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UNCORKED WINE TRAVELS

Musings Along The Wine Trails

Top Paso Robles Wine Trail Picks

August 22, 2017 by Deborah Mines

When thinking of weekend wine destinations, Paso Robles is often overlooked.  Once a sleepy agricultural enclave, Paso Robles now touts 11 separate AVA’s (American Viticulture Areas) and more than 200 wineries.  Roughly three times larger than Napa Valley AVA, the soils are as diverse and the grape varietals produced here range from Burgundian Pinot Noir to Old Vine Zinfandel.  Vineyard elevations are between 700 feet to over 2,400 feet and are greatly influenced by the Templeton Wind Gap, which brings cooling ocean breezes to some of the most prized wine estates.

A great place to start your wine trek is at Calcareous Vineyards  off Peachy Canyon in the west hills of Paso Robles.  Perched high atop a limestone ridge, the panoramic views from the tasting room are absolutely stunning, as are the wines.

Burgundy, Rhone and Bordeaux grape varietals are sourced from three estate vineyards resulting in distinctive small lot handcrafted wines.  Still family-owned, this gem of a winery is a must visit.  Play a game of bocce ball or bring a picnic lunch and enjoy the never-ending vistas from Calcareous Vineyards.

[Read more…]

Filed Under: California Wine Trail Tagged With: Albarino, Bordeaux, Burgundian, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Malbec, Marsanne, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Petite Sirah, Pinot Noir, Rhone, Roussane, Sangiovese, Sauvignon Blanc, Syrah, Tempranillo, Viognier, Zinfandel

Riding High In The Rhone Zone ~ Andrew Murray Vineyards

August 2, 2015 by Deborah Mines

IMG_8872

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

[Read more…]

Filed Under: California Wine Trail Tagged With: Grenache, Grenache Blanc, Mourvedre, Rhone blends, Rose, Roussane, Syrah, Viognier, Wine Tasting

The Big “O” ~ Orfila Winery Is Outstanding

August 8, 2013 by Deborah Mines

Orfila Vineyards and Winery in San Pasqual Valley vistas are stunning!
Orfila Vineyards and Winery in San Pasqual Valley offers stunning vistas!                                      Photo courtesy of Orfila’s website

Locals call it the  “Big O” — aka Orfila VIneyards and Winery,  gently nestled in the beautiful San Pasqual Valley near Escondido in northern San Diego County.  Whenever I’m in the area,  I love to stop in and visit  Orfila Vineyards and Winery.   I’ve been a wine club member here on and off for over 10 years for a good reason.  The wines are constantly improving and, my palette is ever evolving.

Orfila's "barrel room" features library wines
Orfila’s “barrel room” features library wines

The vineyards here have existed since  the early 1970’s, initially planted by San Pasqual Winery and later managed by Thomas Jaeger Winery. [Read more…]

Filed Under: California Wine Trail Tagged With: italian varietal, Marsanne, Merlot, Montepulciano, Rhone-style, Roussane, Sangiovese, Syrah, Viognier, 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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    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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    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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    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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    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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    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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