Wine Tasting – Page 19

All Ramona Wine Trails Lead to Salerno Winery

September 2, 2013 by Deborah Mines

Ramona Valley is on the verge of becoming the next Foxen Canyon of wine trails… Windy roads lead to Salerno Winery, tucked off Highway 67 behind the stately cypress trees and majestic oaks. Rising 1,500 feet above sea level, Ramona Valley, with its own micro climate has been recognized with its own AVA appellation.

Salerno Winery is definitely eclectic ~ lacking the hype of Temecula Wine Country glitz and busloads of unruly drunken 21 year-olds. Rounds of somewhat bizarre, romanesque/greek/modern marble and bronze artworks are haphazardly placed around the walking paths in Salerno’s vineyard. There’s even a bocce ball court on the lower level.

Owners Herman and Rose Salerno personally greet guests, mostly fellow neighbors, on the spacious shaded patio. Using old-world, handcrafted wine making methods, Herman has earned 75 national and international awards since the first vintage in 2002. [Read more…]

Rhone Rangers Rule at Curtis Winery

August 23, 2013 by Deborah Mines

Curtis Winery in Santa Ynez Valley specialzes in Rhone-style wines — Curtis Winery in Santa Ynez Valley is dedicated to Rhone-style wines

For a truly unique wine tasting experience, get off the beaten path on Foxen Canyon Road and check out Curtis Winery ~ one of the first wineries in the Santa Ynez Valley to push the envelope with Rhone-style wines.

Foxen Canyon wine trail points the way to Curtis Winery

The highly touted Firestone family established the first estate winery in Santa Barbara County in 1972, later creating Curtiss Winery to showcase their Rhone wines. Today, the true Rhone Rangers are Curtis Winery‘s wine grower Chuck “Calypso” Carlson and winemaker Ernest Storm. Together they bring France’s renown Rhone Valley wines to Santa Barbara County.

Santa Ynez Valley stretches east to west making it an ideal Mediterranean climate

Curtis Winery is a little understated, but worth a stop. Belly up to the bar for a tasting of six artisan Rhone-style wines for only $10. The staff is not overly friendly, and the tasting bar is short on space, but the wines are certainly worthy. [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…]

The Big “O” ~ Orfila Winery Is Outstanding

August 8, 2013 by Deborah Mines

Orfila Vineyards and Winery in San Pasqual Valley vistas are stunning! — Orfila Vineyards and Winery in San Pasqual Valley offers stunning vistas! Photo courtesy of Orfila’s website

Locals call it the “Big O” — aka Orfila VIneyards and Winery, gently nestled in the beautiful San Pasqual Valley near Escondido in northern San Diego County. Whenever I’m in the area, I love to stop in and visit Orfila Vineyards and Winery. I’ve been a wine club member here on and off for over 10 years for a good reason. The wines are constantly improving and, my palette is ever evolving.

Orfila's "barrel room" features library wines — Orfila’s “barrel room” features library wines

The vineyards here have existed since the early 1970’s, initially planted by San Pasqual Winery and later managed by Thomas Jaeger Winery. [Read more…]

One Big Party At Opolo Vineyards

August 1, 2013 by Deborah Mines

Opolo Vineyards long driveway is surrounded by rolling vineyards in all directions

One thing is for sure when you reach Opolo Vineyards on the westside of Paso Robles, you’re in for one big party! Doesn’t matter what day of the week really….there is always something going on at Opolo Vineyards! Plan to stay awhile!

Relax under the water misters on the huge outside patio at Opolo Vineyards

On weekends, guests are treated to the homemade sausages of lamb, beef and pork grilling on the BBQ. Water misters are usually on as the temperatures in the late spring/early summer frequently hit the 90s. For a small fee, there is a wood fired brick oven that puts out some tasty hand tossed pizza. Opolo Vineyards is a good first stop on the weekend as few wineries serve food. [Read more…]