UNCORKED WINE TRAVELS

Musings Along The Wine Trails

Porter Creek Vineyards is Best Kept Secret in Russian River Valley

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Deep in the heart of the Russian River Valley’s west side lies the sleepy Porter Creek Vineyards.  Named for the adjacent Porter Creek tributary, which flows into the famed Russian River, this little slice of heaven is certainly worthy of a visit.

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Untouched raw beauty surrounds the rustic enclave and old vines, with an array of dogs and chickens meandering about.  Porter Creek Vineyards was founded by George Davis in 1977 and was planted to Pinot Noir and Chardonnay only.  Today, Rhone and Burgundian varietals are organically grown on the steep hillsides and son Alex Davis handcrafts the wines in small lots.

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The tasting room is both eclectic and funky, with a mesmerizing view of the forest and hills.    I visited Porter Creek Vineyards at the 2015 Winter Wineland two-day event and was bowled over by the depth of the wines. [Read more…]

Sanford Winery ~ Sta. Rita Hills’ First Pinot Pioneers

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You might say that Sanford Winery & Vineyards is as old as the hills… the Santa Rita Hills, that is.  It was back in 1971 when Pinot Pioneer Richard Sanford planted the first Pinot Noir grapes in the Sanford & Benedict vineyards, that put Santa Barbara Wine Country and Santa Rita Hills on the map.

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Fast forward 30 years…today, the Sanford & Benedict vineyard supports 68 acres of the Mt. Eden Pinot Noir clone, 52 acres of Chardonnay and 15 acres of other estate grapes. [Read more…]

Santa Ynez’s Bridlewood Estate Winery Is Totally Mesmerizing

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IMG_7276 From the moment you enter the 105 acre property through the wrought iron gates, time seems to stand still.  A grove of arched trees line the long driveway and lead to the stately entrance of the mission-style Bridlewood Estate Winery in Santa Ynez.

IMG_7285The grounds are immaculately groomed with unsurpassed panoramic views of the Santa Ynez Mountains, the San Raphael Mountains and the Purisma Hills.  The site of the Bridlewood Estate Winery was previously a rehabilitation center for race horses and still houses a full exercise track that circles the lake and vineyards.

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Guests are welcome to take a bottle of wine and a picnic lunch and relax under the shade trees by the lake or to take in the view on the upper terrace overlooking the lake. [Read more…]

Great Rounds Of Applause To The Sponsors Of WBC14!

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WBC14-1.800 I would like to truly thank all the SPONSORS of the 2014 Wine Bloggers Conference who made this event possible.   Thanks to your support and generosity, more than 350 wine bloggers from all parts of the world were able to converge in the pristine Santa Barbara Wine Country for an unforgettable weekend in the vines.

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As a Scholarship recipient, and a   first time attendee of the Wine Bloggers Conference, I must say, that it was far better than I could have hoped for and a little overwhelming at the same time.

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To be in the presence of noted fellow wine bloggers and industry experts and top local wine makers was beyond fabulous!  zephyr

 

 

Looking back, one of my favorite parts of the conference, however, was meeting the Santa Barbara County wine makers.

IMG_6732I must admit that I was literally awestruck mingling among the legendary wine makers only to find out that they’re very genuine, down-to-earth people who loved to share their passion of making wine.  Best of all, there was no pretense or awkwardness as they each shared their humble beginnings and triumphs, only great pride. [Read more…]

Day Three ~ 2014 Wine Bloggers Conference: It’s a Wrap!

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These wine bloggers are a stealthy bunch of writers and wine drinkers!  Between the Wine Discovery breakout sessions, to the speed wine tastings, through the 2014 Wine Bloggers Awards 3-course dinner, Santa Barbara County Wines flowed freely.

IMG_5938Wrapping up the 2014 Wine Bloggers Conference with the coveted Wine Writer’s Workshop where a select group of 45 wine bloggers will have writing samples critiqued. [Read more…]