wine cave – Page 3

Sonoma’s Buena Vista Winery Attracts Ghost Hunters

March 30, 2015 by Deborah Mines 2 Comments

Buena Vista Winery is considered California’s oldest premium winery and was founded in 1857 by the self-proclaimed “Count of Buena Vista”, Agoston Haraszthy. Situated in the Los Carneros AVA (also known as Carneros AVA), the Buena Vista Winery vineyards are poised atop the hills overlooking San Pablo Bay.

The proximity to the cool fog and breezes from the bay makes the climate cooler and more moderate than the wine regions further north in Napa Valley and Sonoma Valley, allowing for the cultivation of cooler climate varietals like Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Many of the grapes grown in Los Carneros are also used for sparkling wine production.

Rarely does one think of ghost hunting when wine tasting, however, Sonoma’s Buena Vista Winery has a ghostly past and an eerie presence. In 1862, legend has it that 20 Chinese migrant workers were busy bottling, corking and wiring Champagne magnums in the deep wine caves when a minor earthquake triggered a cave-in. Racism attitudes at the time, left the men to be buried alive amidst cases of fine champagne. [Read more…]

Europa Village’s Annual Grape Stomp Gala ~ Bon Vin, Tres Fun

September 12, 2014 by Deborah Mines Leave a Comment

There’s a little slice of Europe in the Temecula Wine Country ~ Europa Village is an Old World Euro-themed winery that offers wines handcrafted from French, Spanish and Italian grape varietals. Love the French wines of the Rhone Valley? Non probleme ~ the C’est la Vie Chateau Wines will soothe your soul. Feeling a little sassy? Si, Si ~ try the Bolero Cellars for a Spanish flare. Looking for the perfect food and wine pairing? Bene, Bon Appetito! ~ Vienza will be a salute to all things Italian.

Beautifully appointed, Europa Village is situated on 30 rolling acres, with vineyard views in all directions. There is an ample outdoor seating area with water misters to curb the summer heat and even a wine cave that doubles as a tasting bar and an event room for large parties and wedding receptions. [Read more…]

Justin Vineyards & Winery Is Justifiably A World Class Act

June 22, 2014 by Deborah Mines Leave a Comment

When it comes to world-class wines, Justin Vineyards and Winery is considered by many to be a forerunner. Situated at the very end of the wine trail on the westside of Paso Robles, a Disneyland wine world awaits. Just when you think you’ve driven too far, keep going. The road will eventually end at Justin Vineyard and Winery.

Planted in 1981 by founder and wine ambassador Justin Baldwin, most of the vines on the 160 acre estate are single varietal or Bordeaux varietals. Today more than 13 select growers in the Paso Robles appellation supply grapes for Justin Vineyards and Winery.

Opulence is quite evident at Justin Vineyards and Winery. The tasting room at the first entrance to the property is open to the public and has been recently remodeled and expanded. The Restaurant at Justin and the quaint Justin Inn cater to the discriminating wine lovers who wish to dine and stay in five-star comfort amongst the vines.

Wine club members are invited to venture down the road further to the members only tasting room, complete with a wine cave, a posh, yet inviting setting and a fabulous reserve tasting menu. Stellar service is a guarantee and private tours of the wine caves and barrel room can be arranged. [Read more…]

Tuscany’s Vignamaggio Vineyards – Home of Mona Lisa

August 15, 2013 by Deborah Mines Leave a Comment

Vignamaggio Vineyards is steeped with fascinating history! For starters, Monna Lisa was born in Vignamaggio, (a tiny town in northern Chianti) in the 14th century. Leonardo da Vinci (Leonardo from Vinci) lived a few miles away. When Leonardo painted the aristocratic daughter of Gheradini, the magnificent setting of the Vignamaggio was painted in the background.

I visited Vignamaggio Vineyards on my last day in Tuscany ~ the spring weather was anything but cooperative, rainy and blustery.

Vignamaggio (translates to May Vines), is nestled in the hills between Greve and Lamole, about 45 minutes from Firenze. Idyllic winding roads up to the estate are flanked by olive trees and hardwoods. The smell of burning wood was in the air.

Entry to Vignamaggio — Stately entry to Vignamaggio Vineyard and Wine Resort near Greve in Chiant

After trekking up the long driveway lined with hardwood trees to the top of the hill, I was warmly greeted by the charming Sandro Checcucci, my personal wine guide and host at Vignamaggio Vineyards. The tasting room was warm and inviting. [Read more…]

Villa S. Anna’s “Softer” Touch

April 28, 2013 by Deborah Mines Leave a Comment

Villa Sant Anna ~ Abbadia di Montepulciano — Villa S. Anna ~ Exceptionally Feminine
Abbadia di Montepulciano

Good ol’ Francesca, also known as my faithful GPS, was in prime working condition. She guided me directly to Villa S. Anna Winery in Abbadia di Montepulciano upon my arrival at Amerigo Vespucci Airport in Firenze (Florence) that bright sunny Saturday afternoon.

Waiting for me was Simona Fabroni Ruggeri, the owner of Villa S. Anna. I had contacted Simona a month before my trip to Tuscany to arrange a meeting. I was fascinated with the idea of meeting Simona, and touring the lovely “feminine” winery that she fondly calls Villa S. Anna.

Barrel Room - Villa S. Anna — Barrel Room – Villa S. Anna

The vineyards have been a part of the Contini-Ruggeri family for over 200 years and had a stellar reputation for producing very fine Tuscan wines. The family estate was bequeathed to Simona from her grandfather, “Poldo”, whose name is honored on the estate’s best Vino Nobile wine to this day. [Read more…]