UNCORKED WINE TRAVELS

Musings Along The Wine Trails

Temecula’s Monte de Oro Shines Like Gold

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IMG_5914One of the most architecturally impressive and trendy new wineries in Temecula is Monte de Oro.  Fashioned with a contemporary Tuscan theme, the soaring floor-to-ceiling windows are absolutely magnificent!  Opulence surrounds you in the center tasting room, in every direction.

ToursandTastingFPOOne of the most unique features at Monte de Oro is the glass-floored tasting room, which looks into the Barrel Cellar below.  I have to admit, it’s a little unnerving to walk across the glass floor.  You might be surprised to look down and see someone looking up!

Founded in 2002, Monte de Oro has 68 family owners from the Americas, South Africa and the United Kingdom who call themselves the OGB Parnters (One Great Blend).

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One Big Party At Opolo Vineyards

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

Fess Parker Winery Is Grandiose In Every Way

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Fess Parker's rambling estate is impressive
Fess Parker Winery & Vinyard’s rambling estate is impressive

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!

Manicured grounds at Fess Parker are ideal for picnics and wine tasting!
Manicured grounds at Fess Parker WInery & Vineyard are ideal for picnics and wine tasting!

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.

Raccoon skin caps adorn the wine bottles and shelves as a tribute to founder Fess Parker, aka Davy Crockett
Raccoon skin caps adorn the wine bottles and shelves as a tribute to founder Fess Parker, aka Davy Crockett

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Dog Friendly Kynsi Winery ~ Sip, Sit, Stay

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Kynsi Winery was once a working dairy farm in the 1940's
Kynsi Winery was once a working dairy farm in the 1940’s

Driving down the bucolic country back roads of Edna Valley several years ago, I was lucky to discover the hidden jewel, Kynsi Winery.  And, wow, what a treasure!  Totally charming and renovated, Kynsi Winery was once a working dairy farm in the 1940’s.  Today, it’s a forerunner in superb Pinot Noirs with a laid-back atmosphere with a fun, friendly  and knowledgeable staff.

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Adult Barn Owl  — mascot of Kinsey Winery   Photo courtesy of Kynsi Winery

The signature barn owl logo for Kynsi Winery is actually a named after a Finnish word for “talon”.

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Barn Owl fledglings ~ Photo courtesy of Kynsi Winery

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Saucelito Canyon Is Absolutely Zinful

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Staking claim in 1880 in the rugged canyon of the upper Arroyo Grande Valley, Saucelito Canyon is literally “as old as the hills”.  A century later, Bill Greenough restored the abandoned vineyards and made a name for himself in the Central Coast wine making business.  Today, his son, Tom follows in his father’s footsteps as a second generation winemaker specializing in seven different Zinfandels as well as a spicy Tempranillo and an excellent Sauvignon Blanc and Cote du Blanc,  a Rhone Blend.

Saucelito Canyon Hostess, Terri welcomes me back with a photo of my Canine Companion for Independence Puppy photo of Emory, taken at the winery in 2010
Saucelito Canyon Hostess, Terri Shearer, welcomes me back with a photo that still hangs in the back office, of my Canine Companion for Independence puppy, Emory IV, taken at the winery in 2010.  Terri remarked, “It was so great to finally connect you with Emory’s picture!”

Saucelito Canyon is a family run boutique winery that is always a joy to visit and has a very friendly vibe!  Wine club membership has some excellent perks, including special events at  the  historical Arroyo Grande Valley ranch.  Blending in with the locals for the winemaker dinners, barbecues and  wine pick up parties are only a few of the reasons I love being a wine club member at Saucelito Canyon.  For the truly discerning Zinfandel lover, the 1880 Old Vine Club is a must! [Read more…]