Roussanne

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

April 29, 2015 by Deborah Mines

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…]

Foxen Canyon’s Demetria Estate Is A Hidden Enclave

April 23, 2014 by Deborah Mines

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.

[Read more…]

Rhone Rangers Rule at Curtis Winery

August 23, 2013 by Deborah Mines

Curtis Winery in Santa Ynez Valley specialzes in Rhone-style wines — Curtis Winery in Santa Ynez Valley is dedicated to Rhone-style wines

For a truly unique wine tasting experience, get off the beaten path on Foxen Canyon Road and check out Curtis Winery ~ one of the first wineries in the Santa Ynez Valley to push the envelope with Rhone-style wines.

Foxen Canyon wine trail points the way to Curtis Winery

The highly touted Firestone family established the first estate winery in Santa Barbara County in 1972, later creating Curtiss Winery to showcase their Rhone wines. Today, the true Rhone Rangers are Curtis Winery‘s wine grower Chuck “Calypso” Carlson and winemaker Ernest Storm. Together they bring France’s renown Rhone Valley wines to Santa Barbara County.

Santa Ynez Valley stretches east to west making it an ideal Mediterranean climate

Curtis Winery is a little understated, but worth a stop. Belly up to the bar for a tasting of six artisan Rhone-style wines for only $10. The staff is not overly friendly, and the tasting bar is short on space, but the wines are certainly worthy. [Read more…]