• 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

2017 Russian River Valley Grape Harvest Is One For The Record Books

September 13, 2017 by Deborah Mines

“Wine is sunlight, held together by water.”  Galileo Galilei

My yearly tradition, is to travel to a different wine region to observe the grape harvest.  Last year I was fortunate to be in Tuscany for la vendemmia, and this year I chose my all-time favorite Russian River Valley in Northern Sonoma County to observe the harvest.  There’s something magical about harvest time.  There’s a sweetness in the air of the grapes hanging on the vines and a musical trill of the grape press as it hums along.   It’s a time of high energy, camaraderie, bustle and communion with nature in the vineyards, but it can also mean anxiety, sleepless nights, anticipation, relief and ultimately, jubilation for the wine maker.

Depending on who you talked to, wine makers had various opinions as to the projected quality and yield of the 2017 grape harvest.  Wild weather conditions this year brought relief from the severe drought with heavy winter rains, which submerged vineyards in low-lying areas, an early Spring bud break and late Summer temperature heat spikes which ripened the grapes sooner than usual.  And then there was predicted rain during harvest, again, unusual.   All this, and more, make for interesting wine fodder around harvest time.

Harvest Moon Winery owner and wine maker extraordinaire, Randy Pitts, greeted me with a big smile and a paper cup of his freshly pressed Pinot Noir.  Optimistic as always, Randy was pleased with the harvest so far, although there were still grapes to be hand-picked in nearby vineyards and much work to be done.

Randy explained that night harvesting was commonplace in Russian River Valley.  Harvesting at night when the temperatures are cooler, helps to maintain the acidity in the grapes, which in turn, delays oxidation and spoilage before the grapes get into the winery for processing.

Indeed, it truly was  an eerie sight to see the dim sea of headlamps and blazing tractor lights dotting the vineyards in the late night  and wee morning hours.

There’s a lot that goes on behind the scenes at harvest time, and getting the grapes to the winery production pad is only the first step.  Here’s to a great 2017 harvest and amazing future releases!  www.harvestmoonwinery.com 

Filed Under: California Wine Trail Tagged With: boutique winery, Gewurtztraminer, Harvest, Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley, wine, Wine Tasting, Zinfandel

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…]

Filed Under: California Wine Trail Tagged With: Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Gewurtztraminer, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Rose, Sangiovese, Sauvignon Blanc, Wine Tasting, Zinfandel

Dry Creek’s Wilson Winery Wins Gold Medal

March 13, 2016 by Deborah Mines

IMG_0044

Just because you perceive something a certain way, doesn’t make it true.  Thank goodness!  Exploring the Dry Creek Canyon road in all it’s glory after much rain during the 2016 Winter Wineland festival, I decided to stop at Wilson Winery.

IMG_0022

Admittedly, the Wilson Winery roadside facade was truly understated and I have driven by it often over the years. The allure to visit the Dry Creek winery was to confirm the scuttlebutt heard at nearly every winery by fellow winery employees throughout the valley.  Who was this Diane Wilson, woman winemaker extraordinaire?  My curiosity and love of Dry Creek’s big bold reds got the better of me but not before I rounded the corner…

IMG_0025

Lo and behold, stood a magnificent wolf iron sculpture standing guard to the entry to Wilson Winery, probably howling at the moon in elation after tasting the decadent estate Zinfandel, Petit Sirah, Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon!  [Read more…]

Filed Under: California Wine Trail Tagged With: Cabernet Sauvignon, Gewurtztraminer, Mendocino, Petit Sirah, Syrah, Wine Road, Winter Wineland, Zinfandel

The Wine Carriage ~ A Perfect Marriage Of Horses & Wine

September 19, 2015 by Deborah Mines

IMG_9522

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.

IMG_9350

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.  IMG_9360

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

IMG_9359

 

 

 

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

IMG_9364

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.

IMG_9402Clip 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…]

Filed Under: California Wine Trail Tagged With: Bordeaux varietals, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Gewurtztraminer, Merlot, Petit Sirah, Petit Verdot, Pinot Noir, Sangiovese, Syrah, vineyard tour, wine cave, Zinfandel

Shine On Harvest Moon

February 13, 2014 by Deborah Mines

IMG_6063

The picturesque meandering country Olivet Road in Sonoma’s Russian River Valley was my starting point for the Winter Wine Land festival last month.  Five fantastic vineyards in a row!  Harvest Moon Estate & Winery turned out to be one of my most treasured finds.

IMG_6071Stoic dormant vines line the driveway of the Harvest Moon Estate & Winery, emulating a comfortable, familiar feeling of coming to visit an “old friend”.  I was warmly welcomed into the cozy tasting room and invited to sample any of the five featured wines. [Read more…]

Filed Under: California Wine Trail Tagged With: Chardonnay, Gewurtztraminer, Pinot Noir, Sparkling, sustainable farming, Wine Road, Wine Tasting, Zinfandel

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

    UncorkedWineTravelsFollow

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

    UncorkedWineTravels
    UncorkedWineSDUncorkedWineTravels@UncorkedWineSD·
    21 Nov

    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 1462563347627343876Retweet on Twitter 1462563347627343876Like on Twitter 1462563347627343876Twitter 1462563347627343876
    UncorkedWineSDUncorkedWineTravels@UncorkedWineSD·
    3 Oct

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

    Reply on Twitter 1444458315619061760Retweet on Twitter 1444458315619061760Like on Twitter 14444583156190617601Twitter 1444458315619061760
    UncorkedWineSDUncorkedWineTravels@UncorkedWineSD·
    16 Sep

    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 1438493844467699721Retweet on Twitter 1438493844467699721Like on Twitter 1438493844467699721Twitter 1438493844467699721
    UncorkedWineSDUncorkedWineTravels@UncorkedWineSD·
    13 Sep

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

    Reply on Twitter 1437212801898934278Retweet on Twitter 1437212801898934278Like on Twitter 1437212801898934278Twitter 1437212801898934278
    UncorkedWineSDUncorkedWineTravels@UncorkedWineSD·
    15 Aug

    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 1426984234573615111Retweet on Twitter 1426984234573615111Like on Twitter 1426984234573615111Twitter 1426984234573615111
    UncorkedWineSDUncorkedWineTravels@UncorkedWineSD·
    9 Aug

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

    2
    Reply on Twitter 1424526599458754563Retweet on Twitter 1424526599458754563Like on Twitter 1424526599458754563Twitter 1424526599458754563
    UncorkedWineSDUncorkedWineTravels@UncorkedWineSD·
    14 Jul

    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 1415431411956396040Retweet on Twitter 1415431411956396040Like on Twitter 14154314119563960401Twitter 1415431411956396040
    UncorkedWineSDUncorkedWineTravels@UncorkedWineSD·
    2 Jul

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

    Reply on Twitter 1411062285917847552Retweet on Twitter 1411062285917847552Like on Twitter 14110622859178475521Twitter 1411062285917847552
    UncorkedWineSDUncorkedWineTravels@UncorkedWineSD·
    2 Jul

    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 1411060360086425601Retweet on Twitter 1411060360086425601Like on Twitter 14110603600864256011Twitter 1411060360086425601
    UncorkedWineSDUncorkedWineTravels@UncorkedWineSD·
    1 Jul

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

    Reply on Twitter 1410597696662949889Retweet on Twitter 1410597696662949889Like on Twitter 1410597696662949889Twitter 1410597696662949889
    UncorkedWineSDUncorkedWineTravels@UncorkedWineSD·
    26 Jun

    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 1408922699460534275Retweet on Twitter 1408922699460534275Like on Twitter 1408922699460534275Twitter 1408922699460534275
    UncorkedWineSDUncorkedWineTravels@UncorkedWineSD·
    25 May 2021

    Stellar @WineRRV cave #winetasting at DRNK with Ryan Kunde to celebrate #NationalWineDay

    Reply on Twitter 1397318352482095105Retweet on Twitter 1397318352482095105Like on Twitter 1397318352482095105Twitter 1397318352482095105
    Load More...

    Uncorked Wine Travels

    Follow on Instagram

    Copyright © 2022 · Lifestyle Pro Theme on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in