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UNCORKED WINE TRAVELS

Musings Along The Wine Trails

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

Moshin Vineyards Is “Pinot Heaven” ~ Russian River Valley’s Little Gem

July 25, 2015 by Deborah Mines

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Calling all Pinot-philes… Time to experience a “range of motion” at Moshin Vineyards on the westside of Sonoma’s Russian River Valley.  Specializing in small lot, hand-crafted wines, there are always several interesting Pinot Noir wines to taste on any given day.

IMG_8385Upon arrival, a towering spectacled iron clad hummingbird greets visitors outside the eclectic tasting room.

Local Artisan’s wares are exhibited in the tasting room with special artist receptions hosted throughout the year.   IMG_8391

Besides a fabulous line up of Pinot Noir wine, Moshin Vineyards also showcases Vin Gris, Pinot Gris, Zinfandel and Petite Sirah.  Other estate varietals include Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and Merlot.  [Read more…]

Filed Under: California Wine Trail Tagged With: Chardonnay, Petit Sirah, Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, Vin Gris, Wine Tasting, Wine Tour, Zinfandel

San Pasqual’s Hungry Hawk Vineyards Soars High

July 3, 2015 by Deborah Mines

IMG_8792Hungry Hawk Vineyards, is one of the newest, and most promising, boutique wineries to join forces with the San Diego Vintners Association in the San Pasqual Valley AVA.

Nested in the rural outskirts of Escondido, Hungry Hawk Vineyards officially opened its doors in the summer of 2014 after several years of vineyard installation, tasting room construction and endless county and state ordinance permits.

IMG_8795Through the hard work of Ed and Jeanine Embly, Hungry Hawk Vineyards has morphed into a top-notch production facility and upscale tasting room.

Hungry Hawk Vineyards has already earned Silver Medals at the 2014 Florida State Fair and the 2014 San Diego County Fair.

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Hungry Hawk Vineyards, a former avocado estate, has been planted to 17 grape varietals.  White varietals include Albarino, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier and Pinot Gris.  Bordeaux varietals include Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Malbec.  Grenache, Mouvedre, Petit Sirah, Sangiovese, Tempranillo and the little known Syrah Noir round out the list.  [Read more…]

Filed Under: California Wine Trail Tagged With: Albarino, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Grenache, Merlot, Mouvedre, Petit Sirah, Pinot Gris, Sangiovese, Sauvignon Blanc, Syrah Noir, Tempranillo, Viognier

Foxen Canyon’s Demetria Estate Is A Hidden Enclave

April 23, 2014 by Deborah Mines

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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.

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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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[Read more…]

Filed Under: California Wine Trail Tagged With: Burgundian, Chardonnay, Grenache, GSM, Marsanne Grenache Blanc, Mourvedre, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, Rhone-style, Rose Grena he, Roussanne, Syrah, Viognier, Wine Tasting

Let The Good Times Roll At Chamisal Vineyards

October 13, 2013 by Deborah Mines

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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…]

Filed Under: California Wine Trail Tagged With: Burgundian, Chardonnay, Grenache, GSM, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, Pinot Noir clones, Rhone-style, Robert Parker, Rose Grenache, Syrah, Viognier, Wine Advocate, Wine Tasting

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    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...

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

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    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

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    3 Oct

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

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    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

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    13 Sep

    Top 3 Wineries in Temecula WIne Country
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    #winelovers #wine #winetasting

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    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

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    UncorkedWineSDUncorkedWineTravels@UncorkedWineSD·
    9 Aug

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

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    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

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    2 Jul

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

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    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

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    1 Jul

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

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    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/

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    25 May 2021

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

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