UNCORKED WINE TRAVELS

Musings Along The Wine Trails

Sonoma’s Classic 2014 Winter Wineland

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Nothing could be finer than to be on the Sonoma wine trails for a warm, sunny weekend in the Russian River Valley, Dry Creek or Alexander Valley!  The annual Winter Wineland event, held January 18-19, 2014, treated wine aficionados to new releases, barrel tastings and food pairings at over 130 wineries and tasting rooms.  Each winery celebrated the the Winter Wineland theme with festivities and elaborate wintery decor.

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The biggest decision for me was where to start!  Being a huge Pinot Noir lover, I chose to concentrate my wine tasting primarily in the Russian River Valley, but did venture out to Dry Creek late on Sunday afternoon.  The weather was perfect ~ mid-70’s, sunny and dry.  So dry, in fact that the creeks were non-existent and the fields were dusty and in dire need of a rain shower;  talk filled the air about what the drought meant for future vintages.

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Surprisingly though, the crowds were small and fairly spread out–no buses or wild parties of 20-something-year-olds to ruin the day.  Children were not allowed, nor were there many dogs which made for a pleasant tasting experience all the way around. [Read more…]

Temecula’s Monte de Oro Shines Like Gold

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IMG_5914One 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.

ToursandTastingFPOOne 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).

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[Read more…]

Let The Good Times Roll At Chamisal Vineyards

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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.

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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).

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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…]

All Ramona Wine Trails Lead to Salerno Winery

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photo 2 copy 4Ramona Valley is on the verge of becoming the next Foxen Canyon of wine trails…   Windy roads lead to Salerno Winery, tucked off Highway 67 behind the stately cypress trees and majestic oaks.  Rising 1,500 feet above sea level, Ramona Valley, with its own micro climate has been recognized with its own AVA appellation.

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Salerno Winery is definitely eclectic ~ lacking the hype of Temecula Wine Country glitz and busloads of unruly drunken 21 year-olds.   Rounds of somewhat bizarre, romanesque/greek/modern marble and bronze artworks are haphazardly placed around the walking paths in Salerno’s vineyard.  There’s even a bocce ball court on the lower level.

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Owners Herman and Rose Salerno personally greet guests, mostly fellow neighbors, on the spacious shaded patio.  Using old-world, handcrafted wine making methods, Herman has earned 75 national and international awards since the first vintage in 2002. [Read more…]

Tantalize Your Senses At Talley Vineyards

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Coastal fog envelopes Talley Vineyards in Arroyo Grande
Coastal fog envelopes Talley Vineyards in Arroyo Grande                                                                                                                                      Photo courtesy of Talley Vineyards

I have to admit, Arroyo Grande in the Central Coast near San Luis Obispo, produces some mighty fine Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.  The close proximity of the ocean brings the fog inland enough to cool the vines making it an ideal climate for these two varietals.

El Rincon Adobe was one of the original homes on the Rancho Santa Manuella homestead int he 1860's.
El Rincon Adobe was one of the original homes on the Rancho Santa Manuella homestead in the 1860’s.                                                                        Photo courtesy of Talley Vineyards

The Talley family bought the  fertile Arroyo Grande farmland in 1974, which included the El Rincon Adobe pictured above.  The adobe was built by Ramon Branch, one of the original settlers in the valley in the 1860’s. [Read more…]