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UNCORKED WINE TRAVELS

Musings Along The Wine Trails

Freeman Vineyard & Winery’s Cave Tasting Is A “10”

August 8, 2021 by Deborah Mines

One of Russian River Valley’s hidden treasures is Freeman Vineyard & Winery in Sebastopol.  Weave your way along redwood studded roads to the little neighborhood gem on Montgomery Road.  Be sure and call ahead for a tasting appointment as it’s a small boutique winery.  Chances are, you’ll be greeted by winemaker Akiko Freeman herself.

Established in 2001, Ken and Akiko Freeman determined that the cool, rugged reaches of western Sonoma County would be the ideal spot to plant Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Fruit is sourced from the Gloria Estate Vineyard, located adjacent to the couples’ home and wine cave, and from the Yu-Ki Estate Vineyard, which sits at 1,000 feet elevation only five miles from the Pacific Ocean near the town of Occidental.  Both vineyards employ organic and biodynamic farming for the most part with owl boxes as natural rodent control in the vineyards.

Tastings and special events are hosted in the wine cave where the ambient temperature is around 59 degrees.  The cool climate Pinot Noir and Chardonnay is one of the finest in Russian River Valley.  As a matter of fact, several years ago, the White House featured a Freeman Winery Chardonnay at a state dinner to welcome Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.

Friendly hostesses  like Kelly Keller, or Jessica Gengler are always on hand to pour the amazing wines and to share fun stories.  There’s several beautiful picnic areas under the towering redwoods with endless views of the vineyard in the distance.  And, there’s even a cottage available at the top of the property if you want to extend your stay.

Filed Under: California Wine Trail Tagged With: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley AVA, Sebastopol, Sonoma Coast AVA, Wiinetasting, wine cave

After Much Ado, “House of Flowers” Debuts In Russian River Valley

August 29, 2019 by Deborah Mines

The long-awaited “House of Flowers” tasting room made its debut in July 2019 in the beautiful Russian River Valley.  Flowers Vineyards & Winery is situated on Westside Road, seven miles from downtown Healdsburg on the old VML Winery site.  The property has been magically transformed and the provenςal gardens have been renewed to its glory days. Scores of hummingbirds buzz through the colorful flowers as if on cue.

Water features have suddenly sprung to life and the towering pines still stand guard over the Pinot Noir vineyards.  Flowers’ elevated food and wine pairing experience is well-orchestrated from the moment of arrival.  Guests are greeted with a chilled 2018 Pinot Noir Rose and a mini tour of the gardens. Cabanas and patio tables are strategically positioned facing the vineyards with the Mayacamas and Mt. St. Helena as a picture-perfect backdrop.

Indeed, Flowers has a fascinating backstory.  East coast horticulturists Walt and Joan Flowers headed west with a handful of vitis viniferous cuttings and a dream to own a vineyard.  In the late 1980s, the rugged Sonoma coast was unchartered territory for grape growing.  After much searching, high above the fog line at 1100 feet, they discovered a remote, untouched piece of paradise.  Formerly a trading ground with the Pomo Indians and Russian fur traders, Flowers’ literally put down roots in 1991.

Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes were planted on Camp Meeting Ridge and shortly thereafter, another mountaintop property was acquired, known now as Sea View Ridge.  The rest is history. With the efforts of the Flowers and top producer neighbors, (Hirsch, Marcassin, Martinelli, Bohan, Peter Michaels, Pahlmeyer and Failla to name a few), the under- appreciated Fort Ross-Seaview AVA was granted in 2012.   [Read more…]

Filed Under: California Wine Trail Tagged With: Chardonnay, Fort Ross-Seaview AVA, Healdsburg, Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley, Sonoma Coast AVA, wine and food pairing, Wine Tasting

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

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    13 Sep

    Top 3 Wineries in Temecula WIne Country
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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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