UNCORKED WINE TRAVELS

Musings Along The Wine Trails

Melville Vineyards & Winery ~ Santa Rita Hills AVA

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Head west out Highway 246 toward Lompoc and discover the Santa Rita Hills appellation, one of the newest and fastest-growing AVAs in Santa Barbara County.  Home to over 59 vineyards with more than 2,000 acres planted in Pinot Noir, 500 acres of Chardonnay, and over 140 acres planted in Syrah, Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier and other cool climate varietals.

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One of Santa Rita Hills’ crowning jewels is Melville Vineyards and Winery, a beautifully appointed Mediterranean-style winery that exclusively produces 100% estate Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Syrah.  The unique microclimate of the Santa Rita Hills AVA is characterized by the cool temperatures, coastal winds and early morning fog, and is perfectly suited to growing these Burgundian grape varietals. [Read more…]

Green Valley Is Russian River Valley’s Sweetest Spot

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Mention Green Valley-Russian River Valley to any Pinot-lover or Chardonnay enthusiast and watch their eyes light up!  Green Valley is the smallest appellation in Sonoma County, located in the southwestern corner of the Russian River Valley.

Bordered by the tiny towns of Sebastopol, Occidental and Forestville, Green Valley is home to over 100 growers and eight key wineries:  DeLoach Vineyards, Dutton Estate, Dutton-Goldfield, Emeritus Vineyards, Hartford Family Winery, Iron Horse Vineyards, Marimar Estate and Orogeny.

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The trademark rolling fog and the Goldridge soil, (the most sought after soil in Sonoma County), makes the Green Valley a very special place for growing the delicate Pinot Noir grapes and the coveted Chardonnay.

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Green Valley‘s unique weather is considerably colder than the rest of the Russian River Valley.  With the Russian River to the north and the Petaluma Wind Gap to the south, cold air streams across the Green Valley.  The coastal hills lying along its western border help to moderate the strong winds from the ocean.  All things combined, the cool nights and early morning fog, followed by warm days, give the right balance of ripeness, good sugar levels, ripe tannins and high acid. [Read more…]

Temecula’s Monte de Oro Shines Like Gold

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IMG_5914One 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.

ToursandTastingFPOOne 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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[Read more…]

Cordiano Winery’s Big Red Heart Says It All

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San Pasqual Valley is now home to another notable winery ~ Cordiano Winery.  Rising high above the valley in Escondido, the expansive views from the outdoor terrace are captivating and stretch for miles.

photo 3Cordiano Winery is family owned and run by Gerardo and Rosa Cordiano who are originally from southern Italy.  Restauranteurs turned winemaker, the Cordianos have had great success in both arenas in the San Diego area. [Read more…]

All Ramona Wine Trails Lead to Salerno Winery

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photo 2 copy 4Ramona Valley is on the verge of becoming the next Foxen Canyon of wine trails…   Windy roads lead to Salerno Winery, tucked off Highway 67 behind the stately cypress trees and majestic oaks.  Rising 1,500 feet above sea level, Ramona Valley, with its own micro climate has been recognized with its own AVA appellation.

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Salerno Winery is definitely eclectic ~ lacking the hype of Temecula Wine Country glitz and busloads of unruly drunken 21 year-olds.   Rounds of somewhat bizarre, romanesque/greek/modern marble and bronze artworks are haphazardly placed around the walking paths in Salerno’s vineyard.  There’s even a bocce ball court on the lower level.

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Owners Herman and Rose Salerno personally greet guests, mostly fellow neighbors, on the spacious shaded patio.  Using old-world, handcrafted wine making methods, Herman has earned 75 national and international awards since the first vintage in 2002. [Read more…]