot so much. The idea sort of flew into our heads when we were driving to an event. The Brewenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Empire Trolley pulled up next to us at a stop light filled with guests on their way to Temecula Wine Country (about 60 minutes from San Diego). They seemed to be The Wine Chix board The Wine Trolley having an awful lot of fun, toasting one at Pechanga Resort & Casino. another and listening intently to their guide, so we decided to book a tour to experience for ourselves what the buzz was all about. Our six-hour tour began at Pechanga Resort & Casino. Before we boarded the trolley we asked Pechangaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s concierge Yolie how she decides which wine-tasting tour company to recommend to guests. We had made our arrangements via phone, but you can do it online, or through a concierge. She simply stated, â&#x20AC;&#x153;I listen to what they want to do, give them a couple Our eclectic Wine Trolly group at one of of options, and then book them.â&#x20AC;? She the four wineries which we visited on shared that wine tours run in the $89 to our dayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s adventure. (Linda Kissam) $120 range. Guests can choose from a shuttle, a limo ride, a jeep adventure, or a trolley type experience. When we told her we were going on the Brewenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Empire Trolley, she gave us an encouraging smile and said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Good choice ladies, enjoy yourselves.â&#x20AC;? And we did â&#x20AC;&#x201C; big time. The Trolley arrived at 11 a.m. to pick up our eclectic group. Some were locals, some out of towners, and an international guest or two. We immediately experienced a warm greeting from Richard our tour guide and to our great surprise local wine aficionado Jim Lilly was our driver. We like the way this trolley mixes old world charm with a great new world experience: a stop at four special wineries, a simple gourmet lunch, and treats and tips from the pros. We experienced a well-organized, informative tour that let us concentrate on having fun and tasting wines with no cares. Each stop was just long enough to experience the taste of each place, without being too rushedâ&#x20AC;Śor too bored. The trolley stays with guests all day, and you can bring your wine glass on board and taste as you ride along. Travel-hidden Temecula Valley Wine Country and Brewenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Empire Trolley have a lot in common: they are both works of art and worthy of your time and treasure. As the engaging and uber-smart owner of the trolley company, Amy Brewen often says, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Life is short. Enjoy the ride.â&#x20AC;? So we did just that. Our first stop was the Inn at Churon Winery. This is actually a B & B / winery combo. This property has the look of a French Chateau and offers 22 uniquely beautiful rooms upstairs and a lovely tasting room and gift shop downstairs. Service was warm and friendly under the direction of tasting room manager Damion Prince. We quickly found out that Winemaker Benny Rodriquez makes some solid wines. We enjoyed his 2010 gold medal winning Viognier ($16.99). With hints of Kiwi and honeysuckle, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s an everyday white wine that goes well with grilled fish or a Greek Fig Salad. The 2006 Syrah ($26.99) had a soft, earthy nose with a tinge of strawberry & blackberries. Churonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s chef (Enrique Alvarado) suggests pairing it with Cedar-Planked Salmon, Grilled Lamb or Blackened Chicken. Next stop was the hip Robert Renzoni Winery. This place has â&#x20AC;&#x153;Italianâ&#x20AC;? down to a science. Owner Robert Renzoni joined the Wine Chixs for a convivial tasting of premium wines. Robert is enthusiastic and passionate not only about his wines, but the Temecula Valley wine region itself. After 30 minutes with Rob, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hard not to be convinced that Temecula Valley is one of the best places for premium wine production. Robâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s wines are thoughtfully crafted and chosen for their expressive nature. Want to â&#x20AC;&#x153;taste the place?â&#x20AC;? We suggest you start here. We can highly recommend their 2008 Pinot Grigio ($20) for its mildly fragrant nose and subtle notes of apple and lemon. Nice finContinued on Page 28

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www.vinetimesonline.com â&#x20AC;˘ December 2010 / January 2011

The Wine Chixs Santa Claus is Coming to

STORY

WINERY

Saturday, December 18th, 11am to 5pm JOIN

US FOR THE FESTIVITIES!!

From candy canes & gingerbread men, to Russian tea cakes & truffles, & fruitcake(?)... We’re pairing Santa’s Favorite Treats w/ Santa’s Favorite Story Wines! $12 per flight/per person (or $5 for wine club members). In the Story Cellar from 1 to 3pm.

Pictures with Santa Along w/ sharing his wine & food pairing expertise, Santa will be available for pictures. $5 per photo from Noon to 4pm.

Wine Sale! Wine makes a great gift and you can use this wine sale to finalize all those last-minute gifts on your list. In the tasting room from 11am to 5pm.

10525 Bell Road • Plymouth, CA (209) 245-6208 • (800) 713-6390 • www.zin.com Hours: Sat-Sun, 11 - 5 and Mon - Fri, Noon- 4

The Art of Fine Wine Vaso Peritos by

Exclusively at

North Bay Gallery “Exceptional handcrafted works of art”

6525 Washington St. 31 East Napa St. Sonoma, CA 95476 Yountville, CA 94599 707.996.3453 707.945.0145 www.northbaygallery.net 28 December 2010 / January 2011 • www.vinetimesonline.com

Continued from Page 27 ish too! It was a split on our favorite red. Ginger fell in love with the 2008 Tempranillo ($36), and Linda went home with a bottle of the 2007 Fiore di Fano ($58). Of note is the fun additional tastings of Renzoni’s own olive oils and the Mama Rosa’s Marinara Sauce. This sauce honors the Renzoni Italian heritage and comes from an authentic family recipe. Hey! It’s “yum” at its best. We stuffed two jars into our purses. Lunch was up next at the picturesque Renzoni Winery picnic area. The fare was Italian sandwiches and salad. We appreciated the simple short respite set amongst olive trees, lush vineyards and nicely manicured horse trails. It was here we had a chance to ask trolley owner Amy Brewen about her business. “I focus on quality. I want my product to be unique and reasonably priced. I am actually a mobile event company. We not only do the wine tasting tours, but we organize foodie tours, brew tours, arts-related tours and so forth. “ She told us that her customers and their experience is her priority in everything she does. “I want my clients to ask questions and I honor requests of any kind. Developing the relationship makes the connection.” Yup, we got that. Plus you have to love a single mom who in one year’s time started a business, jumped out of an airplane, and ran a marathon. Onward down what’s known as the De Portola Wine Trail we ended up at Leonesse Cellars for our third tasting. This is a premium boutique winery. If you like reds, this is the stop for you. Under winemaker Tim Kramer’s gifted vision, the wines are elegant, fruit forward and complex. It’s a busy tasting room, we suggest for your best experience you go on a weekday. They also offer unique, informative tours – book one for sure. Our picks for this luscious winery begins with the 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon ($39) which showcases rich boysenberry and black currant layered with soft notes of lavender, and spice. Aged for 19 months in small French and American oak barrels it is the perfect accompaniment to red meat dishes, robust cheeses, and Italian dishes with tomato sauce. We also found the 2006 Meritage to be rich and elegant, with aromas of black cherry, black currant and spice. Aged for 18 months in small French oak barrels, it offers up soft, supple tannins leading into a long, velvety finish. Co-owner Mike Rennie was on property and offered us a sample of their upcoming $95 Syrah. Soft, smooth, elegant. A treat for sure – thanks Mike! Continued on Page 30

From Behind the Tasting Bar Continued from Page 26 atures, many vineyards did “ leaf picking” early on, a technique where leaves are pulled to expose the grapes to more sunlight so that they will ripen. Overexposure during a heat wave, however, will kill fruit. Conversely, too much water can dilute sugars and affect acids, creating flabby wines. When I spoke with Charlie Bates, owner of Bates Ranch, Brix on his Cabernet Sauvignon were more than 24 before rain hit October 17th. Two days later, they were as low as 21.5 in some areas of the vineyard and 23 in others. “ We’ll [probably have to] pick at 23; the flavor will be there but not the Brix,” said Bates, noting that higher Brix would result in a wine with higher alcohol, which he said is preferred for Cabernet.” Rains can also be an irritation during crush. Suited-up in bright yellow rain gear, Frank Ashton, winemaker and owner of Downhill Winery, waited somewhat impatiently late afternoon on October 22nd for rain to subside so that he could offload bins of grapes into the press. The last thing he wanted was a press full of rainwater. By 5 p.m., the weather cooperated and the most he got was drizzle. Drizzle did not keep Drew Brenkowitz, winemaker for Byington Vineyard & Winery, from working late into that same evening. Like a trooper, he maneuvered bins of grapes from the forklift into the press by the light of the full

moon, as an eerie layer of fog emanated from the wet pavement on the crush pad. While rain has been a headache for many growers with mature vineyards, the early and substantial rains of 2009/10 were a blessing for Shale Canyon Wines in the Arroyo Seco AVA in Monterey County. “ Our plantings had abundant, available water to promote root growth during dormancy,” said Shale Canyon winemaker Ken Gallegos, of their two-year-old estate vines. “ The results began to be evident in the spring, but the real evidence came this summer as the growth in our young vines exploded.” It will be a couple more years before the winery’s vines mature. In the meantime, the grapes Shale Canyon received from established vineyards have been exceptional, says Gallegos. “ The acid and PH are more balanced with the sugars than in previous years.” 2010 was no doubt a frustrating year for growers and winemakers alike, but farming, to some extent, (whether it is grapes, tomatoes or pumpkins) is out of our control – and Mother Nature has the final say. Hopefully, she won’t be too hard on Bacchus.

Cynthia Bournellis, a self-proclaimed wine wench, works in the Santa Cruz Mountains wine industry. She can be reached at, roxybaccus@sbcglobal.net.

A Taste of Italy in Kenwood at VJB Vineyards and Cellars If you’ve ever had the good fortune to visit the Italian countryside, you probably have some wonderful memories of small, family-owned restaurants and wineries where the wine flowed and the people who poured it were so warm and welcoming. Well, you needn’t bother with passports and airline transfers. That same experience can be had right in the middle of Kenwood, just up a lazy stretch of Highway 12 in California’s bucolic Sonoma Valley. The VJB Vineyards and Cellars are owned by one of the most gracious and convivial Italian families you will ever meet. The wine and the food of Italy, along with the joy of sharing it with visitors is what their life is about. It is their passion, their drive and their joy. Vittorio Belmonte and his wife, Maria came to the United States in 1963, leaving behind their small village east of Naples. Sonoma Valley reminded them of home in Bonito, Italy and seemed the perfect place to raise their two sons, Victor and Henry. Vittorio’s family had a long history of winemaking. He grew up in the vineyards of southern Italy where the family produced wines from the grapes that made the region famous. Primitivo, Coda di Volpe, Aglianico and Piccolit fruit was used to make wines that graced the tables of both humble homes and great restaurants alike. It was his dream to make great wines like

The tasting room offerings range from a delightful Prosecco, the perfect accompaniment to a warm summer afternoon, to rich and lusty Barberas, Zinfandels, Syrahs, and Cabernets, along with the Italian varietals, Primitivo, Sangiovese, Montepulciano and Aglianico. jars of Maria’s famous sugos and tapenades, and be served the lush and fruit-forward wines of Southern Italy, along with

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 Thu-Mon 9-4 22355 Lawrence Road, Fiddletown CLOS DU LAC CELLARS/ 32 209-245-3395, ilgioiellowinery.com GREENSTONE WINERY Tasting Sat-Sun 11-5 3151 Hwy. 88, Ione, 209-274-2238 JEFF RUNQUIST WINES 16 Tasting Wed-Sun 10-4 10776 Shenandoah Rd., Plymouth 8 CONVERGENCE 209-245-3143, jeffrunquistwines.com VINEYARDS Tasting Fri 12-5, Sat-Sun 11-5 14650 HIGHWAY 124, PLYMOUTH 17 KARLY 209-245-3600 11076 Bell Road, Plymouth Tasting Fri-Sun 10-5 209-245-3922, karlywines.com 9 COOPER VINEYARDS Tasting Daily 12-4 21365 Shenandoah School, KARMERE VINEYARDS 18 Plymouth, 209-245-6181 11970 Shenandoah, Plymouth cooperwines.com 209-245-5000, karmere.com 3 Tasting Fri-Sun 11-5 AVIO VINEYARDS & Tasting Fri-Sun 11-5 or by Appt. WINERY 10 DEAVER VINEYARDS 20 NINE GABLES 14520 Ridge Rd., Sutter Creek 12455 Steiner Road, Plymouth 209-267-1515, aviowine.com.com 209-245-4099, deavervineyard.com 10778 Shenandoah, Plymouth 209-245-3949, 9gables.com Tasting Fri-Sun 11-5 or by Appt. Tasting Daily 10:30-5 Tasting Thu-Sun 11-5 4 DILLIAN WINES BANTAM CELLARS 11 NUA DAIR VINEYARDS 21 10851 Shenandoah Rd., 12138 Steiner Road, Plymouth 13825 Willow Creek, Ione Plymouth, 209-245-6677 209-245-3444, dillianwines.com 209-245-5567, nuadair.com bantamcellars.com Tasting Fri-Sun 11- 4:30 Tasting Sat -Sun 10:30-5:30 or by Appt. Tasting Daily 11-4

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

that here in America. Coupled with his wife’s fabulous cooking skills, the pair knew they had a recipe for success. After many years toiling in the restaurant trade, in 1999 they were finally able to realize their dream of producing top quality Italian wines from their own vineyards. Their two sons were now their partners in the venture and the family saw only a great future for their business and their lives together. Unfortunately, tragedy struck. In the year 2000, at only thirty-four years of age, Victor succumbed to a sudden heart attack. The family was devastated. In honor of their son and brother, they named their new winery VJB, using Victor’s initials. Not just his name, but his spirit is the focus of the business. As his brother, Henry relates “We choose to make wines that are to be enjoyed today, wines that you don’t need to age before drinking. My brother’s death taught me to live in the moment. As restaurateurs, we had amassed a marvelous cellar of great wines that we were saving for special occasions. With Victor’s sudden passing, we realized that each day is a special occasion and that life is to be lived and enjoyed right now.” In May of 2003, the family realized a large part of their dream with the opening of the VJB Vineyards & Cellars Tasting Room in Kenwood. It is here that visitors can sit at long rustic tables, surrounded by

the varietals that made the Sonoma Valley famous. It is usually Vittorio himself who Continued on Page 33

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 winery or changes to be included in our February / March issue’s guides. Please submit by Jan. 10, 2011 to editor@ vinetimesmagazine.com

www.vinetimesonline.com • December 2010 / January 2011

Discover:The Old Sugar Mill in Clarksburg

Above: Owner Erin Cline at Three Wine (Kimberly Horg-Webb) Company. Below: Sacramento resident Joe Meraz, tasting for the first time at Heringer. (Kimberly Horg-Webb)

Continued from Page 22 ings used to haul sugar beets when The Mill produced sugar. The sixth winery is Clarksburg Wine Company. It is a custom crush facility dedicated to the production of wines. Whether it is an entire vineyard or a small lot, Clarksburg Wine has the equipment, tools and amenities to produce world class wines. It plans on having its first release sometime in spring 2011. The Mill is also expanding with five new custom crush buildings, which will be available for existing wineries and new ones. Construction will start in Spring 2011. The Old Sugar Mill Marketing Representative Mary Tye thinks wines made in the Delta region are becoming more recognized for their high quality. “The climate here is similar to the climate in Sonoma and Napa,” Tye said. A great time to visit The Old Sugar Mill is during one of their big events throughout the year. The Clarksburg

Temecula’s Europa Village Continued from Page 28 wineries. When the village is complete and each winery is housed in its own space, Vienza, C’est La Vie and Bolero will each have a master winemaker guiding a team. From Prelude visitors will have the opportunity to watch Europa Village “come to life.” Although it will be isolated from the actual construction, visitors will get to watch as Europa Village begins to

Country Christmas for Charity is coming up on December 4. But don’t despair if you’ve already missed it, for the Port & Chocolate tasting is coming up on February 12 and 13, 2011; the Wine, Cheese and Bread Faire is July 2 and 3; the Crush Festival is September 17 and 18 and Black Friday is November 25. There are weddings and site rentals available at the Sugar Mill as well. And each winery’s tasting room offers a variety of unique gift items for those who want to take home a souvenir. Do take a break from the wine tasting and enjoy lunch at one of these two local restaurants, both located within one mile of the Sugar Mill. Try La Amistad Café, a Mexican Restaurant that locals refer to as Shorty’s, or visit the Café/Deli at Husick’s Country Store. For those who are hungry but don’t want to drive, Husick’s will custom plan a picnic lunch on the lawn of The Mill by calling (916) 915-7236 ahead of time. People can check out their menu online at husicks.com.

La Amistad Café, aka Shorty’s 36046 Jefferson Blvd Clarksburg, CA 95612 Phone: 916-744-1346 Breakfast and lunch. Open Daily except Mondays from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Husick's Country Store, Café/Deli 36510 Riverview Drive Clarksburg, CA 95612 Lunch. Open Mon- Tues & Thu-Fri 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sun 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. (916) 744-1077

Winery Guide

take shape. Prelude is slated to open in March of next year with the completion of Europa Village anticipated approximately two years from now. The aim is to have everything work in unison. The excitement among those involved with Europa Village is palpable. Growth in the Temecula region has been rapid, but the area is still in its infancy. “Whoever’s around Europa Village is going to have a good time.”

The Wine Chixs Continued from Page 28 Our final stop was the new kid on the block, Monte de Oro Winery located on Rancho California Road. This is an open and airy contemporary winery. It has a cool glass floor that allows guests to look into the barrel room downstairs. Ladies beware – pants are the clothing of choice for the glass floor section. Expect sweeping views, beautiful patio areas, and the ability to purchase some cheese and meat type plates to accompany your tasting. This was a grand place to end our wine tasting adventure. We’re sure you’ll find the gift shop a place to spend some quality time, and there are sure to be a wine or two that will please your palate. When Jim and Richard gave us final call to board the bus, we were relaxed and ready to return. A short ride back to Pechanga Resort & Casino found the group congratulating and complementing the driver and tour guide. Not a frown in sight. It looked to be a good time to tip them both. On our way off the bus, we were handed a super treat – an envelope with a $20 gift certificate to local restaurant favorite Ravioli’s and a 20 percent off coupon for the fabulous Rustico. Can you say “smart marketing” and “unexpected benefit” with me? We certainly hopped off the trolley with a big smile. Amy told me she is able to visit all the wineries in Temecula Valley, so the route often changes with each tour. This means you can call ahead and ask for your favorites and take the tour often without worrying about repeating wineries. We feel this is a great tour to treat yourself, friends, and out of town guests to on any given day. Be sure and check out Brewen’s Empire Trolley Web site EmpireTrolley.com for pricing, reservations and a multitude of fun trolley ride events like the December 11, 2010: Progressive Dinner (6:30 - 11:30 p.m.), the December 18, 2010: Hobbit (5:30 p.m. - 12:30 a.m.), the December 30, 2010: Underground Dinner Tour (6:30 - 11:30 p.m.), or how about the December 31, 2010: New Year’s Eve Tour.

The Old Sugar Mill is located in the historic town of Clarksburg, fifteen minutes southwest of the Capitol building in Sacramento. 35265 Willow Avenue Clarksburg, CA 95612 Open Wed - Sun, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. (916) 744-1615, www.oldsugarmill.com

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 BOETÉ WINERY 8 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.

JOULLIAN VINEYARDS LTD. 2 Village Drive, Suite A, 13 Carmel Valley, 831-659-8100 joullian.com, Tasting Daily 11-5 MANZONI ESTATE 21 VINEYARD 30981 River Road, Soledad 831-675-3398 manzoniwines.com Tasting Sat-Sun 11-5 MARILYN REMARK WINERY 17 645 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 MORGAN WINERY 7 204 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 27 1. 700 Cannery Row, 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 & 23 HOOK WINERY 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 February/ March issue’s guides. Please submit by Jan. 10, 2011 to editor@vinetimesmagazine.com

Winery Guide GLENN COUNTY LAWLEY VINEYARD & WINERY 7503 Cutting Ave., Orland 530-865-2388 Tasting by Appt.

YOLO COUNTY BOGLE VINEYARD WINERY 37675 County Road 144, Clarksburg, 916-744-1139 boglewinery.com Tasting Mon-Fri 10-5, Sat-Sun 11-5 CARVALHO FAMILY WINES Old Sugar Mill 35265 Willow Ave., Clarksburg, 916-744-1625 carvalhowines.com Tasting Wed-Sun 11-5 FRENCH HILL WINERY Old Sugar Mill 35265 Willow Ave., Clarksburg, 916-744-1710 frenchhill.com Tasting Fri-Sun 11-5 HERINGER ESTATES Old Sugar Mill 35265 Willow Ave., Ste.203, Clarksburg 916-744-1094 heringerestates.com Tasting Thu-Sun 11-5

MADERA COUNTY BIRDSTONE WINERY 9400 Road 36, Madera 559-970-2060 Tasting Sat-Sun 11-5 CHATEAU LASGOITY 11219 Road 26, Madera 559-674-8291 Tasting Sat-Sun 1-5 or by Appt. FICKLIN VINEYARDS 30246 Ave. 7 1/2, Madera 559-674-4598, ficklin.com Tasting Daily 12-5/Tours by Appt. IDLE HOUR WINERY 41139 Hwy 41, Oakhurst 559-760-9090 idlehourwinery.com Tasting Wed-Sat 4-10 or by Appt.

R.H.PHILLIPS VINEYARDS 26836 County Rd., 12A, Esparto, 530-662-3215 nightharvest.com Tasting Wed-Sun 11-5 RIVER GROVE WINERY 52183 Clarksburg Road, Clarksburg 916-744-9000 rivergrovewinery.com Tasting by Appt. ROMINGER WEST WINERY 4602 2nd Street, Ste. 4, Davis, 530-747-2044 romingerwest.com Tasting Mon-Sat 12-5 or by Appt./Tours SOLOMON WINE CO. Old Sugar Mill 35265 Willow Ave., Clarksburg, 800-861-4185 solomonwines.com Tasting Fri-Sun 11-5

BLUE GUM WINERY 13637 Borden Rd., Herald 209-748-5669 Tasting Daily 11-5 FRASINETTI'S WINERY 7395 Frasinetti Road, Sacramento, 916-383-2444 frasinetti.com Tasting Tue-Sat 11-8 SCRIBNER BEND VINEYARDS 9051 River Road, Sacramento. 916-744-1803 scribnerbend.com Tasting Fri-Sun 11-4:30 SIX HANDS WINERY 13783 Isleton Rd.,Walnut Grove, 916-776-2053 sixhandswinery.com Tasting by Appt.

THREE WINE COMPANY Old Sugar Mill, 35265 Willow Avenue, #204, Clarksburg

OAK HOLLOW WINERY 9805 Road 30, Madera 559-675-8826 Tasting by Appt. PACIFIC CREST WINERY 33137 Avenue 9, Madera 559-674-4996, pcvino.com Tasting Daily by Appt. QUADY WINERY 13181 Road 24, Madera 800-733-8068 quadywinery.com Tasting Mon-Fri 9-4:30, Sat-Sun 12-4:30

By Michelle Sieling

SACRAMENTO COUNTY

CARVALHO FAMILY WINES Old Sugar Mill 35265 Willow Ave., Clarksburg, 916-744-1625 carvalhowines.com Tasting Wed-Sun 11-5

MARIPOSA WINE COMPANY 20146 Rd. 21, Madera 559-673-6372 mariposawine.com Tasting Daily 11-4

The City Cellar

916-744-1300 threewinecompany.com Tasting Fri-Sun 11-5

WESTBROOK WINE FARM 49610 House Ranch Road, O’Neals, 559-868-3499 westbrookwinefarm.com Tasting by Appt.

MERCED COUNTY RED ROCK WINERY 7326 E. Hwy. 140, Merced 209-722-7625 redrockwinery.com Tasting Daily 10-5

Submit your winery or changes to be included in our February / March issue’s guides. Please submit by Jan. 10, 2011 to editor@ vinetimesmagazine.com

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The Living Room Sometimes you wanna go...

or wine purists, changes over the past couple of decades in the packaging of wine have been difficult to swallow. Synthetic corks and screw caps were hard enough for some people. Now we’ve got wine on tap. Obviously tapping kegs has been around for some time, but it’s only just catching on now as a way to sell wine in U.S. restaurants and bars. San Francisco restaurants such as Salt House, Delfina, and Coda all currently devote some of their tap lines to wine. Now The Living Room in Redwood City, which was opened back in July of this year by sisters Kristen Archibald-Moreau and Katrina Archibald, is bringing wine on tap to its customers in a comfy setting, along with other comfort items like bar food, seven TVs, and even free internet access. As much as anyone likes a fancy wine bottle, there is an expense and waste that comes with that container. First, you’re paying a markup for the bottling (glass, labels, corks, crates, etc.). Once it gets to the restaurant or bar, there’s waste when patrons don’t drink all the wine in the opened bottles. For a restaurant to make any real money on that bottle, they’ll often offer you cheap wine with big markups, meaning less value in price and poorer quality wine for the consumers. But with wine on tap, the business can save as much as 25 percent on the purchase of the wholesale wine, passing those savings on to the consumer. Though the taps for wine look similar to the ones for beer, the process is a little different. Nitrogen or argon gas pushes the wine from keg to tap in a low pressure system. As the wine is pushed out, the gas fills the empty space in the keg, preventing oxidation, which in turn keeps the wine fresh for months, not hours or days. In the case of The Living Room, their steel kegs hold 5.15 gallons, or approximately 26 bottles of wine each, translating to less bottles and all the waste that may go with it. In fact, The Living Room found quickly that they were only filling one of their four allotted waste bins. Once Redwood City puts in compost receptacles, it will cut on their waste output even more. And as all of the green output is admirable, I’ve got to talk about what the Living Room is like. The goal of the sisters is to make a place where their customers feel comfortable and welcome, offering people a place to enjoy unique beers and well-priced, quality wines by the glass. Whether you want to chill out alone or with a group of friends, the owners invite customers to decide what they want and their staff will make it happen. Each “living room,” be it the couches set by the fireplace or in the alcove in the back or where have you, is equipped with its own TV and remote. You are the master of your television when you claim a room. There’s even one TV with Wii for your gaming pleasure. Getting down to the wine, the selection features well known and respected standards. Red wines include Michael Martella Grenache ($10), 2001 Frogs Leap Zinfandel ($10), and 2008 Thomas Fogarty Pinot Noir ($10). You will find white wine such as 2008 Page Mill Sauvignon Blanc ($8), Mas Vino Blanco ($7) and Husch Chardonnay ($10). If you can’t make up your mind, you can also purchase a flight of four wines for $12. There’s a good selection of European beers like Blanche de Bruxelles from Belgium ($7), Konig Pilsner from Germany ($6) and London Pride from the U.K. ($6 pint/$3 half pint). Flights of beer are $10. If you’re not into foreign beers, you can always drink Coors ($3.50). Non-alcoholic drinks include hand pumped sodas without chemicals or preservatives ($2.50), which are a good deal as they come with one free refill, plus there’s fresh ice tea ($1.50) and coffee ($2.00). The Living Room doesn’t have its own kitchen, but you can order from the restaurant next door, All Season’s Café & Crepery. They offer traditional, but fresh bar fare, with most items priced under $10. This includes appetizers like Buffalo wings, calamari and caprese; house, Caesar or Mexican salads; and hamburgers, grilled chicken or turkey club sandwiches. The plan is to expand their menu with offerings from other restaurants in the area. If you’re looking to host a private party, The Living Room can be rented out for small to medium groups, including catering. If you want to watch a Pay-Per-View fight or something like that, just call and they’ll do their best to oblige. Basically, if you’re looking to chill out and enjoy something tasty off tap, just ask. The Living Room will take care of you. The Living Room is located at 2048 Broadway in Redwood City, CA. For more information give them a call at 650-365-7666 or visit their website at thelivingroomrc.com. www.vinetimesonline.com • December 2010 / January 2011

Zinfandel Advocates and Producers ZAP App is Live and FREE! New App Makes the World of Zinfandel Wine and Producers Mobile – And describes, scores, and stores all varietal favorites in personal database The Association of Zinfandel Advocates (ZAP), a nonprofit dedicated to advancing public knowledge of and appreciation for American Zinfandel and its unique place in our culture and history, just unveiled its first version of the ZAP App. Zinfandel fans can now download the free ZAP App on iPhones, iPods and iPads. The ZAPApp cross-references ZAP’s member wineries, educates tasters, helps them score wines, and organizes their favorites in a personal portable data-base. Best of all, the app may be used at any varietal wine festival, allowing the user to keep a running data-base of favorite wines year

round. In addition, the ZAP App is designed to work without 3G coverage, so whether you’re wine tasting in rural Sonoma County, or deep in a convention center the App will work. For travelers exploring the world of Zinfandel, the ZAPApp can easily locate, call, email, or visit member websites and plan wine tour itineraries on the go. The app makes it easy to find out whether the vintner has a tasting room before roaming the back roads of Sonoma, saving time on the road between wineries.

Unique ZAP App features: • The Zinfandel Aroma Wheel helps to identify and classify unique aromas while tasting. Simply rotate the wheel to locate the right one! From nutty to woody,

Heaven Sent Grape Nectar New and Vibrant Drinks Now Served at South Coast Winery’s Vineyard Rose Restaurant Award-winning South Coast Winery Resort & Spa’s Vineyard Rose Restaurant is serving up more than wine these days. It’s serving up specially created grape–based nectars with a twist. Due to licensing requirements, South Coast Winery is unable to sell anything other than vine–based alcohol, which, until now, had prohibited consumers from enjoying a favorite Bloody Mary with their Sunday Brunch or a Cosmo at Happy Hour. Leave it to the ingenuity of the highly creative team of food and beverage professionals at the Vineyard Rose to press forward. They discovered the wonderful world of Grappa, a beverage made from the grape pomace, or the skin of the grape, and what is left after the grape is crushed in order to make wine. After months of research, taste tests, a few headaches, and dumps, South Coast’s winemakers, colleagues and unsuspecting guests helped to select a grappa that was just right for the project at hand. Then bartenders Justin and Scott, set off to discover the perfect mixes and blends to create a beverage of quality and character. According to Vineyard Rose Manager, Kari Carter, “The addition of mixed cocktails is the perfect enhancement to the Vineyard Rose restaurant experience. Being able to maintain quality grape–based properties for our cocktails was paramount and is an exciting step forward for South Coast Winery Resort & Spa.” Why grappa? Just like fine wine, every grappa has a uniquely different character and taste. South Coast Winery recognizes its customers have a uniquely different character and taste too, which is why it produces more than 40 styles of wine. South Coast Winery chose Jacopo Poli as its grappa of choice because of its stellar reputation for quality above quantity. The

area where Jacopo Poli gathers their grappas’ grape-pomace ranges from Bassano del Grappa to the hills surrounding Marostica and Breganze, lands historically famous for the cultivation of grape vines. The still of the Poli Distillery is among the oldest in use today. It consists of cauldrons completely made of copper, as in centuries gone by. Its distillation cycle is discontinuous. This means that they put the grape–pomace into the cauldrons and then distill it using steam. After about three hours, they unload the cauldrons and the cycle begins again. Because of the individual characteristics of grappas and wines, Jacopo Poli was selected because it too has a nice selection of grappas with unique and wonderful aromatic profiles, combining primary flavors that are fruity, floral, herbaceous and spicy. These new drinks stretch previous limitations; in fact, they are more than a “mixed” drink. The Jacopo Poli grappas that South Coast Winery selected are perfect for sipping or mixing up a Bloody Mary that makes each Sunday Brunch complete or a Margarita, Cosmo, Appletini or Chocolatini after a long day at the office. Of course, with Winter upon us, other patrons will be pleased to discover the Nardini line of grappas used for the Vineyard Rose’s delectable Toasted Almond, Hot Butternut and Creme Bruelee fireside sippers. South Coast Winery Resort & Spa features a 39-acre destination property located in the heart of Southern California Temecula Valley’s Wine Country at 34843 Rancho California Road, Temecula, and also is home to a wine-country themed restaurant and tasting room in the heart of Orange County California. For complete information visit southcoastwinery.com.

32 December 2010 / January 2011 • www.vinetimesonline.com

fruity to spicy, the wheel helps describe the underlying elements contributing to the aroma in the wine. • Wine Scoring helps create score cards for favorite wines while tasting, so one can easily keep track of a day’s worth of tastings. Sort them by producer, designate, date, and score; and email the info to friends, business partners, or self. The free ZAP App provides information about ZAP’s Festival 2011 (January 27-29 in San Francisco) and the app will automatically upload real time information and updates regarding the producers represented at the festival, event schedules and special events. Having all this information at one’s fingertips, carrying festival programs, score cards, and pencils will now be optional – it’s all in the app! Beyond the

ZAP festival, the functions of capturing favorite wines represented at any varietal festival make this app valuable to the wine lover all year long. For complete details visit www.zinfandel.org

Winery Guide

ALAPAY CELLARS 1 415 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

A Taste of Italy in Kenwood at VJB Vineyards and Cellars Continued from Page 29 does the pouring and a more affable host would be hard to find. With his thick Italian accent and expressive manner, one will feel transported to the Italian countryside. Most of Vittorio’s family wines are produced from their estate vineyards, yielding Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Sangiovese, Montepulciano and Aglianico grapes. The tasting room offerings range from a delightful Prosecco, the perfect accompaniment to a warm summer afternoon, to

PASO ROBLES

Maria Belmonte has just published a new cookbook, Cucinare Con Amore (Cook With Love), so visitors to the winery can take home a bit of their Italian experience.

rich and lusty Barberas, Zinfandels, Syrahs, and Cabernets, along with the Italian varietals, Primitivo, Sangiovese, Montepulciano and Aglianico. The wines not to be missed however are their two blends. The VJB Rosso, a red table wine, is one of the most approachable and “pure” examples of what you would find on nearly any table in Italy. It is robust, yet smooth and easy on the palate. And it is impossible to drink without dreaming of a plate of steaming pasta. Their other red blend, Dante, is a luscious marriage of Cabernet and Sangiovese fruit. It is undoubtedly a more elegant wine, with soft tannins and a silky, graceful finish, but somehow just as unpretentious and userfriendly as their red table wine. Not willing to rest on their laurels, the Belmonte family is excited about their newest adventure. With the ground broken for a magnificent new tasting room, complete with an Italian deli, picnic grounds and retail space, they have a vision for creating a quintessential wine country destination. “If you only have time to visit one place in the valley, this will be the place to come. It will be a true expression of who my family is and of what we want to offer to people who come to visit us. For us the goal is not for you to simply enjoy our wines, but for you to leave feeling as though you are now a part of our family.”

MJB Vineyards & Cellars Tasting room is a realization of the Belmonte Family’s dream of creating Italian style wines here in America. Vittorio and his son Henry in the vineyards. Montepulciano vineyard, sip wine poolside and then move to the wonderful “cantina” for a fabulous selection of the family’s library wines. It is well worth the twenty-dollar admission. And to recreate at home a bit of your splendid Italian experience, be sure and pick up a copy of Maria’s new cookbook, Cucinare Con Amore (Cook With Love). Love, family and marvelous wines. Bravo! For further information, visit their website at vjbcellars.com or call (707) 8332300.

The current tasting room located at 9077 Sonoma Highway in Kenwood is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Two tasting options are available. The “Normale” tasting features from five to seven wines at a cost of only $5. The “Reserva” tasting comes with a tasty plate of Italian cured meats and cheeses meant to complement the wines. It is a tremendous value at $10. A private estate tour and tasting for groups of two to thirty can also be arranged from Thursday through Sunday by appointment. This is the wine tour to take in the valley. Guests enjoy a walk through the estate’s

Tasting Room Open Daily 11 to 5:30

The Peachy Canyon “Old School House” tasting room (circa 1886) is located in the heart of Paso Robles’ wine country on Highway 46 West. Come taste the world famous Estate Zinfandels or any of the other 15-plus handcrafted small batch Rhone & Bordeaux varietals.

2174 Hwy 46 West Paso Robles greywolfcellars.com 805-237-0771

Open 7 Days a Week 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., except major holidays 1480 N. Bethel Road, Templeton, CA 93465

www.peachycanyon.com 805/239.1918 or 866/335.1918

COME IN FOR OUR HOLIDAY SPECIALS

HOLIDAY SPECIALS! 10% Off

Wine Order & 2 for 1 tasting fee

Paso Robles Inn Steakhouse Enjoy a Complimentary Appetizer or Dessert

HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE Dec. 11-12, 10 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Special Sales, Treats, Mulled Wine & Live Music SLOFOLKS Presents

ERIC HENDERSON in Concert Saturday, January 15, 2011 7:30 p.m

with the purchase of two entrées 1130 Spring Street, Downtown Paso Robles Call for Reservation (805)226-4925 Pick up a coupon at Grey Wolf Cellars.

Specials for December and January

Open Daily 10 - 5:30 1315 North Bethel Rd., Templeton 888-DAM-FINE

WWW.CASTOROCELLARS.COM

Join Us For Our Holiday Celebrations www.vinetimesonline.com • December 2010 / January 2011

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 LOCALS TASTING ROOM 17 8533 Dry Creek Rd., 866-431Geyserville Ave. @ Hwy. 128, 2711, dutchercrossingwinery.com 707-857-4900, tastelocalTasting Daily 11-5, T wines.com, Tasting Daily 11-6 EVERETT RIDGE VINEYARDS & PEDRONCELLI WINERY 20 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 December 2010 / January 2011 â&#x20AC;˘ 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 & WINERY 45 7505 Hwy. 128, 707-433-8429 whiteoakwinery.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 SUNCE WINERY & VINEYARD 63 1839 Olivet Rd.,707-526-9463 suncewinery.com, Tasting Daily 10:30-5 SEBASTOPOL IRON HORSE VINEYARDS 66 9786 Ross Station Rd. 707-887-1507, ironhorsevineyards.com, Tasting Daily 10-3:30, T LYNMAR WINERY TASTING ROOM67 3909 Frei Rd., 707-829-3374 lynmarwinery.com, Tasting Daily 10-5 MARIMAR TORRES ESTATE 68 11400 Graton Rd.,707-823-4365, marimarestate.com, Tasting Daily 11-4, T PETERS FAMILY WINERY 69 2064 N. Gravenstein Hwy., Ste. 102, 707-829-3111 peteresfamilywinery.com, A SEBASTOPOL VINEYARDS 71 8757 Green Valley Rd.,, 707-8299463, sebastopolvineyards.com Tasting Daily 11-5 TAFT STREET WINERY 72 2030 Barlow Ln., 707-823-2049, taftstreetwinery.com, Tasting MonFri 11-4, Sat-Sun 11-4:30

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 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 GLEN ELLEN ARROWOOD VINEYARDS & WINERY 18 14347 Sonoma Hwy., 707-9352600, arrowoodvineyards.com Tasting Daily 10-4:30, T AUDELSSA ESTATE WINERY 19 13647 Arnold Dr. 707-933-8514, audelssa.com Tasting Fri-Mon11-5, T B. R. COHN WINERY 20 15000 Sonoma Hwy., 707-931-7924, brcohn.com, Tasting Daily 10-5, T BENZIGER FAMILY WINERY 21 1883 London Ranch Rd. 707-935-3000, benziger.com Tasting Daily 10-5, T DEERFIELD RANCH WINERY 24 1310 Warm Springs Rd., 707-8335215, deerfieldranch.com, A ERIC ROSS WINERY 25 14300 Arnold Dr., 707-939-8525, ericross.com, Tasting Thu-Mon 11-5 IMAGERY ESTATE WINERY 28 14335 Hwy. 12, 707-935-4515 imagerywinery.com Tasting Sun-Thu 10-4:30, Fri-Sat 10-5 LOXTON CELLARS 29 11466 Dunbar Rd., 707-935-7221, loxtonwines.com, A VALLEY OF THE MOON WINERY30 777 Madrone Rd., 707-939-4510, valleyofthemoonwinery.com, Tasting Daily 10-4:30 WELLINGTON VINEYARDS 31 11600 Dunbar Rd., 707-939-0708 800-816-9463, wellingtonvineyards.com Tasting Daily 11-4, T

WINDSOR INMAN FAMILY WINES 74 5793 Skylane Blvd., Ste. C 707-395-0689 inmanfamilywines.com,A MARTINELLI VINEYARDS & WINE TASTING 75 3360 River Rd.,707-525-0570 martinelliwinery.com, Tasting Daily 10-5 SONOMA RUSSIAN HILL ESTATE 76 4525 Slusser Rd., 707-575-9428 BARTHOLOMEW PARK WINERY 34 russianhillestate.com 1000 Vineyard Ln., 707-935-9511, Tasting Thu-Mon 10-4 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 MACROSTIE WINERY 50 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 MUSCARDINI CELLARS 52 440A Fifth St.West, 707-833-0526 muscardinicellars.com Tasting Daily 11-6 NICHOLSON RANCH WINERY53 4200 Napa Rd., 707-938-8822 nicholsonranch.com Tasting Daily 10-6 54 PETRONI VINEYARDS 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 & WINERY 61 389 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 THE CELLAR DOOR 65 (multiple winery tasting room) 1395 Broadway, 707-938-4466 sonomacellardoor.com, Tasting Mon,Thu-Sun 11-6,Tue-Wed 4-6 VIANSA WINERY 66 25200 Arnold Dr., 707-935-4700 800-995-4740, viansa.com, Tasting Daily10-5, T PETALUMA ADOBE ROAD WINERY 67 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 winery or changes to be included in our February / March issue’s guides. Please submit by Jan. 10, 2011 to editor@ vinetimesmagazine.com

www.vinetimesonline.com • December 2010 / January 2011

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

Toby Lane Vineyards

Chalk Hill Ranch, the former estate of Charles Schultz. (John Sieling)

Blair Martin pours his wines. (John Sieling)

On a rain soaked late October afternoon, Toby Lane Vineyards debuted its newest offerings at Chalk Hill Ranch to a small group of family and friends. The proprietors, Charlie Martin and his son Blair poured their 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon, all estate grown on the family’s hillside vineyard that is tucked into a secluded valley in the southern Alexander Valley just two miles east of Chalk Hill Road. They also poured their Estate grown 2008 Merlot. Charlie and Blair work with Ames Morrison and Chris Christensen of Medlock Ames gravity flow winery next door to produce their well crafted wines. Only a small amount of the Merlot was available and they sold out on the spot. It was that tasty. “Our family motto is fine wine begins with superb soil and exceptional grapes,” said Charlie. And fine wine it is. Family is a key element of Toby Lane.

The tasting took place at the family home, the former estate of Charles Schultz. Charlie’s mom Willie (Blair’s grandmother) roamed the grounds in her golf cart in the downpour to make sure everything was in place. Various family members and friends helped pour, sell wine, BBQ sliders and keep the water from building under our feet due to the downpour. Toby Lane Vineyards makes its home on the beautiful rolling hills of Chalk Hill Ranch where the Martin family have been growing grapes for the past 30 years. Toby Lane wines are new to the market, but worth seeking out. They have limited availability so hit their website (www.tobylanevineyards.com) for all the details. In the dining world, you can find them locally served at Il Fornaio restaurants in Palo Alto and Corte Madera with more locations on the way.

The Martin matriarch Willie, was busy helping out. (John Sieling)

Blair Martin and his wife Jana hold their newest offerings. (John Sieling)

Temecula Olive Oil Company Opens New Tasting Room Temecula Olive Oil Company announces the grand opening of its newest retail tasting room in the design district of Solana Beach, California. Located at 342 S. Cedros, the store is open every day from 10 am to 6 pm. Like its sister locations, Temecula Olive Oil Company offers com-

plimentary tasting of cold pressed extra virgin olive oils and balsamic vinegars. Additional culinary accompaniments like olives, spreads, mustards, candy chocolate olives, salts, peppercorn, herbs, and rubs compliment an array of cookbooks and artisan gifts made from ceramic and olive

150th Anniversary Party at Charles Krug Winery

wood. Olive oil is also the main ingredient in locally made soaps, lip balms, lotion sticks, lotion bars, butter for the skin, shampoo bars and candles. Visit www.temeculaoliveoil.com for additional company information. Two additional tasting rooms are also

open daily in Old Town Temecula at 28653 Old Town Front Street and Old Town San Diego at 2754 Calhoun Street. Visit www.temeculaoliveoil.com for additional company information.

Winery Guide LEAL VINEYARDS 8 300 Maranatha Way, Hollister 831-636-1023 lealvineyards.com Tasting Daily 11-5

Peter Mondavi Sr. Family Toasts Historic Wedding of Napa Valley’s First Winemaker Caroline Bale was the daughter of Dr. Edward Bale and Maria Soberanes, a niece of General Mariano Vallejo. On the day after Christmas in 1860, just weeks after Abraham Lincoln was elected president, Caroline was married to Charles Krug. It was a fortuitous union for the Napa Valley’s winemaker: Caroline’s dowry provided the land for the Charles Krug estate, thereby launching the regional wine industry that put a small rural California valley firmly on the world map. 150 years later, on December 26, 2010, the Peter Mondavi Sr. family will throw a party to celebrate that historic marriage: Charles’ and Caroline’s 150th wedding anniversary festivities will take place in the tasting room from 10:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The party will also serve to kick off the 150th anniversary of Napa Valley’s first winery, which Charles Krug founded in 1861. The 150th wedding anniversary festivities will include: • Historian and professional character performer George Webber will appear

PESSAGNO WINERY 9 22704 Picador Dr., Salinas 831-675-9463 or 831.675.1922 Tasting Fri-Sun, 11-5 PIETRA SANTA WINERY 10034 Cienega Road, Hollister, 831-636-1991 pietrasantawinery.com Tasting Wed-Sun 11-5, Mon-Tue by Appt.

SUMMERAYNE VINEYARD 11 1781 Limekiln Rd., Hollister 831-902-5638 Tasting Sat-Sun 1-4 ZANGER VINEYARDS 12 of Casa de Fruta 10021 Pacheco Pass Hwy., Hollister, 408-842-7282 casadefruta.com Tasting Mon-Thu 8-7:30, Fri-Sun 8 a.m. - 8:30 p.m.

Charles Krug (Courtesy of Charles Krug Winery) in period costume as Charles Krug, from 14 p.m., with dramatic vignettes performed on the hour. Charles Krug and his “wife”, Caroline Bale, will mingle with guests and Continued on Page 37

36 December 2010 / January 2011 • www.vinetimesonline.com

CALERA WINE COMPANY 1 11300 Cienega Rd., Hollister 831-637-9170 calerawine.com Tasting Daily 11-4:30 DEROSE VINEYARDS 9970 Cienega Road, Hollister 831-636-9143 derosewine.com Tasting Sat-Sun 11-4

ENZ WINERY 5 1781 Limekiln Rd., Hollister 831-637-6443 Tasting by Appt. FLINT WINE CELLARS 6 13160 Cienega Road, Hollister 831-636-8986 Tasting by Appt.

Submit your winery or changes to be included in our February / March issue’s guides. Please submit by Jan. 10, 2011 to editor@ vinetimesmagazine.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.

Charles Krug

Winery Guide

February / March Destination: Paso Robles Discover:Ventura County

Submit your event for our next issue. Email your press release or event information by January 10th for your Feb./March events to:

editor@vinetimesmagazine.com or submit via our website at: www.vinetimesonline.com

INDEX TO ADVERTISERS Burrell School..................................................39 Castoro Cellars..............................................33 Cooper Garrod..............................................26 Copious Winery ............................................39 Equinox/Bartolo ............................................39 Grey Wolf Cellars ........................................33 Guglielmo Winery ........................................11 Hillcrest Terrace Winery ............................39 Hunter Hill ......................................................39 J. Lohr ............................................................2, 19 Keller & D’Agostini ......................................21 Loma Prieta Winery ....................................39 Miraflores..........................................................14 MJA Vineyards ................................................39 Odonata Wines..............................................39 Orfila ..................................................................11 Paso Robles......................................................33 Peachy Canyon ..............................................33 Pelican Ranch ..................................................39 Poetic Cellars..................................................39 Sandrew Montgomery ................................26 Santa Cruz Mtn.Vineyard ..........................39 Silver Mtn.Vineyards ....................................39 Sones Cellars ..................................................39 Soquel Vintners ..............................................23 Storrs Winery ................................................39 Story Winery............................................23, 28 Summit to Sea ................................................39 Surf City Vintners ..........................................39 Thornton Winery..........................................27 Trout Gulch Vineyards ................................39 Vaso Peritos ....................................................28 Via Vega..............................................................40 Vine Hill ............................................................39 Vino Tabi............................................................39

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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 BENT CREEK WINERY 2 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 12 CROOKED VINE WINERY 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 Fri-Sun 12-4:30 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 24 FENESTRA WINERY 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 & STEVEN KENT WINERY 30 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. LONGEVITY WINES 34 35 Rickenbacker Circle South Livermore, 925-454-9463, lvcwines.com Tasting Sat-Sun 12-5, or by Appt. MCGRAIL VINEYARDS 35 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 RHYAN ESTATE VINEYARDS 44 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

48 RUBY HILL WINERY 400 Vineyard Ave., Pleasanton 925-931-9463, rubyhillwinery.net Tasting Wed-Sun 11-5:30 STONY RIDGE WINERY 51 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 TENUTA VINEYARDS 53 633 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

Submit your winery or changes to be included in our February / March issue’s guides. Please submit by Jan. 10, 2011 to editor@ vinetimesmagazine.com

Continued from Page 36 be available for photo opportunities. • The Charles Krug-Peter Mondavi Family’s pre-release, the 150th Anniversary Estate Grown Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, vintage 2008 and bottled only in magnums, will be uncorked for the public for the first time that day. • Victorian-style petite sweets by the Culinary Institute of America Greystone will be served from a tiered display “wedding-cake” style, and punch will be provided for the children. • The first 50 visitors that day will receive a complimentary copy of the booklet, Charles Krug and His Winery, courtesy of the Napa County Historical Society. • Napa Valley wine history authority Tim Gaughan, Ph.D. will tell tales of Charles Krug’s legacy and sign copies of his recent book From Wilderness to Wine Country, from noon-3 p.m. • Photos and other historical memorabilia provided by the St. Helena Historical Society will be on display, and the Society's book Images of America: St. Helena will be available for purchase. Tasting room hours are 10:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Regular wine tasting fees apply (tasting of current releases, $10.00; Family Reserve and Limited Release Tasting, $20.00). Both flights will include the 150th Anniversary Cabernet Sauvignon. No reservation is required. The Charles Krug Winery’s 150-year history traces the transformation of the Napa Valley from “Wild West” to Wine Country destination. With a legacy of nearly 70 years at Charles Krug, the Peter Mondavi Sr. Family is dedicated to ecological stewardship in order to preserve the land for their children and future generations. Having extensively replanted its vineyards with a focus on noble red Bordeaux varietals, the Peter Mondavi Family is now practicing sustainable viticulture on its 850 prime Napa Valley acres. Those efforts to steward the land and preserve the winery’s historical legacy are earning new respect for a family long identified with California wine. To learn more about Charles Krug Winery, Peter Mondavi Family wines, and the vision of Cesare and Rosa Mondavi, visit www.charleskrug.com.

Going Wine Tasting? Visit our website for all the latest wine country guides. vinetimesonline.com

www.vinetimesonline.com • December 2010 / January 2011

WINE COUNTRY RECIPIES & PAIRINGS

Eat This With...

Chow Bella

Compiled By Victoria Buonocore

Saganaki By Lisa J. Pretty

Eat Spicy Beef Ribs with Malbec

Malbec has gained international recognition due to the winemakers in Mendoza, Argentina. The wines tend to be medium to full bodied, inky and juicy with dark fruit flavors and soft tannins. From some producers the wine can get a little jammy while others offer a spicier and even earthy wine. When I visited Argentina a couple of years ago I drank Malbec daily with wines priced as little as $5 to as high as $40 a bottle – all very drinkable. The wines in the low end of the price range have made their way to the USAwith over three million cases imported in 2009. Clearly the economy and the very approachable wine style have helped make this wine popular. Malbec may have gained its popularity in Argentina; however, it originated in the Bordeaux region of France where it was typically used to add color and tannins to the Bordeaux blends. Today there is a limited amount of Malbec produced in Bordeaux with most of it found in the Loire Valley. Continued to be used as a blending grape, the name given to it there is Côt and it tends to be produced to be highly extracted with lots of tannins. The popularity of Malbec has led California producers to begin to work with this grape varietal. Several Malbecs have been popping up around the Paso Robles area and most are surprisingly good – the best seem to be grown in Paso’s east side vineyards. They do tend to be priced much higher than their Argentinean cousins and are often a little more elegant. I planted Malbec a few years back and have to say when the grape ferments the aroma reminds me of blueberry pie baking in the oven. The dark purple color is far different from the other Bordeaux varietals (a little similar to Petit Verdot but much easier to grow). Many producers are including Malbec in their Bordeaux style blends with a small amount going to a stand alone offering. Find the stand alone ones – they can be remarkable. In terms of pairing with food, I would have to say my summertime favorite would be a perfectly grilled steak. The fruitier versions are wonderful with spicy food and in general Malbec tends to pair well with tomato sauce and casseroles. Given the colder weather at this time of year I decided to go with spicy beef ribs for this column’s recipe. Spicy ribs, falling off the bone, served on a bed of garlic mashed potatoes, a side of spinach and a glass of Malbec make a fantastic winter supper that you have to admit is comfort food at its best.

Spicy Beef Ribs Recipe

3 pounds of beef short ribs 3 cloves of garlic, chopped 28 oz can stewed tomatoes (cut into single rib pieces) 1 teaspoon each thyme, marjoram, 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon pepper cayenne pepper, chili pepper flakes 1/2 cup flour 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 cups dry red wine 2 stalks celery, chopped Juice of one lemon 1 medium onion, chopped Combine salt, pepper and flour. Dredge ribs in flour mixture. Heat olive oil in a large pan (ideally a Dutch oven). Brown ribs in oil on both sides. Remove ribs, sauté onions, celery and garlic for 3 minutes, adding additional olive oil if required to prevent vegetables from sticking. Return ribs to pan then stir in remaining ingredients and salt and pepper to taste. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to simmer and cover. Simmer for 2.5 hours or until meat is very tender. Add lemon juice and simmer for 10 more minutes.

Malbec

Lisa’s Favorite: 2008 Locatelli Malbec: Soft and juicy this estate grown Malbec offers blackberry, raspberry, plum and canned peach fruit flavors with a little smoke and leather on the finish. locatelliwinery.com $30 Paso Pick: 2007 Still Waters Malbec: Taking best of class at the Los Angeles International Wine Competition, this Malbec is fruit forward with plum, strawberry and essence of lavender. stillwatersvineyards.com $32 Value Pick: 2008 Autumn Flight Malbec: Autumn Flight is a collection of wines from J&J Cellars offering great value for everyday enjoyment. The 2008 estate grown Malbec has aromas and flavors of blackberry, fig, anise and a dark smoky spice. jjcellars.com $16

38 December 2010 / January 2011 • www.vinetimesonline.com

Chef Bob Engle, Le Vigne Winery, 5115 Buena Vista Dr., Paso Robles, CA 93446, (805) 227-4000, www.sylvesterwinery.com Pair with La Vigne Kiara Reserve Pinot Noir. Appetizer Serves 8 Ingredients: 8 ounces Kasseri Cheese, shredded 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano (a Greek cheese made from sheep or goats milk) 1-1/2 tablespoon brandy 3/4 teaspoon red wine vinegar 1 baguette-sliced 3/4 teaspoon lemon or orange juice Method: Melt Kasseri cheese over medium heat in a skillet, stirring occasionally. Whisk the vinegar, lemon juice and oregano into cheese and whisk to blend. Rim with brandy and ignite. Serve immediately with sliced bread and a glass of red wine.

Succulent Steak with Zinfandel Sauce & Vegetable Sauté El Dorado Winery Association, PO Box 1614, Placerville, CA 95667, (800) 306-3956; www.eldoradowines.org Pair this recipe with Zinfandel. Steak and Sauce Ingredients: 6 small thick Steaks 1 tablespoon tomato paste 1 teaspoon olive oil 1 large clove garlic, chopped 1 cup beef stock 1 teaspoon dark chocolate 1/2 cup Zinfandel Method: Put in hot sauté pan. Sear steaks on both sides, transfer to warm pan in a 350-degree oven. Add beef stock, zinfandel, tomato paste, and garlic to sauté pan, reduce by half. Add chocolate and stir to melt. Continue to simmer until mixture is reduced to a creamy consistency. Salt & pepper to taste. Vegetable Saute Ingredients: 2 cloves garlic, sliced 1 tablespoon olive oil 1/2 cup chopped tomatoes 1 red onion cut into wedges 2 teaspoons fennel seeds 2 pounds summer squash cut in chunks 2 sweet peppers (red or yellow) cut in chunks Method: Heat oil in a large pan over medium hat. Add onion and cook about two minutes. Add squash, peppers, and garlic. Saute until tender-crisp. Add tomato sauce and fennel seeds. Salt and pepper to taste. Arrange in center of warm platter with steaks over top. Pour sauce around outside and serve.

New Gewurz Gingered Cranberry Sauce Alexander Valley Vineyards, 8644 Highway 128, Healdsburg, CA 95448 1-800-888-7209, www.avvwine.com Ingredients: 1 - 12 oz bag fresh cranberries 1 cinnamon stick 1 cup sugar 2 tablespoons grated fresh peeled ginger root 1 cup Alexander Valley 2006 New 3 shallots, peeled and sliced Gewurz, or other Gewurtztraminer 1/4 teaspoon chili flakes - optional Method: Combine all ingredients in a sauce pan, bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook for 30 minutes. Enjoy with your Holiday roasted turkey.

Chocolate Chip Fudge Brownies Judy Schultze, Windy Oaks Estate, 550 Hazel Dell Rd, Corralitos, CA 95076, (831) 786-WINE; www.windyoaksestate.com. Serves 6-8 Serve this chocolate favorite with a good quality vanilla ice cream. Do not overcook these brownies. Believe it or not, this tastes fantastic with Windy Oaks Estate Pinot Noir! Ingredients: 1/2 cup butter, cut into 8 pieces 1 teaspoon vanilla 2 ounces unsweetened chocolate, cut into 4 3/4 cup flour pieces 1/2 cup coarsely chopped nuts 1 cup sugar 3/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips Premium quality vanilla ice cream, optional 2 eggs Method: Preheat oven to 350 degrees.Grease an 8x8x2-inch baking pan. Set aside. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter and chocolate under low heat, stirring all the while. When melted, remove from heat and stir in the sugar, just until mixed; then stir in the eggs and vanilla, just until mixed. To this, add the flour, nuts and chips; stir just until mixed and then spread in the pan and bake 18 to 20 minutes (the brownies will have just begun to pull away from the sides and while a toothpick inserted into the middle will be moist, the sides will be clean).

Walk and taste an incredible variety of hand-crafted local wines. All located within the city of Santa Cruz 1 Pelican Ranch

7 Hillcrest Terrace Winery

2 Silver Mountain Vineyards

8 Equinox / Bartolo

3 Vino Tabi

9 Copious Winery

4 Sones Cellars

10 Trout Gulch Vineyards

www.hillcrestterracewinery.com 831.419.0803 Sat-Sun 12-5 & most Fri Afternoons

www.pelicanranch.com 831.426.6911 Fri-Sun 12-5

Mission Street / Hwy 1

Courtyard, corner of Swift and Ingalls)

9 10 8 West Cliff Drive

MAP NOT TO SCALE

Fair Ave.

Swift Street 427 Swift Street

11 1 2 3 4 5 6 (1-7 Located at or across Ingalls St. 7 from the Swift Street

12 to Portrero Street

www.copiouswinery.com 831.425.9463 Fri-Sun 12-5

www.vino-tabi-wine.com 831.426.1809 Wed-Thur 1- 5, Fri-Sat 12-9, Sun 12-5 www.sonescellars.com 831.420.1552 Fri-Sun 12-5

www.equinoxwine.com 831.423.3000 Fri-Sun 12-5

www.silvermtn.com 831.466.0559 • 408.353.2273 Thu-Sun 12-5

www.troutgulchvineyards.com 414 Avalon Ave. 831.471.2705 Open for special events only

5 Santa Cruz Mountain Vineyard 11 MJA Vineyards www.santacruzmountainvineyard.com 831.426.6209 Wed-Sun 12-5:30

COMING EVENTS

Wishing you a wonderful Holiday Season! Dec 18 • 3rd Saturday - Best Last-Minute Gift Jan 15 • Come see us on Passport Saturday

6 Odonata Wines

www.odonatawines.com 831.566.5147 1st Sat of each month

www.surfcityvintners.com

www.mjavineyards.com 328 Ingalls St. 831.421.9380 Thurs 12-5, Fri-Sun 12-6

12 Storrs Winery

Like the good old days, you may run into a real winemaker!

Old Sash Mill, 303 Portrero St. #35 www.storrswine.com 831.458.5030 Daily 12-5