• Blog
  • About Me
    • Press Release
  • Back Road Wineries
    • California Wine Trail
    • Tuscany Wine Trail
    • Baja California Wine Trail
  • Wine A Bit ~ Editorial & Reviews
  • Contact Me

UNCORKED WINE TRAVELS

Musings Along The Wine Trails

Jordan Winery’s Chateau Block Vineyard Tasting Is Unforgettable

November 26, 2021 by Deborah Mines

Looking for a memorable Sonoma wine country tasting experience?  Check out Jordan Winery & Vineyard’s Chateau Block vineyard tasting for a one-of-a-kind seated tasting high atop a noted Cabernet Sauvignon vineyard.  Overlooking the majestic peaks of the Mayacamas and Alexander Valley, you’re sure to be wowed by the wines and the food pairing.

Hosted by a knowledgeable sommelier with a dizzying array of the local Journeyman Meat Co. salumi, cheese and complimentary estate olive oil and artisan bread, this custom tasting features a Chardonnay and three French-inspired Cabernet Sauvignon vintages.  The intimate picnic-style tasting venue overlooking the famed Chateau Block vineyards is a pleasant 10 minute uphill hike to a very special place under the giant oaks.

The 1,200 acre Jordan estate is Certified Sonoma Sustainable and is also a Certified California Sustainable Vineyard & Winery.  In addition, Jordan is accredited for Fish Friendly Farming, Ranch Friendly Farming and Bee Friendly Farming.

Interesting to note, only 120 acres are planted to grapes.  The vast majority of the property is a natural habit for wildlife, fish and birds.  The paved entry leading to the main reception area and winery is a scenic one-mile drive winding through the oaks and vineyards, traversing creeks along the way.

Definitely worth a visit, Jordan Winery features many unique tasting experiences, spectacular tours and culinary events.

Filed Under: California Wine Trail Tagged With: Alexander Valley AVA, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Healdsburg, Sonoma Wine Country, sustainable farming, vineyard tour, Wine Tasting

Trending Now ~ Top 3 Wineries in Temecula

September 12, 2021 by Deborah Mines

One of the top trending wineries in Temecula Wine Country is Peltzer Farm & Winery off the Calle Contento wine trail.  Big on holiday events and long on interesting grape varietals, this is a great starting point.  It all started with the Peltzer Pumpkin Farm in 2006 on the current 25- acre homestead and future winery site.

Peltzer is best described as having a “quaint farm-like vibe with an industrial chic flair.”  Farm animals can be spotted around the property and there’s great photo ops of vintage tractors and farm gear.  And, another perk – this is by far the cutest gift shop in Temecula!

Fun annual events such as the Pumpkin Painting and the holiday ice rink draw huge crowds, as do the regular gourmet food trucks on site.

The big red varietals make fabulous food-friendly wines, running the gamut from estate grown Sangiovese, Barbera, Malbec, Syrah and Zinfandel.  For lighter tastes, Muscat Canelli, Pinot Grigio, Albarino, Prosecco, Syrah Rosé and craft beers are available.

Right around the bend, off Ranch California Road, is a beautiful Tuscan-style winery surrounded by lush rows of vineyards and orange trees.  Lorimar Winery’s founding brother-in-laws Mark Manfield and Lawrie Lipton’s dream in 2012 was to create “a fusion of wine, art, music and food.”  Today, Lorimar Winery is one of the most popular wineries in the valley.  The 22-acre estate was first planted to Cabernet Sauvignon followed by the addition of Syrah, Grenache, Sangiovese, Viognier and Muscat.  

Lorimar Winery showcases live entertainment on weekends, featuring local musicians, comedians and artists.  Enjoy sweeping views of Mount Palomar and the Santa Ana Mountains while relaxing on the expansive outdoor patio. Reservations are highly recommended on the weekends.  

Lorimar also offers vineyard and barrel room wedding venues.  If you can’t make it out to wine country, there is another tasting room location in Old Town Temecula on Main Street.

Last stop on the wine trail….

About half-mile from the main road, you’ll find Palumbo Family Vineyards & Winery off Barksdale Circle.  Unwind on the rustic stone terrace overlooking the vineyards with a glass of perfectly aged 2015 Cabernet Franc or 2016 Monastrell wine.  Aged wines are the norm here, with a bevy of library wines in the cellar waiting to be uncorked.  Artisan winemaker Nick Palumbo and wife Cindy call this little slice of heaven, home. With culinary training in Nick’s previous life before turning artisan winemaker, the wine and food events are spectacular and not to be missed.

As past president of the Temecula Valley Winegrowers Association, Nick understands that sustainable farming practices are key to maintaining a balance in both the vineyard and in the cellar. Better practices, make perfect wines.

Filed Under: California Wine Trail Tagged With: Barbera, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Sangiovese, Syrah, Temecula Valley AVA, Temecula Wine Country, Top 3 Wineries, Winetasting

2019’s “Top 10” Eclectic RRV Wineries

December 29, 2019 by Deborah Mines

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…]

Filed Under: California Wine Trail Tagged With: Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Forestville, Healdsburg, Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley, Sauvignon Blanc, sustainable farming, Syrah, Windsor, wine cave, Wine Road, Wine Tasting

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

October 20, 2018 by Deborah Mines

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…]

Filed Under: California Wine Trail Tagged With: Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Dolcetto, Grenache, Malbec, Merlot, Mouvedre, Muscat, Petit Syrah, Petite Verdot, Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley, Sangiovese, Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier, Windsor, Wine Tasting, Zinfandel

Follow the Olivet Road… Top 3 Artisan Winery Picks!

June 8, 2018 by Deborah Mines

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…]

Filed Under: California Wine Trail Tagged With: Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Gewürztraminer, Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc, Syrah, Wine Tasting, Zinfandel

  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • …
  • 9
  • Next Page »

Wine Trail Search

Follow My Wine Blog

    Your Name

    Your Email

    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...

    Vintage Posts

    • Jordan Winery’s Chateau Block Vineyard Tasting Is Unforgettable November 26, 2021
    • Trending Now ~ Top 3 Wineries in Temecula September 12, 2021
    • Freeman Vineyard & Winery’s Cave Tasting Is A “10” August 8, 2021
    • 2021’s Top 10 Winery Picks off Russian River Valley’s Iconic Westside Road July 5, 2021
    • Kickstart The Weekend In DRNK’s Wine Cave June 6, 2021
    • Cannabis in Wine Country? NIMBY. May 29, 2021
    • Ojai’s Spiritual Vortex (And Great Wine) Soothes The Soul April 4, 2021
    • Book Review: The Billionaire’s Vinegar January 3, 2021
    • Book Review: Sonoma Wine And The Story Of Buena Vista November 29, 2020
    • California Wineries Are Now “Waiting For The Other Shoe To Drop…” November 15, 2020
    • Russian River Valley Welcomes Visitors in Uncertain Times… September 20, 2020
    • BOOK REVIEW: A Wine Journey Along The Russian River May 30, 2020
    • US Wine Market Update: A Regional Perspective Webinar Unites Top Industry Leaders April 17, 2020
    • The Lifecycle of a Grape Vine ~ From Vine To Wine March 26, 2020
    • 2019’s “Top 10” Eclectic RRV Wineries December 29, 2019
    • Russian River Valley’s Arista Wines Earn Top Accolades From Wine Spectator September 24, 2019
    • Littorai Wines ~ A Tale of Two Coasts & Three Pinot Noir Styles September 13, 2019
    • After Much Ado, “House of Flowers” Debuts In Russian River Valley August 29, 2019
    • Best Backroads For Cycling In RRV-Healdsburg Wine Country August 16, 2019
    • Experience Cave-Aged Wines At DRNK Winery in Russian River Valley July 3, 2019
    • Best Kept Secret in Sta. Rita Hills ~ Spear Vineyards & Winery May 17, 2019
    • Spring Is An Ideal, And Uncrowded, Time To Visit Wine Country April 19, 2019
    • NEW BOOK RELEASE: Root Cause, A Novel by Steven Laine February 19, 2019
    • Discover the Hidden Wine Caves in Sonoma Wine Country December 17, 2018
    • Vin Santo Reigns In Chianti’s Medieval Hamlet of Castello di Volpaia November 16, 2018

    Uncorked Wine SD

    UncorkedWineTravels Follow

    Deb Mines is a wine enthusiast with a passion for travel! Seeking the stories behind the vines... . WSET Level 3, FWS, CSW,AWE

    UncorkedWineSD
    uncorkedwinesd UncorkedWineTravels @uncorkedwinesd ·
    16 Dec

    Christmas in Grapevine Texas ⁦@landonwinery⁩ 🍷🍷

    Reply on Twitter 1603815303867252765 Retweet on Twitter 1603815303867252765 Like on Twitter 1603815303867252765 Twitter 1603815303867252765
    uncorkedwinesd UncorkedWineTravels @uncorkedwinesd ·
    21 Nov 2021

    Master Sommelier Program Out of Time | Wine-Searcher News & Features https://www.wine-searcher.com/m/2021/11/master-sommelier-program-out-of-time #GoodOldBoysClub #EnoughIsEnough

    Reply on Twitter 1462563347627343876 Retweet on Twitter 1462563347627343876 Like on Twitter 1462563347627343876 Twitter 1462563347627343876
    uncorkedwinesd UncorkedWineTravels @uncorkedwinesd ·
    3 Oct 2021

    A shout out to Ryan Kunde ⁦@DRNKwines⁩ Wildwood Vineyards 2018 Cab Sauvignon ~ perfectly integrated lusciousness🍷🍷🙌🙌#wine #SonomaStrong

    Reply on Twitter 1444458315619061760 Retweet on Twitter 1444458315619061760 Like on Twitter 1444458315619061760 1 Twitter 1444458315619061760
    uncorkedwinesd UncorkedWineTravels @uncorkedwinesd ·
    16 Sep 2021

    The @WineSpectator Scholarship Foundation is giving $10M to @NVCollege's Viticulture, Wine and Technology program. The Wine Spectator Wine Education Complex will offer affordable training for aspiring #wine industry workers young and old: https://winesp.ec/39nW5r7

    Reply on Twitter 1438493844467699721 Retweet on Twitter 1438493844467699721 Like on Twitter 1438493844467699721 Twitter 1438493844467699721
    uncorkedwinesd UncorkedWineTravels @uncorkedwinesd ·
    13 Sep 2021

    Top 3 Wineries in Temecula WIne Country
    https://uncorkedwinetravels.com/trending-now-top-3-wineries-in-temecula/
    #winelovers #wine #winetasting

    Reply on Twitter 1437212801898934278 Retweet on Twitter 1437212801898934278 Like on Twitter 1437212801898934278 Twitter 1437212801898934278
    uncorkedwinesd UncorkedWineTravels @uncorkedwinesd ·
    15 Aug 2021

    Discover Scout & Cellar's Clean-Crafted Wines - Be ready to be wowed! Interested in starting your own wine business? DM for details or visit http://www.scoutandcellar.com/UncorkedWineTravels

    Reply on Twitter 1426984234573615111 Retweet on Twitter 1426984234573615111 Like on Twitter 1426984234573615111 Twitter 1426984234573615111
    uncorkedwinesd UncorkedWineTravels @uncorkedwinesd ·
    9 Aug 2021

    Freeman Vineyard & WInery's Cave Tasting is a "10"
    https://uncorkedwinetravels.com/freeman-vineyard-winerys-cave-tasting-is-a-10/

    2

    Reply on Twitter 1424526599458754563 Retweet on Twitter 1424526599458754563 Like on Twitter 1424526599458754563 Twitter 1424526599458754563
    uncorkedwinesd UncorkedWineTravels @uncorkedwinesd ·
    14 Jul 2021

    Hot time Summer in the city 🎵🎶. Fire up the BBQ and pair grilled goodies with Scout and Cellar’s clean-crafted wines 🍷🍷DM me for info or visit my bio link. https://www.instagram.com/p/CRUti0CLHoh/?utm_medium=twitter

    Reply on Twitter 1415431411956396040 Retweet on Twitter 1415431411956396040 Like on Twitter 1415431411956396040 1 Twitter 1415431411956396040
    uncorkedwinesd UncorkedWineTravels @uncorkedwinesd ·
    2 Jul 2021

    Beautiful warm breezy day @PalumboWinery #temeculawinecountry #winetasting #July4th

    Reply on Twitter 1411062285917847552 Retweet on Twitter 1411062285917847552 Like on Twitter 1411062285917847552 1 Twitter 1411062285917847552
    uncorkedwinesd UncorkedWineTravels @uncorkedwinesd ·
    2 Jul 2021

    Breezy warm day in #temeculawinecountry @palumbowinery Where Will your travels take you this holiday weekend? @ Palumbo Family Winery https://www.instagram.com/p/CQ1p0hVrv_Q/?utm_medium=twitter

    Reply on Twitter 1411060360086425601 Retweet on Twitter 1411060360086425601 Like on Twitter 1411060360086425601 1 Twitter 1411060360086425601
    uncorkedwinesd UncorkedWineTravels @uncorkedwinesd ·
    1 Jul 2021

    Just posted a photo https://www.instagram.com/p/CQyXbPwLFdd/?utm_medium=twitter

    Reply on Twitter 1410597696662949889 Retweet on Twitter 1410597696662949889 Like on Twitter 1410597696662949889 Twitter 1410597696662949889
    uncorkedwinesd UncorkedWineTravels @uncorkedwinesd ·
    26 Jun 2021

    Getting in the groove! Studying for Spanish @winescholarguil exam https://el9nou.cat/osona-ripolles/actualitat/santi-carcasona-torna-a-donar-so-al-vi/

    Reply on Twitter 1408922699460534275 Retweet on Twitter 1408922699460534275 Like on Twitter 1408922699460534275 Twitter 1408922699460534275
    Load More...

    Uncorked Wine Travels

    Follow on Instagram

    Copyright © 2023 · Lifestyle Pro Theme on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in