UNCORKED WINE TRAVELS

Musings Along The Wine Trails

Pinots Rule At Iconic Alma Rosa

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No frills, Alma Rosa Winery is one of the top producers of Pinot Noir in the Santa Rita Hills, near Buelton
No frills… Alma Rosa Winery is one of the top producers of Pinot Noir in the Santa Rita Hills, near Buellton

You’ll almost miss the gravel road that leads to Alma Rosa if you’re looking the other way!  Five miles down the twisty Santa Rosa Road, near Buellton, lies Alma Rosa.  Tucked in the oaks, down a dusty gravel road lies a real treasure.  It doesn’t have the flashy curb appeal of the larger production wineries in Foxen Canyon because there are NO curbs!

No pretense...just fabulous wines!
No pretense…just fabulous wines!

Alma Rosa is the lovechild of the 1970’s wine pioneers Richard and Thekla Sanford ~ artfully recreated in the Sideways movie, it remains, unchanged.  Much to my dismay, this time around, Chris, the bearded Willie Nelson look-a-like, was not working there.  I was told he was “taking a break”.  Chris, does however, continue to write the lofty wine descriptions which are as fun as the wines are good! [Read more…]

Saucelito Canyon Is Absolutely Zinful

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Staking claim in 1880 in the rugged canyon of the upper Arroyo Grande Valley, Saucelito Canyon is literally “as old as the hills”.  A century later, Bill Greenough restored the abandoned vineyards and made a name for himself in the Central Coast wine making business.  Today, his son, Tom follows in his father’s footsteps as a second generation winemaker specializing in seven different Zinfandels as well as a spicy Tempranillo and an excellent Sauvignon Blanc and Cote du Blanc,  a Rhone Blend.

Saucelito Canyon Hostess, Terri welcomes me back with a photo of my Canine Companion for Independence Puppy photo of Emory, taken at the winery in 2010
Saucelito Canyon Hostess, Terri Shearer, welcomes me back with a photo that still hangs in the back office, of my Canine Companion for Independence puppy, Emory IV, taken at the winery in 2010.  Terri remarked, “It was so great to finally connect you with Emory’s picture!”

Saucelito Canyon is a family run boutique winery that is always a joy to visit and has a very friendly vibe!  Wine club membership has some excellent perks, including special events at  the  historical Arroyo Grande Valley ranch.  Blending in with the locals for the winemaker dinners, barbecues and  wine pick up parties are only a few of the reasons I love being a wine club member at Saucelito Canyon.  For the truly discerning Zinfandel lover, the 1880 Old Vine Club is a must! [Read more…]

Oso Libre Vines, Wines, Angus Are Oso Fine

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Oso Libre Winery ~ Paso Robles
Oso Libre Winery ~ Paso Robles

No trip to Paso Robles is complete for me without a visit to Oso Libre Vineyards!  Something magical happens when you step through the door.  Within a few seconds,  you are warmly greeted and welcomed by the Behr family.  Chris and Linda Behr, along with Jeff and Liz Freeland have put their hearts and soul into making Oso Libre one of the most fun, top wineries in Paso Robles.

Sustainability in Practice philosophy at Oso Libre
Sustainability in Practice philosophy is held in high regard at Oso Libre

Oso Libre, Spanish for Free Bear, (a compilation of Behr and Freeland family names), is certified as  Sustainability in Practice (SIP), which is no easy feat.  To be certified as SIP, the goal is to grow crops  and raise farm animals with the least impact to the environment, without the use of harmful pesticides.  Not all wineries qualify for this coveted designation, and this is only one reason that makes Oso Libre so special.

Free range, grass-fed Black Angus cattle along with Babydoll sheep (used for organic weed abatement and organic fertilization) and a few alpacas (who protect the sheep), are raised side-by-side on the 90 acre spread.  The outside patio is positioned as an observation area high above the working farm. [Read more…]

Great Wine & Contemporary Art — Perfect Duo at Lorimar Vineyard & Winery

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Lorimar's Award Winning Wines
Lorimar’s Award Winning Wines

What two things blend better than great wine and contemporary art? Add a little live music and you have a winning trio! Lorimar Vineyard & Winery in Temecula’s Wine Country is one of the newest additions to the valley and is at the top of the charts!

IMG_5938Family owned, Lorimar follows a Tuscan theme with Sangiovese being one of the primary grapes grown. Other varietals grown on the 22 acre estate are Syrah, Grenache, Muscat, Viognier and Cabernet Sauvignon.                                                                                                                                         [Read more…]

Artisanal Wines from Palumbo Family Vineyards & Winery

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On a recent trek to Temecula Wine Country, some 50 miles from San Diego,   I decided to revisit Palumbo Family Vineyards & Winery.  For a lesser known, boutique winery, Palumbo’s  packs a lot of punch!  Most people probably drive right past the dirt road that leads up to the 13 acre vineyard, not knowing what they’re missing!

Tasting room at Palumbo Family Vineyards & Winery, Temecula, California
Tasting room at Palumbo Family Vineyards & Winery, Temecula, California

Palumbo’s is best known for its sustainable farming practices and produces only  2,500 cases of handcrafted wine each season.  Varietals include  Viognier, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Sangiovese and Merlot. [Read more…]