Cabernet Franc

Top 6 Eclectic Russian River Valley Wineries (Sonoma County)

January 30, 2017 by Deborah Mines

In no particular order, I’ve made a list of the top six most eclectic Russian River Valley wineries, which is no easy feat. With over 100 wineries in the Russian River Valley AVA, there are a lot of choices. These are off the beaten path wineries with stellar wines, avant-garde winemakers, friendly down-to-earth folk and inviting and fun tasting rooms.

Pinot Noir and Chardonnay are highly revered here, and comprise over 70% of the vineyard plantings. Cool climate varietals such as Syrah and Zinfandel make a good showing, along with Sauvignon Blanc, Gewurtztraminer, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Petite Sirah.

#1 Moshin Winery – Tucked off River Road, it’s easy to miss the entrance. Look for the giant iron butterfly hovering above the road. Moshin pours several amazing Pinot Noirs, Chardonnay, a Sparkling Blanc de Noir, Zinfandel, Cabernet Franc, Petite Sirah and a late harvest Zinfandel dessert wine. The tasting room is adorned with local artwork and features a small gift shop. Super fun way to spend an afternoon! www.moshinvineyards.com

#2 Porter Creek Vineyards – Stay on Westside Road a mile or so and you’ll arrive at Porter Creek. The long dirt driveway leads to a vintage outbuilding-style tasting room next to the exotic chicken house. Large enough for about 10 people, the view from the tasting room rivals the best view in the valley. The tasting lineup is sure to please every palate. Chardonnay, Viognier, Pinot Noir, Syrah, Old Vine Carignane and Old Vine Zinfandel. Plus, super friendly hosts! www.portercreekvineyards.com [Read more…]

The Wine Carriage ~ A Perfect Marriage Of Horses & Wine

September 19, 2015 by Deborah Mines

Nothing could be finer than being carried through the vines by two handsome, two ton Belgian Draft horses with owner Bret LeRolland of The Wine Carriage leading the way. The starting point for the wine tour adventure begins at the historical Alexander Valley Vineyards in northern Sonoma County off Highway 128.

Alexander Valley Vineyards‘ tasting room has a rustic old west country store feel, complete with a covered wooden porch. Memorabilia of rancher Cyrus Alexander and his wife Rufina adorn the walls.

Estate varietals include Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot, Zinfandel, Pinot Noir, Sangiovese, Cabernet Franc, Syrah and Gerwurtztraminer.

Freshly picked bunches of grapes sit on the counter, free for the tasting.

Bret’s love for his horses, Willie and Django, is evident the moment you meet the team. Guests are encouraged to approach the magnificent duo who calmly stand for pats and photos. Gourmet snacks of locally sourced nuts and cheese are handed out as we take our seats. Time to leave your cares far behind as guests board the horse-drawn carriage from Alexander Valley Vineyards.

Clip clop…. clip clop…. clip clop…. The Wine Carriage smoothly transports up to 10 guests through the heart of the vineyards over a 5 mile course, close enough to reach out and grab a bunch of grapes, which we actually did! [Read more…]

Santa Ynez Valley’s Sunstone Winery ~ C’est Tres Magique

July 19, 2015 by Deborah Mines

villa_about

Reminiscent of a Provencal manor in Southern France, Sunstone Winery features one of the grandest tasting rooms in the Santa Ynez Valley.

The south-facing vineyards sway in the breeze along the Santa Ynez River, creating an ideal microclimate for producing high quality Bordeaux and Rhone varietals. French varietals planted on the 28 acre estate include Viognier, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Syrah.

Founders Fred and Linda Rice had a grandiose vision for Sunstone Winery, scouring reclamation yards in Marseille and Provence for artifacts and furnishings for the 8.500 square foot villa.

“Reclaimed materials, such as French limestone, hand-formed roof tiles, a fireplace from the Bordeaux region of France, enormous hand-hewn pine beams from Queen Victoria’s lavender factory, a prison cell door from Normandy constructed during Napoleon’s reign, and a thousand-year old limestone kitchen sink were all incorporated into their dream building.”

[Read more…]

San Pasqual’s Hungry Hawk Vineyards Soars High

July 3, 2015 by Deborah Mines

Hungry Hawk Vineyards, is one of the newest, and most promising, boutique wineries to join forces with the San Diego Vintners Association in the San Pasqual Valley AVA.

Nested in the rural outskirts of Escondido, Hungry Hawk Vineyards officially opened its doors in the summer of 2014 after several years of vineyard installation, tasting room construction and endless county and state ordinance permits.

Through the hard work of Ed and Jeanine Embly, Hungry Hawk Vineyards has morphed into a top-notch production facility and upscale tasting room.

Hungry Hawk Vineyards has already earned Silver Medals at the 2014 Florida State Fair and the 2014 San Diego County Fair.

Hungry Hawk Vineyards, a former avocado estate, has been planted to 17 grape varietals. White varietals include Albarino, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier and Pinot Gris. Bordeaux varietals include Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Malbec. Grenache, Mouvedre, Petit Sirah, Sangiovese, Tempranillo and the little known Syrah Noir round out the list. [Read more…]

Chateau St. Jean Vineyard & Winery Exudes Old World Charm

June 27, 2015 by Deborah Mines

Magnificent gardens, ornate statuary, grand water features and an incredible backdrop of Sugarloaf Ridge greet guests at Chateau St. Jean Vineyard & Winery. Just outside of Kenwood in Sonoma County, this heavenly estate is reminiscent of a turn of the century French manor, surrounded by 90+ acres of vineyards.

Chateau St. Jean was constructed in 1920 as a summer home for the Goff family, who were iron magnates from Michigan. Today, the home has been listed in the National Trust for Historic Preservation and is open to the public. Parlor-style tasting rooms on the upper level are available for private tastings and events.

Winemaker Margo Van Staaveren has handcrafted over 30 vintages for Chateau St. Jean. An early pioneer of single vineyard grape sourcing, it is Margo’s belief that “great wines are grown”. [Read more…]