Attention Bubbleheads… Wilson Creek Winery and Vineyards is the perfect place to kickstart your weekend wine warrior tasting! Wilson Creek Winery and Vineyards features five sparkling wines (you know we can’t call them Champagne!), with the Almond Sparkling Wine topping the wine list. Personally, I prefer the Peach Bellini Sparkling Wine, with hints of peach, which is not as sweet or the Orange Mimosa Sparkling Wine, which combines the Almond Sparkling Wine with the essence of orange. There’s even a Sparking Sangria Wine, naturally fermented in the Southern Mediterranean style, tasting of red berry, pomegranate, lemon and blood orange. Refreshing and delightful! [Read more…]
Temecula’s Monte de Oro Shines Like Gold
One of the most architecturally impressive and trendy new wineries in Temecula is Monte de Oro. Fashioned with a contemporary Tuscan theme, the soaring floor-to-ceiling windows are absolutely magnificent! Opulence surrounds you in the center tasting room, in every direction.
One of the most unique features at Monte de Oro is the glass-floored tasting room, which looks into the Barrel Cellar below. I have to admit, it’s a little unnerving to walk across the glass floor. You might be surprised to look down and see someone looking up!
Founded in 2002, Monte de Oro has 68 family owners from the Americas, South Africa and the United Kingdom who call themselves the OGB Parnters (One Great Blend).
Il Dolce Far Niente ~ San Casciano dei Bagni
Italians have a saying, “il dolce far niente…” which literally translates to “the sweetness of doing nothing”. For me, nothing is sweeter than aimlessly touring the Tuscan countryside south of Siena, between Val d’Orcia and Val di Chiana.
Lots of open space, wooded valleys, olive groves, vineyards and a handful of small towns dotted with working farms make up the landscape. I’ve visited this area before, and will return again, as it is a fabulous home base for exploring the southern Tuscany and northern Umbrian sites.
Charming medieval San Casciano dei Bagni is a delightful borgo (medieval village) steeped in history dating back as early as the third century. One day the town’s church bells rang ominously for over 15 minutes straight ~ in honor perhaps of a beloved’s passing ~ the intense vibration of the bells resounded throughout the town and shook the earth! A very spiritual and moving experience and there wasn’t a soul around… For Whom The Bells Toll? [Read more…]
Let The Good Times Roll At Chamisal Vineyards
In the heart of the Edna Valley wine country, where the bucolic views stretch for miles in any one direction, and vineyards line the country roads, if you’re lucky, you’ll stumble upon Chamisal Vineyards.
Historically speaking, Chamisal Vineyards claims to have planted the first vineyard in Edna Valley in 1973. However, the planting of the first vineyards actually date back to the 1880’s when the Franciscan padres planted the first vines along the Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa trail.
Chamisal Vineyards was initially known as Domaine Alfred. The vineyards changed hands a few times over the years and eventually were replanted in the 1990’s with numerous high-end Pinot Noir clones, Syrah, Chardonnay, Grenache and Pinot Gris.
Aptly so, Chamisal Vineyards‘ namesake was derived from the fragrant native white-flowered shrub, the chamise. Keeping with the theme, Chamisal Vineyards features a top-line wine series labeled Califa, translated from the Modoc Indians to mean “the prettiest one”. And yes, they are the prettiest ones! Califa’s 2010 Pinot Noir recently earned 90 points from Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate and it is certainly deserving of every point. The blend of three Pinot Noir clones (115, 667 and 777) fills your mouth with lush blackberry, boysenberry and raspberry and is absolutely divine and worth the price ($60).
Another favorite is the 2009 Califa Syrah, which is extremely rich on the palette with flavors of blackberry and black plum with a touch of violet and underlying oak. On a lighter note, the 2011 Estate Grenache is outstanding and easy to pair with all foods. The red cherry and black plum flavors offer the slightest hint of sandalwood, anise and allspice and is very characteristic of a Chamisal Vineyards‘ Grenache, vintage after vintage. For Chardonnay lovers, try the 2012 Stainless Chardonnay, (three Chardonnay clones), for a crisp, acidic wine tasting of lush tropical pineapple, peach and red apple without the overdone oaky taste of a typical California Chardonnay. [Read more…]
Cordiano Winery’s Big Red Heart Says It All
San Pasqual Valley is now home to another notable winery ~ Cordiano Winery. Rising high above the valley in Escondido, the expansive views from the outdoor terrace are captivating and stretch for miles.
Cordiano Winery is family owned and run by Gerardo and Rosa Cordiano who are originally from southern Italy. Restauranteurs turned winemaker, the Cordianos have had great success in both arenas in the San Diego area. [Read more…]
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