Wine Tour – Page 5

Green Valley Is Russian River Valley’s Sweetest Spot

March 27, 2014 by Deborah Mines

Mention Green Valley-Russian River Valley to any Pinot-lover or Chardonnay enthusiast and watch their eyes light up! Green Valley is the smallest appellation in Sonoma County, located in the southwestern corner of the Russian River Valley.

Bordered by the tiny towns of Sebastopol, Occidental and Forestville, Green Valley is home to over 100 growers and eight key wineries: DeLoach Vineyards, Dutton Estate, Dutton-Goldfield, Emeritus Vineyards, Hartford Family Winery, Iron Horse Vineyards, Marimar Estate and Orogeny.

The trademark rolling fog and the Goldridge soil, (the most sought after soil in Sonoma County), makes the Green Valley a very special place for growing the delicate Pinot Noir grapes and the coveted Chardonnay.

Green Valley‘s unique weather is considerably colder than the rest of the Russian River Valley. With the Russian River to the north and the Petaluma Wind Gap to the south, cold air streams across the Green Valley. The coastal hills lying along its western border help to moderate the strong winds from the ocean. All things combined, the cool nights and early morning fog, followed by warm days, give the right balance of ripeness, good sugar levels, ripe tannins and high acid. [Read more…]

Bottle Shock Movie Set ~ Chateau Montelena Winery

February 28, 2014 by Deborah Mines

Tucked ever so gently in the deeply wooded hillside in the fertile Napa Valley, lies the stately Chateau Montelena Winery. The 254 acre estate was established in 1882 by San Franciscan entrepreneur Alfred Tubbs. Tubbs was convinced that the loose, stoney soil at the base of Mount Saint Helena near Calistoga was ideal for growing grapes.

A French wine maker was brought to the estate and Tubbs’ dream soon became a reality. The château was built soon thereafter and was aptly named Chateau Montelena, which is actually a contraction of the name “Mount Saint Helena”, the nearby noble peak.

Chateau Montelena Winery prospered until the Prohibition Days. In post-Prohibition days, Tubbs continued to grow and sell grapes to local family winemakers. However, the vineyards fell into disrepair over the following years and the property was sold in 1958.

Chateau Montelena’s new owners were Yort and Jeanie Frank, who were merely seeking a quiet place to retire. As a tribute to Frank’s homeland of China and to his wife Jeanie, the beautiful Jade Lake was created. Today, Chateau Montelena‘s Jade Lake is known as one of Napa Valley’s prettiest lakes, a wildlife refuge which is also available for private winery events.

In the early 1970’s, the estate was purchased by Jim Barrett, who replanted the vineyards and started the California wine industry as we know it today, showcasing California wines, specifically Napa Valley wines. [Read more…]

Tuscany’s Vignamaggio Vineyards – Home of Mona Lisa

August 15, 2013 by Deborah Mines

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…]

Castello di Volpaia’s Romantic Lure Is Intoxicating

July 6, 2013 by Deborah Mines

Volpaia rises high into the clouds at 2500 feet near Radda in Chianti, Tuscany. — Volpaia rises high into the clouds at over 2000 feet above sea level near Radda in Chianti, Tuscany.

Right in the heart of Chianti, five steep miles atop the highest peak, lies Volpaia, touted as one of the most romantic villages in the heart of Tuscany. Dating back to the 11th century, this medieval borgo (village) is one of the best preserved walled villages in Italy.

Medieval curved walls add charm to the little hilltop village. — Medieval curved walls add a charm to the little hilltop village.

As was customary in the middle ages, people were named for their trade or place of origin. In the mid-1400’s, Lorenzo della Volpaia, a mathematician, architect and skilled clockmaker, adopted the town’s name, literally meaning Lorenzo from Volpaia (Lair of the Foxes). Della Volpaia was even said to have consulted with Leonardo da Vinci (Leonardo from Vinci) on technical projects. One of Volpaia’s most exclaimed clock works is the clock in Palazzo Vecchio in centro Florence.

Escape to Volpaia for a stay at a medieval bed and breakfast stay. — Escape to Volpaia for a medieval bed and breakfast stay.

Today, Volpaia is owned by the Stianti Mascheroni family (Father Rafaello Stianti gifted the village and winery to his daughter Gionvanella as a wedding present in 1996). Castello di Volpaia is renowned for its wonderful wines, traditional olive oils and aromatic vinegar. [Read more…]

Montalcino Is Most Famous For Brunello

July 1, 2013 by Deborah Mines

Breathtaking vistas surround Montalcino as Cipressi (Cypress trees) dot the hills.

One of the highlights of my Tuscany travels was visiting the medieval borgo of Montalcino. Steeped in history that dates back to the Etruscan times, this hilltop village holds a lot of charm and is best known nowadays for the Brunello di Montalcino wine.

Montalcino is perched atop a hill that dates back to the Etruscan times.

Only 5,300 people live in Montalcino, which sprawls from the centro district along the valley floor below Monte Amiata, a dormant volcano (last eruption was over 300,000 years ago). Montalcino is a very picturesque area with vineyards lining the country roads and Abbadia di S’Antimo gracing the southern wine trail.

Gregorian monks chant daily at Abbadia di S'Antimo. — Gregorian monks chant daily at Abbadia di S’Antimo.

In centro Montalcino, enotecas (wine stores) are plentiful, all pouring the heavenly juice of Bacchus ~ aka Brunello di Montalcino. So little time, and so many Brunellos! [Read more…]