UNCORKED WINE TRAVELS

Musings Along The Wine Trails

2019’s “Top 10” Eclectic RRV Wineries

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Everyone loves a “Top 10” list, so here are my recommendations, in alphabetical order as they’e all prime picks in that special wine region called Russian River Valley.   Besides the fabulous wines, it’s the people and stories behind the vines that make a visit to RRV so memorable and will keep you returning for more!

 1.  Arista

In the middle reach of the Russian River Valley lies Arista Winery, a family-owned artisanal winery.  Specializing in handcrafted Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, Arista is a true gem. Brothers Mark and Ben run the day-to-day winery operations, and oversee the mini-farm and organic gardens.

The journey from Westside Road is magical and meanders through spectacular Pinot Noir vineyards.  At the end of the long gated driveway, you will find a zen-like Japanese inspired facade with manicured gardens, ponds and walking paths.  Perfect for a wine-inspired picnic lunch.

By appointment only, the staff is super friendly and extremely knowledgeable and the wines speak volumes.  The only downside here is the one-year waiting list to join the McWilliams’ family wine club.

2. DRNK

One of the most memorable experiences last year was discovering DRNK Wines, another family-owned winery off Frei Road in rural Sebastopol aka Laguna Ridge growing area. Cleverly named, the initials D.R.N.K. represent inlaws Dale and Nancy Dougherty and Ryan and Katie Kunde who all share a love of family and good wine!

Ryan hails from five generations of vineyard management in Sonoma County and definitely knows how to select the top vineyards and grape varietals, utilizing drone technology.   One thing is certain, Ryan’s charismatic nature is endearing and his depth of enology is as impressive as the array of wines.

If you’re lucky,  perhaps you’ll be invited to taste some amazing vintage wines in the naturally cooled wine cave.  Current bottlings include Rose, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Grenache Blanc, Pinot Noir, Merlot and Zinfandel.  Also by appointment, so call ahead and be prepared to be wow’d.

3.  Emeritus

Calling all Pinotphiles… Off the Gravenstein Highway in Sebastopol, you’ll find the highly touted Emeritus  Vineyards, another precious jewel along the wine road.  Found quite by happenstance, historically speaking, Emeritus‘ Hallberg Ranch is one of the area’s finest producing Pinot Noir vineyards.

An apple orchard in days gone by, the 110-acre Hallberg Ranch is truly a sight to behold.  Estate Pinot Noir grapes are also sourced from Annapolis’ Sonoma Coast (Welsly Vineyard) and Sebastopol Hills’ Northern Wind Gap (Pinot Hill).  Nothing but heavenly Pinot Noir at Emeritus, but who’s complaining?

A few of the best things about Emeritus, other than the stellar Pinot Noir tasting lineup is the one-on-one seated tasting experience, endless gorgeous vineyard views and the personal interaction with the highly trained staff.  Customized vineyard tours are offered throughout the year, with Spring and Summer being especially memorable.

4. Flanagan Winery

One of my newfound favorites is Flanagan Winery, located off Dry Creek Road, five minutes from Healdsburg.  By appointment only,  this little slice of heaven is sure to impress.  You’ll be instantly awed with the sweeping views of Dry Creek Valley and warmly welcomed by the gracious crew

Flanagan is definitely a family affair, with Eric Flanagan at the helm and 20 year old daughter Riley following in his footsteps with her own label, Riley’s Rows.  Meeting Riley was awe-inspiring.  Her bubbly personality and talent for winemaking is inherent and will serve her well in years to come.

Grapes are sourced from both estate and top vineyards in Bennet Valley, Bodega Bay, Russian River Valley, Petaluma Gap and Alexander Valley.  Whether your preference is Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot, Flanagan has something for everyone and is sure to delight.

5.  Flowers

After much anticipation and a mega-million dollar tasting room and property renovation, The House of Flowers opened their doors this Summer.  Flowers Winery  is situated off Westside Road, minutes from Healdsburg, on the old VML site.  While the vibe is more Napa-esque than the laid-back Sonoma style, Flowers has been well-received and is touted as the ultimate wine and food pairing offering in the Russian River Vall

The artfully prepared food pairings change with the season and compliment the four Chardonnay and Pinot Noir wines.  Definitely a must visit on a warm sunny afternoon! [Read more…]

Windsor’s Notre Vue Estate’s Unabashed Views Are Worth The Drive

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Always up for an adventure, I was curious about the seemingly bold name for a winery, Notre Vue, (translates to Our View), an off-the-beaten path winery situated a few miles east of the town of Windsor.   My directions were vague at best, so I proceeded up the lone dirt road, passing through the gates of the old Windsor Oaks vineyards, veering to the left, careening to the right, for what seemed a few miles, all the way to the end of the road.

All I can say is that the name Notre Vue is an understatement.  The expansive Notre Vue Estate sits high atop a ridge, surrounded by over 350 acres of wild preserved open space, with panoramic views stretching from the Russian River Valley all the way east to the Mayacama Mountains, with St. Helena as a backdrop.

Over 250 acres are planted to Bordeaux, Rhone and Italian varietals, allowing for small lot production. Notre Vue varietals include Dolcetto, Viognier, Chardonnay, Muscat, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris, Malbec, Mouvedre, Petite Verdot, Petit Syrah, Sangiovese, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, Merlot and Grenache.  A second label, Balverne, produces a reserve Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, Rosé, Sauvignon Blanc and Cabernet Sauvignon.   [Read more…]

Follow the Olivet Road… Top 3 Artisan Winery Picks!

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When in Russian River Valley wine country, I like to start my wine tasting adventures along sleepy Olivet Road.  Only a few minutes from the Santa Rosa airport, Olivet Road meanders between River Road and Guerneville Road, and is, somewhat dare I say, “undiscovered”.  A small collection of artisan wineries serendipitously line Olivet Road, producing everything from Sparkling Gewurztraminer, Pinot Gris, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir to Zinfandel, Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon.

First stop is Harvest Moon Estate, where the good times definitely roll!  Winemaker and Owner Randy Pitts is frequently on hand to zealously greet guests and pour his award-winning cool climate Zinfandel.  Less conventional but more approachable than some winemakers,  Randy is known to “sabrage” a bottle of bubbly now and then, much to the amusement and surprise of the assembled wine devotees. 

The atmosphere at Harvest Moon is always fun and relaxed and the tasting menu is quite diverse and literally “over the moon”.

Wet your whistle on the bubbly 2013 Estate Dry Sparkling Gerwurztraminer, a peppery 2011 Pitts Home Ranch Zinfandel or if you’re feeling “a little Randy,” try the 2014 Randy Zin, a zippy blend of Zinfandel and Sangiovese.

Next, look for Hook & Ladder‘s  bright red fire engine parked on Olivet Road.  [Read more…]

A Rainy Day In Napa Suits Me Wine…

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Even the inclement weather doesn’t keep the wine aficionados at bay in the iconic Napa Valley!  Sometimes the rain can work in your favor with reduced crowds in some of the most popular wineries, with wine hosts eager to serve the weary and soaked traveler.

A must stop, rain or shine, is Hall Winery in St. Helena.  Look for the enormous animated Bunny Foo-Foo metal sculpture leaping over the historic Bergfeld vineyards on Highway 29.  Touted as one of the oldest vineyards in the valley, grapes were first planted here in 1859.  Hall Winery is definitely a main player in Napa, with a second tasting room in Rutherford.  Kathryn and Craig Hall have put their heart and soul into Hall Winery, making it a top wine destination spot.

Besides the mind-blowing Cabernet, Sauvignon, Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc and Walt Pinot Noir, there are over 150 pieces of modern art to behold with wine glass in tow. The service is stellar, albeit somewhat corporate, but the wines speak volumes and will hold you captive.

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Top Paso Robles Wine Trail Picks

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When thinking of weekend wine destinations, Paso Robles is often overlooked.  Once a sleepy agricultural enclave, Paso Robles now touts 11 separate AVA’s (American Viticulture Areas) and more than 200 wineries.  Roughly three times larger than Napa Valley AVA, the soils are as diverse and the grape varietals produced here range from Burgundian Pinot Noir to Old Vine Zinfandel.  Vineyard elevations are between 700 feet to over 2,400 feet and are greatly influenced by the Templeton Wind Gap, which brings cooling ocean breezes to some of the most prized wine estates.

A great place to start your wine trek is at Calcareous Vineyards  off Peachy Canyon in the west hills of Paso Robles.  Perched high atop a limestone ridge, the panoramic views from the tasting room are absolutely stunning, as are the wines.

Burgundy, Rhone and Bordeaux grape varietals are sourced from three estate vineyards resulting in distinctive small lot handcrafted wines.  Still family-owned, this gem of a winery is a must visit.  Play a game of bocce ball or bring a picnic lunch and enjoy the never-ending vistas from Calcareous Vineyards.

[Read more…]