Musings Along The Wine Trails
When it comes to Fess Parker Winery & Vineyard, nothing is understated! The grounds are perfectly manicured and stretch endlessly in all directions. Weddings are commonplace here and dogs are welcome!
Baby boomers will recall that Fess Parker was an American film icon in the 1950’s and 1960’s, playing the roles of frontiersmen Daniel Boone and Davy Crockett.
Call me a creature of habit. But whenever I visit Los Olivos, I make my way first to the delightful and unpretentious Koehler Winery on the beautiful Foxen Canyon Trail. There’s something endearing about Koehler Winery–perhaps its the peacefulness that you feel as you cross the one-lane bridge over the creek through the vineyards upon approach…
Or, perhaps it’s the baby emus that eagerly greet you at the split rail fence–a first time I’ve ever seen baby emus!
Or, maybe it’s the quaint tasting room which resembles an old farmhouse with lazy cats on the veranda… Or maybe it’s the hearty welcome from Dan Zurleine, fondly called “Dan The Man” who runs the show and Koehler Winery‘s wine club. [Read more…]
No trip to Paso Robles is complete for me without a visit to Oso Libre Vineyards! Something magical happens when you step through the door. Within a few seconds, you are warmly greeted and welcomed by the Behr family. Chris and Linda Behr, along with Jeff and Liz Freeland have put their hearts and soul into making Oso Libre one of the most fun, top wineries in Paso Robles.
Oso Libre, Spanish for Free Bear, (a compilation of Behr and Freeland family names), is certified as Sustainability in Practice (SIP), which is no easy feat. To be certified as SIP, the goal is to grow crops and raise farm animals with the least impact to the environment, without the use of harmful pesticides. Not all wineries qualify for this coveted designation, and this is only one reason that makes Oso Libre so special.
Free range, grass-fed Black Angus cattle along with Babydoll sheep (used for organic weed abatement and organic fertilization) and a few alpacas (who protect the sheep), are raised side-by-side on the 90 acre spread. The outside patio is positioned as an observation area high above the working farm. [Read more…]
What two things blend better than great wine and contemporary art? Add a little live music and you have a winning trio! Lorimar Vineyard & Winery in Temecula’s Wine Country is one of the newest additions to the valley and is at the top of the charts!
Family owned, Lorimar follows a Tuscan theme with Sangiovese being one of the primary grapes grown. Other varietals grown on the 22 acre estate are Syrah, Grenache, Muscat, Viognier and Cabernet Sauvignon. [Read more…]
On a recent trek to Temecula Wine Country, some 50 miles from San Diego, I decided to revisit Palumbo Family Vineyards & Winery. For a lesser known, boutique winery, Palumbo’s packs a lot of punch! Most people probably drive right past the dirt road that leads up to the 13 acre vineyard, not knowing what they’re missing!
Palumbo’s is best known for its sustainable farming practices and produces only 2,500 cases of handcrafted wine each season. Varietals include Viognier, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Sangiovese and Merlot. [Read more…]