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UNCORKED WINE TRAVELS

Musings Along The Wine Trails

Jordan Winery’s Chateau Block Vineyard Tasting Is Unforgettable

November 26, 2021 by Deborah Mines

Looking for a memorable Sonoma wine country tasting experience?  Check out Jordan Winery & Vineyard’s Chateau Block vineyard tasting for a one-of-a-kind seated tasting high atop a noted Cabernet Sauvignon vineyard.  Overlooking the majestic peaks of the Mayacamas and Alexander Valley, you’re sure to be wowed by the wines and the food pairing.

Hosted by a knowledgeable sommelier with a dizzying array of the local Journeyman Meat Co. salumi, cheese and complimentary estate olive oil and artisan bread, this custom tasting features a Chardonnay and three French-inspired Cabernet Sauvignon vintages.  The intimate picnic-style tasting venue overlooking the famed Chateau Block vineyards is a pleasant 10 minute uphill hike to a very special place under the giant oaks.

The 1,200 acre Jordan estate is Certified Sonoma Sustainable and is also a Certified California Sustainable Vineyard & Winery.  In addition, Jordan is accredited for Fish Friendly Farming, Ranch Friendly Farming and Bee Friendly Farming.

Interesting to note, only 120 acres are planted to grapes.  The vast majority of the property is a natural habit for wildlife, fish and birds.  The paved entry leading to the main reception area and winery is a scenic one-mile drive winding through the oaks and vineyards, traversing creeks along the way.

Definitely worth a visit, Jordan Winery features many unique tasting experiences, spectacular tours and culinary events.

Filed Under: California Wine Trail Tagged With: Alexander Valley AVA, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Healdsburg, Sonoma Wine Country, sustainable farming, vineyard tour, Wine Tasting

A Walk Between The Vines At Emeritus Vineyards…

June 29, 2018 by Deborah Mines

When walking through Emeritus Vineyards’ Hallberg Ranch, a 110 acre Pinot Noir vineyard near Sebastopol,  the quote from famed Italian Astronomer/Philosopher Galileo Galilei instantly flashed through my mind.  “Wine is sunlight, held together by water”.  Of course, what else could wine possibly be?  And this renown Pinot Noir vineyard was certainly living proof!

Guided by the “Ambassador of Fun”, Paige Hansen, we walked between the vines on a spectacular late Spring afternoon, Pinot glass in hand.

The vines danced in the wind.  And, as if on key, tiny clusters of flowers were forming to signal the start of the grape growing season.  Interestingly, Vinifera grapes are self-pollinating and due to the close proximity of the flower clusters, there is no need for bees or other insects to aid with fertilization.

Within a few short weeks, small berries are formed  which is referred to as fruit set.  The entire growing process from bud break to verasion (a french word for the onset of ripening or color change) is approximately 100 days, depending on the grape varietal and the wine region.

Hallberg Ranch vineyards are planted on the coveted Goldridge soil, composed  of one to four feet of sandy loam underlain by Los Osos clay.

All three Emeritus vineyards, are sustainably and organically dry-farmed, which helps the grapes to achieve full ripeness without excess sugars and extracted flavors.  Additionally,  a cover crop of mustard is planted between the vines to aid in moisture retention from the morning fog and to harbor beneficial insects.

[Read more…]

Filed Under: California Wine Trail Tagged With: Pinot Noir, vineyard tour, Wine Tasting

The Wine Carriage ~ A Perfect Marriage Of Horses & Wine

September 19, 2015 by Deborah Mines

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Nothing could be finer than being carried through the vines by two handsome, two ton  Belgian Draft horses with owner Bret LeRolland of The Wine Carriage leading the way.   The starting point for the wine tour adventure begins at the historical Alexander Valley Vineyards in northern Sonoma County off Highway 128.

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Alexander Valley Vineyards‘ tasting room has a rustic old west country store feel, complete with a covered wooden porch.  Memorabilia of rancher Cyrus Alexander and his wife Rufina adorn the walls.  IMG_9360

Estate varietals include Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot,  Zinfandel, Pinot Noir, Sangiovese, Cabernet Franc, Syrah and Gerwurtztraminer.

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Freshly picked bunches of grapes sit on the counter, free for the tasting.

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Bret’s love for his horses, Willie and Django, is evident the moment you meet the team.  Guests are encouraged to approach the magnificent duo who calmly stand for pats and photos.  Gourmet snacks of locally sourced nuts and cheese are handed out as we take our seats.  Time to leave your cares far behind as guests board the horse-drawn carriage from Alexander Valley Vineyards.

IMG_9402Clip clop…. clip clop…. clip clop…. The Wine Carriage smoothly transports up to 10 guests through the heart of the vineyards over a 5 mile course, close enough to reach out and grab a bunch of grapes, which we actually did! [Read more…]

Filed Under: California Wine Trail Tagged With: Bordeaux varietals, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Gewurtztraminer, Merlot, Petit Sirah, Petit Verdot, Pinot Noir, Sangiovese, Syrah, vineyard tour, wine cave, Zinfandel

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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...

    Vintage Posts

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    • Freeman Vineyard & Winery’s Cave Tasting Is A “10” August 8, 2021
    • 2021’s Top 10 Winery Picks off Russian River Valley’s Iconic Westside Road July 5, 2021
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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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    uncorkedwinesd UncorkedWineTravels @uncorkedwinesd ·
    16 Dec

    Christmas in Grapevine Texas ⁦@landonwinery⁩ 🍷🍷

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    21 Nov 2021

    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 2021

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

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    16 Sep 2021

    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 2021

    Top 3 Wineries in Temecula WIne Country
    https://uncorkedwinetravels.com/trending-now-top-3-wineries-in-temecula/
    #winelovers #wine #winetasting

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    15 Aug 2021

    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 2021

    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 2021

    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 2021

    Beautiful warm breezy day @PalumboWinery #temeculawinecountry #winetasting #July4th

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    2 Jul 2021

    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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    1 Jul 2021

    Just posted a photo https://www.instagram.com/p/CQyXbPwLFdd/?utm_medium=twitter

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    26 Jun 2021

    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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