UNCORKED WINE TRAVELS

Musings Along The Wine Trails

Jordan Winery’s Chateau Block Vineyard Tasting Is Unforgettable

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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.

Trending Now ~ Top 3 Wineries in Temecula

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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.

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…]