California Wine Trail

Dry Creek Vineyard Sparkles ~ 2015 Winter Wineland

March 1, 2015 by Deborah Mines

Smack dab in the middle of Dry Creek Valley, near Healdsburg, marks the spot of Dry Creek Vineyard. Founded in 1972 by David Stare, this family owned winery is often considered the flagship vineyard of the Dry Creek Valley AVA as it was the first winery constructed in the area after Prohibition.

Every January, the Wine Road showcases over 140 wineries in the Northern Sonoma wine country, each outfitted in a winter theme with stellar wine and food pairings. The 2015 Winter Wineland is just one of the many events hosted by Sonoma’s Wine Road throughout the year. www.wineroad.com

This year, Dry Creek Vineyard was one of the most festive wineries, naming each wine selection with ski run course jargon. Guests could start with the Bunny Hill, a 2013 Sauvignon Blanc or the MIlk Run, a 2012 DCV Estate Block 10 Chardonnay, selected from the best 30 rows of the family’s Russian River Valley vineyard.

For the more adventurous tasters, the Dry Creek Mogul, a 2012 Old Vine Zinfandel and the lusty Black Diamond, a 2012 Mariner, a meritage of the five Bordeaux grapes ~ Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc were gold medal winners on the slopes. [Read more…]

Porter Creek Vineyards is Best Kept Secret in Russian River Valley

February 15, 2015 by Deborah Mines

Deep in the heart of the Russian River Valley’s west side lies the sleepy Porter Creek Vineyards. Named for the adjacent Porter Creek tributary, which flows into the famed Russian River, this little slice of heaven is certainly worthy of a visit.

Untouched raw beauty surrounds the rustic enclave and old vines, with an array of dogs and chickens meandering about. Porter Creek Vineyards was founded by George Davis in 1977 and was planted to Pinot Noir and Chardonnay only. Today, Rhone and Burgundian varietals are organically grown on the steep hillsides and son Alex Davis handcrafts the wines in small lots.

The tasting room is both eclectic and funky, with a mesmerizing view of the forest and hills. I visited Porter Creek Vineyards at the 2015 Winter Wineland two-day event and was bowled over by the depth of the wines. [Read more…]

Historic Rancho Sisquoc Winery & Vineyard ~ Angus to Vines

January 11, 2015 by Deborah Mines

Dating back to the 1850’s the 37,000 acre Rancho Sisquoc is part of a Mexican land grant, snaking along the Sisquoc River 14 miles east of Santa Maria. The Chumash Indians called this pristine land, “Sisquoc”, meaning gathering place.

And what a gathering place Rancho Sisquoc Winery has become! Originally a cattle ranch with plots of beans and barley, today, over 300 acres are planted in vines. Another piece of history adorns the ranch ~ the San Ramon Chapel, declared as Santa Barbara County’s first State Historical Landmark. Erected in 1875, the chapel still holds Sunday services.

Further down the winding gravel road is the rustic tasting room which was constructed in 1977 and overlooks the entire working cattle ranch and hills beyond the river. Rancho Sisquoc Winery‘s tasting room decor is fashioned after an old western saloon and expands to the outside patio in warm weather months.
[Read more…]

Napa Valley’s Castello di Amorosa Winery Is Bewitching

December 24, 2014 by Deborah Mines

It’s no wonder why the Castello di Amorosa in the sleepy town of Calistoga is one of the most adored and visited wineries. The 13th century Tuscan-styled castle was painstakingly replicated by owner and winemaker Dario Sattui, taking more than 14 years to construct.

Sattui’s dream of building a winery to host his Italian varietals in Napa Valley became more of an obsession. Castello di Amorosa is tucked against the forested hills overlooking acres of vineyards.

Italian Cypress trees line the long driveway to the castle where the magic unfolds as one crosses the drawbridge to enter the castle. Sheep and chickens roam the dry moat area surrounding the castle, mingling with visitors.

Castle tours with wine tastings are artfully guided by docents throughout the 107 room medieval castle and grounds. [Read more…]

Russian River Vineyards Has A Storied Past & Noteworthy Wines

December 13, 2014 by Deborah Mines

Nestled in the heart of the renowned Russian River Valley is the picturesque and historic Russian River Vineyards. Historically speaking, this iconic vineyard is one of the oldest vineyards in the northern Sonoma County wine growing region. The first vines were planted with Merlot in 1963, a time when the surrounding farm plots were planted with apples and prunes.

Surrounded by towering Redwood trees, this eclectic winery was modeled after the many stockades built by Russian settlers in the early 1800’s and the hop kilns that dotted the Sonoma County. Russian River Vineyards was named long before the Russian River Valley was designated as an AVA in 1983. [Read more…]