Grenache – Page 3

Paso Robles’ Niner Wine Estates is Actually a “Ten-er”!

April 29, 2015 by Deborah Mines Leave a Comment

Driving down Highway 46 West outside of Paso Robles, it’s hard to miss the heart-shaped tree grove in the middle of the vineyard at Niner WIne Estates. The Tuscan-styled stone building seems a little out of character for the sleepy Paso Robles AVA, but is worthy of a visit.

Niner Wine Estates is the family-owned “dream child” of founder Richard Niner, a farmer from West Virginia. Niner ventured west in the mid 1990s and followed his passion for wine, acquiring three separate vineyards ~ Bootjack Ranch, east of Paso Robles; Heart Hill Vineyard on the west side of Paso Robles and Jespersen Ranch in nearby Edna Valley.

All Niner Estate Wines are crafted from estate grapes from the three vineyards ~ Cabernet Sauvignon, Sangiovese, Malbec, Petite Sirah, Barbara, Carmenere, Syrah, Grenache, Cabernet Franc and smaller blocks of Petite Verdot, Merlot, Mourvedre, Semillion, Roussanne, and Grenache Blanc. [Read more…]

SD Vintners Debut 2014 Barrel Samples At Fall Harvest Event

November 26, 2014 by Deborah Mines 2 Comments

San Diego wine aficionados were invited to the 2014 Fall Harvest Wine Symposium & Wine Tasting held at the prestigious rooftop Vintana Wine + Dine restaurant in Escondido last weekend.

The symposium, hosted by Cohn Restaurant Group Beverage Director Maurice DiMarino, featured a panel of seven San Diego County Winemakers and their 2014 barrel samples.

Each winemaker presented a barrel sample and discussed the particular wine presented for tasting with the specific challenges that were encountered in the 2014 growing and harvest season.

In addition to the 2014 barrel samples, the San Diego winemakers showcased previous vintages which were available for tasting and purchase.
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Calcareous Vineyard’s Journey To Excellence Continues…

June 30, 2014 by Deborah Mines Leave a Comment

Aptly named for the terroir, Calcareous Vineyard is perched high atop a limestone plateau, aka calcareous soil, on the westside of the Paso Robles Wine Trail. Situated in the Paso Robles AVA, the influence of the Templeton Gap and the Salinas valley fog and steep hillsides make this a spectacular setting for the vines to flourish.

Calcareous Vineyard is the collaboration of a father-daughter team, Lloyd Messer and Dana Brown, who purchased the 442 acre estate in 2000. Today, Calcareous Vineyard is woman-run, with Dana as the winemaker and her sister Erika at her side. Their first harvest was in 2006, winning yearly accolades in wine tasting competitions ever since. [Read more…]

Foxen Canyon’s Demetria Estate Is A Hidden Enclave

April 23, 2014 by Deborah Mines Leave a Comment

Demetria Estate is truly a sight to behold! Visitors must call ahead for an appointment, then find the hidden wooden sign off Foxen Canyon Road, buzz the gate, then head up the narrow, winding scenic road for about two miles.

Absolutely blissful scenery at every turn! Just when you think you can’t go any further, a stately Mediterranean-type chateau rises to meet you, which seems a little out of character on the rustic Foxen Canyon Wine Trail. However, Demetria Estate‘s chateau’s colors are as welcoming and warm, as the Zahoudanis family.

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Temecula’s Monte de Oro Shines Like Gold

November 29, 2013 by Deborah Mines Leave a Comment

One 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.

One 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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