Viognier – Page 2

Ballard Canyon’s Harrison-Clarke Winery’s Syrah Is Bedazzling

April 10, 2016 by Deborah Mines

Calling all California Syrah lovers… Ballard Canyon AVA, near Santa Ynez, is an eclectic treasure trove of artisan Syrah and Rhone varietal producers. Part of the larger Santa Ynez Valley AVA, this sleepy enclave is relatively unknown to the throngs of visitors as the mainstream tasting rooms are in downtown Los Olivos.

The scenery alone will take your breath away. On recommendation from a San Diego winemaker, I contacted Harrison-Clarke Winery for a personal tour and tasting in February. Co-owner Roger Harrison was kind enough to guide us on an in-depth walking tour of the vineyards.

Harrison-Clarke Winery is situated on 12 acres, planted to Syrah, Grenache, Mourvedre and Viognier. Neighboring vineyards include Beckman and Stolpman who also produce amazing Rhone varietals. Interestingly, the week of our visit, many of the original Syrah vines had been grafted to a Spanish clone of Mourvedre for a wider spectrum of varietals. [Read more…]

Riding High In The Rhone Zone ~ Andrew Murray Vineyards

August 2, 2015 by Deborah Mines

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.

Andrew Murray Vineyards‘ focus will remain on Rhône varieties, with an emphasis on Syrah, Mourvèdre, Viognier, Grenache Blanc and Roussanne.

“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…]

Santa Ynez Valley’s Sunstone Winery ~ C’est Tres Magique

July 19, 2015 by Deborah Mines

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Reminiscent of a Provencal manor in Southern France, Sunstone Winery features one of the grandest tasting rooms in the Santa Ynez Valley.

The south-facing vineyards sway in the breeze along the Santa Ynez River, creating an ideal microclimate for producing high quality Bordeaux and Rhone varietals. French varietals planted on the 28 acre estate include Viognier, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Syrah.

Founders Fred and Linda Rice had a grandiose vision for Sunstone Winery, scouring reclamation yards in Marseille and Provence for artifacts and furnishings for the 8.500 square foot villa.

“Reclaimed materials, such as French limestone, hand-formed roof tiles, a fireplace from the Bordeaux region of France, enormous hand-hewn pine beams from Queen Victoria’s lavender factory, a prison cell door from Normandy constructed during Napoleon’s reign, and a thousand-year old limestone kitchen sink were all incorporated into their dream building.”

[Read more…]

San Pasqual’s Hungry Hawk Vineyards Soars High

July 3, 2015 by Deborah Mines

Hungry Hawk Vineyards, is one of the newest, and most promising, boutique wineries to join forces with the San Diego Vintners Association in the San Pasqual Valley AVA.

Nested in the rural outskirts of Escondido, Hungry Hawk Vineyards officially opened its doors in the summer of 2014 after several years of vineyard installation, tasting room construction and endless county and state ordinance permits.

Through the hard work of Ed and Jeanine Embly, Hungry Hawk Vineyards has morphed into a top-notch production facility and upscale tasting room.

Hungry Hawk Vineyards has already earned Silver Medals at the 2014 Florida State Fair and the 2014 San Diego County Fair.

Hungry Hawk Vineyards, a former avocado estate, has been planted to 17 grape varietals. White varietals include Albarino, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier and Pinot Gris. Bordeaux varietals include Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Malbec. Grenache, Mouvedre, Petit Sirah, Sangiovese, Tempranillo and the little known Syrah Noir round out the list. [Read more…]

Chateau St. Jean Vineyard & Winery Exudes Old World Charm

June 27, 2015 by Deborah Mines

Magnificent gardens, ornate statuary, grand water features and an incredible backdrop of Sugarloaf Ridge greet guests at Chateau St. Jean Vineyard & Winery. Just outside of Kenwood in Sonoma County, this heavenly estate is reminiscent of a turn of the century French manor, surrounded by 90+ acres of vineyards.

Chateau St. Jean was constructed in 1920 as a summer home for the Goff family, who were iron magnates from Michigan. Today, the home has been listed in the National Trust for Historic Preservation and is open to the public. Parlor-style tasting rooms on the upper level are available for private tastings and events.

Winemaker Margo Van Staaveren has handcrafted over 30 vintages for Chateau St. Jean. An early pioneer of single vineyard grape sourcing, it is Margo’s belief that “great wines are grown”. [Read more…]