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UNCORKED WINE TRAVELS

Musings Along The Wine Trails

Russian River Valley Welcomes Visitors in Uncertain Times…

September 20, 2020 by Deborah Mines

I had the pleasure to take a quick jaunt to Russian River Valley in North Sonoma County over the long Labor Day weekend with my lovely daughter Tara.   Perhaps, not the most ideal time to visit due to the smoldering wildfires, extreme heat and the pandemic.  But, it felt really good to travel again and to visit my favorite wineries and see familiar faces.  We were well-received all weekend and experienced some of the grandest tastings with super personal service.

Our first tasting adventure started at Dutton Estate for a Dusk Wine Tasting.  We were greeted by friendly faces with Dutton’s estate Hard Cider in hand and led to our table amidst the summer blooms surrounded by the vineyards and towering pines. Dutton’s Estate Sauvignon Blanc and gourmet charcuterie plate was most fitting for the glorious sundowner.

Our wine trip itinerary was focused primarily on Westside Road, where days before, all of the residents and wineries had been evacuated from the raging Wallbridge Fire, still semi-active over the crest of the hill.   A major arterial roadway, Westside Road had been closed in both directions for several weeks and was used by the fire crews to travel from Jenner to Dry Creek during the initial fire outbreak.

What was on everyone’s mind, but rarely spoken, was the topic of possible smoke taint in the vineyards.  Harvest was already mid-way in RRV with fruit still on the vines in many vineyards

Smoke taint would be the bane of many large and small growers and winemakers alike.  There was great uncertainty hanging in the smoky air with many wondering if there would be an actual 2020 wine production.

Our top reservation tastings included MacRostie Vineyards, Arista Vineyards and Flowers Vineyards, all off Westside Road.  As is elsewhere in California wine country, wine tastings are permitted outside only,  by appointment, with social distancing and face masks required when not seated.  Other than that, it was business as usual, albeit, without the crowds.  Winery staff were very gracious everywhere we went and happy to have visitors once again. [Read more…]

Filed Under: California Wine Trail Tagged With: Chardonnay, Harvest, Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc, Wine Tasting

BOOK REVIEW: A Wine Journey Along The Russian River

May 30, 2020 by Deborah Mines

Calling all Oenophiles….

One of my favorite wine books about the history of Northern Sonoma Wine Country, A Wine Journey Along The Russian River, takes readers on a slow and easy trek through Mendocino County, Alexander Valley, Dry Creek and finally through the storied Russian River Valley.  Author Steve Heimoff, previous West Coast Editor of Wine Enthusiast Magazine artfully details the beginning of the region’s viticulture experimentation and influential pioneer wine makers of the day.  Filled with first hand encounters and a bird’s eye view from the riverbanks to the vineyards above, this historical read will captivate the best of the wine geeks.

Having spent a lot of time in this wine region, I found the book to be well-researched and have read it cover-to-cover a few times, each time gleaming a deeper insight.   Interestingly, there are a few geological theories about the actual rock formation of the Russian River itself, but overall the story line focuses on the key players in the burgeoning wine industry in the 1970’s.

The Russian River, named after the Fort Ross Russian settlers in the early 19th century, flows south, originating east of Willits in Mendocino County, before making a sharp turn to the west near Healdsburg, then continues through Guerneville before meeting the Pacific Ocean.

While the Russian River plays an important role in moderating temperatures for grape growing in the valley, it is also an important ecological habitat for warm and cold water fish migration and spawning and is well known to locals for its sandy beaches.

Heimoff delights readers with stories and interviews from the area’s first growers and vintners in this superb read!

Cheers!

Filed Under: Wine A Bit Tagged With: Dry Creek, Mendocino, Russian River, Russian River Valley, vineyards, wine

US Wine Market Update: A Regional Perspective Webinar Unites Top Industry Leaders

April 17, 2020 by Deborah Mines

Newsflash – The Wine Institute reported today that revenue losses for the nation’s more than 10,000 wineries and more than 8,000 wine grape growers due to COVID-19 could reach $5.94 billion.

Fortunately, there appears to be a silver lining for the US wine industry amidst all the doom and gloom.   Direct to Consumer (DTC) wine sales are soaring sky high!  With so many people ordered to stay home, more wine lovers are turning to online wine purchases.  Case sales have increased four-fold and many wineries are offering deep discounts and free shipping to move their wine.

This week, Michelle Metter, Co-Founder and Partner of SommCon, hosted US Wine Market Update: A Regional Perspective with a fantastic guest panel of wine leaders from California, Oregon, Washington, Ohio and Virginia.   Not surprising, the general consensus from these leading industry experts was to be innovative and “think outside the bottle.”   But, how?

With all tasting rooms shuttered across the US, the big shift in wine sales is moving toward a digital presence with a goal to add new consumers to the database and to lessen the reliance of tourism in tasting rooms.  Webinars, new social media platforms, in-depth wine education, local campaigns and virtual wine tastings have become the “new normal”.

Panelist Connor Best spearheads the International Marketing efforts on behalf of Napa Valley Vintners for its 550-winery members and winegrowers.  He notes that there has been a huge transition to e-commerce sales, even with top-end producers.  Best also encourages wineries to utilize their front house workers for phone sales, shipping, bottling and other vineyard work to keep staff employed during the shutdown.  “Surprisingly, wine club memberships in Napa remain strong with fewer cancellations than predicted,” remarked Best.   Despite the 2014 earthquake and the recent Sonoma-Napa wildfires, Napa remains resilient.  NPV has a concentric plan in place to start rebuilding the wine tasting room experiences with outreach to local San Francisco Bay area visitors first and will then expand marketing efforts outward as California relaxes the stay-in-shelter orders.

Sonoma County Winegrowers’ President Karissa Kruse, who actively supports the hospitality industry during these difficult times, expressed a similar sentiment.  Other than an earlier than usual bud break, the growing season seems to be on track.  “Agriculture continues to give and doesn’t understand the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Kruse.   She feels positive, however, that Sonoma County is well poised to welcome Bay area day-trippers into wine country soon and that the wine industry will eventually recover.   In the meantime, local eateries are pairing take out food with Sonoma wines by the glass and bottle, in the “Keep Restaurants Alive” campaign, which has been well received.

Another panel contributor, Joel Peterson, Executive Director of the Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance is closely aligned with over 200 wineries in Central California.  Again, the big shift was to quickly pivot and go to digital marketing.  Many distilleries in Paso immediately ramped up to produce hand sanitizer for the first responders, while wineries delivered wine care packages to those on the front lines.  Peterson is working closely with the county on the anticipated roll out plan to re-open the region’s wineries.   He also supports the “Home With Paso Wine” campaign and invites wine lovers to connect with local winemakers via Zoom for weekly virtual tastings, vineyard updates and interviews.

Elsewhere in the state, Temecula Valley Southern California Wine Country’s Brand Marketing Partner, Devin Parr, expressed great concern over the lack of distribution and wholesale market for the 40+ wineries. Largely founded by DTC sales, Temecula’s target market caters to the 23 million visitors within a one to two hour drive from wine country.  Parr believes that the valley’s “Sip From Home” packages are key to garnering wine sales at this time and has reported moderate success feedback.  Many wineries are being more innovative and have reached out to wine club members via various social media platforms to offer free local wine delivery or curbside pickup.  And, a big shout out goes out to Wilson Creek Winery for donating 50,000 tasting tickets to Southern California wine lovers.

Washington State Wine Marketing Director David Flaherty had some interesting insights, as Seattle was six weeks ahead of the COVID-19 curve. Unfortunately, one of the largest revenue producing wine events, Taste Seattle, had to be cancelled with short notice.  However, on the positive side, Flaherty received huge support from regional wineries with his quick call to action.  “We all need each other.  The spirit of collaborative union creates a sense of urgency to shake off stodginess of the industry and break down walls,” said Flaherty.  A noteworthy digital campaign recently launched by Washington State Wine is SIP GLOCAL, a global movement that rallies around a local bottle of wine, with the hope of closing the social distance between communities near and far.

 

Filed Under: California Wine Trail Tagged With: Napa Valley Vintners, Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance, SommCon, Sonoma County Winegrowers, Temecula Valley, Washington State Wine, Wine Tasting

The Lifecycle of a Grape Vine ~ From Vine To Wine

March 26, 2020 by Deborah Mines

When Spring arrives, the lifecycle of the grape begins anew.  Bud break signals the start of the grape growing season.  Depending on the weather, bud break generally occurs in mid-March or early April in the Northern Hemisphere.   The vines awaken from dormancy and start pumping energy into the woody part of the vine to produce buds.  Barring any hailstorms or damaging spring frost, nature prepares for photosynthesis and warmer weather.

As bud break turns into vegetative growth, the next process of the grape vine begins from April to May.  Flowering is when bunches of tiny flowers bloom from the new vine shoots. Grape vines are self-pollinating, so each of these flowers has the potential to turn into a single berry.

The next growth stage, fruit set, is critical as it determines the potential crop yield for the harvest.  As the summer months near, the pollinated flower drops its petals and tiny green grape berry clusters with seeds develop at the end of the stem.  Not every flower is fertilized into a berry, so it simply falls off the vine.

Veraison occurs in mid-summer, when the green berry clusters begin to expose their color pigmentation. Veraison stems from a French viticulture term meaning “the onset of grape ripening”.   This is the process in which the berry clusters begin ripening and turning purple or blueish in color, depending upon the grape varietal.  White grape varietals turn golden yellow in the same fashion. The heat of summer induces sugar development and ripening in each grape, while the cool evenings preserve natural acidity and freshness.

Harvest is the much anticipated culmination of the grape growth cycle.  Global warming has dramatically altered the traditional September to November harvest time.  It is common practice to harvest in the middle of the night in warmer areas when the grapes are cool and the sugars are resting.  It’s a little sad to see the vines stripped of their fruit after harvest, but it’s all part of nature’s way.  Soon, the vines will be dormant and the grape lifecycle will repeat itself.  Here’s to a great growing season with no drama!

Filed Under: California Wine Trail Tagged With: bud break, fruit set, grape growing, Harvest, Vine, viticulture

2019’s “Top 10” Eclectic RRV Wineries

December 29, 2019 by Deborah Mines

Everyone loves a “Top 10” list, so here are my recommendations, in alphabetical order as they’e all prime picks in that special wine region called Russian River Valley.   Besides the fabulous wines, it’s the people and stories behind the vines that make a visit to RRV so memorable and will keep you returning for more!

 1.  Arista

In the middle reach of the Russian River Valley lies Arista Winery, a family-owned artisanal winery.  Specializing in handcrafted Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, Arista is a true gem. Brothers Mark and Ben run the day-to-day winery operations, and oversee the mini-farm and organic gardens.

The journey from Westside Road is magical and meanders through spectacular Pinot Noir vineyards.  At the end of the long gated driveway, you will find a zen-like Japanese inspired facade with manicured gardens, ponds and walking paths.  Perfect for a wine-inspired picnic lunch.

By appointment only, the staff is super friendly and extremely knowledgeable and the wines speak volumes.  The only downside here is the one-year waiting list to join the McWilliams’ family wine club.

2. DRNK

One of the most memorable experiences last year was discovering DRNK Wines, another family-owned winery off Frei Road in rural Sebastopol aka Laguna Ridge growing area. Cleverly named, the initials D.R.N.K. represent inlaws Dale and Nancy Dougherty and Ryan and Katie Kunde who all share a love of family and good wine!

Ryan hails from five generations of vineyard management in Sonoma County and definitely knows how to select the top vineyards and grape varietals, utilizing drone technology.   One thing is certain, Ryan’s charismatic nature is endearing and his depth of enology is as impressive as the array of wines.

If you’re lucky,  perhaps you’ll be invited to taste some amazing vintage wines in the naturally cooled wine cave.  Current bottlings include Rose, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Grenache Blanc, Pinot Noir, Merlot and Zinfandel.  Also by appointment, so call ahead and be prepared to be wow’d.

3.  Emeritus

Calling all Pinotphiles… Off the Gravenstein Highway in Sebastopol, you’ll find the highly touted Emeritus  Vineyards, another precious jewel along the wine road.  Found quite by happenstance, historically speaking, Emeritus‘ Hallberg Ranch is one of the area’s finest producing Pinot Noir vineyards.

An apple orchard in days gone by, the 110-acre Hallberg Ranch is truly a sight to behold.  Estate Pinot Noir grapes are also sourced from Annapolis’ Sonoma Coast (Welsly Vineyard) and Sebastopol Hills’ Northern Wind Gap (Pinot Hill).  Nothing but heavenly Pinot Noir at Emeritus, but who’s complaining?

A few of the best things about Emeritus, other than the stellar Pinot Noir tasting lineup is the one-on-one seated tasting experience, endless gorgeous vineyard views and the personal interaction with the highly trained staff.  Customized vineyard tours are offered throughout the year, with Spring and Summer being especially memorable.

4. Flanagan Winery

One of my newfound favorites is Flanagan Winery, located off Dry Creek Road, five minutes from Healdsburg.  By appointment only,  this little slice of heaven is sure to impress.  You’ll be instantly awed with the sweeping views of Dry Creek Valley and warmly welcomed by the gracious crew

Flanagan is definitely a family affair, with Eric Flanagan at the helm and 20 year old daughter Riley following in his footsteps with her own label, Riley’s Rows.  Meeting Riley was awe-inspiring.  Her bubbly personality and talent for winemaking is inherent and will serve her well in years to come.

Grapes are sourced from both estate and top vineyards in Bennet Valley, Bodega Bay, Russian River Valley, Petaluma Gap and Alexander Valley.  Whether your preference is Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot, Flanagan has something for everyone and is sure to delight.

5.  Flowers

After much anticipation and a mega-million dollar tasting room and property renovation, The House of Flowers opened their doors this Summer.  Flowers Winery  is situated off Westside Road, minutes from Healdsburg, on the old VML site.  While the vibe is more Napa-esque than the laid-back Sonoma style, Flowers has been well-received and is touted as the ultimate wine and food pairing offering in the Russian River Vall

The artfully prepared food pairings change with the season and compliment the four Chardonnay and Pinot Noir wines.  Definitely a must visit on a warm sunny afternoon! [Read more…]

Filed Under: California Wine Trail Tagged With: Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Forestville, Healdsburg, Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley, Sauvignon Blanc, sustainable farming, Syrah, Windsor, wine cave, Wine Road, Wine Tasting

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    To many, I’m simply known as a wanderlust ~ a free-spirited adventuress with a passion for travel and a lover of great wines!Read more...

    Vintage Posts

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    • Freeman Vineyard & Winery’s Cave Tasting Is A “10” August 8, 2021
    • 2021’s Top 10 Winery Picks off Russian River Valley’s Iconic Westside Road July 5, 2021
    • Kickstart The Weekend In DRNK’s Wine Cave June 6, 2021
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    • California Wineries Are Now “Waiting For The Other Shoe To Drop…” November 15, 2020
    • Russian River Valley Welcomes Visitors in Uncertain Times… September 20, 2020
    • BOOK REVIEW: A Wine Journey Along The Russian River May 30, 2020
    • US Wine Market Update: A Regional Perspective Webinar Unites Top Industry Leaders April 17, 2020
    • The Lifecycle of a Grape Vine ~ From Vine To Wine March 26, 2020
    • 2019’s “Top 10” Eclectic RRV Wineries December 29, 2019
    • Russian River Valley’s Arista Wines Earn Top Accolades From Wine Spectator September 24, 2019
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    Deb Mines is a wine enthusiast with a passion for travel! Seeking the stories behind the vines... . WSET Level 3, FWS, CSW,AWE

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    uncorkedwinesd UncorkedWineTravels @uncorkedwinesd ·
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    A shout out to Ryan Kunde ⁦@DRNKwines⁩ Wildwood Vineyards 2018 Cab Sauvignon ~ perfectly integrated lusciousness🍷🍷🙌🙌#wine #SonomaStrong

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    The @WineSpectator Scholarship Foundation is giving $10M to @NVCollege's Viticulture, Wine and Technology program. The Wine Spectator Wine Education Complex will offer affordable training for aspiring #wine industry workers young and old: https://winesp.ec/39nW5r7

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    Top 3 Wineries in Temecula WIne Country
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    Discover Scout & Cellar's Clean-Crafted Wines - Be ready to be wowed! Interested in starting your own wine business? DM for details or visit http://www.scoutandcellar.com/UncorkedWineTravels

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    9 Aug 2021

    Freeman Vineyard & WInery's Cave Tasting is a "10"
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    Hot time Summer in the city 🎵🎶. Fire up the BBQ and pair grilled goodies with Scout and Cellar’s clean-crafted wines 🍷🍷DM me for info or visit my bio link. https://www.instagram.com/p/CRUti0CLHoh/?utm_medium=twitter

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    Beautiful warm breezy day @PalumboWinery #temeculawinecountry #winetasting #July4th

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    2 Jul 2021

    Breezy warm day in #temeculawinecountry @palumbowinery Where Will your travels take you this holiday weekend? @ Palumbo Family Winery https://www.instagram.com/p/CQ1p0hVrv_Q/?utm_medium=twitter

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    26 Jun 2021

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