Musings Along The Wine Trails
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.
The signature barn owl logo for Kynsi Winery is actually a named after a Finnish word for “talon”.
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!
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…]
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 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…]
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.
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…]
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!
Family 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…]