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UNCORKED WINE TRAVELS

Musings Along The Wine Trails

Dog Friendly Kynsi Winery ~ Sip, Sit, Stay

June 16, 2013 by Deborah Mines Leave a Comment

Kynsi Winery was once a working dairy farm in the 1940's
Kynsi Winery was once a working dairy farm in the 1940’s

Driving down the bucolic country back roads of Edna Valley several years ago, I was lucky to discover the hidden jewel, Kynsi Winery.  And, wow, what a treasure!  Totally charming and renovated, Kynsi Winery was once a working dairy farm in the 1940’s.  Today, it’s a forerunner in superb Pinot Noirs with a laid-back atmosphere with a fun, friendly  and knowledgeable staff.

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Adult Barn Owl  — mascot of Kinsey Winery   Photo courtesy of Kynsi Winery

The signature barn owl logo for Kynsi Winery is actually a named after a Finnish word for “talon”.

Contact Pic
Barn Owl fledglings ~ Photo courtesy of Kynsi Winery

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Read more…]

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Filed Under: California Wine Trail Tagged With: Chardonnay, dog friendly, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Noir, Syrah, Wine Tasting, Zinfandel

Pinots Rule At Iconic Alma Rosa

June 13, 2013 by Deborah Mines Leave a Comment

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…]

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Filed Under: California Wine Trail Tagged With: 115 clone, 667 clone, Certified Organic, Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Noir, Pinot Noir Clone, Rose, Sideways movie, Vin Gris, Wine Tasting

Saucelito Canyon Is Absolutely Zinful

June 9, 2013 by Deborah Mines Leave a Comment

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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…]

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Filed Under: California Wine Trail Tagged With: Cote du Blanc, Old vine, Rhone blend, Sauvignon Blanc, Tempranillo, Wine Tasting, Zinfandel

Oso Libre Vines, Wines, Angus Are Oso Fine

June 4, 2013 by Deborah Mines 1 Comment

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…]

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Filed Under: California Wine Trail Tagged With: Cabernet Sauvignon, Grenache, Mourvedre, Petit Sirah, SIP Certified, Solera, Syrah, Viognier, Wine Tasting, Zinfandel

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

February 23, 2013 by Deborah Mines Leave a Comment

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…]

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Filed Under: California Wine Trail Tagged With: Cabernet Sauvignon, Grenache, Muscat, Syrah, Viognier, Wine Tasting

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A Little About Me

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...

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