UNCORKED WINE TRAVELS

Musings Along The Wine Trails

Experience Cave-Aged Wines At DRNK Winery in Russian River Valley

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Atop the famed Laguna Ridge down an unmarked dirt lane off Frei Road near Sebastopol, amidst the vines, is the home of DRNK Winery.  DRNK is a family collaboration between Ryan and Katie Kunde and her parents, Dale and Nancy Dougherty.  Cleverly named, DRNK is a compilation of each family member’s first initial and so much more. 

Historically, the Sonoma Valley Kunde family has been making wine since the 1880’s.  As a young boy, Ryan scouted vineyard sights with his grandfather and learned his way around the cellar and bottling line with his father.  Often mentoring with notable winemakers, Ryan’s fascination of blending wine eventually led to advanced studies in Enology and Viticulture at UC Davis.  Fast forward to 2012, when Ryan, a fifth generation winemaker, ventured out on his own in search of new and unique vineyard sites using drone technology.

One of only four wine caves in the Russian River Valley, this spectacular 300′ long subterranean cave’s natural temperature is a constant 58 degrees year round with 85% average humidity.  Absolutely perfect for aging wine.  Designed to hold 500 barrels, there’s also several alcoves for private tastings and events. 

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Top 6 Eclectic Russian River Valley Wineries (Sonoma County)

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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…]

Hooray to Korbel Champagne Cellars For The Red, White & Sparkling!

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The birth of Korbel Champagne Cellars dates back to the early 1880’s when the three Czechoslovakian Korbel brothers from the province of Bohemia, started off making cigar boxes in San Francisco, which later transitioned into a sawmill and dairy farm in the storied Russian River Valley near Guerneville.

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Trying their hand at winemaking and being somewhat successful, the Korbel’s produced 20,000 to 30,000 gallons of wine and experimenting with various grape varietals such as Pinot Noir.  By 1892, the Korbel brothers were officially in the burgeoning wine business.

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It was during this time that the Korbel’s sent for winemaker Frank Hasek in Prague to come to the United States to be their champagne master. It was Hasek who employed the time-honored French method of producing champagne, aka méthode champenoise, which catapulted Korbel Champagne Cellars to great success in the wine business.

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Prohibition took its toll on many wineries in the 1920’s with forced closures.  Korbel Champagne Cellars was able to survive due to the brothers’ other business ventures.  In 1954 the winery was purchased by family friend, Adolph Heck, who was credited for patenting an automatic riddling process which was vital to the business, enabling the champagne bottles to be turned at precise moments during the fermentation process.   [Read more…]

Riding High In The Rhone Zone ~ Andrew Murray Vineyards

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Foxen Canyon’s Andrew Murray Vineyards is fresh and alive with small lot Syrahs and enticing Rhône blends.  Formerly Curtiss Winery, Andrew Murray has leased the vineyards  from long-time family friends, the Firestone family, and has tastefully remodeled the tasting room, making it a must-stop along the wine trail.

14770070654_9655c336c1_mAndrew Murray Vineyards‘ focus will remain on Rhône varieties, with an emphasis on Syrah, Mourvèdre, Viognier, Grenache Blanc and Roussanne.DSC_2990-240x159

“Come see what we can do in this new home with expanded winemaking capacity, and access to additional Estate Grown vineyards.”

Andrew Murray, Winemaker

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Russian River’s Bacigalupi Vineyards Has Deep Family Roots

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Having experienced an over-the-top luscious and peppery Pinot Noir several years ago, whose grapes were sourced from Bacigalupi Vineyards, I set out on a mission to find the mother lode.  Winding scenic country roads on the upper westside of the Russian River Valley led me to the homestead-like tasting room.

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Nicole Bacigalupi welcomed me into the cozy tasting room and filled my head with family stories that would make a fabulous Lifetime movie.  Bacigalupi Vineyards was founded by her grandparents, Charles and Helen Bacigalupi in 1956. Planted primarily in Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, the original rootstock was obtained from Russian River Pinot Pioneer, Karl Wente.

ChateauMontelena_weighbill1973Charles Bacigalupi’s earliest claim to fame was selling his Chardonnay grapes to Jim Barrett at Chateau Montelena, who produced the top award-winning 1973 Chardonnay at the historic Paris Tasting in 1976.  While the American win put Napa Valley on the map,  40% of those Chardonnay grapes were actually sourced from Bacigalupi Vineyards in Sonoma County.

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