40

California Vine Times Magazine

Embed Size (px)

DESCRIPTION

A magazine about wine tasting and wineries located in all the wine regions of California. Detailed maps and guides of all the regions.

Citation preview

Page 1: California  Vine Times Magazine
Page 2: California  Vine Times Magazine

© 2010 J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines, San Jose, CA

jlohr.com

The Unmistakable Merlot.

Flavor Second to None

Page 3: California  Vine Times Magazine

www.vinetimesonline.com • December 2010 / January 2011 � 3

. . .What’s Doin’ in Wine Country

Mendocino County Crab and Wine DaysJanuary 21 - 30

Discover Mendocino County Crab &Wine Days. Mendocino County’s ruggedcoastline has been home to generations offishermen who harvest the bounties of thecold, clear Pacific Ocean, including deli-cious Dungeness crab. And, every January,Mendocino County celebrates this delight-ful crustacean and locally grown and pro-duced wines with a Festival that delightsfoodies and oenophiles alike. Wineries,restaurants and inn’s throughout the regionopen their doors to share special crab andwine pairings with festival-goers.

To make the trip more fun, they arehosting a Crab & Wine Days PassportWine Tasting. Visit participating wineriesfor a chance to win great prizes! Tastingruns from Jan.21- 30.

Events are individually priced. Forcomplete information and a listing of allevents, times and locations, visit gomen-do.com or call (866) 466-3636.

International Alsace Varietals FestivalSaturday,February 12 Mendocino County Fairgrounds in Boonville,CA

Grand Tasting,1 - 4 p.m.Visit the beautiful Anderson Valley for

a weekend in celebration of your favoritearomatic white wines! This event high-lights Gewurztraminer, Riesling, PinotGris, Pinot Blanc and Muscat, made by theworld’s finest producers of Alsace-stylewines. It’s the only event like it in the entirecountry. Meet the winemakers and enjoymusic by local artists and perfectly pairedbites crafted by local chefs. Tickets are$65/person.

Technical Conference,9 - 11:30 a.m.Listen to and interact with winemak-

ers and wine experts from around the globeas they discuss winemaking and grapegrowing specifically for Alsace varietals.Breakfast is included.

Tickets are $45/person.

International Alsace Festival Winemakers Dinner6:30 p.m., Scharffenberger Cellars,Philo

Enjoy dinner with the winemakersand learn about their wines in the elegantprivate dining room at ScharffenbergerCellars. You will be surrounded by local

artworks while savoring the warm, cozyatmosphere. This sumptuous, sit-downdinner will be prepared by a renownedlocal chef and each course will be perfect-ly paired with wines featured at the festivalor locally produced. Tickets are $125/ per-son.

Alsace Festival Winery Open HousesSunday,February 13Various Wineries in the Anderson Valley

Spend the day exploring the wineriesof Anderson Valley. Many wineries willfeature their Alsace Varietal wines. Enjoyfood pairings, music, art and more. There isno charge.

For tickets and information on eventsand participating wineries visit the websiteat www.avwines.com/index.php/alsace-fes-tival/ or call (707) 895-WINE (9463).

9th Annual Esprit du Vin,the “Spirit of Wine”With the Wineries of Highway 46 East in Paso RoblesJanuary 14 - 17At participating wineries

Grand EventSaturday, January 15,5:30 - 7:30 p.m.Vina Robles Winery, 3700 Mill Road,Paso Robles

This exciting weekend consists ofspecial events at each participating wineryFriday through Monday, a grand event atVina Robles with all ten wineries Saturdayevening, and a complementary ‘Wineriesof Highway 46 East’ tasting passport to beused all weekend long. Completed pass-ports will be entered into a special drawingfor fantastic prizes including a Paso RoblesWine Country Tour with Grapeline Toursand other incredible prizes. Drawing to beheld at the end of January.

On Saturday night, January 15, tenwineries will gather at beautiful VinaRobles for an exciting night of Wine,Cheese and Appetizers. Wines will beexpertly paired with different gourmetcheeses. Stroll around and savor each pair-ing! Gourmet olives, olive oils, breads andbites will also be served. Tickets are $20per person (plus tax), $35/couple (plus tax)and there is also an industry discount.

For a list of participating wineries,reservations and information, log ontowww.pasorobleswinerieseast.com or con-tact Brown Paper Tickets at 1(800) 838-3006 or order online at www.brownpa-pertickets.com. You can also purchase

Mendocino

Paso Robles

Continued on Page 5

Page 4: California  Vine Times Magazine

4 � December 2010 / January 2011 • www.vinetimesonline.com

c o l u m n i s t s

PUBLISHER

Victoria Buonocore

MANAGING EDITOR

Toni Sieling

STAFF WRITER

Tiffany Melanis

EVENTS EDITOR

Sally Gersbach

SALES & MARKETING

DIRECTOR

Denise [email protected]

ADVERTISING

Sally [email protected]

Jody StathakisFor all inquires please call

(650) 358-9908

PRODUCTION

Anne DobbinsToni Sieling

�California Vine Times1040 S. Claremont Street

or PO Box 5402San Mateo CA 94402

voice 650.358.9908 fax 650.358.9254 [email protected]

vinetimesonline.com

California Vine Times is published by In FlightPublishing and is distributed to wine enthusi-asts throughout California. Business matters,advertising and editorial concerns may beaddressed to Vine Times as shown below.Copyright 2006, In Flight Publishing, In FlightMedia.

Vines Times is not responsible for anyaction taken by any person as a result ofreading any part of any issue.The pieces arewritten for information, entertainment andsuggestion–not recommendation.The pursuitof any products or services purchased or anyaction reflected by this publication is the soleresponsibility of the individual and not of thispublication, its staff, owners, or contributors.Opinions expressed in this edition are thoseof the authors and do not necessarily repre-sent those of Vine Times.

All editorial, advertising and graphic mat-ter in this edition is copyrighted. Re-production in any way is strictly prohibitedwithout the written permission from thepublisher.

We welcome your letters and emails tothe editor. Only signed letters with returnaddresses and phone numbers will be consid-ered for publication.

Amador County ..................................33Calaveras County ..................................8El Dorado County North/South ......20Gilroy ......................................................12Glenn County ......................................31Humboldt County................................22Lake County ..........................................22

Livermore Valley....................................37Lodi..........................................................13Madera County ....................................13Mariposa County ....................................8Mendocino County..............................22Merced County ....................................34Monterey................................................28

Napa County ..................................24, 25Nevada County ......................................7Paso Robles ..........................................16Placer County..........................................7San Francisco Bay Area ......................12San Francisco East Bay ........................10San Luis Obispo....................................32

Santa Barbara ........................................18Santa Clara Valley ................................12Santa Cruz ............................................12San Benito ..............................................36Solano County ......................................25Sonoma County ............................34, 35Temecula/San Diego County................6

Tuolume County ....................................8Yolo County ..........................................13Yuba County ............................................7

c o n t e n t s3 DO:

What’s Doin’ in

Wine Country

9 DESTINATION:Napa B Y C H R I S T I N A J U L I A N

SonomaB Y S A N D R E W M O N T G O M E RY

13 DELIGHTS:Goodies & Gadgets

21 DISCOVER:The Old Sugar Mill

in ClarksburgB Y K I M B E R LY H O R G - W E B B

38 DEVOUR:Chow BellaCOMPILED BY VICTORIA BUONOCORE

Eat This With...BY LISA J. PRETTY

8 Carmel Valley’s HellerEstateB Y L A U R A N E S S

10 Guglielmo: The True G3 x3G WineryB Y L A U R A N E S S

11 Make Your Next Paso Tasting a Pleasant OneB Y L I S A J . P R E T T Y

15 True Prosecco is a TrueDelightB Y C H R I S T I N E P I C C I N

15 Sparkling for a New DecadeB Y L A U R A N E S S

19 A “Prelude” to Temecula’sEuropa VillageB Y TO M P L A N T

23 Miraflores WineryB Y L A U R A N E S S

Vine Times publishes all winery guides on a rotating space-available basis. Only wineries with tasting rooms are listed.

Guides can be downloaded from our website at www.vinetimesonline.com.

7 Her VineNess on WineB Y L A U R A N E S SLaura picks four wines worthy of your holiday celebrations.

26 Culinary Road TripB Y D E N I S E KO U Z O U J I A NNapa’s Judd’s Hill offers up some tasty wines topair with lamb chops and pumpkin soup.

26 From Behind the Tasting BarB Y C Y N T H I A B O U R N E L L I SWinemakers weigh in on the 2010 Harvest.

27 The Wine ChixsB Y L I N D A K I S S A M & G I N G E R G I O R D A N OHop on board Temecula’s Wine Trolley.

31 The City CellarB Y M I C H E L L E S I E L I N GWine in a keg?! Sample it at The Living Room in Redwood City.

COVER ARTSparkling Wine by Vaso Peritos

Mixed Mediawww.northbaygallery.net

w i n e r y g u i d e s

t h e f i v e D ’ s

f e a t u r e s

PHOTO CRED ITS : CH ICK HARR ITY, KAT RYAN MONTGOMERY, K IMBERLY HORG-WEBB , L I SA J . PRETTY, L I SA J .PRETTY, PATR ICK TREGENZA , TOM PLANT

More great California Vine Times articles coming to:

www.vinetimesoline.com

Follow Vine Times on Facebook and Twitter

Have your wine event included in our February/March 2011 issue.

Please submit your February and Marchevents for inclusion in our next issue byJanuary 1. Email to [email protected] or submit online at www.vinetimesonline.com.

California

Page 5: California  Vine Times Magazine

tickets by phoning Vina Robles Winery at(805) 227-4812.

Polar Express Reading Sunday,December 5 & 124:30,5:30,6:30 & 7:30pmLe Vigne Winery at SylvesterVineyards, 5115 Buena Vista Drive,Paso Robles

Join Le Vigne Winery for a charityreading of “The Polar Express.” While en-joying this magical Christmas story, meetSanta and Mrs. Claus, The UncommonCarolers, a Pajama contest and a surpriseguest from the North Pole! Proceeds bene-fit local foster and high needs children andfamilies served by the Family CareNetwork. Adults $20, La Famiglia $15includes wine & cheese, Kids $10 includescookie and hot cocoa. Please RSVP asspace is very limited. RSVP to [email protected] or by calling (805) 227-4000. or visit levignewinery.com

Meridian Holiday Open House Saturday,December 1110 a.m. - 5 p.m.7000 Highway 46 East,Paso Robles

Meridian Vineyards will be celebrat-ing the season with a complimentaryHoliday Open House. Sample exclusive“Limited Release” wines, mulled cider,festive cupcakes by Amy Bakes Cupcakesof Atascadero and make your holidaywreath with vines cut from their vineyards.Wine Club members are in for an extratreat from 2 to 4 p.m., including a privatetasting in the barrel chai and a special bar-rel sample paired with gourmet macaroniand cheese from Cahoots Catering! Formore information call (805) 226-7133 orvisit meridianvineyards.com.

Le Vigne Winery at SylvesterVineyards Holiday Open HouseSaturday,December 1111 a.m. - 5 p.m.5115 Buena Vista Drive,Paso Robles

Come get your last minute holidayshopping done at this Holiday OpenHouse. Wine specials include the Califor-nia Sparkling at $65/case and Kiara reservecabernet at $100/case. Also, don’t miss outon building your own gift basket and 20percent off all pre-built gift baskets. Comesample all of the food and wine they haveto offer.

For more information visit levi-gnewinery.com or call (805) 227-4000.

Placer County Wine TrailHolidays in the HillsSaturday – Sunday,December 11–1212-5 p.m.

Visit the wineries of the PlacerCounty Wine Trail for a weekend of wine

tasting, local food & crafts vendors,Christmas tree contest and holiday decora-tions, a toy drive and more. Each winerywill be decorating a fresh-cut, 6' SilverTipped Fir tree with a special theme. Theselocal trees have been donated by SnowyPeaks Tree Farm in Forest Hill and are asight to see. Vote for your favorite themedtree and get a chance to win a mixed caseof Placer County wines!

Bring a child's toy to donate for theShriners Toy Drive and wine tasting is free.(Otherwise, individual winery tasting feesapply). The participating Placer CountyWine Trail wineries in Auburn - Newcastleare: Baumbach, Casque Wines, Dono dalCielo, Fawnridge, Lone Buffalo Vine-yards, Mt. Vernon and Vina Castellano.For complete information visit placer-wine.com.

The 20th Annual ZinfandelAdvocates & Producers (ZAP) Wine Festival January 27-29San Francisco,Various Locations

The 20th Anniversary ZAP Festivalconsists of four events in three days, show-casing approximately 250 wineries, pour-ing their barrel samples and new releases,together with educational seminars, culi-nary demonstrations and decadent foodpairings. The ZAP Festival is the mostcomprehensive showing of Zinfandelwines in the world.

Good Eats and Zinfandel PairingThursday, January 27 From 6 to 9 p.m.Fort Mason Center in San Francisco

Foodies rejoice! Enjoy delectablepairings from 50 restaurants and 50 winer-ies. Cost: $140 public/$100 members

“Flights! Stories From TheVineyard” Zinspiration SeriesFriday January 28,10:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.The Westin St.Francis Hotel

Union SquareThis event includes a rare guided tast-

ing of Zinfandel flights. Cost: $65 public/$40 members

Evening with the WinemakersFriday, January 28,5-10 p.m.The Westin St.Francis HotelUnion Square

Dine with the winemakers and vint-ners who craft the remarkable wines pre-sented at this opulent benefit auction andgourmet dinner high atop San Francisco.

Cost: $225 includes membership

Grand Zinfandel Tasting &Silent Auction - Public TastingSaturday, January 29,2 -5 p.m.Fort Mason Center,San Francisco

More than 250 wineries showcasetheir latest releases, barrel tastings, blendsand rare collections of Zinfandel. A selec-tion of artisanal cheese and nibbles will beincluded. All attendees receive a commem-orative wine glass.

Cost: $70/$60 members (includes 1hour early admission)

ZAP supports research and scholar-ships, and this year will inaugurate a newbeneficiary: The American HeartAssociation/Stroke Association. Ticketsare now on sale! Visit Zinfandel.org fortickets and event details. Become a ZAPmember ($44) and enjoy exclusive benefitsand member savings.

The Santa Cruz Mountains WinegrowersAssociation Presents:The Great Wine Weekend Two Events, January 15 and 16

Santa Cruz Mountains WinterPassport DaySaturday, January 15,11 a.m. - 5 p.m.More than 50 participating SCM wineries

The Santa Cruz Mountains Wine-growers Association invites you to jointhem when more than 50 Santa CruzMountains wineries - from Ahlgren toZayante - open their doors to PassportProgram participants. Passports, whichcost just $40 per person, provide entry intoparticipating wineries, including many thatare not normally open to the public.Passport holders will be invited to tour thefacilities, meet the winemakers, and sam-ple the fruits of their labors - including spe-cial wines poured only for citizens in thePassport Program. Many of these award-winning wines can be hard to find in stores(and of course are not available there forsampling). Special prices are often avail-able during passport. As an added feature,several of Santa Cruz Mountain’s finestrestaurants and wine bars are offering spe-

cial discounts to Passport Holders on theday of the event.

Purchase passports at any participat-ing winery, online at www.SCMWA.com,or by calling (831) 685-VINE (8463). Fora complete list of participating wineriesvisit the website.

8th Annual Wine & Crab Taste - OffSunday, January 16,2 - 5 p.m.At participating Restaurants

Taste wonderful crab dishes pairedwith luscious local wines. Four of the finestSanta Cruz Mountains restaurants will bebattling it out in hopes of being named“Crab Cook 2010.” They need your helpto make the decision, so come and judgefor yourself!

All four restaurants will be preparingtwo crab dishes to satisfy your appetite.The $49 ticket price allows you to tastefood and wine at the two restaurants ofyour choice ($16 each additional restau-rant), and then cast your ballot for the win-ner. All ballots will be tallied to determinethe “Consumer Choice Awards” as well asscores from professional judges for the“Judges Choice Awards”.

For more information, a list of partic-ipating restaurants, and to make reserva-tions, call (831) 685-VINE (8463), go towww.SCMWA.com and enter promo codeGW11 for a $5 off discount when youattend both events, or email [email protected].

Tasting Room Tuesdays at theFairmont in San Jose 170 South Market Street,San Jose

The Fairmont San Jose is proudlyshowcasing wines from the local SantaCruz Mountains. Featuring two uniqueSanta Cruz Mountain Winegrowers Assoc-iation wineries per month.

A winery representative will pour andbe available for “vine talk” from 5 to 7 p.m.in the luxurious Lobby Lounge in the cen-ter of San Jose’s most iconic hotel. Thewines will also be available the week fol-lowing each tasting in The Lounge andPagoda Restaurant and full bottle priceswill be offered at a 50 percent discount dur-ing the tasting events.

Schedule of upcoming Tasting RoomTuesday’s: December 7 and 14 - Sarah's Vineyard January 11 and 25 - Poetic CellarsFebruary 1 and 8 - Vino Tabi WineryMarch 1 and 8 - Martin Ranch Winery

For more information and a completelist of Tasting Room Tuesdays, visitFairmont.com/sanjose or call 1(866) 540-4493.

www.vinetimesonline.com • December 2010 / January 2011 � 5

What’s Doin’ in Wine Country...

Continued from Page 3

Placer County

Continued on Page 6

San Francisco

Santa Cruz Mountains(John Sieling)

Page 6: California  Vine Times Magazine

6 � December 2010 / January 2011 • www.vinetimesonline.com

What’s Doin’ in Wine Country...

Continued from Page 5

Winery Guide

TEMECULAALEX’S RED BARNWINERY 139820 Calle Contento951-693-3201,redbarnwine.comTasting Sat-Sun 11-6BAILY VINEYARD &WINERY 233440 La Serena951-676- WINE,bailywinery.comTasting Daily 11-5,ex.Sat 10-5BELLA VISTAVINEYARD & WINERY 341220 Calle Contento951-676-5250,bellavistawinery.comTasting Daily 10-6BRIAR ROSE WINERY 441720 Calle Cabrillo951-308-1098,briarrosewinery.comTasting Daily 10-5CALLAWAY VINEYARD& WINERY 532720 Rancho California Rd.951-676-4001 or 800-472-2377callawaywinery.comTasting Daily 10-5/Tours by Appt.CHURON WINERY 633233 Rancho California Rd.951-694-9071, churonwinery.comTasting Daily 10-5

COUGAR VINEYARD &WINERY 739870 De Portola Rd.951-491-0825,cougarvineyards.com,Tasting Daily 11-6DANZA DEL SOLWINERY 1039050 De Portola Rd.951-302-6363,danzadelsolwinery.comTasting Fri-Mon 11-6DOFFO WINERY 836083 Summitville St.714-715-6610,doffowines.comTasting Fri-Sun 10-5 FOOT PATH WINERY 3236650 Glen Oaks,951-265-9951footpathwinery.comTasting M-F 12-5, S-S 10-5 FALKNER WINERY 940620 Calle Contento951-676-8231, falknerwinery.comTasting Daily 10-5 HART WINERY 1141300 Avenida Biona951-676-6300thehartfamilywinery.comTasting Daily 9-4:30 KEYWAYS VINEYARD &WINERY 1237338 DePortola Rd.951-302-7888,keywayswine.comTasting Daily 10-6

LEONESSE CELLARS 1438311 DePortola Rd.951-302-7601, leonessecellars.comTasting Daily 10-5 or by Appt.LONGSHADOW RANCHWINERY 1539847 Calle Contento951-587-6221longshadowranchwinery.comTasting Mon-Fri 12-5,Sat-Sun 10-5LORIMAR WINERY 19Old Town Temecula Tasting Room42031 Main St.,951-240-5177lorimarwinery.com,Tasting Sun-Thu12-6, Fri-Sat 11-9 MAURICE CAR’RIEVINEYARD & WINERY 1634225 Rancho California Rd.951-676-1711mauricecarriewinery.comTasting Daily 10-5 MIRAMONTE WINERY 1733410 Rancho California Rd.951-506-5500/ 866-MIRAMONTEmiramontewinery.comTasting Daily 10-5 MOUNT PALOMARWINERY 1833820 Rancho California Rd.951-676-5047,mountpalomar.comTasting Sun 11-6, Mon-Thu 10-5,Fri-Sat 10-6

OAK MOUNTAINWINERY 2036522 Via Verde,951-699-9102oakmountainwinery.comTasting Daily 11-5PALUMBO FAMILY 21VINEYARDS & WINERY40150 Barksdale Cir.,951-676-7900,palumbofamilyvineyards.comTasting Sat-Sun 10-5, Fri 12-5or by Appt.PONTE FAMILY ESTATE 2235053 Rancho California Rd.951-694-8855,pontewinery.comTasting Daily 10-5 ROBERT RENZONI 23VINEYARDS37350 De Portola Rd.,951-302-VINOrobertrenzonivineyards.comTasting Daily 11-6SOUTH COAST WINERY 2434843 Rancho California Rd.951-587-9463/ 866-9-WINERYwineresort.com,Tasting Daily 10-6 STUART CELLARS 2533515 Rancho California Rd.888-260-0870,stuartcellars.comTasting Daily 10-5TESORO WINERY

Old Town Tasting Room 2628475 Old Town Front Street951-308-0000, tesorowines.comTasting Mon-Thu 1-6, Fri 11-8,Sat 10-8, Sun 1-6TEMECULA HILLSWINERY 2747200 De Portola Rd.951-767-3450, temeculahillswinery.comTasting Daily 11-5,Tours by Appt.THORNTON WINERY 2832575 Rancho California Rd.951-699-0099, thorntonwine.comTasting Daily 10-5,Tours Sat-Sun 11-4VAN ROEKEL WINERYAND VINEYARDS 2934567 Rancho California Rd.951-699-6961/ 800-716-1711Tasting Daily 10-5VINDEMIA ESTATE WINERY33133 Vista Del Monte 33951-699-0601,californiadreamin.comTasting Fri-Sun 10-5 WIENS FAMILY CELLARS35055 Via Del Ponte 30951-694-9892,wienscellars.comTasting Daily 10-5 WILSON CREEKWINERY & VINEYARD3135960 Rancho California Rd.951-699-9463,wilsoncreekwinery.comTasting Daily 10-5

SAN DIEGOCOUNTY(not shown on map)

BELLE MARIE WINERY26312 Mesa Rock Rd.,Escondido, 760-796-7557bellemarie.comTasting Daily 11-5,Tours Sat at 1:00 by Appt.BERNARDO WINERY13330 Paseo del Verano Norte,Rancho Bernardo, 858-487-1866bernardowinery.comTasting Mon-Fri 9-5, Sat-Sun 10-6BONDED WINERY5151 Santa Fe St. San Diego858-270-7550Tasting Sat 12-4 or by Appt.COUNTRY CELLARS4456 Hwy. 78, Julian 760-765-0089, countrycellars.comTasting of wine and beer:Wed-Sun 11-5, open holidayMondays 11-4FALLBROOK WINERY2554 Via Rancheros, Fallbrook760-728-0156fallbrookwinery.comTasting by Appt.FERRARA WINERY1120 West 15th Ave, Escondido760-745-7632 ferrarawinery.comTasting Daily 10-5 J. JENKINS WINERY1255 Julian Orchards DriveJulian, 760-765-3267jenkinswinery.comTasting Sat-Sun 11-5 or by Appt.LENORA WINERY632 Main St., Ramona760.788.1388lenorawinery.comTasting Fri-Sun 11-6 MENGHINI WINERY1150 Julian Orchards Drive,Julian, 760-765-2072menghiniwinery.comTasting Mon-Fri 10-4,Sat-Sun 10-5 ORFILA VINEYARDS13455 San Pasqual Rd.,Escondido, 760-738-6500orfila.com, Tasting Daily 10-6 SAN CLEMENTE WINE CO.212-1/2 Avenida Del Mar, SanClemente, 949-429-7067scwinecompany.comTasting Mon-Fri 2-7:30,Sat-Sun 2-8:30

SAN PASQUAL WINERY& GALLERY8364 La Mesa Blvd., La Mesa619-462-1797sanpasqualwinery.comTasting Mon-Thu 11-8,Fri-Sat 11am-10pm, Sun 11-5

Submit your winery orchanges to be included inour February / March issue’sguides. Please submit by Jan.10, 2011 to [email protected]

A Babes in Toyland Holiday Saturday,December 11,6 - 9 p.m.Callaway Vineyard and Winery-32720 Rancho California Road,Temecula

Take the family and toast the holidaysat Callaway. A magical Babes in Toylandsetting awaits you in the Barrel Room, asyou enjoy a sparkling wine and hors d'oeu-vres reception, followed by a buffet dinnerand Callaway wine. Let the sounds of theseason, provided by live musicians, set theholiday mood as you relax and sip yourwine while the kids are busy decoratingcookies, getting their pictures taken withSanta, and various other activities.

Tickets are $60 per person, plus tax;

Children 12 and under are $30 per person,plus tax. Visit callawaywinery.com fortickets and information or call (951) 676-4001, or toll free at (800) 472-2377.

Holiday Magic with Family Courtside Skating Sunday-Monday,Dec 19-20,1-10 p.m.South Coast Winery, 34843 RanchoCalifornia Road,Temecula

Remember all those fun-filled holidaymemories you had as a child? Here’s yourchance to let your inner child come out toplay; and while you’re at it, bring yourentire family. Holiday music fills the air,while you skate the day away on SouthCoast Wineries 1,800-square-foot skatingrink. Hot chocolate, tractor rides thru thevineyards and plenty of other libationsallow you to enjoy this winter family fun in

the beautiful Southern California WineCountry Sun.

Reserve early by calling (951) 587-9463 Ext. 7210 or visit wineresort.com forreservations and complete information.

Ol' Fashioned ChristmasCelebrations December 24 - 25,5 - 10 p.m.South Coast Winery, 34843 RanchoCalifornia Road,Temecula

Add a touch of sparkle to this year’sholiday festivities and experience a SouthCoast Winery Christmas tradition firsthand. They will be rolling out the red car-pet with special menu creations and phe-nomenal wine pairings at the resort’sVineyard Rose Restaurant for ChristmasEve and Christmas Day. Spirits are sure tosoar as you relax and let their staff attend to

every detail. Make reservations early forbest seating by calling (951) 587-9463 Ext.7237 or visit wineresort.com.

2nd Annual Rhythm & Rio CarnevaleDecember 31,Doors open at 7:30 p.m.South Coast Winery, 34843 RanchoCalifornia Road,Temecula

Join South Coast Winery for an unfor-gettable night of music, magic and mira-cles benefiting Shriners Hospital forChildren. You'll think you've been trans-ported to Rio as you dance and romance tothe sultry sounds of Samba and marvel atthe extravagant entertainments planned todelight. It's sure to be a New Year's Eve youwill never forget because Grammy Awardwinning song stylist Stephanie Mills will be

Temecula

Continued on Page 7

Page 7: California  Vine Times Magazine

center stage. Warming up for her in theGrand Ballroom will be the Latin sensation,Son Mayor and returning for their secondyear, the Brazilian sounds of Sambaguru.Tickets include gourmet food and award-winning wines, plus access to Rhythm &Rio Carnevale! Come for entertainment andspend the night with the special Rhythm &Rio rates available at South Coast WineryResort & Spa for guests. Make New Year'sEve last the entire weekend! Visit winere-sort.com for complete details and reserva-tions or call (213) 368-3378.

Wiens Family CellarsNew Year's Eve GalaDecember 31,7 p.m. - 2 a.m.35055 Via Del Ponte,Temecula

Enjoy live music by Buzz Campbell &Hot Rod Lincoln, stationed appetizers in thebarrel room, and a champagne reception andmidnight toast. An incredible iced seafoodbar and scrumptious plated dinner includinga salad, entrée, side, and dessert will beserved to guests in the event pavilion.Tickets are $110 per person and can be pur-chased by visiting wienscellars.com or call(951) 694-9892, Toll Free: (888) 98-WIENS

A Taste of Winter Winemaking SeminarSaturday,January 22,10 a.m.-12:30 p.m.Callaway Vineyard & Winery- 32720Rancho California Road,Temecula

In Winter it’s time to prune the vinesfor their winter nap. Enter the vineyard andlearn why pruning is good for the vine,how to prune correctly and what to consid-er before snipping away. The pruning sem-inar will be followed by a relaxed tasting inthe Chardonnay Room where topics likehow to serve and store wines will be dis-cussed. In addition, various bottle sizesand shapes will be viewed and you will

learn what their shapes can tell you aboutthe wine that’s in them. The series of sem-inars ends with a delightful tasting ofCallaway’s sparkling and dessert wines aswell as their tawny port, paired withdesserts! Guests will leave with a bottle ofCallaway wine, two wine glasses, a collec-tion of dessert recipes that pair well withCallaway wines and a certificate of com-pletion. Seminar includes wine pruning,wine tasting, wine and dessert tasting and acertificate of completion for $88.50 perperson. Visit callawaywinery.com for tick-ets and information or call (951) 676-4001,or toll free at (800) 472-2377.

Her VineNess on WineBy Laura Ness

NAGGIAR WINERY 1318125 Rosemary Ln., GrassValley, 530-268-9059naggiarvineyards.comTasting by Appt./Tours by Appt.NEVADA CITY WINERY 14321 Spring St., Nevada City530-265-9463, ncwinery.comTasting Daily 12-6, Sun 12-5PILOT PEAK VINEYARD &WINERY 1612888 Spenceville Rd., Penn Valley,530-432-3321, pilotpeak.com,Tasting Sat-Sun 12-5SIERRA KNOLLS VINEYARD &WINERY 1819635 Kingwood Ct., GrassValley, 530-268-9225sierraknollswinery.comTasting Sat-Sun 12-5 or by Appt.SIERRA STARR VINEYARD& WINERY 1911179 Gibson Drive, Grass Valley,530-477-8277, sierrastarrwine.comTasting by Appt.SMITH VINEYARDS & WINERY 2013719 Dog Bar Road, GrassValley, 530-273-7032, smith-vine-yard.com, Tasting by Appt.SOLUNE WINEGROWERS 2116303 Jewett Ln., Grass Valley530-271-0990, solunewinery.comTasting Sat-Sun 12-5 or byAppt./Tours by Appt.TRUCKEE RIVER WINERY 2210061 So. River St.,Truckee 530-587-4626, truckeeriverwinery.comTasting by Appt.

NEVADA COUNTYAVANGUARDIA WINES 1Winery: 13028 Jones Bar Rd.,Nevada City, 530-274-9482,avanguardiawines.comTasting Sat 12-4 Apr-Dec or by Appt.Tasting Room: 209 W. Main St, GrassValley, Tasting Daily 12-5BURCH HALL/ COYOTEVILLEWINERIES 2108 Mill Street, Grass Valley530.272.7000, BurchWines.comTasting Mon,Wed, Fri-Sun; 12-5COUFOSCELLARS 510065 Rough & Ready Rd.Rough&Ready, 530.274.2923Tasting Sat 12-5 or by Appt.DOUBLE OAK VINEYARDS 6& WINERY14510 Blind Shady Road,Nevada City, 530-292-3235doubleoakwinery.comTasting Sat 11-5 or by Appt.INDIAN SPRINGS VINEYARD 8303 Broad St., Nevada City530-478-1068/ 800-375-9311indianspringswines.com TastingSun-Thu 11-5, Fri-Sat 11:30-6LUCCHESI VINEYARDS & 11WINERY167 Mill Street, Grass Valley530-274-2164,lucchesivineyards.comTasting Daily 11-6MONTOLIVA VINEYARD &WINERY 1215629 Mt. Olive Rd., ChicagoPark, 530-346-6577montoliva.com, Tasting Sat-Sun 12-4

PLACER COUNTYBAUMBACH WINES 23291 Auburn Folsom Rd., Auburn530-305-0048, baumbachwines.comTasting Sat-Sun 12-5 & by Appt.CIOTTI CELLARS 2410555 Harris Rd.,Auburn916-534-8780, ciotticellars.comSat-Sun 12-6CRISTALDI VINEYARDS 2410555 Harris Rd.,Auburn916-759-1291, cristaldivineyards.comSat-Sun 12-6DONO DAL CIELO ESTATE 256100 Wise Rd., Newcastle530-888-0101, donodalcielo.comFri-Sun 12-5FAWNRIDGE WINERY 265560 Fawnridge Rd.,Auburn530-887-9522, fawnridgewine.comFri-Sun 10-5 or Tues-Thurs by Appt.FORTEZZA WINERY 2410555 Harris Rd.,Auburn530-889-2824, fortezzawinery.comSat-Sun 12-6GREEN FAMILY WINERY 273420 Pine Ridge Ln.,Auburn530-888-8866,greenfamilywinery.comSat-Sun 12-4:30LONE BUFFALO VINEYARDS 282682 Burgard Ln.,Auburn916-663-4486, lonebuffalovine-yards.com, Tasting Fri-Sun 12-5MT. VERNON WINERY 2910850 Mt.Vernon Rd.,Auburn,530-823-1111,mtvernonwinery.comTasting Thu-Sun 11-5PESCATORE VINEYARD & WINERY 307055 Ridge Rd., Newcastle916-663-1422,pesctorewines.com,Tasting Sat-Sun 12-5 & by Appt.POPIE BY DUARTE FAMILYVINEYARDS 2410555 Harris Rd.,Auburn916-768-7643, popiewines.comSat-Sun 12-6RANCHO ROBLE VINEYARDS32340 Fleming Rd., Lincoln916-645-2075, ranchoroble.comTasting by Appt.SECRET RAVINE VINEYARD &WINERY 334390 God Trail Way, Loomis916-652-6015, secretravine.comTasting Sat-Sun 12-5 & by Appt.VINA CASTELANO 344590 Bell Rd.,Auburn530-889-2855, vinacastellano.comThu-Sun 12-5WISE VILLA WINERY 354226 Wisel Rd., Lincoln916-752-6635, wisevillawinery.comTasting by Appt.

YUBA COUNTYRENAISSANCE 3612585 Rices Crossing Rd.,Oregon House, 530-575-1254renaissancewinery.comTasting Mon-Sat 11-3 by Appt.

Winery Guide

Map isnot toscale

What’s Doin’ in Wine Country...

www.vinetimesonline.com • December 2010 / January 2011 � 7

Submit your winery or changesto be included in our February /March issue’s guides. Please sub-mit by Jan. 10, 2011 to [email protected]

Continued on Page 6

2009 Occasio Fume Blanc,Livermore Valley,Del Arroyo Vineyard,$24Hmm…Sauvignon Blanc on oak? I’ve never been much of a fan. But, when it’s done

totally right, with just the perfect amount of perfectly seasoned oak added to the most amaz-ing Sauv Blanc fruit, you have a recipe for pure enjoyment. Don’t drink this beauty fromLivermore too cold: it wants to be about 60-65 degrees, to allow the smoky, minerally, almondperfume aromatics to waft up, along with decadent promises of pear crème brulee. The fla-vors are even more intriguing than the aromas, though, delivering wave after wave of perfect-ly planned layers of juicy, unctuous pineapple and green banana – even kiwi, ripe pears, andyes, wonderful crème brulee. But it goes one step farther: how about pear crème tart in sweetbutter almond crust? Yum. I’d actually pair this with Humboldt Fog goat cheese, sage honeyand Bosc pears, with Marcona almonds. Whether you call it Sauvignon Blanc or Fume Blanc,delectable just begins to describe this well-made, very limited wine. Occasio Winery’s tastingroom is located in Livermore. Visit occasiowinery.com or call (925) 371-1987.

2009 Clayhouse Sauvignon Blanc,Paso Robles,$14Here is a perfect example of a Sauvignon Blanc made without wood, but still possess-

ing a bit of that creaminess on the palate that people so love about Chardonnay. Except thisis nothing like Chardonnay. It’s what I call that “Crossover” rendition of Sauv Blanc, some-where in between austere New Zealand and softer California dreamin’ styles. It’s a good,clean middle of the road example, with starfruit, pear, honeydew and a bit of grassiness.Because it is fermented and stirred on the lees (yeast), the wine has a very creamy texture,even though it saw no oak. You’d be proud to serve it as a pre-dinner beverage with fingerfoods. Just pour, sniff and enjoy. This is not a crossword puzzle of a wine. Best part: it’s only13 percent alcohol. The Clayhouse tasting room is located in downtown Paso Robles. Visitclayhousewines.com or call (805) 238-7055.

2007 Big Basin Coastview Vineyard Syrah,Monterey,$48Fans of massive, spicy cooler-climate Syrahs, this one is for you. From high in the

Gabilan mountains overlooking the Salinas Valley, this wine grew up at 2400 feet, anddeveloped a lot of attitude, along with that lofty altitude. Aromas of white pepper and san-dalwood tickle your nose and the spicy flavors of Fresno chile peppers, dark blackberry-tinged chocolate and wild arugula tantalize your mouth from the first sip to the long, eter-nal finish. Bradley Brown knows how to get the most out of Syrah, and this is but one exam-ple of his impressive lineup of big, muscular wines that refuse to sit in the back seat. They’vegot to drive, baby, so move over. The Big Basin Vineyards tasting room is located inSaratoga Village. Visit bigbasinvineyards.com or call (408) 564-7346.

2009 J Lohr Estate Falcon’s Perch Pinot Noir,Monterey,$17It was with great pleasure that we swooped down upon a glass of the 09 J. Lohr Estate

Falcon’s Perch Pinot Noir, packed with the fruitiness of Dijon clones that had clearly notlacked for water. Darkly hued and imbued with unmistakable Pinot Noirness, this wine coatsthe glass with glycerine, and promises something richer than the 13.9 percent alcohol desig-nation indicates. The aromas are fields of Salinas-ripe strawberries, cherries, rhubarb andChinese five-spice. It’s a Pinot to the core, and the angularity of its delivery is indeed a tributeto its namesake, the falcon, which is often seen scouring the landscape from the lone pine onCypress Avenue. They’ve also installed numerous birds of prey boxes around the J. Lohr vine-yards to encourage the nesting of owls to help naturally control the vine-damaging rodent pop-ulation. Find this wine on the J. Lohr website (jlohr.com) or at one of the J Lohr tasting rooms,either in downtown San Jose – (408) 918-2160) or Paso Robles – (805) 239-8900.

Page 8: California  Vine Times Magazine

8 � December 2010 / January 2011 • www.vinetimesonline.com

FROG’S TOOTH WINERY 15380 Main St., Ste. 5,209-728-2700, frogstooth.comTasting Fri 1-5, Sat 11-6

LARAINE WINES 183675 Six Mile Rd.,Vallecito209-736-4766, larainewinery.comTasting Fri-Sun 11-5 or by Appt.

HATCHER WINERY 19425 Main St, 209-605-7111hatcherwinery.comTasting Mon-Thu 12-5, Fri-Sun 11-5

INDIAN ROCK VINEYARDS 201154 Pennsylvania Gulch Rd,209-728-8514,indianrockvineyards.comTasting Fri- Sun 12-5

IRISH VINEYARDS 212849 Hwy. 4,Vallecito209-736-1299, irishvineyard.comTasting Mon,Tue, Fri 2-5,Sat-Sun 11-5

IRONSTONE VINEYARDS 221894 Six Mile Rd, 209-728-1251,ironstonevineyards.comTasting Daily 10-5

LAVENDER RIDGE VINEYARDS 25431 B Main St, 209-728-2441lavendarridgevineyards.comTasting Daily 11-5

MILLIAIRE 26276 Main St., 209-728-1658milliairewinery.com,Tasting Daily 11-5

MUIR’S LEGACY VINEYARDS 27260 Jones St., 209-728-0500,muir-hanna.com, Tasting Daily 11-5

NEWSOME-HARLOW WINES 28403 Main St., 209-728-9817newsome-harlow.comTasting Mon-Thu 12-5, Fri-Sun11:30-5:30

CALAVERAS COUNTY(IN MURPHYS UNLESS NOTED)

BEAUX CHEVAUX 2466 B Main St., 209-728-1000beauxchevaux.comTasting Fri-Sat 11-5,Sun 11-4

BLACK SHEEP WINERY 3221 Main St., 209-728-2157blacksheepwinery.comTasting Daily11-5

BODEGA DEL SUR WINERY 4457 S.Algiers St., 209-728-9030bodegadelsur.comTasting Sun,Mon,Thu 11-4;Fri-Sat 11-5

BROLL MOUNTAIN VINEYARDS 6106 Main St.,209-728-9750brollmountainvineyards.comTasting Sat-Sun 1-5BRICE STATION 73353 E.Highway 4, 209-728-9893bricestation.comTasting Fri-Sat-Sun 12-6

CHATOM VINEYARDS 101969 Hwy. 4, Douglas Flat209-736-6500 chatomvineyards.comTasting Daily 11-5

CHIARELLA WINES 11431 Main St., 209-728-8318chiarellawines.comTasting Fri-Sun 12-5

DOMAINE BECQUET 13415 Main St., 209-728-8487becquetwinery.comTasting Mon,Thu, Fri 12-5,Sat-Sun 11-5

FRENCH HILL WINERY 148032 S. Main, Mokelumne Hill209-286-1800Tasting Fri-Sun 11-5

RENNER WINERY 31310 Town Square Rd.,Copperopolis, 209-785-3649rennerwinery.comTasting Fri-Sat 12-6, Sun 12-5

SOLOMON WINE CO. 32397-A Main St., 209-728-8290solomonwine.comTasting Mon-Fri 1-5, Sat 12-6,Sun 12-5

STEVENOT WINERY 33458 Main St., 209-728-0148stevenotwinery.comTasting Daily11-5

TANNER VINEYARDS 34202 Main St., 209-728-8229tannervineyards.comTasting Mon-Tue,Thu-Fri 1-5,Sat 12-5:30, Sun 12-5

TWISTED OAK WINERY 374280 Red Hill Rd.,Vallecito209-736-9080, twistedoak.comTasting Daily 10:30-5:30Historic Murphy’s Location: 38350 Main St, MurphysTasting Mon-Fri 12-5, Sat-Sun10:30-5:30.Winter hours Fri-Sun& Holidays 12-5

VAL DU VINO WINERY 40634 French Gulch Rd., 209-728-9911valduvino.com, Tasting Fri-Sun 12-5

VINA MODA WINERY 41147 Main St., 209-728-1917vinamoda.com, Tasting Sat 12-6

ZUCCA MOUNTAINVINEYARDS 42431 E. Main St., 209-728-1623zuccawines.com, Tasting Daily12-5

Winery Guide

MARIPOSA COUNTYBUTTERFLY CREEK WINERY 24063 Triangle Road,Mariposa209-966-2097, Tasting Fri-Sat 10-4

GIANELLI VINEYARDS 318263 Main St., Jamestown209-984-1500 gianellivineyards.comTasting Thu-Sun 12-5

MARIPOSA WINE COMPANY 420146 Road 21, Madera559-673-6372mariposawine.comTasting Daily 11-4

MOUNT BULLION VINEYARD 56947 N. Highway 49, Mariposa209-377-8450mtbullionvineyard.comTasting Fri-Sat 12-4, or By Appt.

SILVER FOX WINERY 94683 Morning Star Lane,Mariposa, 209-966-4800silverfoxvineyards.comTasting by Appt./Tours by Appt.

TUOLOMNE COUNTY

GOLD MINE WINERY 1022265 Parret’s Ferry Road,Columbia, 209-532-3089Tasting Wed-Sun 12-6

LA BELLA ROSA VINEYARDS 12117990 Old Wards Ferry Rd.,Sonora, 209-533- 8668labellarosavineyards.comTasting Sat-Sun 12-5

MT. BROW WINERY 1310850 Mt. Brow Rd., Sonora209-532- 8491mtbrowwinery.comTasting Fri-Sun 12-5

(Map not to scale)

Map not to scale

MARIPOSATUOLOMNE

Submit your winery orchanges to be included in ourFebruary/March issue’s guides.Please submit by Jan. 10, 2011to [email protected]

By Laura Ness

It was a scene from the 1980 horrorflick, The Fog, but without AdrienneBarbeau. Heller Winemaker, Rich

Tanguay, opened the door to the barrelroom at Heller Estate and a floor to ceilingmist swallowed us up into its wet maw.Moisture gleamed on each barrel stave andI wondered how the wines liked being keptin a tepid Finnish sauna. Rich explainedthat the moisture is akin to a cave, andkeeps the angels’ share (that portion ofwine that transpires naturally through thebarrel’s pores) down to a bare minimum,reducing the need for frequent top offsrequired in drier environments. He insiststhis also helps to evaporate the alcohol,which is not a bad thing, considering this isa toasty climate, and the grapes come inready to rocket.

Here among the 100 acres of mostlyown-rooted old vines, planted beginning in1968, one appreciates the sun-drenched cli-mate that bakes the hills to parchdom, andkeeps the sprinklers going at places like theMarinus vineyard where they have riverrights. Says Rich, “We have barely enoughwater to give each block a small drink fromtime to time.” The pinot, on younger vines,was about to be picked, and exhibited signsof desiccation, but the old vine Cabernetwas solidly turgid, smacking of pepperyvitality.

Having finally completed veraison,the Petit Verdot appeared to be the over-loaded caboose on the grape train, its abun-dant, uniformly spaced clusters lookinglike the precise rows of a military marchingband, loudly defying the potential rains ofOctober and November, and maybe evenDecember. But the Dolly Parton award foreffusively prolific personality must go tothe Chenin Blanc, which looked like thefoundations department at Macy’s during atwo-for-one bra sale: bursting out all overin a chaos of mismatched cup sizes andcolors. The clusters on the morning sidewere freckled and blushing, with flavors ofapricots and ripe melon, while those on theshadier side were precociously packedwith tart Pippin apple. Combined, they willmake another lip-smacking vintage ofwhat has become the winery’s signaturevarietal. The 2008 is solid Gold, but the2009 – just about to be bottled – might goPlatinum. That’s if there’s any left afterRich started pouring tank samples for theRio Grill staff, who ventured to the ranchfor a Heller immersion. These young folksknow their wines: they were all over theorganic story, asking smart questions andexhibiting an impressive knowledge of

local wines. God bless them: they have nofear of Chenin, as might their parents. Theycould not keep their glasses filled with thisgoddess of pure springtime deliciousness.

While they Chenined, I ruminatedover the unique flavors this little inland val-ley imparts to the rather lovely 07Cachagua Valley Cabernet Sauvignon,with its inviting cherry-tobacco, bitterchocolate and licorice basil highlights. The2002 Merlot is just beginning to wake upfrom its lengthy Sleeping Beauty nap,offering deep, rich, dark fruit flavors lay-ered with tannins as sound as an extra-firmPosturepedic.

When you visit the tasting room inCarmel Valley Village, you’ll enjoy themany bronze and aluminum sculptures cre-ated by renowned sculpture creator, TobyHeller, that grace the premises. Their fluidlines evoke a sense of harmony and bal-ance, providing a visual context for theirfanatic commitment to organic and sustain-able practices in the vineyard and the win-ery.

You’ll recognize The Dance, a replicaof the 15-foot bronze that overlooks thevineyard estate: it graces the wine label, afitting representation of their motto, “WineThat Dances on Your Palate.”

Heller Estate is located at 69 W.Carmel Valley Rd. in Carmel Valley. Formore information call toll free at (800)625-8466 or (831) 659-6220 or visit theirwebsite at hellerestate.com.

Wine That Dances,A Spot That Entrances

Carmel Valley’s Heller Estate

A show of fall colors at the entrance toC ar mel Valley’s Heller Estate.

(Rich Tanguay)

Heller winemaker Rich Tanguay.(Laura Ness)

Page 9: California  Vine Times Magazine

www.vinetimesonline.com • December 2010 / January 2011 � 9

...Napa and Sonoma

By Sandrew Montgomery

When folks come to NorthernCalifornia’s Wine Country,they are usually surprised by

how large Sonoma County is, especially ifthey have previously visited Napa Countyand its one valley. If Sonoma was on theEast Coast, it would be a state, as it is aslarge as Rhode Island!

The county of Sonoma has six distinctvalleys for wine enthusiasts each with theirown AVA (American Viticultural Area)appropriate varietals and exciting andrelaxing getaway aspects. There are toomany to mention for one article, but hereare some of my favorite haunts!

If you are staying in Santa Rosa, takeeither of these two trips west. For one, takeHighway 12 to the funky little town ofSebastopol and check out the cool shopsthat are centered around the main street.Then continue out to the coast towardBodega Bay and stop at the FreestoneWinery for some “Fog Dog” wine. If youare a golfer, then by all means play the pub-lic course at Bodega Harbor Links. Makesure at the 18th hole, you step out onto thebeach and you might catch a glimpse of aseal or dolphin. From there, head to Lucas

Wharf Restaurant and snag a crab cocktailor Calamari with sour dough bread – fan-tastic for dipping in the creamy, garlickysauce, and watch the Dungeness crabscome in fresh off the boat.

For a truly unique wine experiencejust up the road is “Gourmet au Bay”where you can kick back on the Kaya Deckand order from a few different flights ofwines by the glass served on a mini surfboard containing your three selections.Here, you will be overlooking the Bay andif conditions are right, you’ll see severalwindsurfers and kite boarders putting on ashow just for you – you may never want toleave! However, if you want to enjoy agreat sunset and gourmet dinner, then by allmeans, the Inn at the Tides is for you.

For another days adventure fromSanta Rosa, travel north on highway 101and take the River Road/Mark WestSprings exit towards the West. At your firstright you can go to Kendall Jackson andenjoy some culinary education in theVineyards and gardens, as well as insidefor a well thought out food and wine pair-ing. From there, get back on River Roadand on to Martinelli Winery. The tastingroom here is a classic old red barn and thefeel is very rustic – the wines are over the

top! As you snake along River Road, therewill be amazing views of the historicRussian River and many ancient Redwoodtrees that will lead you into the town ofGuerneville. Be sure to spend some timewalking around this town that will be sureto take you back in time to the ‘70s. A realtreat awaits you at Armstrong Woods –boasting some of the largest and oldestRedwood trees – make sure you have yourcamera!

Keep heading west, and you will landin an old artist’s colony, “Duncan’s Mills.”Lots of small shops here with unique cloth-ing, arts and knick-knacks. If you are weary

at this point, head slightly North onHighway One to the little teeny town ofJenner and take a stroll on the beach, whereyou are sure to find seals and many otherdelights that are at the mouth of the RussianRiver where it spills into the Pacific Ocean.Now go enjoy an amazing dinner with agorgeous sunset at “River’s End”Restaurant. You earned it! And if you wantmore ideas about tastings and wine and foodpairings, don’t forget to contact me atwww.SandrewsWineServices.com or 707-738-2337. Enjoy!!!

Much to Do in Sonoma

Bodega Bay (Kat Ryan Montgomery)

By Christina Julian

While wine and farming havealways been a way of life inNapa Valley, there is much

more that lurks amidst the grapevines, withtraditions of food, adventure, and wellness– waiting to be uncorked. Known as one ofthe “Great Wine Capitals” of the world thisfertile and geographically compact stretch,while only a mere 30 miles long, boasts amultitude of things beyond the vino bottle,to quench your thirst.

Napa serves as the gateway to worldclass culinary traditions that fork out fromNapa and Yountville to St. Helena andCalistoga. Whether you crave the perfectpasta to pair with your wine or perhapsyou’ve always yearned to poke around inthe kitchen and learn from the masters atthe Culinary Institute of America, the NapaValley is guaranteed to feed your fix.

If you’re feeling adventurous, leaveyour car back at the hotel and opt for ped-dling your way through the valley. Manyhotels like Solage and the Bardessono Innoffer complimentary cycles to their guestsand several bike outfitters will customize

tasting and town tours. Napa is so investedin the future of the great outdoors it recent-ly broke ground on the first mile stretch ofthe Napa Valley Vine Trail, which at itscompletion, will afford visitors with walk-ing and biking paths that run from Vallejo toCalistoga. “We have raised over $1M indonations and pledges to help fund the VineTrail,” said Chuck McMinn ExecutiveDirector, Napa Valley Vine Trail Coalition.

Other outdoor treasures include a driveup to The Petrified Forest and hikingthrough Bothe State Park where you’llenjoy a perennial creek through shaded red-wood forests. Stretch your limits by makingthe connecting trek that extends to Bale MillGrist, and for the highly honed hiker, haulup the front face of Mt. Saint Helenathrough Robert Lewis Stevenson StatePark. If outward bound isn’t your style tapinto unique perspectives of the valley by hotair ballooning or drifting down the Napaand neighboring Russian River.

The fruits of the countryside offer morethan sweat and sweet views, when you optfor nurturing your body and soul in the winecountry way. With more than 55 spas in theregion you can reinvigorate with vino thera-

py, massage in volcanic ash, exfoliate withgrape seeds, and have your body dabbedwith Meyer lemon and olive oils pluckedfrom the vines and the trees of the country-side. January brings Calistoga’s 3rd AnnualHealth & Wellness festival where visitorscan partake in free exercise and yoga class-es, hikes, massages, seminars, and even freemudbaths, all month long. “The eventincludes every aspect of wellness that wehave in abundance in Calistoga. We havebeen a wellness destination since the1860s,” says Eden Umble, Public Relations& Marketing Director for the CalistogaChamber of Commerce and Visitor Center.Whether it’s the “Cabernet Crush” treatmentat St. Helena’s Meadowood Resort or belly-ing up to the “mud bar” at Calistoga’s SpaSolage, your body will get a workout in allthings relaxation.

While Napa is all about hedonistic spapleasures it also prides itself on being kindto the environment through eco-friendlyrecreational experiences to sustainable agri-culture practices and organic gardening.The Napa Vintners Association continuesto drive efforts towards “green and best

Napa Valley–More Than Just Great Grapes

Rainbows in the geyser.(Chick Harrity) Continued on Page 10

Page 10: California  Vine Times Magazine

practice” certifications for wineries – HallWines being one of the first in California togain Gold Leed® status. Resorts likeSolage and the Bardessono Inn have donetheir part by earning “green” designations.

While the town of Napa has always

been synonymous with wine, the Valley iscomprised of unique communities andtowns, each one varied in vibe, spirit, andsurroundings. Napa proper and its newlyrevitalized downtown serves as the nucleusof nightlife and shopping. “We feel an inte-gral part of the city’s downtown renais-sance,” says Kristine Youngberg, GeneralManager AVIA Hotel. Yountville caters tofood enthusiasts boasting the mostMichelin-rated restaurants per capita thananywhere else in the world. Famed restau-rants like Buchon, Botegga, and the oft-lauded French Laundry are cropping up asquickly as the grapes, while Oakville isheralded for producing top-notchedCabernets. “I consider the region the GrandCru appellation of Napa Valley for grow-ing Bordeaux varietals,” says Kirk Venge,winemaker and proprietor for Calistoga’sVenge Vineyards. The town of St .Helenaexudes a chic feel with boutique shops, gal-leries and more world class cuisine packedamidst its quaint main street strip.Calistoga, as Napa’s northernmost town,has been dubbed the wellness capital of theregion with mud baths and spa servicesbubbling all over town and colorful muralspainting a story of yesteryear. While thestreets lull with a cowboy town demeanor,

its inhabitants are nothing but serious whenit comes to the business of relaxation.

Seasons change as do towns. Withtime’s turning you’ll see that no two sea-sons in Napa are alike. The tail end of win-ter and entry to spring are earmarked by theMustard Festival as the valley bursts withgreen foliage and yellow wild flowers, andtowns hop with food, art, and music. Theworld-renowned Auction Napa Valley ush-ers folks from Spring into Summer as visi-tors and celebrities vie for world classwines all in support of the community. Thesummer continues to sing with live music,film and art hosted in neighboring parksand vineyards. Lakes and streams run overwith boating, camping and fishing along

the river and Lake Berryessa. The arrival offall is unmistakable with the heavenlyscents of harvest crush and its accompany-ing entertainment scene of art strolls, streetfestivals and celebrations. Winter comesalive as communities bustle with holidaycheer at Calistoga’s Winter in the Wineries,the Lighted Tractor Parade and Yount-ville’s Festival of Lights.

If you’ve got the time, Napa’s got morethan enough magic to fill your days and capoff your nights. While bouncing to Napa fora weekend jaunt is dreamy, the region offersmany more grape gems with which to fillyour basket. So stay a little or preferably awhile longer, to enjoy all the fruits that thelegendary Napa Valley has to offer.

10 � December 2010 / January 2011 • www.vinetimesonline.com

JC CELLARS 555 4th St., Oakland(510) 465-5900, jccellars.comTasting Thurs-Sun 12-6

PERISCOPE CELLARS 61410 62nd St. Ste B., Emeryville(510) 655-7827,periscopecellars.comTasting Fri-Sun 1-6.Also pouring URBANO CELLARSwines Sat & Sun 1-6

AUDUBON CELLARS 2600 Addison St., Berkeley(510) 540-5384www.auduboncellars.bizland.comTasting by Appt.

DASHE CELLARS 255 4th Street, Oakland (510) 452-1800dashecellars.comTasting Thurs-Sun 12-6

IRISH MONKEY 41017 22nd Ave., Oakland(510) 915-5463, irishmonkey.netTasting Sat-Sun 12-5

ROCK WALL WINE COMPANY 92301 Monarch St., Suite 300,Alameda, (510) 522-5700rockwallwines.comperiscopecellars.comTasting Thurs-Sun 12-6 or by Appt.Also pouring: R&B CellarsJRE Wines, Blacksmith CellarsEhrenberg Cellars

ROSENBLUM CELLARS 102900 Main St.,Alameda(510) 865-7007, rosenblum.comTasting daily 11-6

STAGE LEFT CELLARS 112102 Dennison St, Oakland(510) 434-9930stageleftcellars.comTasting first Saturday of the month11-5

URBAN LEGEND CELLARS 13621 4th St., Oakland(510) 545-4356, ulcellars.comTasting Fri-Sun 1-6

Winery Guide

Submit your winery or changesto be included in our February /March issue’s guides. Please sub-mit by Jan. 10, 2011 to [email protected]

Calistoga’s Spa Solagewww.solagecalistoga.com(866) 942-7442Bardessono Innwww.bardessono.com, (707) 204-6000Napa Valley Vine Trail vinetrail.orgThe Petrified Forestpetrifiedforest.org, (707) 942-6667Bothe State Parkwww.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=477,(707) 942-4575Robert Lewis Stevenson State Parkwww.parks.ca.gov/default.asp?page_id=472, (707) 942-4575Calistoga’s 3rd Annual Health &Wellness FestivalAll month long in January,CalistogaVisitors.comSt. Helena’s Meadowood Resortwww.meadowood.com(800) 458-8080Buchon www.bouchonbakery.com(707) 944-2253Boteggawww.botteganapavalley.com, (707)945-1050French Laundryfrenchlaundry.com, (707) 944-2380Calistoga’s Venge Vineyardswww.vengevineyards.com(707) 942-9100Mustard Festival www.mustardfestival.orgAuction Napa Valleywww.napavintners.com/anv/Calistoga’s Winter in the Wineries Dec. 3-Feb. 6, CalistogaVisitors.comLighted Tractor ParadeDecember 4, CalistogaVisitors.comYountville’s Festival of Lights Nov 26, www.yountville.com

Napa Valley – More Than Just Great GrapesContinued from Page 9

Santa and his “Sleigh” at the LightedTractor Parade. (Chick Harrity)

The hot springs at Calistoga Springs.(Calistoga Spa Hot Springs)

By Laura Ness

Haven’t heard of GuglielmoWinery? Too bad, as they are trulyone of California’s pioneer vint-

ners, having been making wines in theSanta Clara Valley for 85 years. They farm80 acres of vineyards and produce about60,000 cases annually of award-winningvarietal wines, including Zinfandel,Barbera, Petite Sirah and a slew of others.A lot of the fruit they use is sourced fromsmall vineyards throughout the Santa Clara

Valley AVA, so they really do think small,although their operation is impressivelylarge. Most of what they crush and processis done at the behest of other wineries: theyhave an insanely busy custom crush busi-ness. Truckload after truckload of fruitarrives daily during harvest, and the bottlingline hums like a room full of internet servers

Guglielmo:The True G3 x 3G Winery

Continued on Page 14

Right: The three Guglielmo brothers, fromleft to right, George, Gene and Gary.

(Greg Richtarek)

Page 11: California  Vine Times Magazine

www.vinetimesonline.com • December 2010 / January 2011 � 11

JOIN GUGLIELMO WINERY FOR OUR22ND ANNUAL HOLIDAY GIFT FAIRE

Dec. 4 & 5 and 11 & 1210am to 5pm

Enjoy our award-winning wines,gourmet food, hot mulledwine, and holiday carolers!

Browse our huge selectionof unique holiday gifts!

From wine-themed gifts to custom giftbaskets, you can please everyone on your list.

1480 East Main Avenue Morgan Hill, CA408-779-2145 www.guglielmowinery.com

www.ORFILA.com

By Lisa J.Pretty

With the growing number of PasoRobles wine brands, it is notsurprising to find a number of

the wineries banning together to drawtasters to their section of the wine map. Forseveral years now we have seen the FarOut Wineries, the Back Road Wineries, theWineries of 46East, and the Wineries of46West popping up with their ownbrochures, tasting maps, advertisementsand special events. Newer to the joint mar-keting initiatives are the Wineries of UnionRoad, the Downtown Wineries and thePleasant Valley Wine Trail.

I recently joined the Pleasant ValleyWine Trail and am very impressed withwhat the group is doing. Located at thenorthern tip of the Paso Robles AVA, withrolling hills planted in vines and views ofthe hills of San Miguel, each of the mem-bers grows at least some of their own fruitand makes the product at their estate facil-ity. In a day where having a bonded wineryoften just entails purchasing fruit and/orwine from the bulk market and having thewine bottled at a custom crush facility(where a small, fenced in space is dedicat-ed as the bonded winery area), it is refresh-ing to see a group of wineries actuallygrowing and producing their own productfrom start to finish. The Pleasant ValleyWine Trail is easily accessible from eitherHighway 101 or Highway 46East and itseleven members can all be found along atwelve mile trail. Typically the personstaffing the tasting room will be an ownerand/or the winemaker, making the tastingexperience extra special. If you are lookingto get away from the busy roads, enjoybeautiful country views and experiencewarm hospitality, try the newest wine trailin Paso Robles for a pleasant wine tastingexperience.

The Pleasant Valley Wine Trail hosts“Bordeaux Blitz” each year, offering visi-tors a rare opportunity to taste all the winesand olive oils at one location. Live musicand food along with wine tasting make forthe perfect way to spend an afternoon.Bordeaux Blitz will be held April 23 atRiverStar Vineyards and a portion of theproceeds from the events will be donatedto charity. Also through out the year, thegroup have themed weekends once eachmonth where all of the members will offersomething special such as “FantasticFutures” with a taste of wines not yetreleased, “Tour de Trail” with passportsand prizes, “Pleasantly Sweet” withdessert wines or sweet treats, “CheesePlease!” with wine and cheese pairings.The first weekend in December has a hol-iday flair with “Shop and SIP” to make

holiday shopping a fun experience. Trailmembers stocked the shelves with lots ofgreat gift items in addition to the fabulousestate wines. Visit pleasantvalley.com forall the details.

Here is just a little about each of themembers along the Pleasant Valley WineTrail (check their websites for hours ofoperation and complete product offering):

Cinquain Cellars makes all of theirwines by hand on their land and share theirart form and passion with visitors. Theyare open on special weekends and byappointment so be sure to call ahead whenyou plan your trip. Their flagship wine isthe Reserve Meritage, an estate-grownblend of Cabernet Sauvignon, CabernetFranc, Merlot, Malbec and Petite Verdot –it is worth a visit to try this blend that hasbeen rated 94 points, won a gold medaland received a Best of Class of Region atthe California State Fair. (805) 400-5978,cinquaincellars.com

J&J Cellars is a family-owned win-ery with a deep commitment to producinghigh quality wines at reasonable prices.They have several estate wines with one ofthe most popular being the recently releasedJ&J Cellars 2008 Tempranillo. The winehas won two gold medals and is a greatvalue at just $18 a bottle. Their patio andevent areas are as warm and welcoming asthe tasting room and the perfect place to cel-ebrate with a glass of J&J sparkling wine.(805) 467-2891, jjcellars.com

Locatelli has an intimate tasting roomwhere you will find exceptional limited-production wines, many of which are pro-duced from their estate vineyard into sin-gle varietals and proprietary blends. Theyhave nearly 10 years of winemaking expe-

Make Your Next PasoTasting a Pleasant One

Continued on Page 14

(Lisa J. Pretty)

Page 12: California  Vine Times Magazine

Sant

a C

ruz

Mou

ntai

ns •

SF P

enin

sula

• So

uth

Bay

• Sa

nta

Cla

ra V

alle

y W

iner

y G

uide

DOMENICO WINES 141697 Industrial Rd.,San Carlos, 650-593-2335domenicowines.comTasting Daily 12-5 or by appt.DOWNHILL WINERY 1516393 Bonnie Ln, Los Gatos,408-358-8028, downhillwine.comTasting by appt.EQUINOX WINE CELLARS & VINOSBARTOLO WINERY 16427 Swift St., Santa Cruz 831-423-3000, equinoxwine.comTasting Fri-Sun 12-5FELLOM RANCH VINEYARDS1817075 Montebello Road,Cupertino, 408-741-0206fellom.com, Tasting by appt.FLEMING JENKINS TASTINGROOM 1945 W. Main Street, Los Gatos408-358-4949, flemingjenkins.comTasting Tue-Sun 12-6GENEROSA WINERY 2022630 Summit Rd., Los Gatos408-353-3763generosawinery.comTasting by Appt.GLENWOOD OAKS WINERY212364 Bean Creek Road,Scotts Valley, 831-438-4097glenwoodoakswinery.comTasting Sat 12-4:30 HEARTS FIRE WINERY 22165 Cristich Lane, Unit KCampbell, 408-858-6029Tasting 1st Sun. every month 1-4or by appt.HALLCRESTVINEYARDS/ORGANICWINEWORKS 23379 Felton Empire Road, Felton831-335-4441 hallcrestvineyards.comorganicwineworks.comTasting Daily 12-5HILLCREST TERRACE 24429-B Ingalls St., Santa Cruz831-419-0803Sat-Sun 12-5, most Fri afternoonsHUNTER HILL 257099 Glen Haven Road, Soquel831-465-9294hunterhillwine.comTasting Sat-Sun 11-4 or by Appt.

J. LOHR WINERY 261000 Lenzen Ave., San Jose408-918-2160, jlohr.comTasting Daily 10-5LA HONDA WINERY 272645 Fair Oaks, Redwood City650-366-4104lahondawinery.comTasting 3rd Sat Each Month 11-4 LA NEBBIA WINERY 2812341 San Mateo Road, HalfMoon Bay, 650-726-9463lanebbiawinery.comTasting Daily 10-5 LOMA PRIETA WINERY 2926985 Loma Prieta Wy, LosGatos, 408-353-2950lomaprietawinery.comTasting Sat-Sun, 12-5 MICHAEL MARTELLAWINES 3217287 Box 103 Skyline Blvd.,Woodside, 650-851-6777michaelmartella.comTasting by Appt.MJA VINEYARDS 30328 Ingalls St., Santa Cruz408-741-2822, mjavineyards.comTasting Thu-Sun 12-5THE MOUNTAIN WINERY 3314831 PIERCE RD.,SARATOGA, 408-741-2822mountainwinery.comTasting Fri-Sun 12-5NAUMANN VINEYARDS1605 Monte Bello Rd., 31Cupertino, 408-867-7871naumannvineyards.comTasting by Appt.NICHOLSON VINEYARDS 342800 Pleasant Valley Rd.,Aptos, 831-724-7071nicholsonvineyards.comTasting Sat 12-4 ODONATA 35334-A Ingalls St., Santa Cruz831-566-5147, odonatawines.comTasting 1st Sat of each monthOSOCALIS 365579 Old San Jose Road, Soquel831-477-1718, Tasting by Appt.P&M STAIGER 371300 Hopkins Gulch Road,Boulder Creek, 831-338-4346pmstaiger.com, Tasting by Appt.

THOMAS FOGARTY WINERY5419501 Skyline Blvd.,Woodside650-851-6777, 800-247-4163fogartywinery.comTasting Wed-Sun 11-5 VINE HILL WINERY 572300 Jarvis Rd., Santa Cruz831-427-0436, vinehillwinery.comTasting every 3rd weekend eachmonth 12-5 & special eventsWINDY OAKS ESTATEVINEYARDS & WINERY 46380 Sweetwood Way,Corralitos, 831-786-9463windyoaksestate.comTasting by Appt.WOODSIDEVINEYARDS 59340 Kings Mountain Rd,Woodside, 650-851-3144woodsidevineyards.comTasting by Appt.ZAYANTE VINEYARDS 60420 Old Mountain Road,Felton, 831-335-7992zayantevineyards.comTasting by Appt.SANTA CRUZ MOUNTAIN WINEGROWERSASSOCIATION 997605–A Old Dominion Ct.Aptos, 831-685-VINE (8463)scmwa.com

SANTA CLARA VALLEYSouth Santa Clara County & Gilroy

CLOS LA CHANCE 31 Hummingbird Lane,San Martin, 408-686-1050800-487-9463, clos.com,Tasting Daily 11-5CREEKVIEW VINEYARDS 412467 Creekview Ct.,San Martin, 408-686-0534creekviewvineyards.comCASTILLO’S HILLSIDESHIRE WINERY 52215 Liberata Dr.,Morgan Hill, 408-776-8200Open Sat. 1-7, Sun. 12-5FERNWOOD CELLARS 67137 Redwood Retreat Rd.Gilroy, 408-848-0611fernwoodcellars.comTasting by Appt.FORTINO WINERY 74525 Hecker Pass Hwy,Gilroy, 408-842-3305fortinowinery.comTasting Tue-Sat 10-5, Sun 11-5GUGLIELMO WINERY 81480 E. Main Ave., Morgan Hill408-779-2145,guglielmowinery.comTasting Daily 10-5HECKER PASS WINERY 94605 Hecker Pass Rd., Gilroy408-842-8755heckerpasswinery.comTasting Daily 9-5JASON-STEPHENS WINERY 1011775 Watsnville Rd, Gilroy,408-846-VINE, Tasting Daily 12-6

KIRIGIN CELLARS 1211550 Watsonville Rd., Gilroy408-847-8827, kirigincellars.comTasting Daily 10-5MARTIN RANCH WINERY6675 Redwood Retreat Rd., 13Gilroy, 408-842-9197martinranchwinery.comTasting every 3rd weekend eachmonth 12-5 MONTE VERDE VINEYARDS 1413775 Sycamore Dr.,Morgan Hill, 408-776-8938,monteverdevineyards.comTasting the 3rd Sat and by Appt.MORGAN HILL CELLARS1645 San Pedro Ave., 15Morgan Hill, 408-779-7389pedrizzetti.comTasting Tue-Sun 10-5NATAL VINEYARDS 161310 Green Valley RdWatsonville, 831-750-0271Tasting by Appt.RAPAZZINI WINERY 194350 Monterey Hwy.,Gilroy, 408-842-5649800-842-6262, rapazzini.comTasting Daily 9-6/ToursRIVER RUN VINTNERS 2065 Rogge Lane,Watsonville831-726-3112, Tasting by Appt.SARAH'S VINEYARD 214005 Hecker Pass Hwy, Gilroy408-847-1947, sarahsvineyard.comTasting Daily 11-5SATORI CELLARS 222100 Buena Vista Ave., Gilroy408-848-5823, satoricellars.comTasting Sat-Sun 12-5 or by Appt.SOLIS WINERY 233920 Hecker Pass Hwy., Gilroy408-847-6306, 888-411-6457soliswinery.comTasting Daily 12-5/Tours by Appt.SYCAMORE CREEK VINEYARDS2412775 Uvas Road, Morgan Hill408-779-4738sycamorecreekvineyards.comTasting Thu- Fri, Mon 12-5,Sat-Sun 11-5THOMAS KRUSE 253200 Dryden Ave, Gilroy408-842-7016,thomaskrusewinery.comTasting Tue-Sun 12- 5CASA DE FRUTA 2710021 Pacheco Pass Hwy,Hollister, 408-842-7282casadefruta.comTasting Mon-Thu 8-7:30,Fri-Sat 8-8:30

SANTA CRUZ MOUNTAINS& S.F. PENINSULAAHLGREN VINEYARD 120320 Hwy. 9, Boulder Creek831-338-6071, ahlgrenvineyard.comTasting Sat 12-4 ALFARO FAMILY VINEYARD 2420 Hames Rd., Corralitos831-728-5172, alfarowine.com Tasting Sat 12-5BARGETTO WINERY 33535 N. Main St., Soquel831-475-2258, bargetto.com Tasting Daily 12-5BEAUREGARD VINEYARDS 410 Pine Flat Rd., Bonny Doon831-425-7777beauregardvineyards.com Tasting Daily 11-5BLACK RIDGE VINEYARDS 518550 Black Rd., Los Gatos408-399-6396, blackridgevineyards.comTasting Third Sat-Sun 11-5 or by Appt.BONNY DOON VINEYARD 6328 Ingalls Street, Santa Cruz831-425-4518, bonnydoonvineyard.comTasting Daily 11:30-5:30BURRELL SCHOOL VINEYARDS724060 Summit Rd, Los Gatos408-353-6290, burrellschool.comTasting Thu-Sun 11-5 BYINGTON WINERY & VINEYARD821850 Bear Creek Rd., Los Gatos,408-354-1111 byington.com,Tasting Daily 11-5CINNABAR WINERY TASTINGROOM 914612 Big Basin Way., Saratoga408-741-5858, cinnabarwine.comTasting Daily 11-5COOPER-GARROD VINEYARDS1122645 Garrod Road, Saratoga408-867-7116, cgv.comTasting Mon-Fri 12-5, Sat-Sun 11-5 COPIOUS WINERY 12427 Swift St., #A, Santa Cruz813-425-WINE, copiouswinery.comTasting Fri-Sun 12-5 or by Appt.DAVID BRUCE WINERY 1321439 Bear Creek Rd, Los Gatos408-354-4214, 800-397-9972davidbrucewinery.comTasting Mon-Fri 12-5, Sat-Sun 11-5

Map created by Artifact, Ink

PELICAN RANCH WINERY 38402 Ingalls St., Santa Cruz831-426-6911, pelicanranch.comTasting Fri-Sun 12-5PICCHETTI WINERY 3913100 Montebello Road,Cupertino, 408-741-1310picchetti.comTasting Daily 11-5PINDER WINERY 40165 Cristich Lane, Campbell877-684-2601. pinderwine.comTasting Sat 10-3 PLEASANT VALLEY VINEYARD 44600 Pleasant Valley Rd.,Aptos831-728-2826, pvvines.comTasting Sat 12-4POETIC CELLARS 415000 North Rodeo Gulch Rd.,Soquel, 831-462-3478poeticcellars.comTasting Sat-Sun 12-5REGALE WINERY &VINEYARDS4224040 Summit Rd., Los Gatos408-867-3233, ridgewine.comTasting Fri 4-8, Sat-Sun 11-5:30RIDGE VINEYARDS 4317100 Monte Bello Rd,Cupertino, 408-867-3233,ridgewine.com. Tasting Sat-Sun 11-5ROUDON-SMITH VINEYARDS452364 Bean Creek Road,Scotts Valley, 831-438-1244roudonsmith.comTasting Sat 12-4:30 SANTA CRUZ MOUNTAINVINEYARD 47334-A Ingalls St., Santa Cruz831-426-6209santacruzmountainvineyard.comTasting Wed-Sun 12-5:30SAVANNAH-CHANELLEVINEYARDS 4823600 Big Basin Way, Saratoga408-741-2934savannahchanelle.comTasting Daily 11-5SILVER MOUNTAIN VINEYARDS402 Ingalls St., Ste 29, 49Santa Cruz, 831-466-0559silvermtn.com Tasting Thu-Sun 12-5SONES CELLARS 50334-B Ingalls St., Santa Cruz831-420-1552, SONESCELLARS.COMTasting Fri-Sun 12-5SOQUEL VINEYARDS 518063 GLEN HAVEN ROAD,SOQUEL, 831-462-9045soquelvineyards.comTasting Sat-Sun 11-4 STORRS WINERY 52303 Potrero St., #35, SantaCruz, 831-458-5030storrswine.com Tasting Daily 12-5TEAM ZIN830 Jury Ct., San Jose408-445-2508, Call for appt.TESTAROSSA WINERY 53300-A College Ave., Los Gatos408-354-6150, testarossa.comTasting Daily 11-5

Pleasant Valley Rd

Hames RdHazel Dell Rd

Map Not to Scale

12 � December 2010 / January 2011 • www.vinetimesonline.com

Submit your winery orchanges to be included in ourFebruary / March issue’sguides. Please submit by Jan.10, 2011 to [email protected]

Page 13: California  Vine Times Magazine

. . .Goodies and Gadgets

Bissinger’s Chocolate-CoveredWine Grapes

There is one thing that seems to comehand-in-hand with the holidays – sweets! Canyou imagine your holiday season without thepumpkin pie, holiday shaped sugar cookies orchocolate truffles? Of course not! That’s whywe at Vine Times are recommending theseBissinger’s wine grapes. These plump purplegrapes are infused with Shiraz wine and cov-ered in Bissinger’s famous dark chocolate.The gluten-free, irresistible treat melts in yourmouth with a surprising burst of lusciouswine. Chocolate and wine lovers alike will bethrilled over these tiny treats’ burst of flavor. Packaged in a perfect eight ounces, the winegrapes make a great stocking stuffer. Buy them in bulk and use them as add-on gifts or justpass them out as favors at your next holiday party. At $16 per pack you won’t even feelguilty ordering yourself a bundle.

Visit www.bissingers.com and order your wine grapes today!

Etched Wine BottlesWine is a great gift for any occasion. But add a person-

alized touch to the vino and your gift is sure to be the bestunder the tree. Personalwinebottles.com is making thathappen for you this holiday season and beyond. Just choosefrom over 13 different templates including messages like“Season Greetings,” “Christmas Blessings,” “HappyChanukah, and “Happy Birthday.” When you’ve done that,you can add your own two-lined personal message to thebottle. The message is carefully etched by sand blasting,which leaves a lasting impression. It’s also hand-paintedmaking each bottle unique. After creating your wine bottleonline, you can finalize your order by choosing from 11 redwines. The people you gift this to will be shocked by thebeautiful wine bottle and touched that you thought of some-thing so personal. When they’ve enjoyed the wine they willbe able to keep the bottle forever and remember yourthoughtful gift. Prices range from $82-$112. Visit personal-winebottles.com for complete information.

Wine-opolyWhat’s a holiday party without any

games? While you and your friends areenjoying the cooler weather and sippingon your favorite bottles of wine, play afun game of Wine-opoly. Modeled afterthe favorite game Monopoly, Wine-opoly takes you into the wonderful worldof wine. Players can buy their favoritewines, bundles of grapes and trade themin for handy decanters. But make sure tobrush up on your wine and cheese edictbecause you can be fined for serving apairing faux pas or forgetting to pay your import taxes. Aside from being a fun and challeng-ing game, it’s educational! Each card includes a fun fact about a wine. You don’t have toworry about ending up in jail and loosing three turns, but watch out for the wine cellar whereplayers are sent to age. Play smart and you’ll be yelling “Cheers” all the way to the bank…orwine shop. This game is fun for all wine lovers and aspiring connoisseurs, and is sure to bea holiday gift hit. Visit LateForTheSky.com and order your Wine-opoly today. $24.95 each.

HOUSLEY’S CENTURY 13OAK WINERY22211 N. Lower Sacramento Rd.,Acampo, 209-334-3482centuryoakwinery.comTasting Sat 12-4, or by Appt.JESSIE’S GROVE WINERY1973 W.Turner Rd., Lodi 14209-368-0880, jgwinery.comTasting Daily 11-5LANGETWINS WINERY161525 E. Jahant Rd.,Acampo209-334-9780, langetwins.comTasting by Appt.THE LUCAS WINERY 1718196 N. Davis Road, Lodi209-368-2006, lucaswinery.comTasting Thu-Sun 12-4:30/Tours byAppt.M2 WINES 181376 East Turner Rd,. Ste. D,Lodi, 888-757-9463m2wines.comTasting Fri-Sun 11-5 or by Appt.MACCHIA 197099 E. Peltier Rd,Acampo209-333-2600macchiawines.comTasting Thu-Mon 11-5MCCONNELL ESTATE 2010686 W. Stockton Blvd,Elk Grove, 916-685-5368mcconnellestates.comTasting Fri-Sun 11-5MICHAEL DAVID WINERY4580 W. Highway 12, Lodi 21209-368-7384lodivineyards.comTasting Daily 10-5OAK RIDGE WINERY 226100 E. Highway 12, Lodi209-369-4758oakridgewinery.comGift Cottage Daily 10-5 or byAppt.OMEGA CELLARS 2313731 N. Highway 88, Lodi209-367-1910omega-cellars.comTasting Sat-Sun 12-5PEIRANO ESTATE 24VINEYARDS21831 N. Highway 99,Acampo209-369-9463, peirano.comTasting Wed-Sun 11-4:30RIPKEN VINEYARDS & 25WINERY2472 West Sargent Rd, Lodi209-367-WINE (9463)ripkenwine.comTasting Sat-Sun 12-4/ToursSIQUEIRA WINE COMPANY220 S. Cluff Ave., Lodi 26209-403-9200 or 800-769-8491siqueirawine.comTasting by Appt.SPENKER WINERY 2717303 N. DeVries Rd., Lodi209-367-0467Tasting Sat-Sun 12-4By Appt. January-April

LODI WINE & VISITOR 1CENTER2545 W.Turner Rd., Lodi209-365-0621, lodiwine.comTasting Daily 10-5ABUNDANCE VINEYARDS 221482 N. Ray Rd., Lodi209-334-0274abundancevineyards.comTasting by Appt.BERGHOLD VINEYARDS 317343 N. Cherry Rd., Lodi209-333-929 bergholdvineyards.comTasting Thu-Sun 11-5, & by Appt.BORRA VINEYARDS & 4WINERY1301 E.Armstrong Rd., Lodi209-368-2446, borrawinery.comTasting Daily 12-5CELLAR DOOR 521 N. School St., Lodi209-339-4394 lodicellardoor.comTasting Tue- Wed 12-6,Thu-Sat 12-9, Sun 12-5COSENTINO WINERY3750 East Woodbridge Rd., 6Acampo, 209-333-8014cosentinowinery.com/cvcTasting Daily 10-5:30

d’Art Wines 713299 N. Curry Ave., Lodi209-334-9946, dartwines.comTasting Sat-Sun 12-5DELICATO VINEYARDS & CLAY STATION WINES12001 S. Hwy. 99, Manteca209-824-3501,claystationwine.comTasting Daily 9-5:30E2 FAMILY WINERY 99009 W. Highway 12, Lodi209-334-5911, e2familywinery.comTasting by Appt.GNEKOW FAMILYWINERY17347 East Gawne Rd.Collegeville, 209-463-0697,888-446-3569, gnekowwinery.comTasting Daily 11-5GRANDS AMIS WINERY 10115 N. School St., Ste. 5, Lodi209-369-6805, grandsamis.comTasting Fri-Sun 1-5, or by Appt.HARMONY WYNELANDS 119291 E. Harney Ln., Lodi209-369-4184harmonywynelands.comTasting Mon-Sat 11-5:30Sunday/Holidays 12:30-5HERITAGE OAK WINERY10112 E.Woodbridge Rd, 12Acampo, 209-986-2763heritageoakwinery.comTasting Mon-Fri 2-5pm,Sat 12-6, Sun 1-4

ST.AMANT WINERY 281 Winemaster Way, Lodi209-367-0646stamantwine.comTasting by Appt.VAN RUITEN FAMILY 29WINERY340 W. Highway 12, Lodi209-334-5722, vrwinery.comTasting Daily 11-5VINO CON BRIO 30AT AMOROSA VINEYARDS7889 East Harney Ln, Lodi209-369-5392, 888-410-VINOvinoconbrio.comTasting Thu-Mon 12-5 or by Appt.

VINO PIAZZA 32-3812470 Locke Road, Lockeford(Wineries 32-38 are all in Vino Piazza)

BOITANO FAMILY WINES209-727-3270 32boitanofamilywines.comTasting Sat-Sun 12-5LA VIDA DULCE WINERY209-727-3966 33lavidadulce.comTasting Fri-Sun 12-5MOKELUMNE OAKVINTNERS209-339-3754 34mokelumneoakvintners.comTasting Fri-Sun 12-5OLDE LOCKEFORD WINERY209-727-9770 35vinopiazza.com/oldelockefordTasting Daily 11-5PASOS VINEYARDS 36559-978-0523 or 209-727-3153pasoswinery.comTasting Fri-Sat 11-6, Sun 11-5STAMA WINERY 37209-727-3314 or 408-464-6923stamawinery.comTasting Mon,Wed,Thu 11-5 Fri-Sun 11-6WATTS WINERY 38209-329-1569, wattswinery.comTasting Fri-Mon 12-5

WOODBRIDGE BY 31ROBERT MONDAVI5950 E.Woodbridge Rd,Acampo, 209-365-8139woodbridgewines.comTasting Daily 10:30-4:30Tours Daily 9:30 & 1:30

Winery Guide

Submit your winery orchanges to be included inour February / Marchissue’s guides. Please submitby Jan. 10, 2011 to [email protected]

Page 14: California  Vine Times Magazine

rience and invite guests to come discoverwhat they have been missing. While youare there be sure to try their Estate PetiteSirah and Estate Malbec. (805) 467-0067,locatelliwinery.com

Pretty-Smith is a one-woman opera-tion delivering 100 percent estate grownBordeaux varietals and blends. The winesare typically aged in oak for 3.5 years for asoft, smooth, and silky style. Be sure to trythe estate Cabernet Sauvignon, a wine thathas won several gold medals, received 90-point ratings and Best of Class for theRegion over the past decade. (805) 467-3104, prettysmith.com

Ranchita Canyon offers you theopportunity to taste wines right in thebuilding where they are made. Positioningthemselves as “nothing fancy, just goodwines with warm family hospitality” this isa great stop to relax and taste their Old VineZinfandel and Old Vine Petite Sirah. Theold vine offering is from the estate vineyardsplanted almost 40 years ago. (805) 467-9448, ranchitacanyonvineyard.com

RiverStar is a family owned andoperated 80-acre estate vineyard and win-ery. While you are there be sure to taste the2007 Affinity, “a classic showing of theprecision, balance, concentration andfinesse that exemplify Paso Robles at its

best.” The estate also has a vacation guestapartment to offer visitors a true winecountry experience. (805) 467-0086, river-starvineyards.com

Silver Horse is a family owned andoperated winery specializing in Bordeauxand Spanish varietals. The property has alarge event area and several picnic areas toenjoy the spectacular views. With a pizzaoven, horseshoe pit and bocce ball courtyou may not want to leave. Be sure to trytheir blend known as “The Big Easy.”(805) 467-9463, silverhorse.com

Tackitt Family is a small, family-owned winery located on vineyards wheretheir grandfather planted vines in the mid70s. Be sure to taste the estateGewurztraminer that is from the originalplanting resulting in a low production ofhigh quality fruit. Crisp and refreshing thewine has a very limited production withonly 70 cases produced this vintage. (805)296-0866, tackittfamilyvineyards.com

Tassajara Cellars is a small familyowned winery currently located in theSilver Horse barrel room. The winery is thevision of a brother and sister team to createsmall lots of handcrafted wines. When youvisit be sure to taste the 2006 Pinot Noir.(805) 239-8511, tassajaracellars.com

Terrace Hill Olive Oil offers a breakfrom wine tasting with their estate grown

olive oils, vinegars, spices and rubs. TheTuscan style tasting room includes a relax-ing picnic area overlooking the olive treesplanted on the hillside. Family owned andoperated, this is a very tasty stop with sev-eral gold medal products. (805) 467-1906,terracehilloliveco.com

Villa San Juliette will soon be open-ing their tasting facility and winery along

the trail. The 168-acre estate produces awide range of wines and although the facil-ity is not yet open it may be possible tobook a private tasting and perhaps eventaste the 2008 Chorum, their reserve blend.(805) 550-0522, villasanjuliette.com

14 � December 2010 / January 2011 • www.vinetimesonline.com

Miraflores Winery is located in a unique Californiaviticulture area in the Sierra Foothills.

Producing excellent high mountain fruit, at eleva-tions up to 2900 feet. The wines produced fromthese high mountain vineyards are rich in tasteand beautifully balanced.

Come and experience the difference in our winesat Miraflores Winery.

Open Daily from 10 am - 5pm2120 Four Springs Trail, Placerville, California 95667 530 647 8505www.mirafloreswinery.com

during the online holiday shopping frenzy.Three Guglielmo brothers run the

operation. I call them the Three G’s: Gene(Director of Sales), Gary (GeneralManager) and George (Winemaker), andthey’re the 3rd generation to carry on theheritage begun by their grandfather whoemigrated to San Francisco from thePiedmonte region of Italy in the early 20thcentury. Following the milkman-stylehome delivery model, Emiglio left jugs ofwine on customer doorsteps along his routeto San Francisco. He would also haul bar-rels to local liquor stores, where devoteescould get refills. On Sundays at the wineryin Santa Clara county, the family put out aspread for adventurous souls who preferredto fetch their wines from the source: likegoing to communion.

Back in the days before packagingbecame more important than the entityinside, everyone brought their own contain-ers to wineries. In Italy, they still do. That’sa recycling model worth emulating. As weknow from miniskirts, hot pants, small cars(think MGs and Datsun B210s) and goodrock n’ roll, the past is generally worth

another go-round. Platform shoes, lavalamps and fondue sets I can skip, however.

Guglielmo wines, though, should notbe skipped, especially their relatively newTRE line, the distinctively bold label ofwhich bears the outline of three brothers. Itfeels like a cross between The Sopranosand Jersey Shore, but the Chardonnaycomes from Monterey, so whine not, andEmile’s Table Wines (named for grandfa-ther Emile) are the epitome of the good oldjug wines that used to drive a Pinto andnow favors a Prius. Young Alan DeWitt isthe other half of the winemaking team thatcrafts these gems: he and George make afine old school-new school team, with tastyresults.

Among my favorites is the refreshing,dry 2009 Rosatello, made from aPiedmont-ese grape called Grignolino. It’spretty in the glass, and offers hints of straw-berry and guava. The Sauv Blanc and PinotGrigio are solid and I love the old vine Zin,which comes from head-trained vines anddelivers lots of zininess without the jammi-ness. The Barbera speaks with the quiet,yet warm demeanor exhibited by the 3Gs.Old world style still rules.

GuglielmoContinued from Page 10

Pleasant Valley Wine TrailContinued from Page 11

Ranchita Canyon

Villa

San-Juliette

Tackitt

Family

J&J

Cellars

Cinquain

Silver

HorseRiver

Star

To

San Luis Obispo

& Los Angeles

To Fresno,

Bakersfield,

& interstate-5

To San Francisco

San Miguel

Terrace Hill Olive Oil

BUCKHORN RIDGE PLACE

101

46E

INDEPENDENCE RANCH

PLACE

ESTRELLA ROAD

HOG CANYON ROAD

VON DOLLEN ROAD

RAN

CHIT

A CA

NYO

NJA

RDIN

E RO

AD

TOWER ROAD

DRY CREEK ROAD

WELLSONA ROAD

RIVE

R RO

AD

BUENA VISTA

DRIVE

AIR

PORT

RO

AD

RIVER OAKS

DRIVE

UNION ROAD

SPRI

NG

STR

EET

CROSS CANYONSMISSIONSTREET

RIVE

R RO

AD

ESTRELLA ROAD

PLEA

SAN

T RO

AD

RIVER ROAD

MISSIONSTREET

EXIT

MAP NOT TO SCALEPretty-Smith

Locatelli

Tassajara

Visit our website for all the latest wine country news.www.vinetimesonline.com

Page 15: California  Vine Times Magazine

www.vinetimesonline.com • December 2010 / January 2011 � 15

By Christine Piccin

When I pop a cork at my holidayget-together, I want a wine thatturns heads but that doesn’t

break the bank. While Champagne mightseem too serious or expensive, D.O.C.G.Prosecco, Italy’s top sparkling wine, isrefreshing and lively sometimes elegant orminerally, floral, aromatic, and fruity, withnotes of melon, peach, pear and citrus. It’sthe perfect party wine and sells for around$15. With good reason, Prosecco sales inthe U.S. rose over 30 percent last year.

And if I want to kick it up a notch –there is a jewel of a Prosecco in the $20 to$30 range that comes from the tiny Cartizzearea, one hill, in fact. Crafted by just a hand-ful of winemakers, this true Prosecco "cru"– a vineyard or area of vineyards of a singlevine variety – is elegantly perfumed withflavors of apricots and peaches, with hintsof orange flower and rose. Cartizzes are theCartiers of the Prosecco world – impressive,but still very affordable.

Prosecco is decidedly not Cham-pagne, but it is a wine that has its place,comes from prime Italian vineyard estatesand appellations, and is produced in a styleto please every palate. This Italiansparkling wine hails from the northeastcorner of Italy just an hour north of Venice.Prosecco Country is lush with rolling hillsblanketed with vineyards, dotted with cas-tles, and famous for its breathtakingscenery.

Grapes for true Prosecco sparklingwine are grown on southern-facing slopesbetween the sheltering Dolomites and theAdriatic Sea, around the towns ofConegliano and Valdobbiadene. The ori-gins of the main grape variety that goesinto Prosecco sparkling (now called‘Glera’) are somewhat of a mystery, butsome scholars say it was known as the‘Pucino’ in the time of the Roman Empire.It was rumored that the Empress LiviaAugusta was particularly fond of the winefrom this grape. Viticulture in the regiondates back to ancient times, as evidencedby the work of man who has, over the cen-turies, sculpted the sunniest slopes withelaborate terracing. Since the steep slopesmake it difficult to mechanize vineyardwork, to the present, planting and harvest-ing has mostly been done by small grow-ers, by hand.

Because of its lengthy history in theregion, Prosecco from the Conegliano-

Valdobbiadene area has recently beengranted the prestigious Italian D.O.C.G.status (Denominazione di OrigineControllata e Garantita), a guarantee thatthe wine comes from the birthplace ofProsecco, and adheres to the strictest ofquality standards. There are only 41 Italianwines that are entitled to the D.O.C.G.label, and only Prosecco with that label istrue Prosecco.

A consortium closely follows all phas-es of Prosecco production, from the plant-ing of the vineyards, to the pruning, tochoosing the right moment for harvestingthe grapes. The grapes are harvested byhand then pressed very gently so that onlythe free-run juice from the heart of the berryis extracted and made into sparkling wine.The production method protects and pre-serves the wine’s lovely flavors and aromas.Before they are released for market, they aretasted one final time by a special commis-sion, which certifies the wine’s quality, andapproves a special seal for the bottle.

There are two main styles of sparklingD.O.C.G. Prosecco widely available.“Extra Dry” is classic Prosecco, brilliantgold in color, and enlivened by strands oftiny bubbles. It is rich in aromas of appleand pear, bright with a hint of citrus, offer-ing a soft texture and a floral bouquet.Italians love its barely perceptible sweet-ness as an aperitif wine, ideally servedlightly chilled to 45-50°F. Extra Dry

Prosecco also compliments vegetablesoups, seafood, pasta dishes with lightmeat sauces, and fresh cheeses.

Brut Prosecco is the most modern ofthe Prosecco wines, and it has garnered aninternational following. It is characterizedby richer aromas of citrus fruit, with ele-gant mineral and yeasty notes, and isrefreshingly brisk. This is the sparklingwine par excellence for the table. BrutProsecco should be served chilled (44-46°F) and goes well with fish and vegeta-bles hors d’oeuvres and seafood or, as isthe custom in Prosecco Country, through-out the entire meal.

At the top of the quality pyramid isCartizze, the very special Prosecco fromthe historic “Superiore di Cartizze” sub-zone, a single hill of vineyards situatedbetween the villages of Santo Stefano,Saccol and San Pietro di Barbozza. Thissparkling wine is usually made in the Brutstyle, and is distinct and truly sumptuous.The intensity of its color signals the com-plexity of the aromas that are to follow:from apple to pear, apricot to citrus fruitand rose, with a pleasant endnote of toast-ed almonds.

Whether Prosecco is Extra Dry orBrut, from Cartizze, Conegliano orValdobbiadene, the D.O.C.G. label indi-cates an authentic Italian Prosecco. Anyother is simply a cheap imitation.

True Prosecco is a True Delight

By Laura Ness

La Rochelle: Steven Mirassou wait-ed a long time to disgorge a sparklingunder the La Rochelle brand. It’s a bit iron-ic that his family sold all the sparklingequipment to Barry Jackson at Equinoxsome years back, and here they are, usingit again, at long, long last. But heck, whatgoes around…

The 2007 Blanc de Noirs ($30)sparkling from the Martini clone off theMcIntyre estate vineyard in the SantaLucia Highlands of Monterey, is truly oneof the prettiest sparkling wines you canfind. Pale as the first pink light of dawn, itsparkles with the thrill of tea rose, brightcinnamon and spritely raspberry-rhubarbpunch. As light as air, it dances on yourtongue like spring’s first rain, and practical-ly makes a rainbow of colors in yourmouth. It’s airily bright and intenselyfocused with minerally hints of cranberryand Bosc pear, and some subtle rejoindersof edgy raspberry lemonade.

You might find yourself joining the

La Rochelle wine club just to get this fairyprincess of a wine. But then you’ll findyourself amongst the subtly more wellendowed Pinot Noir wood nymphs thatinhabit this label’s provocatively preco-cious collection of bottled beauties. Ah,such a predicament.

Visit rwine.com.

Caraccioli Cellars: Do you want areal French connection? Caraccioli, anddon’t let the Italian name fool you, makesSanta Lucia Highlands sparkling in the dry,yeasty, leesy style that delivers aromas andflavors of a French morning on the LeftBank, brimming over with freshly bakedbrioche and baguette. This relative new-comer to the world of bubbles offers Brutand Brut Rosé, crafted by the geniusMichel Salgues, previously head wine-maker at Roederer Estate in AndersonValley. The acidity in both sparklers is pro-found and calls for fruit des mers, especial-ly oysters. Despite the stiff price of nearly$50 srp (you can find it more reasonablypriced at Star Market in Salinas), you can-

not go even remotely wrong with eitherone of these wines.

The 06 Brut Cuvée is the hands-downwinner, a pale white, cap-sleeved shantungsilk dress that makes any woman drinkingit as alluring as Catherine Deneuve. Theyeasty aromas are divine and the texturelike sweet buttercream. The Brut Rosé issofter and wears a small pink shawl ofsweetness that wraps itself nicely aroundthe shoulders of your tongue with thepleasantly shy fruitiness of a Kir Royale.Are they worth $52? If you’re alreadyblowing $45 on French stuff, these are aworthy replacement, and you’re savingenergy to boot. They are sufficiently classy,so the answer is oui, oui!

Visit Caraccioli Cellars.com.

McIntyre: Secret fact: most of thevines originally planted in the Montereyappellation were destined for early pickingand transporting to the northland to makesparkling wines for the likes ofSchramsberg and Gloria Ferrar. The firstsparkling to be made in the Santa Lucia

Highlands in modern times, i.e., sinceGoogle became a replacement forWebsters, Encylopedia Brittanica and yourentire collection of Cliff notes, L’HommeQui Ris ($29) is a mature, yeasty sparklermade from 60 percent Pinot Noir and 40percent Chardonnay directly fromMcIntyre’s estate-owned vineyard andspends at least 20 months “en tirage.” That

Sparkling for A New DecadeTry these sparkling wines from the Russian River and the Santa Lucia Highlands

on your holiday table and at your New Years Celebrations

Continued on Page 20

(Patrick Tregenza)

Page 16: California  Vine Times Magazine

CASS VINEYARDS 157350 Linne Road, PR805-239-1730, casswines.comTasting Mon-Fri 12-5, Sat-Sun 11-6

CASTORO CELLARS 161315 N. Bethel Rd.,Templeton805-238-0725,castorocellars.comTasting Daily 10-5:30CHANGALA WINERY 173770 Willow Creek Rd., PR805-226-9060changalawinery.comTasting Fri-Sun 11-5 CHATEAU MARGENE 184385 LaPanza Road, Creston805-238-2321chateaumargene.comTasting 12-5 Sat-Sun & by Appt.CHUMEIA 198331 E. Hwy.46, PR805-226-0102, chumeiavine-yards.com, Tasting Daily 10-5CLAUTIERE VINEYARD 1340 Penman Springs Rd., PR805-237-3789, clautiere.comTasting Daily 12-5 20D’ANBINO VINEYARDS &CELLARS 22710 Pine St., PR805-227-6800, danbino.comTasting Thu-Mon 11-7DARK STAR CELLARS 232985 Anderson Rd., PR805-237-2389,darkstarcellars.comTasting Fri-Sun 10:30-5DENNER VINEYARDS 245414 Vineyard Drive, PR805-239-4287, dennervine-yards.com, Tasting Fri-Sun 11-5DERBY WINE ESTATES 5620 E. Hwy. 46, PR 51805-238-6300derbywineestates.comTasting Daily 10-5 DOCE ROBLES 252023 Twelve Oaks Drive, PR805-227-4766, docerobles.comTasting Daily 10:30-5:30DONATI FAMILYVINEYARD 262720 Oak View Rd.,Templeton805-238-0676donatifamilyvineyard.comTasting Daily 10-5 DOVER CANYONWINERY 27

4520 Vineyard Drive, PR805-237-0101, dovercanyon.comTasting Thu-Sun 11-5 DUNNING VINEYARDSESTATE WINERY ANDGUEST VILLA 281953 Niderer Road,PR805-238-4763dunningvineyards.comLodging AccommodationsTasting Thu-Mon 11-5EAGLE CASTLE WINERY3090 Anderson Rd.,PR 29805-227-1428,eaglecastlewinery.comTasting Daily 10:30-5:30EBERLE WINERY 303810 E. Hwy. 46, PR805-238-9607, eberlewinery.comTasting Daily 10-6, 10-5 (winter)EDWARD SELLERSVINEYARDS 311220 Park Street, PR805-239-8915, edwardsellers.comTasting Thu-Mon 12-7EOS ESTATE WINERY5625 E. Hwy.46, PR 32800-249-9463, eosvintage.comTasting Daily 10-5FALCON NEST 34VINEYARD & WINERY5185 Union Rd., PR805-226-0227, falconnest-wine.com, Tasting Daily 10-6FIRESTONE VINEYARD2300 Airport Road, PR 35805-591-8050, firestonewine.comTasting Daily 10-5FOUR VINES 363750 W. Hwy 46, Templeton805-237-0055, fourvines.comTasting Daily 11-6, 11-5 (winter)FRATELLI PERATA 371595 Arbor Road, PR805-238-2809fratelliperata.com, Tasting by Appt.GARRETSON WINECOMPANY 382323 Tuley Ct., Suite 110, PR805-239-2074. garretson-wines.com, Tasting by Appt.GREY WOLF CELLARS2174 W. Hwy 46, PR 39805-237-0771, greywolfcel-lars.com, Tasting Daily 11-5:30HALTER RANCH 40VINEYARD

8910 Adelaida Road, PR805-226-9455, halterranch.comTasting Daily 11-5HANSEN VINEYARD 415575 El Pomer Dr.,Templeton805-239-8412, hansenwines.comTasting Fri- Sun 11-5HARMONY CELLARS 423255 Harmony Valley Rd.,Harmony805-927-1625/ 800-432-9239harmonycellars.comTasting Daily 10-5HUG CELLARS 432323 Tuley Ct., Suite 120D, PR805-226-8022, hugcellars.comTasting Thu-Mon 11- 5 & by Appt.HUNT CELLARS 442875 Oakdale Road,PR805-237-1600huntwinecellars.comTasting Daily 10-6, 10:30-5:30(winter)J. LOHR WINERY 466169 Airport Road,PR805-239-8900, jlohr.comTasting Daily 10-5JADA VINEYARD 475620 Vineyard Drive, PR805-226-4200, jadavineyard.comTasting Fri-Sun 10-5 or by Appt.JANKRIS WINERY 481266 Bethel Road,Templeton805-434-0319, jankriswinery.comTasting Daily 11-5JUDD FAMILY WINES 49 2850 Ranchita Canyon Rd.San Miguel, 805-467-2891juddfamilywines.comTasting Fri-Sun 11-5JUSTIN VINEYARDS &WINERY 5011680 Chimney Rock Rd., PR805-238-6932, justinwine.comTasting Daily 10-5/ Tours by Appt.L’AVENTURE 512815 Live Oak Road,PR805-227-1588,aventurewine.comTasting Thu-Sun 11-4LA VIGNE WINERY 905115 Buena Vista Dr., PR805-227-4000 lavignewinery.comTasting Daily 11-6, 11-5 (winter)LINNE CALODO 52CELLARS3030 Vineyard Drive, PR805-227-0797, linnecalodo.comTasting Daily 11-5LOCATELLI VINEYARDS 8585 Cross Canyons RoadSan Miguel, 805-467-0067locatelliwinery.com 53Tasting Fri-Sun 11-4 or by Appt.LONE MADRONE 542485 W. Hwy. 46, PR805-238-0845,lonemadrone.comTasting Daily 10:30-5MALOY O’NEILL 55VINEYARDS5725 Union Road,PR805-238-7320, maloyoneill.comTasting Fri-Sat 10-5, Sun 12-5 or by Appt.MARTIN & WEYRICH 56WINERY2610 Buena Vista Drive, PR 805-238-2520, martinweyrich.comTasting Daily 10-6MERIDIAN VINEYARDS7000 E. Hwy.46, PR 57805-226-7133, meridianvine-yards.com, Tasting Daily 10-5MIDLIFE CRISIS WINERY1244 Pine Street, Ste.A, PR805-237-8730 58midlifecrisiswinery.comTasting Thu-Mon 10:30-6MIDNIGHT CELLARS 592925 Anderson Rd., PR805-237-9601, 805-239-8904midnightcellars.comTasting Daily 10-5:30MINASSIAN YOUNGVINEYARDS 604045 Peachy Canyon Rd., PR805-238-7571minassianyoung.com, Tasting Fri-Mon 11-5MITCHELLA VINEYARD& WINERY 61

2525 Mitchel Ranch Way, PR805-239-8555, mitchella.comTasting Fri-Sun 12-5MONDO CELLARS 623260 Nacimiento Lake Dr., PR805-226-2925, mondocellars.comTasting Daily 10-6MOONSTONE CELLARS801 Main St., Suite C, Cambria805.927.9466/ 877-517-WINEmoonstonecellars.com 63Tasting Thu-Mon 11-5NADEAU FAMILY 65VINTNERS3860 Peachy Canyon Rd., PR805-239-3574nadeaufamilyvintners.comTasting Fri-Sun 11-5 NORMAN VINEYARDS 667450 Vineyard Dr., PR805-237-0138, normanvine-yards.com, Tasting Daily 11-5OPOLO VINEYARD 677110 Vineyard Dr., PR805-238-9593, opolo.comTasting Daily 10-5PASO PORT 686996 Peachy Canyon, PR 805-239-2229pasoportwine.com, Tasting Fri,Sat, Sun, Mon 11-5 or by Appt.PEACHY CANYON WINERY 691480 N.Bethel Rd.,Templeton805-239-1918, peachycanyon.comTasting Daily 11-52020 Nacimiento Lake Dr., PR 805-237-7848Tasting Sat-Sun 11-5PENMAN SPRINGVINEYARD 701985 Penman Springs Rd., PR805-237-7959, penmansrings.comTasting Fri-Sun 11-5 PIPESTONE VINEYARDS2040 Niderer Rd., PR 71805-227-6385pipestonevineyards.comTasting Thu-Mon 11-5 POALILLO VINEYARDS721888 Willow Creek Rd., PR805-238-0600, Tasting by Appt.PRETTY-SMITH 73VINEYARDS & WINERY13350 N.River Rd., San Miguel805-467-3104, Tasting Fri-Sun 11-5 RABBIT RIDGE WINERY& VINEYARDS 751172 San Marcos Road, PR805-467-3331, rabbitridgewin-ery.com, Tasting Wed-Sun 11-5 RIO SECO VINEYARD &WINERY 774295 Union Road, PR805-237-8884, riosecowine.comTasting Daily 11-5RIVERSTAR VINEYARD 787450 Estrella Road, San Miguel805-467-0086, riverstarvine-yards.com, Tasting Daily 11-5ROBERT HALL WINERY3443 Mill Road, PR 79805-239-1616, roberthallwinery.comTasting Daily 10-6, 10-5 (winter)ROCKY CREEK CELLARS 8687 Apple Rd.W. Hwy. 46,Templeton, 805-238-1919rockycreekcellars.com 80Tasting Daily 12-5ROTTA WINERY 813750 W. Hwy. 46,Templeton805-237-0510, rottawinery.comTasting Mon-Fri 11-5, Sat-Sun 11-6SAN MARCOS CREEK 837750 N. Highway 101, PR805-467-9260sanmarcoscreek.comTasting Daily 11-5SCULPTERRA WINERY 5015 Linne Road, PR 84805-226-8881, sculpterra.comTasting Fri-Sun 10-5SILVER HORSEVINEYARDS 852995 Pleasant Road, San Miguel805-467-9309, silverhorse.comTasting Fri-Mon 11-5STACKED STONECELLARS 861525 Peachy Canyon Rd., PR805-238-7872,stackedstone.comTasting Mon-Thu by Appt.,Fri-Sun 11-5

STILL WATERSVINEYARD 872750 Old Grove Lane, PR805-237-9231, stillwatersvine-yard.com, Tasting Thu-Mon 11-5STEPHEN’S CELLAR 887575 York Mountain Road,Templeton, 805-238-2412stephenscellar.comTasting by Appt.SUMMERWOOD WINERY2175 Arbor Road, PR 89805-227-1365, summerwood.comTasting Daily 10-6, 10-5 (winter)TABLAS CREEKVINEYARD 929339 Adelaida Rd, PR805-237-1231, tablascreek.comTasting Daily 10-5TERRY HOAGEVINEYARDS 93870 Arbor Road, PR805-238-2083terryhoagevineyards.comTasting Fri-Sun 11-4 by Appt.THUNDERBOLT WINERY2740 Hidden Mtn. Rd., PR 94805-226-9907thunderboltwinery.comTasting Fri-Sun 11-5TOBIN JAMES CELLARS8950 Union Rd., PR 95805-239-2204, tobinjames.comTasting Daily 10-6TURLEY WINE CELLARS2900 Vineyard Dr.,Templeton805-434-1030, turleywinecel-lars.com, Tasting Daily 9-5 96VENTEUX VINEYARDS971795 Las Tablas Rd.,Templeton805-369-0127, venteuxvineyards.comTasting Mon-Fri 12-5, Sat-Sun 10-5VIA VEGA WINERY 9822378 Adobe Rd., PR805-423-2190, viavega.comTasting Fri-Sat 11-5, Sun by appt.VICTOR HUGO WINERY2850 El Pomar Dr.,Templeton805-434-1128, victorhugowin-ery.om, Tasting by Appt. 99VIHUELA WINERY 1001307 Park Street Alley, PR805-835-4304, vihuelawinery.comTasting Sun-Mon 11-4,Thu-Sat 11-8VILLICANA WINERY 1012725 Adelaida Road,PR805-239-9456, villicanawinery.comTasting Thu-Sun 11-5VINA ROBLES 1023700 Mill Road, PR805-227-4812,vinarobles.comTasting Daily10-6,10-5 (winter)VISTA DEL REYVINEYARDS 1037340 Drake Road,PR805-467-2138Tasting Sun 11-5 & by Appt.WESTBERG CELLARS1053180 Willow Creek Rd., PR805-238-932, Tasting by Appt.WILD COYOTE ESTATEWINERY 1063775 Adelaida Road,PR805-610-1311, wildcoyote.bizTasting Daily 11-5 WILD HORSE WINERY1437 Wild Horse Winery Ct.,Templeton, 805-434-2541wildhorsewinery.com 107Tasting Daily 11-5WINDWARD VINEYARD1380 Live Oak Rd., PR 108805-239-2565, windwardvine-yard.com, Tasting Daily 10:30-5YORK MOUNTAINWINERY 1097505 York Mountain Rd.,Templeton, 805-238-3925yorkmountainwinery.comTasting Daily 11-4ZENAIDA CELLARS1550 W. Hwy. 46, PR 110805-227-0382, zenaidacellars.comTasting Daily 11-5ZIN ALLEY WINERY 1113730 W. Hwy. 46, PRzinalley.com, 805-238-0959Tasting by Appt.

ADELAIDA WINERY 15805 Adelaida Road,PR805-239-8980,adelaida.comTasting Daily 10-5AJB VINEYARDS 23280 Township Road,PR805-239-9432, ajbvineyards.comTasting Sat-Sun 12-5ANGLIM WINERY 3740 Pine Street,PR, 805-227-6813anglimwinery.com, Tasting Thu-Sat 11-5:30, Sun 12-5:30 or by Appt.ARROYO ROBLES 4739 12th Street,PR,877-759-WINEarroyorobles.com, Tasting Daily11-7AUGUST RIDGEVINEYARDS 58790 E.Hwy.41,Creston805-239-2455, augustridge.comTasting Sat-Sun 11-5 or by Appt.B & E VINEYARDS 710000 Creston Rd.,PR805-238-4815, bevineyard.comTasting Fri-Sun 11-5BELLA LUNA 81850 Templeton Rd.,Templeton805-434-5477, bellalunawine.comTasting Fri-Sun 10-5BIANCHI VINEYARDS3380 Branch Road, PR 9805-226-9922, bianchiwine.comTasting Daily 10-5BRIAN BENSONCELLARS 102985 Anderson Rd., PR805-296-9463, brianbensoncel-lars.com, Tasting Fri-Sun 10:30-5CALCAREOUSVINEYARD 113430 Peachy Canyon Rd., PR805-239-0289, calcareous.comTasting Thu-Mon 11-5 or by Appt.CAPARONE WINERY 122280 San Marcos Road, PR 805-467-3827, caparone.comTasting Daily 11-5CARMODY MCKNIGHTESTATE WINES 1311240 Chimney Rock Road,PR, 805-238-9392carmodymcknight.comTasting Daily 10-5CASA DE CABALLOS 142225 Raymond Ave.,Templeton805-434-1687, casadecaballos.comTasting Daily 11-5

Pas

o R

oble

s W

iner

y G

uide

16 � December 2010 / January 2011 • www.vinetimesonline.com

Page 17: California  Vine Times Magazine

www.vinetimesonline.com • December 2010 / January 2011 � 17

Culinary Road Trip . . .Napa ValleyBy Denise Kouzoujian

Ihad intended to take a road trip back toLodi when, woops! It took a sharp turnand I ended up visiting Napa instead.

The evening before I hit the road, myfriends Kathryn and Laura unknowingly“peaked my curiosity.” They told me aboutspectacular wines and the incredible peoplebehind the glass at Judd’s Hill Winery inNapa Valley. The family that built the win-ery sounded so wonderful, they remindedme of my own lively Greek family. I justhad to drive up to meet them, taste theirdelicious wines, and have a little adventure!I picked up my mother on a very specialmorning – the morning our own SF Giant’swere back in town after winning the WorldSeries! As we passed through SanFrancisco, heading towards the Bay Bridge,we gave a big wave out to the fans andplayers at the Giant’s Victory Parade.

We soon found ourselves engulfed bythe warm fall colors as we drove into NapaValley and onto the Silverado Trail. Ialways enjoy driving through this beautifulwine region and stopping at the fruit andvegetable stands peppered along the high-way. Terrific thoughts of a sweet and

savory pumpkin soup, a comforting GrilledLamb Chop & Polenta, and wilted greenssitting atop a rich mushroom sauce filledmy head. Now, to find the perfect wine toenjoy with these new dishes!

As we entered the drive, we passedthe estate vineyard leading up to Judd’sHill Winery. The grounds were filled withenticing vegetable gardens and a lovelypatio canopied by beautiful trees, flowersand shrubs. We were greeted by JuddFinkelstein (owner and winemaker), ourfriends, Kathryn and Laura, along withother members of their family. It was anabsolutely gorgeous afternoon. The sunshone brightly on the golden colors in thevineyard, providing a spectacular backdropwhile sitting in the garden patio as we tast-ed unbelievable wines. Judd shared his per-sonal journey and his family’s history withus as well.

We were then introduced to JBrewner, resident wine and food pairingguru. As sweet as can be, J was burstingwith knowledge. We talked about the deli-cious wines and creative dishes to comple-ment them. We listened to wonderful sto-ries about the family that is behind theJudd’s Hill Winery. Judd’s parents, Art and

Bunnie, started the winery out of

their L.A. garage in the early 70s. Fromwhat he said, they are an amazing couplewith creative minds, a love for the arts, anda longtime passion for wine. As J enter-tained, we drank from the Judd collection,leading me to find the perfect wines I waslooking for.

Judd’s Hill 2008 Estate Pinot Noir,Napa Valley – $34. This wine will enhancethe dining experience not only with mySweet and Savory Pumpkin Soup but witha Pumpkin Pie as well. Yes, Pumpkin Pie –J swears by it! These grapes get more sunallowing a better chance to ripen, givingmore dynamic and bold flavors.

Judd’s Hill 2009 Old Vine Zinfandel,Lodi – $30. How about that – I managed toget to Lodi after all! These grapes are handpicked off of 76-year-old vines grown inLodi. This gorgeous wine has a great bal-ance of spice with a smooth, creamier tex-ture and a soft herbal finish.

On this trip, I walked away with morethan I had hoped for. I found not only greatwines to enjoy with my dishes but I joinedthe wine club and became part of the Judd’sHill “family” as well. I walked in with ahand-shake and a smile, then left hours laterwith a few bottles of vino and a hug.

Grilled Lamb Chops & Polenta,Wilted Greens Sitting atop a SavoryMushroom SauceThis dish is not only elegant but warm and comforting aswell. Savor this simple dish throughout the holiday sea-son and enjoy with your family and friends. Serves 4.

Grilled Lamb Chops & Polenta8 small lamb rib chops, thin-cut and lean1 tablespoon French gray sea salt, coarse (coarse sea saltworks fine, too)2 tablespoons dried sage2 tablespoons dried thyme2 tablespoon extra virgin olive oilPinch of black pepper1 package of cooked polenta

Combine sea salt, sage and thyme in a small bowl.Place the lamb chops in a shallow baking dish. Drizzleolive oil over the chops and gently rub in to coat each chop,bone and all. Sprinkle half of the salt-and-herb mixture andpepper on one side of the chops; flip over chops and sprin-kle the other side to coat the meat on all four sides. Letchops sit for about 10 minutes, flipping occasionally.

Grill chops on the barbeque or in a grill pan overmedium heat for 3-4 minutes each side. Set aside.

Slice the polenta into 1/2 inch circles and grill about1 to 2 minutes on each side.

Savory Mushroom Sauce2 cups of a variety of mushrooms, thinly sliced1 shallot, thinly sliced2 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped2 tablespoon fresh thyme, pickedPinch of fine sea saltDash of pepper2 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil1 tablespoon butter1/4 cup prepared French Demi-glaze1/8 cup heavy creamOver a medium heat, sauté mushrooms and shallots in asauté pan with olive oil and butter. Sprinkle a dash of saltand pepper and cook down for about 5 minutes or, untilthey begin to turn a golden brown. Add French Demi-Glaze and half of the sage & thyme; reduce heat to lowand let simmer for another 5 minutes. Slowly pour inheavy cream and set aside.

Wilted Mixed Greens:2 Bunches Swiss Chard2 Bunches Kale4 Large Shallots3 Cloves Garlic1/4 Cup Olive Oil1/2 Cup Chicken Broth Salt and Pepper to tasteCut greens into large 1 inch pieces and set aside. Heat oilin a large pan and add garlic and shallots and a pinch ofsalt. Cook until they begin to caramelize. Add greens topan and cook down. Once greens have wilted, add chick-en broth and cover for about 3-4 minutes. Plate, serve and enjoy with a glass of Judd’s Hill Winery’s2009 Old Vine Zinfandel

Sweet & Savory Pumpkin SoupThis cool weather soup is not only simple but comfortingas well. Sweetened with apples, sweet milk & honey, italmost tastes like pumpkin pie in a bowl.5 cups pumpkin, peeled, seeded and cut into 1-1/2 inchpieces 2 medium apples, peeled, cored and sliced1 medium sweet onion, chopped2 tablespoons olive oil1 tablespoon butter6 cups low-sodium chicken stock1/4 cup honey1 small can sweetened evaporated milk (I use non-fat)1 to 3 pinches of sea salt1 cup crème fraiche1/4 teaspoon ground white pepper1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/4 teaspoon ground all spice

In a large sauce pan, sauté the pumpkin, butternutsquash, onions, apples and a pinch of salt until the onionsbegin to turn golden brown. Add the rest of the ingredi-ents, except the evaporated milk, to the pan. Bring to aboil and let simmer on low heat for 25 minutes, or untiltender.

Mix with an immersion blender until creamy, andthen slowly stir in evaporated milk.

Let cool a bit, then salt & pepper to taste. Servewarm and garnish with a dollop of crème fraiche, a hintof cinnamon and toasted pumpkin seeds.

Denise Kouzoujian with family and friendsenjoying a gorgeous afternoon at Judd’sHill Winery. (J Brewner)

Judd’s Hill wines displayed in their tastingroom. (Denise Kouzoujian)

Judd Finkelstein proudly holding his grapepumice after the crush.

(Denise Kouzoujinan)

Page 18: California  Vine Times Magazine

San

ta B

arba

ra C

ount

y W

iner

y G

uide

mckeonphillipswinery.comTasting Fri-Sun 11-6 or byAppt.RANCHO SISQUOC 796600 Foxen Canyon Rd.,Los Olivos,805-934-4332ranshosisquoc.com,Tasting Daily 10-5RIVERBENCH VINEYARD& WINERY 786020 Foxen Canyon Rd.,Santa Maria,805-937-8340riverbench.com,Tasting Daily 10-4STEPHEN ROSS WINECELLARS 802717 Aviation Way,Ste.F1,SantaMaria, 805-594-1318 stephenrosswine.comTasting byAppt.TRES HERMANAS VINE-YARD 829660 Foxen Camp Rd.,Santa Maria805-937-8451treshermanaswinery.comTasting Daily 10-5ZACA MESA 986905 Foxen Canyon Rd,LosOlivos850-688-9339,zacamesa.comTasting Daily 10-4

SANTA BARBARACOUNTY SOUTHALEXANDER & WAYNE 22922 Grand Avenue, Los Olivos800-824-8584 alexanderandwayne.comTasting Daily 11-6ALMA ROSA 37250 Santa Rosa Road,Buellton805-688-9090,almarosawinery.comTasting Daily 11-4ANDREW MURRAY 52901-A Grand Avenue,Los Olivos805-693-9644,andrewmurrayvine-yards.com,Tasting Daily 11-6ARTHUR EARL 62922 Grand Avenue,Los Olivos800-646-EARL, arthurearl.comTasting Daily 11-6ARTISTE 73569 Sagunto Street,Santa Ynez,CA,805-686-2626Artiste.com,Tasting Daily 11-5BABCOCK 9on Highway 246,west of Buellton805-736-1455,babcockwinery.comTasting Daily 10:30-4BECKMEN 112670 Ontiveros Rd,Los Olivos805-688-8664,Tasting Daily 11-5BERNAT 142879 Grand Ave,Los Olivos 805-688-7265,santabarbarawine.comTasting Daily 11-9BLACKJACK RANCH 152205 Alamo Pintado Rd,Solvang805-686-9922,blackjackranch.comTasting Thu-Mon 11-5BRANDER 162401 Refugio Rd,Los Olivos

805-688-2455,brander.comTasting Daily 10-5,11-4 (winter)BRIDLEWOOD 173555 Roblar Ave,Santa Ynez805-688-9000, 800-467-4100bridlewoodwinery.comTasting Daily 10-5BUTTONWOOD FARM191500 Alamo Pintado R,Solvang805-688-3032,buttonwoodwin-ery.com,Tasting Daily 11-5CARINA CELLARS 212900 Grand Ave,Ste A,Los Olivos805-688-2459, carinacellars.comTasting Daily 11-5CARHARTT VINEYARD222990-A Grand Ave.,Los Olivos805-688-0685,carhattvineyard.comTasting Wed-Mon 11-5CARR VINEYARDS 24414 N.Salsipuedes St,Santa Barbara,805-965-7985carrwinery.com,Tasting Daily 11-5CASA CASSARA 25291 Valley Station Rd,Buellton805-688-8691,casaassarainery.comTasting Wed-Mon 10-6CONSILIENCE 282933 Grand Ave,Los Olivos805-691-1020,consiliencewines.comTasting Daily,11-5D’ALFONSO-CURRAN 291557 Mission,Solvang,805-688-3494,dalfonso-curranwines.comTasting Fri-Mon 11-5 (winter hours)DANIEL GEHRS WINES 312939 Grand Ave,Los Olivos800-275-8138,dgwines.comTasting Daily 11-6

DIERBERG, STAR LANE &THREE SAINTS 322445 Alamo Pintado Ave,Los Olivos,805-693-0744,DierbergVineyard.comTasting Daily 11-5DRAGONETTE CELLARS 331633 West Central Ave.,Lompoc805-737-0200,dragonettecellars.comTasting Sat 11-4,other days byApptEAST VALLEY VINEYARD344960 Baseline Ave.,Santa Ynez805-455-1412,eastvalleywines.comVineyard Visits by appt.EPIPHANY CELLARS 352963 Grand Ave,Los Olivos866-354-9463,epiphanycellars.comTasting Thu-Mon 11:30-5:30FIDDLEHEAD CELLARS 62597 E Chestnut Ave,Lompoc800-251-1225/ 805-742-0204fiddleheadcellars.comThu-Sat 11-4 and byAppt.FLYING GOATCELLARS 761520 E.Chestnut,Unit A,Lompoc805-736-9032, flyinggoatcellars.comTasting Thu-Sat 11-4FOLEY ESTATES 406121 E Highway 246,Lompoc805-737-6222, foleywines.comTasting Daily 10-5GAINEY 423950 East Highway 246Santa Ynez,805-688-0558gaineyvineyard.com,Tasting Daily 10-5HITCHING POST 46406 East Highway 246,Buellton805-688-0676,hitchingpostwines.comTasting Daily 4-8

HUBER CELLARS 47539 Mission Dr., #A, Solvang805-686-9323,hubercellars.comTasting Daily 10– 5JAFFURS WINE CELLAR 51819 East Montectio St,Santa Barbara805-962-7003, jaffurswine.comTasting Fri-Sun 12-4 or byAppt.JOHN KERR 53At Los Olivos Tasting Room2905 Grand Ave.,Los Olivos 805-688-5337, jkerrwines.comTasting Daily 11-6KALYRA 55343 North Refugio RdSanta Ynez,805-693-8864kalyrawinery.com,Tasting Daily 11-5KEN BROWN WINES 56Terravant Wine Ctr.70 Industrial Way,Buellton805-448-3791,By Appt.onlyLAFOND 606855 Santa Rosa Rd,Buellton805-688-7921,lafondwinery.comTasting Daily 10-5LA VIE 37308-D North 9th St.,Lompoc805-291-2111, lavievineyards.comTasting Fri-Sun,11-5LINCOURT VINEYARDS 631711 Alamo Pintado Rd,Solvang805-688-8554, lincourtwines.comTasting Daily 10-5LONGORIA 642935 Grand Ave,Los Olivos 866-RLWINES, longoriawine.comTasting Daily 11-4:30LUCAS & LEWELLEN 651645 Copenhagen Dr., Solvang805-686-9336, llwine.comTasting Daily 11-5:30MANDOLINA 661665 Copenhagen Dr,Solvang805-686-5506,Tasting Daily 11-5:30MELVILLE 695185 East Hwy.246,Lompoc 805-735-7030,melvillevineyards.comTasting Daily 11-4MOSBY 729496 Santa Rosa Rd.,Buellton800-70-MOSBY/ 805-688-2415mosbywines.comTasting Sat-Sun 10-5,Mon-Fri 10-4 OREANA / CELLAR 205 73205 Anacapa St,Santa Barbara805-962-5857,cellar205.comTasting Daily 11-5PALMINA 761520 East Chestnut Ct,Lompoc805-735-2030, palminawines.comTasting Thu-Sat11- 4 or byAppt.PRESIDIO 771603 Copenhagen Dr.#1,Solvang,805-966-9463,presidowinery.comTasting Daily 11-6RIDEAU 801562 Alamo Pintado Rd,Solvang805-688-0717,rideauvineyard.comTasting Mon-Fri 10:30-5,Sat-Sun10:30-5:30

ROBLAR WINERY 813010 Roblar Avenue,Santa Ynez805-686-8540,roblarwinery.comTasting Daily 10-5ROYAL OAKS 821651 Copenhagen Dr, Solvang805-693-1740,royaloakswinery.comTasting Daily 10-5:30RUSACK 831819 Ballard Canyon Rd, Solvang805-688-1278,rusackvineyards.comTasting Daily 11-5SANFORD 845010 Santa Rosa Rd,Lompoc805-688-3300 or 800-426-9463sanfordwinery.com,Tasting Daily 11-5SANTA BARBARAWINERY 85202 Anacapa St,805-963-3633/ 800-225-3633sbwinery.com,Tasting Daily 10-5SCOTT CELLARS 862933 San Marcos Ave,Los Olivos805-570-0048,scottcellars.comTasting Wed-Mon11-5SHOESTRING WINERY 87800 East Hwy.246,Solvang800-693-8612,shoestringwinery.comTasting Fri-Sun 11-4 or byAppt.STOLPMAN 882434 Alamo Pintado,Los Olivos805-688-0400stolpmanvineyards.comTasting Daily 11-5,ex.Fri 11-6SUMMERLAND WINERY 892330 Lillie Ave,Summerland805-565-9463,summerlandwine.comTasting Tue-Thu 11-5, Fri- Sun11-7SUNSTONE 90125 Refugio Rd,Santa Ynez800-313-9463,sunstonewinery.comTasting Daily 10-4TASTES OF THEVALLEYS 91Au Bon Climat,Arcadian,Margerum & more...1672 Mission,Solvang,805-688-7111tastesofthevalleys.com,Tasting Daily 12-8, Sat 12-9TENSLEY/LEA WINES 922900 Grand Ave.,Ste.B,Los Olivos805-688-6761, tensleywines.comTasting Fri-Sat 11-5TRE ANELLI WINE 932923 Grand Ave.,Los Olivos805-686-3000, treanelliwine.comTasting Daily 11-5WINE COUNTRY 94TASTING(Core,Great Oaks,Huber,J.Wilkes,Qupe,Silver, Taz,Verdad)2445 Alamo Pintado Ave.,LosOlivos,805-686-9699Tasting Daily 11-5WHITCRAFT WINERY 9536-A S.Calle Cesar Chavez,SantaBarbara,805-965-0956whitcraftwinery.comTasting Fri-Sun 12-4

SANTA BARBARACOUNTY NORTHADDAMO VINEYARDS 1400 East Clark Ave,Santa Maria805-937-6400, AddamoVineyards.comTasting Tue-Sun 11-7BEDFORD THOMPSONWINERY & VINEYARD 12448 Bell St,Los Alamosbedfordthompsonwinery.com805-244-2107, Tasting Daily 11-5 BYRON 205250 Tepusquet Rd,Santa Maria805-344-2107,byronwines.comTasting byAppt.CAMBRIA WINERY &VINEYARD 215475 Chardonnay Ln,Santa Maria,cambriawine.com805-937-8091,Tasting Daily 10-5COLD HEAVEN 27448-B Bell St,Los Alamos805-937-9801,coldheavencellars.comTasting byAppt.CORE WINERY 28145 S.Geary St.#103,Old Orcutt805-937-1600,corewine.comTasting Wed-SunCOSTA DE OROWINERY 301331 S.Nicholson Ave.,Santa Maria 805-922-1468.cdowinery.comTasting Sun-Thu 10-6,Fri-Sat 10-8COTTONWOOD 31CANYON3940 Dominion Rd.,Santa Maria805-937-9063 cottonwoodcanyon.comTasting Daily 10-5:30 CURTIS WINERY 325249 Foxen Canyon Rd.,Los Olivos,805-686-8999curtiswinery.comTasting Daily 10:30-5:30FESS PARKER WINERY &VINEYARD 366200 Foxen Canyon Rd,Santa Maria,805-937-4251fessparker.com,Tasting Daily 10-5FIRESTONE VINEYARD 385000 Zaca Station Rd,Los Olivos,805-688-3940, firestonewine.comTasting Daily 10-5/ToursFOXEN VINEYARD 417200 Foxen Canyon Rd,Santa Maria,805-937-4251foxenvineyard.com,Tasting Daily 11-4KENNETH VOLK 585230 Tepusquet Road,Santa Maria805-938-7896,volkwines.comTasting Daily 10:30-4:30KOEHLER 595360 Foxen Canyon Rd,Los Olivos805-693-8384,koehlerwinery.comTasting Daily 10-5MCKEON-PHILLIPS 682115 S.Blosser Road,Unit 114Santa Maria,805-928-3025

18 � December 2010 / January 2011 • www.vinetimesonline.com

Page 19: California  Vine Times Magazine

www.vinetimesonline.com • December 2010 / January 2011 � 19

jlohr.com

PASO ROBLES

Mid winter’s storms are the

perfect time to curl up with

some J. Lohr wine – fireside.

SAN JOSE

By Tom Plant

If you live in the Temecula region,you have probably passed the sign onRancho California Road dozens of timesover the past several years, advertising theimminent arrival of Europa Village. Thelong journey towards bringing this trio ofboutique wineries from concept to realityis nearing its realization.

On October 13, golden shovels sentdirt flying at the official groundbreakingceremony for Europa Village’s Preludetasting room. While onlookers sippedEuropa Village Pinot Grigio and Tem-pranillo, what started as a dream began totake shape. Partners Dan Stephenson andDenis Ferguson spoke of what was tocome. Representatives from several areawineries, including Briar Rose, WilsonCreek and Miramonte lent their support,and Jeff Greene, chief of staff forAssemblyman Kevin Jeffries of the 66thDistrict added his best wishes while pre-senting a certificate of appreciation.

Denis looks at Prelude as a screeningroom, if you will, a definition for theEuropa Village project. Prelude is the ini-tial tasting room that will introduce peopleto Europa Village while the rest is beingbuilt. It will be housed in the first 3,400square foot L-shaped building that willeventually feature a small French bistro atone end with an above ground “cave” atthe other hosting intimate wine events.

Not only will Europa Village beunlike anything else in the TemeculaValley, he says it will be unlike anythingelse anywhere. The goal is to replicate atime gone by when the pace of life wasslower. Three boutique wineries: C’est LaVie Chateau, Bolero Cellars and Vienzawill be at the heart of the village. Nuancesof the old world will be evident from thegardens to the small streets where you canstroll among all three wineries. Fergusonsays they want to tell a story. “If EuropaVillage is a book, you want to at least getthem into the first couple of chapters andthen have them come back for more.”

The principals believe a respect forthis area and their neighbors will play a keyrole in their success. To that end, they areinvolved with a master plan for wine coun-try. “Without respect, you don’t have suc-cess,” says Ferguson. “We succeed ifeveryone else succeeds.” Supervisor JeffStone sees huge potential for the region.Ferguson notes that the Temecula Valley isone of the few wine regions that allowsamenities other than winemaking. Manyregions do not allow their wineries to havean on-site restaurant or to host concerts,Temecula does. With that in mind, the planis to offer restaurants and events in harmo-

ny with the old world European feelEuropa Village will offer.

Their values in winemaking aim forconsistency with age-old values ofEuropean winemaking traditions. Thewines will focus on varietals from theMediterranean, Rhône, Priorat, Piedmontand Tuscany regions. Prelude will haveone winemaker creating wines for all three

A “Prelude” to Temecula’sEuropa Village

Local color stands in as the Color Guard(Tom Plant)

The dirt flew on October 13 at the officialgroundbreaking ceremony for Temecula’sEuropa Village Prelude Tasting Room.

(Tom Plant)

Partners Dan Stephenson and Denis Fer-guson spoke of their plans for the project.

(Tom Plant)

Continued on Page 30

Page 20: California  Vine Times Magazine

Winery Guide

EL DORADO NORTH

AURIGA WINE CELLARS 13500 Carson Rd., #D2, Camino,530-647-8078aurigawines.comTasting Fri-Sun, 11-5

BOA VISTA ORCHARDS/VINEYARDS 22952 Carson Rd., Placerville530-622-5522, boavista.comTasting Daily 11-5BOEGER WINERY 31709 Carson Rd., Placerville530-622-8094boegerwinery.comTasting Daily 10-5CHATEAU RODIN WINERY 44771 Green Hills Rd. ,Placerville530-622-6839chateaurodin.comTasting Wed-Sun 11-5 CHEVALIER WINERY 55720 French Creek Rd.,Shingle Springs, 530-677-1676chevalierwinery.comTasting Sat 12-5

CRYSTAL BASIN CELLARS 73550 Carson Rd., Camino530-647-1767crystalbasin.comTasting Daily 11-5COULSON ELDORADO WINERY 83600 Carson Rd., Camino530-644-2854www.coulsonwinery.comTasting Thu-Sun 11-5

DAVID GIRARD VINEYARDS 9741 Cold Springs Rd.,Placerville530-295-1833davidgirardvineyards.comTasting Fri-Sun 11-5FENTON HERRIOTTVINEYARDS 11120 Jacquier Ct.,Placervillefentonherriott.com 530-642-2021 Tasting Thu-Sun 11-5/Tours byAppt.FINDLETON ESTATE &VINEYARD 123500 Carson Rd., Camino530-644-4018finzinwines.comTasting Fri-Sun 11-5 GOLD HILL WINERY 135660 Vineyard Ln., Placerville530-626-6522goldhillvineyard.comTasting Thu-Sun 10-5 HOLLY’S HILL VINEYARDS& WINERY 143680 Leisure Ln., Placerville530-344-0227hollyshill.comTasting Daily 10-5 ILLUMINARE ESTATE 163500 Carson Rd., Camino530-647-1884illuminarewinery.comTasting Fri-Sun 11-5

JODAR VINEYARDS & WINERY 173405 Carson Court, Camino530-644-3474, jodarwinery.comTasting Daily 11-5

LAVA CAP WINERY 182221 Fruitridge Rd, Placerville530-621-0175/ 800-475-0175lavacap.comTasting Daily 11-5MADROÑA VINEYARDS 192560 High Hill Rd., Camino 530-644-5948madronavineyards.comTasting Daily 11-5MIRAFLORES WINERY 212120 Four Springs Trail,Placerville, 530-647-8505mirafloreswinery.comTasting Daily 10-5NARROW GATE VINEYARDS 224282 Pleasant Valley Rd.,Placerville, 530-644-6201narrowgatevineyards.comTasting Fri-Sat 10-5, Sun 12-5PARAVI VINEYARDS 232875 Larsen Dr., Camino530-647-9463primusvineyards.comTasting Daily 11-5SIERRA VISTA WINERY& VINEYARD 254560 Cabernet Wy., Placerville530-622-7221/ 800-WINE-916sierravistawinery.comTasting Daily 10-5SOGNO WINERY 263046 Ponderosa Rd.,Shingle Springs, 530-672-6968sognowinery.comTasting Wed-Sun 11-5

STONE’S THROW WINERY 273541 N. Canyon Rd., Camino530-622-5100, stonesthrowwines.comTasting Fri-Sun May-Dec, by Appt.STOVER OAKS 285241 Nashville Tr., Placerville530-626-WINETasting Fri-Sun 11-5 THOMPSON MINING CAMPWINERY 294801 Rock Barn, Shingle Springs530-677-6510Tasting Thu-Sun 10-5 VENEZIO VINEYARDS& WINERY 315821 Hwy. 49, Pilot Hill530-885-WINE, venezio.comTasting Wed-Sun 11-5 WOFFORD ACRES VINEYARDS321900 Hidden Valley Ln.,Camino530-626-6858, wavwines.comTasting Thu-Sun 11-5 or by Appt.

EL DORADO SOUTHBUSBY CELLARS 16375 Grizzly Flat Rd, Somerset,530-344-9119busbycellars.comTasting Fri-Sun11-5:30

CANTIGA WINEWORKS 25980 Meyers Ln, Somerset530-621-1696cantigawine.comTasting Fri-Sun 11-5 and by Appt.

CEDARVILLE VINEYARD 36320 Marestail Rd, Fair Play530-620-9463cedarvillevineyard.comTasting by Appt.

CHALET FLEUR DE LYS 47696 Perry Creek Rd,Somerset, 530.620.2246fleurdelyswinery.comTasting Fri-Sun 11-5 or by Appt.

CHATEAU ROUTON 52800 Omo Ranch Rd, Fair Play,530-620-5818chateaurouton.comTasting Wed-Sun 11-5

COLIBRI RIDGE WINERY 6& VINEYARDS6100 Grey Rock Rd,Fair Play, 530-620-7255colibriridge.comTasting Fri-Sun 11-5

CHARLES B. MITCHELL WINERY 78221 Stoney Creek Rd, Fair Play,530-620-3467charlesbmitchell.com,Tasting Mon-Fri 11-5,Sat-Sun 10:30-5

DK CELLARS 97380 Vineyard View Dr.,Fair Play, 530-620-1132dkcellars.comTasting Fri-Sun 11-5

FITZPATRICK WINERY 107740 Fairplay Rd., Fair Play530-620-3248/ 800-245-9166fitzpatrickwinery.comTasting Daily 11-5 ex.Tue

GRANITE SPRINGS WINERY 125050 Granite Springs Winery Rd.,Fair Play, 530-620-6395/ 800-638-6041, latcham.comTasting Fri-Sun 11-5

IVERSON WINERY 148061 Perry Creek Rd., Fair Play530-620-7474iversonwinery.comTasting Fri-Sun 11-5 or by Appt.

LATCHAM VINEYARDS 152860 Omo Ranch, Mt.Aukum530-620-6642/ 800-750-5591latcham.comTasting Thur-Mon 11-5

MOUNT AUKUM WINERY 176781 Tower Rd., Mount Aukum800-591-9463, mountaukum.comTasting Daily 11-5

OAKSTONE WINERY 186440 Slug Gulch Rd., Fair Play530-620-5303oakstone-winery.comTasting Wed-Sun 11-5 PERRY CREEK VINEYARDS 197400 Perry Creek Rd. Fair Play530-620-5175perrycreek.comTasting Daily 11-5

SIERRA OAKS ESTATES 218171 Mt.Aukum Rd.,Mt.Aukum530-620-7079sierraoaksestates.comTasting Wed-Sun 11-5 SINGLE LEAF VINEYARD 22& WINERY7480 Fairplay Rd., Fairplay530-620-3545/ 888-ONE-LEAFsingleleaf.comTasting Wed-Sun 11-5TOOGOOD ESTATE WINE 23CAVES7280 Fair Play Rd, FairPlay530-620-1910toogoodwinery.comTasting Fri-Sun 11-5:30 or by Appt.

URSA VINEYARDS 245951 Mt.Aukum Rd, Somerset530-647-2646ursavineyards.comTasting Fri-Sun 11-5 VAN DER VIJVER ESTATE 257451 Fairplay Rd., Fair Play530.620.3210Tasting 11-5 Wed-Sun & by Appt.WINDWALKER VINEYARDS 267360 Perry Creek Rd., Fair Play530-620-4054windwalkervineyard.comTasting Daily 11-5 or by Appt.WINERY BY THE CREEK 278085 Perry Creek Rd., Fair Play530-620-2402winerybythecreek.comTasting Thu-Sun 11-5

20 � December 2010 / January 2011 • www.vinetimesonline.com

means it gathers the richness and depth oneexpects to find in a classic bubbly and alsoallows for a wine that improves with age,unlike so many sparkling wines made to beconsumed immediately upon production.This Grande Duchesse calmly delivers aFrench boulangerie’s more toasty, weightybaked goods, like custard filled pastriesand almond croissants. You’ll find yourselflicking your lips for a taste of butterycrumbs. Now, really, can your iPhone appdo that?

Visit mcintyrevineyards.com.

J Vineyard and Winery: Don’t crossthe threshold of the New Year without atreat from the Sparkling Queen of theRussian River Valley. For those of you whohave missed the champagne-christened

boat, J, begun by winemaker Judy Jordanin 1986, is a legend. Here, sparkling wineis made according to the mêthode champ-enoise, the traditional method used to makeChampagne in the eponymous regionnortheast of Paris. More power to them fordoing some really cool varietals also, buttheir prowess remains the bubble-zone.They have two delightful ways to uncork acelebration for the holidays.

There’s the J Cuvee 20 Brut NV ($20,jwine.com) that celebrates their 20 years ofwinemaking with a blend of 49 percentChardonnay, 49 percent Pinot Noir and 2percent Pinot Meunier. Deliciously invit-ing, and at a very reasonable price, thisbubbly packs crisp apple, grapefruit andangel food cake along with hints of toastyalmonds and caramel, plus some nice ripepear. Atad of residual sugar guarantees that

everyone will enjoy. The J Brut Rose NV ($35, jwine.com)

is a stalwart and stately sparkling, madefrom 56 percent Pinot and 44 percentChardonnay, with a gorgeous pale pinksheath and so much engaging flavorbeneath. The aromas of strawberries, ripenectarines and Pink Lady apples beckon youto peel back the skin and dip your tongueinto the deliciousness of cherry, rhubarb, keylime, ruby grapefruit, blood orange and tan-gerine. What a treat to enjoy with salmonmousse or citrus-marinated prawns grilledin a bath of blood orange or lime olive oilfrom Stella Cadente out of Mendocino. Byitself it is fine, but so rich a body and texturedeserves cuisine. Such a sacrifice!

Happy New Year to all and to all agood night, and enjoy an endless flight ofgreat bubblies.

Sparkling for A New DecadeContinued from Page 15

Page 21: California  Vine Times Magazine

www.vinetimesonline.com • December 2010 / January 2011 � 21

Fairplay Wine Area 800-622-1323

Shenandoah Valley Wine Area800-748-5931

NAPA - 131 ACRES

• 131 Acres- 2 separate parcels• Breathtaking views- San Pablo Bay, Napa River,

Mt Tamalpais & valley vineyards• 1 Acre Syrah Noir• 59+/- Plantable acreage• Multiple building sites• Close to Napa airport & Napa marina• Easy access from Hwy 12 in Napa County• Unbelievably priced at $20K an acre!• Possible Seller financing w/acceptable terms• Bank owned, BLA needs county approval

$2,690,000

SHENANDOAH VALLEY WINERY

$1,995,000

• 65 acres with great building sites and views• Tasting room• Capable of 12K-14K cases a year• Long established label• 2 winery buildings – 9800 sq ft total• Price includes license, label, equipment, wine

club and real property• Big well - plenty of water• 1500 sqft office• Owner financing w/sufficient down payment

NAPA VALLEY AVA

TASTING ROOM & HOUSE

• 5 Acres w/ small vineyard• 1900 SqFt ranch home• Great highway exposure• 2800 Sqft tasting room w/ kitchen, office &

storage• Paved parking lot• Small orchard surrounds country house• Home has 800 sqft double car garage• In the middle of all the Shenandoah Valley

Wineries

$1,320,000

BANTAM CELLARS IN SHENANDOAH VALLEY SHENANDOAH AVA

By Kimberly Horg-Webb

The Old Sugar Mill is located alongthe scenic Sacramento River inClarksburg, Calif. The building was

originally located in Logan Utah. Whenthe Utah factory closed in 1933 it wasbrought to Clarksburg piece by piece byrailroad. It produced sugar until 1993 andwas then vacant for several years untilplans were made by the Carvalho Familyto renovate the building and create a desti-nation for another commodity; wine tast-ing and a custom crush facility.

The Old Sugar Mill opened its’ doorsin 2003 and is now home to a unique unionof six California wineries and their signa-ture wines: Todd Taylor Wines, ThreeWine Company, The Solomon WineCompany, Heringer Estates, ClarksburgWine Company and the Carvalho FamilyWines. Each winery offers visitors some-thing different.

The Carvalho Family Winery hasbeen making premium wine for more than100 years. The family tradition started inthe villages and vineyards of Portugal andnow continues in Clarksburg. They arededicated to the production of small-lot,hand-crafted California wines using grapes

from the Clarksburg appellation and otherhigh-quality vineyards throughout Calif-ornia.

Todd Taylor Wines produces singlevineyard designated wines. Grapes arespecifically selected from vineyards thatproduce premium fruit for their varietal.Todd Taylor makes its own wine from startto finish using traditional methods andaged in oak cooperage that highlights theflavors of the specific grape.

The Heringer Estates premium wineshave more than 140 years of farming expe-rience under its belt. Winemaker MichaelHeringer is the sixth generation ofHeringers to farm in the Clarksburg area.Heringer family members are directlyinvolved in both managing the vineyardsand handcrafting the wine.

Michael’s wife, Donna Heringer wasproudly holding the newest member oftheir family, Tucker, in her arms whileexplaining why her family knows how tomake wine. “There are six generations ofgrape farmers at Heringer so we know howto grow grapes,” she said. “There is greatwine here in a close proximity and it is agreat place to come out and see.”

Sacramento resident BernadetteAustin-Bower took a day trip to The Mill

with her parents who were visiting fromout of town. “We just finished tasting atHeringer. I like tasting the fruity wines andlike Chardonnay and dessert wines thebest,” Austin-Bower, said. She says she hasbeen to The Mill before and thought itwould be a fun place to take her family.

Rudy Meyers, also from Sacramento,is another repeat visitor. He keeps comingback for more because he likes the atmos-phere and all the different varieties ofwines. “It is rare to find a place like this

. . .The Old Sugar Mill in Clarksburg

Outside The Old Sugar Mill (Kimberly Horg-Webb)

Inside The Old Sugar Mill’s hallway’s.(Kimberly Horg-Webb)Continued on Page 22

Page 22: California  Vine Times Magazine

22 � December 2010 / January 2011 • www.vinetimesonline.com

Winery Guide

MENDOCINO COUNTYANDERSONVALLEYWINE 1EXPERIENCE(Claudia Springs,Philo Ridge,Raye’s Hill)Hwy. 128, Downtown Boonville707-895-3993, Tasting Daily 11-5BARRA OF MENDOCINO 27051 North State St., RedwoodValley, 707-485-0322, barraof-mendocino.com, Tasting Daily 10-5BREGGO CELLARS 311001 Hwy. 128, Boonville707-895-9589, breggo.comTasting Daily 11-5BRUTOCAO CELLARS 413500 S. Hwy. 101, Hopland707-744-1664,brutocaocellars.com,Tasting Daily 10-57000 Hwy. 128, Philo 5800-661-2103, Tasting Daily 10-5CHIARITOVINEYARD 72651 Mill Creek Rd., Ukiahchiaritovineyard.com707-462-7146, Tasting by Appt.CLAUDIA SPRINGSWINERY 81810 Hwy. 128, Navarro707-895-3993, claudiasprings.comTasting Fri-Mon 11-5COLE BAILEYVINEYARDS 912482 Inez Way, RedwoodValley, 707-485-9507, colebai-ley.com, Tasting by Appt.DEMUTHWINERY 1116125 Deer Meadows Rd.,Boonville, 707-895-3729demuthwinery.com,Tasting byAppt.DOMAINE SAINT GREGORY 1313251 S. Hwy. 101, Ste. 3,Hopland, 707-744-8466Tasting Daily 10-5DUNCAN PEAKVINEYARDS 1414500 Mountain House Rd.,Hopland, 707-283-3632, dun-canpeak.com, Tasting by Appt.

DUNNEWOODVINEYARDS 152399 North State St., Ukiah 707-467-4843, Tasting Mon-Thu 8-4ELIZABETHVINEYARDS 178591 Colony Dr., Redwood Valley,707-485-9009, Tasting by Appt.ESTERLINA 191200 Holmes Ranch Road, Philo 707-895-2920,esterlinavineyards.comTasting by Appt.FIFEVINEYARDS 213620 Road B, Redwood Valley707-485-0323, fifevineyards.comTasting Daily 10-5FREYVINEYARDS 2214000 Tomki Rd., Redwood Valley,707-485-5177/800-760-3739,freywine.com, Tasting by Appt.GIRASOLEVINEYARDS 247051 N. State Rd., RedwoodValley, 707-485-0322,girasolevine-yards.com, Tasting Daily 10-5GOLDENEYE 259200 Hwy. 128, Philo707-895-3202, Tasting Daily 11-4GRAZIANO FAMILY OFWINES 2613251 S. Hwy. 101, Ste. 3,Hopland, 707-744-8466grazianofamilyofwines.comTasting Daily 10-5GREENWOOD RIDGEVINEYARDS 275501 Hwy. 128, Philo707-895-2002, greenwoodridge.comTasting Daily 10-5HANDLEY CELLARS 303151 Hwy. 128, Philo707-895-3876/ 800-733-3151handleycellars.com,Tasting Daily 10-6HUSCHVINEYARDS 324400 Hwy. 128, Philo707-895-3216/ 800-55-HUSCHhuschvineyards.com,Tasting Daily 10-6

JEPSONVINEYARDS 3410400 S. Hwy. 101, Ukiah, 707-468-8936/ 800-516-7342, jepsonwine.com,Tasting 10-5/Tours by Appt.JERIKO ESTATEWINERY 3512141 Hewlitt & Sturdtevant Rd.,Hopland, 707-744-1140jerikoestate.com,Tasting Daily 10-5LAZY CREEKVINEYARDS 374601 Hwy. 128, Philo707-895-3623, Tasting by Appt.LEVINWINERY 3833151 Hwy. 128,Yorkville707-894-2304, levinwinery.comTasting by Appt.LOLONISWINERY 391905 Road D, Redwood Valley 707-485-8207, lolonis.comTasting by Appt.LONDERVINEYARDS 404780 Monte Bloyd Rd., Philo707-895-3900, Tasting by Appt.MAPLE CREEKWINERY 4120799 Hwy. 128,Yorkville707-895-300, maplecreekwine.com,Tasting Daily 10:30-5MCDOWELLVALLEYVINEYARDSTASTING ROOM 4313380 S. Hwy. 101, Hopland707-744-8911,mcdowellsyrah.com,Tasting Sat-Sun 10-5, Mon-Fri 11-5MCNAB RIDGETASTING ROOM,LAWSON STATION 4413441 S. Hwy. 101, Hopland707-744-1986, Tasting Daily 10-5MENDOCINOWINE CO. 4645070 Main St., Mendocino707-937-6193, mendocino-wineco.com, Tasting Daily 10-5MEYER FAMILY CELLARS 4819750 Hwy. 128,Yorkville707-895-2341, mfcellars.comTasting 10-5 ex. SunMILANO FAMILYWINERY 4914594 S. Hwy. 101, Hopland707-744-1396/ 800-564-2582 milanowinery.com,Tasting Daily 10-5NAVARROVINEYARDS 505601 Hwy. 128, Philo707-895-3686/ 800-537-9463navarrowine.com, Tasting Daily 10-5NELSON FAMILYVINEYARDS 51550 Nelson Ranch Rd., Ukiah707-462-3755,nelsonfamily-vineyards.com,Tasting Daily 11:30-5OSTERWINE CELLARS 5313501 Tomki Rd., Redwood Valley,707-485-5257, osterwine.com,Tasting by Appt.PACIFIC ECHO CELLARS 548501 Hwy. 128, Philo707-895-2065/ 800-824-7754Tasting 11-5/Tours by Appt.PACIFIC STARWINERY 5633000 N. Hwy. 1, Fort Bragg 707-964-1155, pacificstarwinery.com,Tasting Daily 11-5PARDUCCIWINE CELLARS 57501 Parducci Rd., Ukiah707-463-5350, parducci.comTasting Daily 10-5PHILO RIDGEVINEYARDS 5927700 Nash Mill Rd., Philo707-489-2303, philoridge.comTasting by Appt.ROEDERER ESTATE 604501 Hwy. 128, Philoroedererestate.com, 707-895-2288, Tasting Daily 11-5

SCHARFFENBERGER CELLARS 628501 Hwy. 128, Philoscharffenbergercellars.com707-895-2288, Tasting Daily 11-5SILVERSMITHVINEYARDS 633700-A Rd. J, Redwood Valley, 707-485-1196, atasteofredwoodvalley.com,Tasting Sat-Sun 11-5 or by Appt.STANDISHWINE COMPANY 655101 Hwy. 101, Philo, 707-895-9213, Tasting Daily 10:30-4:30THREE FAMILIESWINERY 6613500 Hwy.101, Ste. H, Hopland,707-473-0301, threefamilieswinery.comTasting Daily 11-5TOULOUSEVINEYARDS 688001 Hwy. 128, Philo707-895-2828, toulousevine-yards.com, Tasting by Appt.VIN DETEVIS 7051161 Covelo Rd., Dos Rios707-983-9433, vindetevis.comTasting by Appt.WEIBELVINEYARDS 7113300 Buckman Dr., Hopland707-744-2200, weibel.comTasting by Appt.WHALERVINEYARDS 726200 Eastside Rd., Ukiah707-462-6355, Tasting by Appt.YORKVILLE CELLARS 7325701 Hwy. 128,Yorkville707-894-9177, yorkvillecellars.comTasting Daily 11-6ZINA HYDE CUNNINGHAM 75WINERY14077 Hwy. 128, Boonville707-895-9462, zinawinery.comTasting Daily 10-5

LAKE COUNTYBRASSFIELD ESTATEWINERY 210915 High Valley Rd., ClearlakeOaks, 707-998-1895brassfieldestate.com, Tasting by Appt.

CEAGO DEL LAGO 35115 E. Hwy. 20, Nice, 707-274-1462, ceago.com, Tasting Daily 10-5COUGAR’S LEAPWINERY 49300 N. Seigler Springs Rd.,Kelseyville, 707-279-0651cougarsleap.com, Tasting May-OctFri-Sun 11-5 or by Appt.DUSINBERRE CELLARS 65627 Gaddy Ln., Kelseyville707-279-2995, Tasting by Appt.EDEN CRESTVINEYARDS & 8WINERY2550 Big Valley Rd., Kelseyville707-279-2987, edencrestwine.com,Tasting by Appt.GREGORY GRAHAMWINES 913633 Point Lakeview Rd.,Lower Lake, 707-995-3500ggwines.com, Tasting Sat-Sun 10-5THE LAKE COUNTYWINE 12STUDIO9505 Main St., Upper Lake707-275-8030, Tasting Thu-Sun 1-7LANGTRY ESTATEVINEYARDS 13& WINERY21000 Butts Canyon Rd.,Middletown, 707-987-9127langtryestate.com, Tasting Daily 10-5MOORE FAMILYWINERY 1511990 Bottle Rock Rd., Kelseyville,707-279-9279, moorefamilywinery.comTasting Sat-Sun 11-5 MT.KONOCTI GROWERS 16WINERY2550 Big Valley Rd., Kelseyville707-279-4213, pearbubbles.comTasting by Appt.NOGGLEVINEYARDS & 18WINERY700 Old Long Valley Rd.,Clearlake Oaks, 707-998-0319nogglevineyardsandwinery.comTasting Sat-Sun 10-5 or by Appt.

PLOYEZWINERY 1911171 Hwy. 29, Lower Lake707-994-2106, ployezwines.comTasting Daily 11-5RED LAVAWINETASTING 218040 Hwy. 29, Kelseyville707-278-0224, redlavavineyards.com,Tasting Daily 11-6ROSA D'OROVINEYARDS 223915 Main St., Kelseyville707-279-0483 rosadorowine.comTasting Wed-Sun 11-5SHANNON RIDGEWINERY 2412599 E. Hwy 20, ClearlakeOaks, 707-998-9656, shannon-ridge.com, Tasting Daily 10:30-5SIX SIGMAWINERY & 25VINEYARDS13372 Spruce Grove Rd.,Lower Lake, 707-994-2086sixsigmaranch.com, Tasting by Appt.STEELEWINES 274350 Thomas Dr., Kelseyville707-279-9475, steelewines.comTasting Mon-Sat 11-5TERRILL CELLARS AND 29TUSCANVILLAGE16175 Main St., Lower Lake707-252-8444, terrillcellars.comTasting Daily 10-4TULIP HILLWINERY & 30VINEYARDS4900 Bartlett Springs Rd, Nice,707-274-9373, tuliphillwinery.comTasting Daily 10-6WILDHURSTVINEYARDS 313855 Main St., Kelseyville800-595-WINE, wildhurst.comTasting Daily 10-5

HUMBOLDT COUNTY(not shown on map)

BRICELANDVINEYARDSWINERY5959 Briceland Rd., Redway707-923-2429, Tasting by Appt.CURTIS AND DAVID1800 Q St.,Arcata, 707-499-0920,curtisanddavid.com, Tasting by Appt.FIELDBROOKWINERY4241 Fieldbrook Rd.,McKinleyville707-839-4140, fieldbrookwinery.com,Tasting by Appt.HEIDRUN MEADERYWINERY55 Ericson Crt., Ste. 4, Arcata707-825-8748,heidrunmeadery.com,Tasting by Appt.ROBERT GOODMANWINERY937 10th St., Arcata, 707-825-7406,robertgoodmanwines.com, Tasting by Appt.TRINITYVALLEYVINEYARDS11000 West End Rd.,Arcata707-822-7094,trinityvalleyvineyards.comTasting by Appt.WOODENHEADVINTNERS5700 River Rd., Santa Rosa707-887-2703, woodenheadwine.comTasting Thu-Sun 10:30-4:30

Submit your winery or changesto be included in our February /March issue’s guides. Please sub-mit by Jan. 10, 2011 to [email protected]

with all the different wineries in one loca-tion,” he said.

Tim Waits, president of ClarksburgWine Growers and Vintners Association,had the same to say about the unique set-ting. “All the wineries here offer something

different so it gives people a chance to tastea lot of different wines and helps promotethem,” Waits said. “We are so fortunate tohave this in our community.” Waits startedgrowing grapes six years ago. He has 135acres split between Pinot Noir and PetiteSirah. According to him, Clarksburg is asmall community that is really close to alarge community so visiting it is like goingback in time.

It was also the first time Lodi residentsJerry and Lauren Wisenor visited The Mill.The couple says it’s not only a great placefor them to taste wine but it’s also a petfriendly establishment and they like thatthey can bring their dog.

The Sugar Mill actually prides itself inbeing a place for the entire family. Many ofthe wineries offer children candy and petsdog treats so they don’t feel left out when

their parents are wine tasting. Co-owner ofThree Wine Company, Erin Cline says thepeople who come to taste are a casualgroup who bring their pets and childrenalong for the experience.

Cline and her husband Matt came upwith the name, Three by what the couplebelieves is important in making good wine;soil, micro-climate and sustainable wine-growing. Matt Cline has been practicing hisskills at making wine for the last 20 years.He has a close relationship with the growerswho he buys from in Contra Costa County.“We opened up in 2007 and are the newestwinery to open here,” Erin said. Three ofThree’s most popular wines are the premi-um Zinfandel, Carignane and the Mataro.

Soloman Wine Company has threelabels: Cloud 9, their premium signatureblend; Garsa Wine, a special blend; and

Muse Wine which is their light body partywine. Bill Brown, Soloman Wine pourer,has been working there for the past fouryears. He says he sees not only visitorsfrom out of the area but a lot of locals tastewine; some of the locals that come for tast-

Discover:The Old Sugar Mill in ClarksburgContinued from Page 21

Continued on Page 30

Lodi residents Jerry and Lauren Wisenortaste wine at Solomon Wine Companywhile Solomon employee Bill Brownexplains the various selections.

(Kimberly Horg-Webb)

The Old Sugar Mill Marketing Repre-sentative Mary Tye with Clarksburg WineGrowers and Vinters President Tim Waits.

(Kimberly Horg-Webb)

Page 23: California  Vine Times Magazine

www.vinetimesonline.com • December 2010 / January 2011 � 23

T theEaste

Order Online at www.soquelvineyards.comOpen for tasting every Saturday and Sunday11 a.m. to 4 p.m.8063 Glen Haven Rd • Soquel, CA831.462.9045

SOQUEL VINEYARDSExcellence!

2010 Chronicle Wine Competition Winners:

2010 California State Fair WineCompetition

GOLD MEDAL WINNER

2008 PINOT NOIRLester Family Vineyard

One Double Gold: 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon Four Golds: 2006 Pinot Noir, 2008 Pinot Noir,

2007 Sangiovese, 2007 Pinot Noir

Santa Claus is coming to Story Winery!Saturday, December 18th, 11am to 5pm

JOIN US FOR THE FESTIVITIES!!

10525 Bell Road • Plymouth, CA(209) 245-6208 • (800) 713-6390

www.zin.comHours: Mon-Fri Noon to 4 • Sat-Sun 11 to 5

By Linda J Bottjer

Legacy is a word often used for sports’teams and family memories.To sit with winemaker Marco Capelli

at Miraflores Winery as the setting suncasts random patterns of golden raysthrough vines of Viognier grapes is to bewhere the patina of California’s winemak-ing legacy is burnished for the next gener-ation.

Like old vines are cherished and treat-ed with respect, so is the advice of wine-makers past. Capelli learned from one ofthe best – André Tchelistcheff. Known asthe “dean of American winemaking,” theRussian born enologist met the youngCapelli in Napa at the start of his career.The man also credited for advising RobertMondovi and Louis Martini had a constantmantra when it came to producing greatwine: It all begins in the vineyards.

Three decades later Capelli can befound still practicing the maestro’s con-cepts as he flawlessly adds his own alche-my to the wines of Miraflores Winery,found in El Dorado County’s PleasantValley section. Working with three winer-ies in the Sierra Foothills’AVAhe is contin-ually encouraged by the superiority ofgrapes found there.

At 2,900 feet, Miraflores representsthe highest altitude of vineyards he workswith. He finds the soils among the winery’smany micro climates to be well drainedand possessing a well balanced mineralstructure. Capelli knows his job is not toinflict his own tastes on the wine, but ratherreflect the tastes of the winery owners.With Victor and Cheryl Alvarez he hasowners whose professionalism he respects– from their belief in growing only the bestgrapes to Victor’s expertise regardingwhen to pick the grapes. The Alvarezdesire for bountiful and abundantly vibrantwines is what Miraflores delivers.

Do try the ‘08 Princesa NV MuscatCanelli, a lovely apertif wine. Flavorsincluding apricot marmalade and caramelwith a bit of orange zest intersect for a tastethat is far from cloying. Instead it is anengaging invitation to the palette for amulti course meal or a bit of cheese.

Cluster pressed Calaveras Countygrapes are tank fermented giving the ‘09Pinot Grigio’s apple crispness a refreshingsnap at the roof of the mouth.

Gardenia wearing Billie Holidaymight never have sung the blues had shebeen offered a glass of the 2009 Viognier.Barreled lightly in new oak, the tropicalnotes are mutely played as the floral, par-ticularly gardenia botanicals and lack ofadded yeasts bring a dulcet wine that har-monizes well with dishes like sushi.

Coriander and tamarind tinged chick-en tikka would work wonderfully with theflintiness of their Chardonnay brought out

by the wine’s natural lack of malolactic fer-mentation.

Do focus on the 2007 Barbera for itsopen robustness brought on by a smokedcedar taste with the fruit forward of mas-sive cherry.

Apowerhouse of Syrahs can be foundat Miraflores. Two contrasting rewards ofthe Methode Anciennes begin with thebright bouquet of violets and finish astastes of tart red currant linger on thetongue. Soft with a hit of heat along theupper palette the ‘07 is a particular thrill. ASyrah of the same vintage also possesses arich nose this time of graphite coming inpart from 20 months in a barrel with 40days spent on the skins.

The Botricelli profusely amplifiesCapelli’s skills from Nature’s unique offer-ings. With only a 12 percent alcohol level,the fat taste it delivers from Semillon andSauvignon Blanc grapes of Lake Countysurprises many. Botrytis Cinerea is thedeepening reason. The mold on grapesintensifies the full honeyed nectar aspectdrawn out in part from a 100 percentFrench oak aging. Sipped with a nibble ofRoquefort cheese it serves to remind allthat the true joys in life are often simpleones.

The seamless melding of old and newis also found in the recently opened newtasting room. The new structure is studdedwith items of the past including sixteenthcentury flooring and a simply embellishedstone fireplace from seventeenth centuryCyprus. Beams overhead were constructedfrom lumber dating back to the MexicanWar of three centuries ago. Original imple-ments used by seekers of treasure are foundon the grounds as if their past serves as abeacon for those of today who search outwealth of wine.

Legacies are still in the making.

Miraflores Winery is located at 20 FourSprings Trail in Placerville. They are opendaily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For moreinformation visit their website at miraflo-reswinery.com or call (530) 647-8505.

Miraflores Winery

The seamless melding of old and new befound in the recently opened new tastingroom at Miraflores Winery.

(Linda J. Bottjer)

Page 24: California  Vine Times Magazine

MAP 1ANGWIN

CHATEAU WOLTNER 100150 S.White Cottage Rd.707-965-2445, ATLAMBORN FAMILY VINEYARDS 101925-254-0511, lamborn.com, ASUMMIT LAKE VINEYARDS 1022000 Summit Lake Dr.,707-965-2488summitlakevineyards.com, A

CALISTOGAAUGUST BRIGGS WINE 105333 Silverado Tr.,707-942-4912augustbriggswine.comTasting Daily 10:30-4:30BENNETT LANE WINERY 1063340 Hwy. 128, 707-942-6684Tasting Daily 10-5:30, TCALISTOGA CELLARS 1071371 Lincoln Ave., 707-942-7422,calistogacellars.com, ACASTELLO DIAMOROSA 1084045 N. St. Helena Hwy, 707-967-6272castellodiamorosa.com, Tasting Daily9:30-6/Dec-Feb 15 ‘til 5, Tours by appt.CHATEAU MONTELENAWINERY 1091429 Tubbs Lane, 707-942-5105montelena.com, Tasting Daily 9:30-4CLOS PEGASE WINERY 1101060 Dunaweal Ln., 707-942-4981,clospegase.com, Tasting Daily 10:30-5TCONSTANT-DIAMOND MOUNTAINVINEYARD 1112121 Diamond Mountain Rd.,constantwine.com, 707-942-0707CUVAISON WINERY 1124550 Silverado Tr., 707-942-2468,cuvaison.com, Tasting Daily 10-5,1221 Duhig,Napa 707-942-2455,ADUTCH HENRY WINERY 1154310 Silverado Tr., 707-942-5771/800-224-5879, dutchhenry.com, ATGRAESER WINERY 116255 Petrified Forest Rd., graeserwin-ery.com,707-942-4437,Tasting Daily 10-5HELENA VIEW JOHNSTON 117VINEYARDS3500 Hwy. 128, 707-942-4956helenaview.com, ATLARKMEAD VINEYARDS 1181100 Larkmead Ln.,707-942-0167larkmead.com, ATPAOLETTI VINEYARDS 1204501 Silverado Tr., 707-942-0689,giannipaoletti.com, AREVERIE ON DIAMOND 121MOUNTAIN1520 Diamond Mountain Rd.707-942-6800, reverie.com, ATROBERT PECOTA WINERY 1223299 Bennett Ln.,707-942-6625robertpecotawinery.com, ASCHRAMSBERG VINEYARDS & 124CELLARS1400 Schramsberg Rd., 707-942-4558, schramsberg.com, ATSILVER ROSE RESORTWINERY 125351 Rosedale Rd.,707-942-9581, silverrose.com, ASTERLING VINEYARDS 1261111 Dunaweal Ln.,707-942-3300 /800-726-6163,sterlingvineyards.comTasting Daily 10:30-4:30, TSTORYBOOK MOUNTAIN WINERY 1273835 Hwy. 128, 707-942-5310storybookwines.com, AT

SUMMERS WINES 1281171 Tubbs Ln.,707-942-5508summerswinery.com,Tasting Daily 10:30-4:30TWOMEY CELLARS 1301183 Dunaweal Ln., 707-942-2700/800-505-4850, twomeycellars.comTasting Mon-Sat 9-4, TVINCENT ARROYO WINERY 1312361 Greenwood Ave., 707-942-6995, vincentarroyo.com, AVON STRASSER WINERY 1321510 Diamond Mountain Rd., 707-942-0930, vonstrasser.com, ATWERMUTH WINERY/ 133RANCHO DE LAS FLORES3942 Silverado Tr., 707-942-5924, AZAHTILA VINEYARDS 1342250 Lake County Hwy., 707-942-9251, zahtilavineyards.com, AT

DEER PARKDEER PARK WINERY 1361000 Deer Park Rd.,707-963-5411Tasting Fri-Sat 10-5VIADER VINEYARDS 1371120 Deer Park Rd.707-963-3816, viader.com, AT

POPE VALLEYAETNA SPRINGS CELLARS 1387227 Pope Valley Rd.,707-965-2675,aetnaspringscellars.com, ACLEAVAGE CREEK WINERY 1396307 Pope Valley Rd., cleavage-creek.com, 707-965-1246, APOPE VALLEY WINERY 1406613 Pope Valley Rd., popeval-leywinery.com, 888-295-1280, A

MAP 2ST. HELENA

ANDERSON'S CONN VALLEY 200VINEYARDS680 Rossi Road,707-963-8600connvalleyvineyards.com, AARGER-MARTUCCI VINEYARDS 2011455 Inglewood Ave.,707-963-4334,arger-martucci.com, ABALLENTINE VINEYARDS 2032820 St.Helena Hwy.707-963-7919,bal-lentinevineyards.com, ABARNETT VINEYARDS 2044070 Spring Mountain Rd,707-963-7075, barnettvineyards.com, ATBENESSERE VINEYARDS 2051010 Big Tree Rd.,707-963-5853,benesserevineyards.com,Tasting Daily 10-5, TBERINGER VINEYARDS 2062000 Main St., 707-967-4412beringer.com,Tasting Daily 10-6,TBUEHLER VINEYARDS 207820 Greenfield Rd.,707-963-2155,buehlervineyards.com,ATBURGESS CELLARS 2081108 Deer Park Rd.,707-963-4766/800-752-9463,burgesscellars.com,ACAFARO CELLARS 2101591 Dean York Lane707-963-7181, ATCAIN VINEYARD & WINERY 2113800 Langtry Rd.707-963-1616, cainfive.com, ATCALAFIA CELLARS 212629 Fulton Lane, 707-963-0114calafiacellars.com. A

CASA NUESTRA WINERY 2133451 Silverado Trail North, 707-963-5783,casanuestra.com,ATCATACULA LAKE WINERY 2144105 Chiles Pope Valley Road707-965-1104CHAPPELLET VINEYARD 2151581 Sage Canyon Road,800-494-6379,chappellet.com. ATCHARLES KRUG WINERY 2162800 Main St.,707-967-2229charleskrug.com,Tasting Daily 10:30-5CHATEAU BOSWELL 2173468 Silverado Tr., 707-963-5472chateauboswellwinery.com, ACONN CREEK WINERY/ 219VILLA MT. EDEN8711 Silverado Tr.,707-963-9100, conncreek.com,Tasting Sun-Fri 11-4, Sat 10-4, TCORISON WINERY 220987 S. St.Helena Hwy.707-963-0826, corison.com, ADOMAINE CHARBAYWINERY 2224001 Spring Mountain Rd.,707-963-9327/ 800-634-7845,charbay.com,AA DOZEN VINTNERS 223(Splenetic,Reverie,Von Strasser,Destino,Eagleand Rose,Adams Ridge,Howell Mountain,Fife,Lamborn Family,Koves-Newlan)3000 Hwy.29 N.,707-967-0666adozenvintners.com,Tasting Daily 10-5DUCKHORN VINEYARDS 2241000 Lodi Lane, 707-963-7108duckhorn.com, ATEAGLE & ROSE ESTATE 2233000 St. Helena Highway. 707-967-0666, eagleandrose.comTasting Daily 10-5, TEHLERS ESTATE WINERY 2273222 Ehlers Lane, 707-963-5972ehlersestate.com, Tasting Daily 10-5,T

PROVENANCE VINEYARDS 3191695 S. St. Helena Hwy., 707-968-3633, provenancevineyards.comTasting Daily 10:30-5:30, TRAYMONDVINEYARD & CELLAR 255849 Zinfandel Ln., 707-963-3141/800-525-2659, raymondvineya-rds.com, Tasting Daily 10-4, TRITCHIE CREEK VINEYARD 2564024 Spring Mountain Rd.,ritchiecreek.com, 707-963-4661, AROBERT KEENAN WINERY 2573660 Spring Mountain Rd.,keenanwinery.com, A707-963-9177ROMBAUER VINEYARDS 2583522 Silverado Tr., 707-963-5170,rombauervineyards.com,Tasting Daily 10-5, TRUSTRIDGE WINERY 2602910 Lower Chiles Valley Rd.707-965-9353, rustridge.com, ARUTHERFORD WINE CO. 2611680 Silverado Tr., 707-968-3200roundhillwines.comTasting Daily 10-4:30SCHWEIGER VINEYARDS 2634015 Spring Mountain Rd., 707-963-4882, schweigervineyards.com, ATSEAVEY VINEYARD 2641310 Conn Valley, 707-963-8339seaveyvineyard.com, ATSHERWIN FAMILY VINEYARDS 2654060 Spring Mtn. Rd. 707-963-1154, sherwinfamilyvineyards.com,ATSPRING MOUNTAIN 2662805 Spring Mountain Rd., 707-967-4188, springmountainvineyard.com, ATSMITH-MADRONEVINEYARDS 2674022 Spring Mountain Road, 707-963-2283, smithmadrone.com, ASPOTTSWOODE WINERY 2681902 Madrona Ave.,707-963-0134spottswoode.com, TST. CLEMENT VINEYARDS 2692867 N.St.Helena Hwy.,707-967-3033,stclement.com, Tasting Daily 10-5, TSTONY HILL VINEYARD 2703331 N.St.Helena Hwy.,707-963-2636, stonyhillvineyard.com, ATSUTTER HOME WINERY 272277 S. St. Helena Hwy.707-963-3104/ 800-967-4663sutterhome.com, Tasting Daily 10-5TASTING ON MAIN 2731142 Main St., 707-967-1042Tasting Daily 10:30-6

TERRA VALENTINE 2743787 Spring Mountain Rd., 707-967-8340, terravalentine.com, ATTRINCHERO NAPA VALLEY 2753070 N.St.Helena Hwy.,707-963-1160, trincherowinery.comTasting Starting Summer ‘09 TUDAL WINERY 2761015 Big Tree Rd., 707-963-3947tudalwinery.com, AT

V. SATTUI WINERY 2781111 White Lane, 707-963-7774,vsattui.com,Tasting Daily 9-6,9-5 (winter),TVOLKER EISELE FAMILY ESTATE 2793080 Lower Chiles Valley Rd.707-965-9485, volkereiselefami-lyestate.com, ATWHITEHALL LANE WINERY 2801563 S.St.Helena Hwy.,707-963-9454800-963-9454,whitehalllane.comTasting Daily 11-5:45WILLIAM HARRISONVINEYARDS 2811443 Silverado Tr., 707-963-8310,whwines.com. Tasting Thurs-Mon 11-5

MAP 3RUTHERFORD

ALPHA OMEGA WINERY 3011155 Mee Lane @ Hwy. 29,707-963-9999, aowinery.com Tasting Daily 10-6BEAULIEU VINEYARD 3021960 S. St. Helena Hwy.707-967-5200, bvwine.comTasting Daily 10-5, TCAKEBREAD CELLARS 3048300 St. Helena Hwy.707-963-5221/ 800-588-0298, cake-bread.com, Tasting Daily 10-4:30, TCAYMUS VINEYARDS 3058700 Conn Creek Rd.,707-963-4204, caymus.com, AFLEURY FAMILY WINERY 307950 Galleron Rd., 707-967-8333, ATFRANCISCAN OAKVILLE ESTATES 3091178 Galleron Rd., 707-967-3993, fran-ciscan.com, Tasting Daily 10-5, TFROG'S LEAP WINERY 3108815 Conn Creek Rd., 707-963-4704/ 800-959-4704, frogsleap.com,TGRGICH HILLS CELLARS 3121829 S.St.Helena Hwy., 800-532-3057,grgich.com,Tasting Daily 9:30-4:30,THONIGVINEYARD & WINERY 314850 Rutherford Rd.,707-963-5618, honigwine.com, ATMUMM CUVÉE NAPA 3168445 Silverado Tr.,707-967-7700mummnapa.com,Tasting Daily 10-5.TPEJU PROVINCE WINERY 3188466 S.St.Helena Hwy.,707-963-3600,peju.com,Tasting Daily 10-6,TQUINTESSA 2511601 Silverado Tr., 707-967-1601quintessa.com, ATRUBICON ESTATE 3211991 St.Helena Hwy.,800-782-4266,rubiconestate.com Tasting Daily 10-5,TRUTHERFORD GROVEWINERY 3221673 St.Helena Hwy., 707-963-0544,rutherfordgrovewinery- .com,Tasting Daily 10-4:30RUTHERFORD HILL WINERY 262200 Rutherford Hill Rd.,707-963-1871/ 800-637-5684

Na p

a V

alle

y W

iner

y G

uide

FLORA SPRINGS WINE CO. 228677 S. St.Helena Hwy.707-967-8032,florasprings.comTasting Daily 10-5, TFORMANWINERY & VINEYARDS 2291501 Big Rock Rd., 707-963-0234, AFRANK FAMILY VINEYARDS 1191091 Larkmead, 800-574-9463frankfamilyvineyards.comTasting Daily 10-5, TFREEMARK ABBEY WINERY 2313022 N. St. Helena Hwy., 707-963-9694, freemarkabbey.com, TastingDaily 10-5, TGUILLIAMS VINEYARDS 2333851 Spring Mountain Rd.,707-963-9059, AHALL WINERY 234401 S. St.Helena Hwy.866-667-4255, hallwines.com, THEITZ WINE CELLARS 235436 S.St.Helena Hwy. ,707-963-3542,heitzcellar.com,Tasting Daily 11-4:30, TJOSEPH PHELPSVINEYARDS 236200 Taplin Road, 707-963-2745jpvwines.com, AKELHAM VINEYARDS 238360 Zinfandel Ln., 707-963-2000,kelhamvineyards.com, ATKULETO ESTATE WINERY 2392470 Sage Canyon Rd.,707-963-9750, kuletoestate.com, ATLORENZA-LAKE WINERY 2401764 Scott Street,707-963-8593, ALOUIS M.MARTINIWINERY 242254 S. St.Helena Hwy.707-968-3361/ 800-321-WINElouismartini.com, Tasting Daily 10-6, TMARKHAM VINEYARDS 2432812 N. St. Helena Hwy.,markhamvineyards.com707-963-5292, Tasting Daily 11-5MERRYVALE VINEYARDS 2441000 Main St., 707-963-2225/800-326-6069, merryvale.comTasting Daily 10-6:30, TMILAT VINEYARDS 2451091 S. St. Helena Hwy.milat.com, 707-963-0758/ 800-54-MILAT, Tasting Daily 10-5:30MOUNT VEEDER WINERY 3911178 Galleron Rd., 707-967-3830(Franciscan Oakville Estate)mtveeder.com, Tastng Daily 10-5, TNEWTON VINEYARDS 2482555 Madrona Ave., 707-963-9000,newtonvineyard.com, ATNICHELINI WINERY 2492950 Sage Canyon Rd, 707-963-0717, nicheliniwinery.comTasting Sat-Sun 10-5, or ATPRAGERWINERY & PORTWORKS 2521281 Lewelling Lane, 707-963-7678/800-969-7678, pragerport.comTasting Mon-Sat 10:30-4:30PRIDE MOUNTAINVINEYARDS 2534026 Spring Mountain Rd., 707-963-4949, pridewines.com, AT

24 � December 2010 / January 2011 • www.vinetimesonline.com

Page 25: California  Vine Times Magazine

rutherfordhill.com,Tasting Daily 10-5,TSAWYER CELLARS 3248350 St.Helena Hwy.,707-963-1980800-818-.2252,sawyercellars.comTasting Daily 10-5,TSEQUOIA GROVE VINEYARDS 3258338 S. St. Helena Hwy.,707-944-2945, sequoiagrove.comTasting Daily 10:30-5, TSTAGLIN FAMILYVINEYARDS 3271570 Bella Oaks Ln., 707-963-4507,staglinfamily.com, ATST.SUPÉRYVINEYARDS & WINERY 3288440 S. St. Helena Hwy.707-963-4507/ 800-942-0809stsupery.com, Tasting Daily 10-5, TSULLIVAN VINEYARDS 2711090 Galleron Rd.,877-BIG-REDS,sullivanwine.com,Tasting Daily 10-5, TSWANSON WINERY 3301271 Manley Lane, 707-967-3500swansonvineyards.com, AZD WINES 3328383 Silverado Tr., 707-963-5188800-487-7757, zdwines.comTasting Daily 10-4:30,T

OAKVILLEBONDED WINERY #9 3347830-40 St. Helena Hwy., 707-945-1213, bondedwinery9.com, ACARDINALE ESTATE 3357600 St. Helena Hwy., 707-948-2643/800-588-0279, cardinale.com, AFAR NIENTE 3371350 Acacia Drive707-944-2861, farniente.com, ATFOLIE À DEUX WINERY 2257481 St. Helena Hwy., 707-944-2565,folieadeux.com, Tasting Daily 10-6GARGIULO VINEYARDS 340575 Oakville Cross Road,707-944-2770,gargiulovineyards.com,ATGROTHVINEYARDS & WINERY 342750 Oakville Cross Road, 707-754-4254, grothwines.com, ATMINER FAMILY VINEYARDS 3447850 Silverado Tr.,707-944-9500/800-366-WINE,minerwines.comTasting Daily 11-5, TNAPA CELLARS 3457481 St. Helena Hwy., 707.944.2565,napacellars.com, Tasting Daily 10-6NAPA WINE COMPANY 347(24 boutique wineries)7830-40 St. Helena Hwy.,707-944-1710, napawineco.comTasting Daily 10-4NICKEL & NICKEL 3498164 St. Helena Hwy., 707-967-9600, nickelandnickel.com, ATOAKFORD VINEYARDS 3501575 Oakville Grade, 707-945-0445, oakfordvineyards.com, AOPUS ONE WINERY 3517900 St. Helena Hwy. 707-944-9442, opusonewinery.com., ATPLUMPJACK WINERY 353620 Oakville Cross Road, 707-945-1220, plumpjackwinery.comTasting Daily 10-4ROBERT MONDAVI WINERY 3557801 S.St.Helena Hwy.,707-226-1335888-RMONDAVI,robertmondaviwin-ery.com, Tasting Daily 10-4, TRUDD WINERY 356500 Oakville Cross Road707-944-8577, ruddwines.com, ATSADDLEBACK CELLARS 3577802 Money Road,707-944-1305saddlebackcellars.com, A SILVER OAK CELLARS 359915 Oakville Cross Road707-944-8808/ 800-273-8809silveroak.com, Tasting Mon-Sat 9-4, TTURNBULL WINE CELLARS 3618210 S. St. Helena Hwy.707-963-5839/ 800-887-6285turnbullwines.comTasting Daily 10-4:30, T

YOUNTVILLEBELL WINE CELLARS 3646200 Washington St., 707-944-1673bellwine.com, Tasting Daily 10:30-4CHATEAU CHEVRE 3652030 Hoffman Lane,707-942-5105, ACLIFF LEDE VINEYARDS 3671473 Yountville Crossroad,707-944-8642, cliffledevineyards.com

Tasting Daily 10-5, TCOSENTINO WINERY 3787415 St. Helena Hwy., 707-944-1220, cosentinowinery. com,Tasting Daily 10-5:30DOMAINE CHANDON 3801 California Dr., 707-944-8844chandon.com, Tasting Daily 10-6, TFRANUS WINE COMPANY 3812055 Hoffman Ln., 707-945-0542peterfranus.com, AGIRARD WINERY 2376795 Washington St., 707-968-9297girardwinery.com, Tasting Daily 10-6, TGOOSECROSS CELLARS 3831119 State Ln., 707-944-1986/ 800-276-9210, goosecross.comTasting Daily 10-4:30HAVENS WINE CELLARS 3852055 Hoffman Ln., 707-261-2000,havenswine.com, Tasting Daily 10-4:30HILL FAMILY ESTATE 3866512 Washington St., 707-944-9580,hillfamilyestate.com,Tasting Daily 10-6,THOPE & GRACE WINERY 3876540 Washington St., 707-944-2500hopeandgracewines.com, TastingMon-Sat 10-5:30 or AHOPPER CREEK WINERY 3886204 Washington St. , 707-944-0675hoppercreek.com, AJESSUP CELLARS 3906740 Washington St., 707-944-8523jessupcellars.com, Tasting Daily 10-6

MAP 4

NAPAACACIA VINEYARD 4012750 Las Amigas Rd., 707-226-9991877-226-1700, acaciawinery.comTasting Daily 10-4, Sun- AALTAMURA WINERY 4021700 Wooden Valley Rd.,707-253-2000, altamura.com, AANDRETTI WINERY 4034162 Big Ranch Rd., 707-261-1717,andrettiwinery.com,Tasting Daily 10-5,TBALDACCI FAMILY VINEYARDS 3636236 Silverado Tr., 707-944-9261,baldaccivineyards.com, ATBLACK STALLION WINERY 4054089 Silverado Tr., 707-253-1400blackstallionwinery.comTasting Daily 10-5BOUCHAINE VINEYARDS 4061075 Buchli Station Rd., 707-252-9065/ 800-654-WINE, bouchaine.comTasting Mon-Fri 10-4, Sat 10:30-5, TCEJA VINEYARDS 4081248 First St., 707-226-6445cejavineyards.comTasting Daily 11-6CHIMNEY ROCK WINERY 3665350 Silverado Tr., 800-257-2641,chimneyrock.com,Tasting Daily 10-5, TCLOS DU VAL WINE CO. LTD.3685330 Silverado Tr., 707-261-5225,closduval.com, Tasting Daily 10-5, TDARIOUSH WINERY 4124240 Silverado Tr., 707-257-2345,darioush.com, Tasting Daily 10:30-5, TDEL DOTTO CAVES 4131055 Atlas Peak Rd., 707-256-3372,deldottovineyards.com, ATDOMAINE CARNEROS BY 414TAITTINGER1240 Duhig Rd., 800-716-2788domaine.com, Tasting Daily 10-6ELKE VINEYARDS 4162222 Third Ave., 707-258-1822elkevineyards.com, AELKHORN PEAK CELLARS 417200 Polson Rd.,707-255-0504888-829-5082elkhornpeakcellars.com, AELYSE WINERIES 4182100 Hoffman Lane, 707-944-2900, elysewinery.com, AFARELLA-PARK VINEYARDS 4202222 Third Ave., 707-254-9489farella.com, ATFRAZIER 42140 Lupine Hill Rd., 707-255-3444/707-255-1399, frazierwinery.com, ATHAGAFEN CELLARS 4234160 Silverado Tr.888-HAGAFEN, hagafen.com, AHARTWELL VINEYARDS 424

5795 Silverado Tr., 707-255-4269,hartwellvineyards.com. ATTHE HESS COLLECTION 4254411 Redwood Rd., 707-255-8584,hesscollection.com, Tasting Daily 10-4JAEGER WINE CO. 4274324 Big Ranch Rd.,707-255-4456, AJARVIS VINEYARDS 4282970 Monticello Rd., 707-255-5280/800-255-5280, jarviswines.com, AJV WINE & SPIRITS 429301 First St., 707-253-2624/ 877-469-9463, jvwineandspirits.com,Tasting Daily 1-6JUDD’S HILL WINERY 4302332 Silverado Trail707-255-2332, juddshill.com, ATKIRKLAND RANCH WINERY 4321 Kirkland Ranch Rd., 707-254-9100,kirklandwinery.com,Tasting Daily 10-4:30LAIRD FAMILY ESTATE 4335055 Solano Ave., 877-297-4902.lairdfamilyestate.comTasting Daily 10-5 or by Appt., TLUNA VINEYARDS 4352921 Silverado Tr., 707-255-2474,lunavineyards.com,Tasting Daily 10-5,TMADONNA ESTATE 4365400 Old Sonoma Rd., 707-255-8864/866-724-2993, madonnaestate.com,Tasting Daily 10-5, TMAYACAMAS VINEYARDS 4381155 Lokoya Rd., 707-224-4030,mayacamas.com, AMCKENZIE-MUELLER 439VINEYARDS & WINERY2530 Las Amigas Rd., 707-252-0186,mckenziemueller.com, AMONTICELLO VINEYARDS 4404242 Big Ranch Rd., 707-253-2802/800-743-6668, Tasting Daily 10-4:30MOSS CREEK WINERY 4416015 Steele Canyon Rd., 707-252-1295, mosscreekwinery.com, ANAPA WINE MERCHANTS 442(Tasting for Astrale e Terra,Ceviche,CrichtonHall,Gustavo Thrace, Liparita,Rocca Family,St.Barthelemy,Waterstore,Young Ridge,Z-52)1146 First St., 707-257-6796napawinemerchant.comTasting Mon-Sat 10-5PARADUXX 4447257 Silverado Tr.,707-945-0890paraduxx.com, APINE RIDGE WINERY 4455901 Silverado Tr. , 707-252-9777/800-575-9777, pineridgewinery.comTasting Daily 10:30-4:30, TREGUSCI WINERY 4465584 Silverado Tr., 707-254-0403regusciwinery.com, AREYNOLDS FAMILY WINERY 4473266 Silverado Tr., 707-258-2558,reynoldsfamilywinery.com, ATROBERT CRAIG WINE CELLARS 448880 Vallejo St., 707.252.2250, ext 1,robertcraigwine.com, ATROBERT SINSKEY VINEYARDS 4496320 Silverado Tr., 707-944-9090/800-869-2030, robertsinskey.comTasting Daily 10-4:30SAINTSBURY 4511500 Los Carneros Ave.707-252-0592, saintsbury.com, TSHAFER VINEYARDS 4526154 Silverado Tr., 707-944-2877,shafervineyards.com, ASIGNORELLO VINEYARDS 4534500 Silverado Tr., 707-255-5990,signorellovineyards.com, ATSILENUS VINTNERS 4545225 Solano Ave., 707-299-3930,silenusvintners.com, ASILVERADO HILL CELLARS 4563103 Silverado Tr., 707-253-9306, ASILVERADO VINEYARDS 3946121 Silverado Tr., 707-257-1770/800-997-1770, silveradovineyards.comTasting Daily 10-4:30, TSKY VINEYARDS 4581500 Lokoya Road, 707-935-1391,skyvineyards.com, ASTAG’S LEAP WINE CELLAR 3955766 Silverado Tr., 707-261-6441,stagsleap.com, Tasting Daily 10-4:30, TSTAR HILL WINERY 4611075 Shadybrook Ln.707-255-1957, ASTELTZNER VINEYARDS 462

5998 Silverado Tr., 707-252-7272,steltzner.com, Tasting Daily 10:30-4:30STONEHEDGE WINERY 4631004 Clinton St., 707-256-4444stonehedgewinery.com, TastingMon-Sat 10-6:30 or ATREFETHEN VINEYARDS 4651160 Oak Knoll Ave.707-255-7700/ 866-895-7696trefethenfamilyvineyards.comTasting Daily 10-4:30, TTRUCHARD VINEYARDS 4663234 Old Sonoma Rd., 707-253-7153, truchardvineyards.com, ATTULOCAY WINERY 4671426 Coombsville Rd.707-255-4064, tulocay.com, AVAN DER HEYDEN VINEYARDS469& WINERY4057 Silverado Tr.,707-257-0130/ 800-948 9463vanderheydenvineyards.com, ATVINE CLIFF WINERY 4707400 Silverado Tr., 707-944-1364,vinecliff.com, Tasting Daily 10-5VINTNER’S COLLECTIVE 471TASTING ROOM(Ancien,Ahnfeldt,Buoncristiani,D Cubed,Destino,Gregory Graham,Longfellow,Melka,Mi Sueno,Richard Perry,Parallel,Phelan,Showket,Spelletich Cellars,& Vinoce)1245 Main St., 707-255-7150

vintnerscollective.com,Tasting Daily 11-6WHITFORD CELLARS 4734047 E. 3rd Ave.,707-942-0840whitfordcellars.com, AWILLIAM HILL ESTATE 4741761 Atlas Peak Rd., 707-265-3024,williamhillwinery.com, AT

CARNEROSARTESA WINERY 4761345 Henry Rd., 707-224-1668artesawinery.com, Tasting Daily10-5FOLIO WINEMAKERS’ STUDIO 4781285 Dealy Ln., 707-256-2757foliowine.com, Tasting Daily 10-5

AMERICAN CANYONGREENFIELD WINERY 479205B Jim Oswald Rd.707-552-0362, Tasting Daily 10-4

SOLANO COUNTY FAIRFIELD / SUISAN VALLEYGV CELLARS 4811635 Mason Rd.,707-864-2089,Tasting Sat-Sun 11-5LEDGEWOOD CREEK WINERY 4824589 Abernathy Road,Suisun Valley, 707-426-4424ledgewoodcreek.comTasting Daily 10-5WOODEN VALLEY WINERY4834756 Suisun Valley Road,707-864-0730, woodenvalley.com,

A = Tasting by AppointmentT = Tours

For ease of use, note thatthe color of the numbernext to each winery listingcorresponds to the mapwith a border of the samecolor.

Angwin, Calistoga,Deer Park,Pope Valley

St. Helena

Yountville,Rutherford,OakvilleNapa, Carneros,American Canyon,Solano County:Fairfield, SuisanValley

1

2

3

4

Napa V

alley Winery G

uide

www.vinetimesonline.com • December 2010 / January 2011 � 25

Page 26: California  Vine Times Magazine

26 � December 2010 / January 2011 • www.vinetimesonline.com

From Behind the Tasting BarBy Cynthia Bournellis

COOPER • GARRODEstate Vineyards

“A Destination Worth Knowing”

Mon - Fri 12 - 5

Sat • Sun 11 - 5

408.867.7116 www.cgv.com

Savor hand-crafted, award-winning winesin the 1922 “Fruit House,”our historic tasting room.

View San Francisco Bay from horsebackat our 108-year ranch.

Select your wines in person or online.

Directions: Highway 280 to Foothill Expwy/Foothill Blvd,south 5 miles to stop sign in Stevens Creek Park, straight on

Mt Eden Road for 1.6 miles, left on Garrod Road.

22645 Garrod Road, Saratoga, CA 95070www.cgv.com

Sandrew, “The Original Personal Sommelier”

The UltimateCalifornia Wine Experience!

Impress your guests for your next Wine Country Excursion, DinnerParty, Special Occasion, Corporate Team Building or HolidayCelebration. California Wine Historian and Sommelier SandrewMontgomery will dazzle you with a customized Food and Wine PairingSeminar based on your international or California specific preferences.Delivered graciously in an entertaining manor in the privacy of yourhome, vacation residence or one of our various venues.

Call us today for your free consultation: 800.338.0270 (ext 203)

www.SandrewsWineServices.com

The 2010 harvest in California hasbeen the question on the minds of tastingroom customers asking how this year’scrop will fair. To keep them abreast, I spentmost of October talking to winemakers andgrape growers in the Santa Cruz Mountainsto get their take on things. Their consensus:the 2010 vintage is not doomed. In fact, thevintage holds much promise: acids are highand sugar levels are good, so the winesshould be nicely balanced.

Cooler temperatures this year are onereason acids are up. Cooler weather, how-ever, had growers and winemakers dancingaround harvest, as temperatures fluctuatederratically. Winter rains lingered intospring, and brisk temps dominated sum-mer. Fall was a mix of hot and cold snaps,with heat spikes in late September andmid-October, followed by intermittentrains through Halloween.

The 2010 harvest was unlike anywinemaker Michael Sones, of SonesCellars, has seen since 1995, according tohis wife and co-winemaker Lois. Becauseharvest came later this year than in the lastfew years, the duo saw more than theirshare of grape shipments in October, a timewhen harvest winds down not up. Morethan half the grapes they source from 12vineyards arrived mid-month.

Santa Cruz Mountain Vineyard(SCMV) also got deluged. “ Grapes arecoming in all at once…we are totallyslammed with fermentations right now, nofewer than 20 of them to monitor at thesame time,” said SCMV owner and winemaker Jeff Emery in early October.

One exception is Cabernet Sauvignon Emery gets from Luchessi Vineyard in theCupertino foothills. When we spoke earlier that month, Emery said the grapes were stilla few weeks away from being picked. His estimation was spot on. I accompanied himto Luchessi to gather cluster samples and measure Brix (sugar levels). I had no idea thejaunt would result in a workout. Roughly 800 feet above sea level, the vineyard is plant-ed on a steep hillside in rich soil that, by the way, had just been tilled. My boots bur-rowed into the terrior with each vertical step. Better to have dry soil than wet – gather-ing samples in the rain and mud would have been challenging. And, rain was just twodays away. Emery had to work fast, as the plan was to harvest the next day.

Following Emery through the vineyard was like chasing after a child on an Easteregg hunt – he briskly bobbed and weaved through each block, grasping at clustersbursting from 30-year-old, gnarley head-pruned vines. He put the clusters from eachblock into plastic baggies and crushed them with one hand, then applied juice to hishandheld refractometer, a device that measures Brix. “ 24.5 Brix,” he said. “ That’spretty good. 25 would be better, but this is good.”

The final field test was taste. “ I look at flavor more than acid,” said Emery. “ Ifacids are too high and sugars are too low, then Cabernet grapes will take on a greenbean quality from being under-ripe.” I watched while he drank from the baggie, tryingto anticipate his diagnosis. “ Things are starting to catch up,” he said, referring to anincrease in Brix due to the last heat wave.

The heat spell during that time was a godsend for many vineyards, and a deathknell for others. Sones lost the Zinfandel they get from San Lucas in Monterey County.“ The grapes got badly burned and turned to raisins,” said Lois. Due to cooler temper-

2010 Harvest Santa Cruz Mountains Growers and

Winemakers Weigh In

Continued on Page 28

Jeff Emery, winemaker, Santa CruzMountain Vineyard, looks through arefractometer to check the degree of Brixin Cabernet Sauvignon grapes fromLuchessi Vineyard in Cupertino.

(Cynthia Bournellis)

Jeff Emery, winemaker, Santa CruzMountain Vineyard, looks through arefractometer to check the degree of Brixin Cabernet Sauvignon grapes fromLuchessi Vineyard in Cupertino.

(Cynthia Bournellis)

Page 27: California  Vine Times Magazine

www.vinetimesonline.com • December 2010 / January 2011 � 27

The Wine ChixsBy Linda Kissam & Ginger Giordano

Continued on Page 28

The Wine Chixs love a good deal,premium wines, and a chance to visit awine district in style. We’ve been on shut-tles, in limos, and certainly navigated ourown car, but a trolley car…not so much.The idea sort of flew into our heads whenwe were driving to an event. The Brewen’sEmpire Trolley pulled up next to us at astop light filled with guests on their way toTemecula Wine Country (about 60 min-utes from San Diego). They seemed to behaving an awful lot of fun, toasting oneanother and listening intently to their guide,so we decided to book a tour to experiencefor ourselves what the buzz was all about.

Our six-hour tour began at PechangaResort & Casino. Before we boarded thetrolley we asked Pechanga’s conciergeYolie how she decides which wine-tastingtour company to recommend to guests. Wehad made our arrangements via phone, butyou can do it online, or through aconcierge. She simply stated, “I listen towhat they want to do, give them a coupleof options, and then book them.” Sheshared that wine tours run in the $89 to$120 range. Guests can choose from ashuttle, a limo ride, a jeep adventure, or a trolley type experience. When we told herwe were going on the Brewen’s Empire Trolley, she gave us an encouraging smile andsaid, “Good choice ladies, enjoy yourselves.” And we did – big time.

The Trolley arrived at 11 a.m. to pick up our eclectic group. Some were locals,some out of towners, and an international guest or two. We immediately experienceda warm greeting from Richard our tour guide and to our great surprise local wine afi-cionado Jim Lilly was our driver. We like the way this trolley mixes old world charmwith a great new world experience: a stop at four special wineries, a simple gourmetlunch, and treats and tips from the pros. We experienced a well-organized, informativetour that let us concentrate on having fun and tasting wines with no cares. Each stopwas just long enough to experience the taste of each place, without being toorushed…or too bored. The trolley stays with guests all day, and you can bring yourwine glass on board and taste as you ride along. Travel-hidden Temecula Valley WineCountry and Brewen’s Empire Trolley have a lot in common: they are both works ofart and worthy of your time and treasure.

As the engaging and uber-smart owner of the trolley company, Amy Brewen oftensays, “Life is short. Enjoy the ride.” So we did just that. Our first stop was the Inn atChuron Winery. This is actually a B & B / winery combo. This property has the look ofa French Chateau and offers 22 uniquely beautiful rooms upstairs and a lovely tastingroom and gift shop downstairs. Service was warm and friendly under the direction oftasting room manager Damion Prince. We quickly found out that Winemaker BennyRodriquez makes some solid wines. We enjoyed his 2010 gold medal winning Viognier($16.99). With hints of Kiwi and honeysuckle, it’s an everyday white wine that goes wellwith grilled fish or a Greek Fig Salad. The 2006 Syrah ($26.99) had a soft, earthy nosewith a tinge of strawberry & blackberries. Churon’s chef (Enrique Alvarado) suggestspairing it with Cedar-Planked Salmon, Grilled Lamb or Blackened Chicken.

Next stop was the hip Robert Renzoni Winery. This place has “Italian” down to ascience. Owner Robert Renzoni joined the Wine Chixs for a convivial tasting of premi-um wines. Robert is enthusiastic and passionate not only about his wines, but theTemecula Valley wine region itself. After 30 minutes with Rob, it’s hard not to be con-vinced that Temecula Valley is one of the best places for premium wine production.Rob’s wines are thoughtfully crafted and chosen for their expressive nature. Want to“taste the place?” We suggest you start here. We can highly recommend their 2008 PinotGrigio ($20) for its mildly fragrant nose and subtle notes of apple and lemon. Nice fin-

Hop on Board the Wine Trolley!

The Wine Chix board The Wine Trolleyat Pechanga Resort & Casino.

Our eclectic Wine Trolly group at one ofthe four wineries which we visited onour day’s adventure. (Linda Kissam)

Page 28: California  Vine Times Magazine

28 � December 2010 / January 2011 • www.vinetimesonline.com

From candy canes & gingerbread men, to Russian tea cakes & truffles,& fruitcake(?)... We’re pairing Santa’s Favorite Treats w/ Santa’sFavorite Story Wines!

$12 per flight/per person (or $5 for wine club members). In the Story Cellar from 1 to 3pm.

Saturday, December 18th, 11am to 5pmJOIN US FOR THE FESTIVITIES!!

Along w/ sharing his wine & foodpairing expertise, Santa will beavailable for pictures. $5 per photo from Noon to 4pm.

Wine makes a great gift and youcan use this wine sale to finalizeall those last-minute gifts onyour list. In the tasting roomfrom 11am to 5pm.

10525 Bell Road • Plymouth, CA(209) 245-6208 • (800) 713-6390 • www.zin.com

Hours: Sat-Sun, 11 - 5 and Mon - Fri, Noon- 4

Wine Sale! Pictures with Santa

Santa Claus is Coming to STORY WINERY

6525 Washington St.Yountville, CA 94599707.945.0145

31 East Napa St.Sonoma, CA 95476707.996.3453

by

Exclusively at

North Bay Gallery“Exceptional handcrafted works of art”

���

The Art of Fine WineVaso Peritos

www.northbaygallery.net

atures, many vineyards did “ leaf picking”early on, a technique where leaves arepulled to expose the grapes to more sun-light so that they will ripen. Overexposureduring a heat wave, however, will kill fruit.

Conversely, too much water can dilutesugars and affect acids, creating flabbywines. When I spoke with Charlie Bates,owner of Bates Ranch, Brix on hisCabernet Sauvignon were more than 24before rain hit October 17th. Two dayslater, they were as low as 21.5 in someareas of the vineyard and 23 in others. “We’ll [probably have to] pick at 23; the fla-vor will be there but not the Brix,” saidBates, noting that higher Brix would resultin a wine with higher alcohol, which hesaid is preferred for Cabernet.”

Rains can also be an irritation duringcrush. Suited-up in bright yellow rain gear,Frank Ashton, winemaker and owner ofDownhill Winery, waited somewhat impa-tiently late afternoon on October 22nd forrain to subside so that he could offload binsof grapes into the press. The last thing hewanted was a press full of rainwater. By 5p.m., the weather cooperated and the mosthe got was drizzle.

Drizzle did not keep DrewBrenkowitz, winemaker for ByingtonVineyard & Winery, from working late intothat same evening. Like a trooper, hemaneuvered bins of grapes from the fork-lift into the press by the light of the full

moon, as an eerie layer of fog emanatedfrom the wet pavement on the crush pad.

While rain has been a headache formany growers with mature vineyards, theearly and substantial rains of 2009/10 werea blessing for Shale Canyon Wines in theArroyo Seco AVA in Monterey County. “Our plantings had abundant, availablewater to promote root growth during dor-mancy,” said Shale Canyon winemakerKen Gallegos, of their two-year-old estatevines. “ The results began to be evident inthe spring, but the real evidence came thissummer as the growth in our young vinesexploded.”

It will be a couple more years beforethe winery’s vines mature. In the mean-time, the grapes Shale Canyon receivedfrom established vineyards have beenexceptional, says Gallegos. “ The acid andPH are more balanced with the sugars thanin previous years.”

2010 was no doubt a frustrating yearfor growers and winemakers alike, butfarming, to some extent, (whether it isgrapes, tomatoes or pumpkins) is out of ourcontrol – and Mother Nature has the finalsay. Hopefully, she won’t be too hard onBacchus.

Cynthia Bournellis, a self-proclaimed winewench, works in the Santa Cruz Mountainswine industry. She can be reached at, [email protected].

From Behind the Tasting BarContinued from Page 26

ish too! It was a split on our favorite red. Ginger fell in love with the 2008 Tempranillo ($36),and Linda went home with a bottle of the 2007 Fiore di Fano ($58). Of note is the fun addi-tional tastings of Renzoni’s own olive oils and the Mama Rosa’s Marinara Sauce. This saucehonors the Renzoni Italian heritage and comes from an authentic family recipe. Hey! It’s“yum” at its best. We stuffed two jars into our purses.

Lunch was up next at the picturesque Renzoni Winery picnic area. The fare was Italiansandwiches and salad. We appreciated the simple short respite set amongst olive trees, lushvineyards and nicely manicured horse trails. It was here we had a chance to ask trolleyowner Amy Brewen about her business. “I focus on quality. I want my product to be uniqueand reasonably priced. I am actually a mobile event company. We not only do the wine tast-ing tours, but we organize foodie tours, brew tours, arts-related tours and so forth. “ She toldus that her customers and their experience is her priority in everything she does. “I want myclients to ask questions and I honor requests of any kind. Developing the relationship makesthe connection.” Yup, we got that. Plus you have to love a single mom who in one year’stime started a business, jumped out of an airplane, and ran a marathon.

Onward down what’s known as the De Portola Wine Trail we ended up at LeonesseCellars for our third tasting. This is a premium boutique winery. If you like reds, this is thestop for you. Under winemaker Tim Kramer’s gifted vision, the wines are elegant, fruit for-ward and complex. It’s a busy tasting room, we suggest for your best experience you go ona weekday. They also offer unique, informative tours – book one for sure. Our picks for thisluscious winery begins with the 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon ($39) which showcases richboysenberry and black currant layered with soft notes of lavender, and spice. Aged for 19months in small French and American oak barrels it is the perfect accompaniment to redmeat dishes, robust cheeses, and Italian dishes with tomato sauce. We also found the 2006Meritage to be rich and elegant, with aromas of black cherry, black currant and spice. Agedfor 18 months in small French oak barrels, it offers up soft, supple tannins leading into along, velvety finish. Co-owner Mike Rennie was on property and offered us a sample oftheir upcoming $95 Syrah. Soft, smooth, elegant. A treat for sure – thanks Mike!

The Wine ChixsContinued from Page 27

Continued on Page 30

Page 29: California  Vine Times Magazine

If you’ve ever had the good fortune tovisit the Italian countryside, you probablyhave some wonderful memories of small,family-owned restaurants and winerieswhere the wine flowed and the people whopoured it were so warm and welcoming.Well, you needn’t bother with passportsand airline transfers. That same experiencecan be had right in the middle of Kenwood,just up a lazy stretch of Highway 12 inCalifornia’s bucolic Sonoma Valley.

The VJB Vineyards and Cellars areowned by one of the most gracious andconvivial Italian families you will evermeet. The wine and the food of Italy, alongwith the joy of sharing it with visitors iswhat their life is about. It is their passion,their drive and their joy.

Vittorio Belmonte and his wife, Mariacame to the United States in 1963, leavingbehind their small village east of Naples.Sonoma Valley reminded them of home inBonito, Italy and seemed the perfect placeto raise their two sons, Victor and Henry.Vittorio’s family had a long history ofwinemaking. He grew up in the vineyardsof southern Italy where the family pro-duced wines from the grapes that made theregion famous. Primitivo, Coda di Volpe,Aglianico and Piccolit fruit was used tomake wines that graced the tables of bothhumble homes and great restaurants alike.It was his dream to make great wines like

that here in America. Coupled with hiswife’s fabulous cooking skills, the pairknew they had a recipe for success. Aftermany years toiling in the restaurant trade,in 1999 they were finally able to realizetheir dream of producing top quality Italianwines from their own vineyards. Their twosons were now their partners in the ventureand the family saw only a great future fortheir business and their lives together.

Unfortunately, tragedy struck. In theyear 2000, at only thirty-four years of age,Victor succumbed to a sudden heart attack.The family was devastated. In honor oftheir son and brother, they named their newwinery VJB, using Victor’s initials. Notjust his name, but his spirit is the focus ofthe business. As his brother, Henry relates“We choose to make wines that are to beenjoyed today, wines that you don’t need toage before drinking. My brother’s deathtaught me to live in the moment. As restau-rateurs, we had amassed a marvelous cellarof great wines that we were saving for spe-cial occasions. With Victor’s sudden pass-ing, we realized that each day is a specialoccasion and that life is to be lived andenjoyed right now.”

In May of 2003, the family realized alarge part of their dream with the openingof the VJB Vineyards & Cellars TastingRoom in Kenwood. It is here that visitorscan sit at long rustic tables, surrounded by

jars of Maria’s famous sugos and tape-nades, and be served the lush and fruit-for-ward wines of Southern Italy, along with

the varietals that made the Sonoma Valleyfamous. It is usually Vittorio himself who

A Taste of Italy in Kenwood at VJB Vineyards and Cellars

The tasting room offerings range from a delightful Prosecco, the perfect accompaniment toa warm summer afternoon, to rich and lusty Barberas, Zinfandels, Syrahs, and Cabernets,along with the Italian varietals, Primitivo, Sangiovese, Montepulciano and Aglianico.

Winery Guide

AMADOR CELLARS 111093 Shenandoah Rd,Plymouth, 209-245-6150amadorcellars.comTasting Wed-Sun, 12-5AMADOR FOOTHILL 2WINERY12500 Steiner Rd., Plymouth209-245-6307, amadorfoothill.comTasting Fri-Sun 12-5

AVIO VINEYARDS & 3WINERY14520 Ridge Rd., Sutter Creek209-267-1515, aviowine.com.comTasting Fri-Sun 11-5 or by Appt.BANTAM CELLARS 410851 Shenandoah Rd.,Plymouth, 209-245-6677bantamcellars.comTasting Daily 11-4

BELLA PIAZZA 3119900 Shenandoah School Rd.,Plymouth, 209-245-4600Tasting Daily 10-5BRAY VINEYARDS 510590 Shenandoah, Plymouth209-245-6023, brayvineyards.comTasting Fri-Mon 10-5C. G. DI ARIE 6VINEYARD & WINERY11919 Shenandoah School Rd,Plymouth, 209-245-4700Tasting Thu-Mon 10-4:30

CHARLES SPINETTA 7WINERY12557 Steiner Road, Plymouth209-245-3384,charlesspinettawinery.comTasting Thu-Mon 9-4 CLOS DU LAC CELLARS/ 32GREENSTONE WINERY3151 Hwy. 88, Ione, 209-274-2238Tasting Wed-Sun 10-4 CONVERGENCE 8VINEYARDS14650 HIGHWAY 124, PLYMOUTH209-245-3600Tasting Fri-Sun 10-5COOPER VINEYARDS 921365 Shenandoah School,Plymouth, 209-245-6181cooperwines.comTasting Fri-Sun 11-5DEAVER VINEYARDS 1012455 Steiner Road, Plymouth209-245-4099, deavervineyard.comTasting Daily 10:30-5 DILLIAN WINES 1112138 Steiner Road, Plymouth209-245-3444, dillianwines.comTasting Fri-Sun 11- 4:30

DOBRA ZEMLJA 1212505 Steiner Road, ShenandoahValley, 209-245-3183, dobraz.comTasting Daily 10-5DOMAINE DE LA TERRE13ROUGE/EASTON WINES10801 Dickson Rd, Plymouth209-245-3117, terrerougewines.comeastonwines.comTasting Fri-Mon 11-4 DRYTOWN CELLARS 1416030 Hwy. 49, Drytown209-245-3500, drytowncellars.comTasting Fri-Sun 11-5 FRENZ VINEYARD & 33WINERY21390 Ostrom Road, Fiddletown209-245-4800Tasting Sat-Sun 10:30-4:30 IL GIOIELLO/MORSEWINES 1522355 Lawrence Road, Fiddletown 209-245-3395, ilgioiellowinery.comTasting Sat-Sun 11-5JEFF RUNQUIST WINES 1610776 Shenandoah Rd., Plymouth209-245-3143, jeffrunquistwines.comTasting Fri 12-5, Sat-Sun 11-5KARLY 1711076 Bell Road, Plymouth209-245-3922, karlywines.comTasting Daily 12-4KARMERE VINEYARDS 1811970 Shenandoah, Plymouth209-245-5000, karmere.comTasting Fri-Sun 11-5 or by Appt.NINE GABLES 2010778 Shenandoah, Plymouth209-245-3949, 9gables.comTasting Thu-Sun 11-5NUA DAIR VINEYARDS 2113825 Willow Creek, Ione209-245-5567,nuadair.comTasting Sat -Sun 10:30-5:30 or byAppt.

RENWOOD WINERY 2212225 Steiner Road, Plymouth209-245-6979/ 800-348-8466renwood.comTasting Daily 10:30-5:30SERENIDAD 3421339 Dickson Road, Plymouth209-245-5304Tasting Thu-Sun 11-5SHENANDOAH 23VINEYARDS12300 Steiner Rd, Plymouth209-245-4455, sobonwine.comTasting Daily 10-5SOBON ESTATE 2414430 Shenandoah Rd,Plymouth, 209-245-6554sobonwine.comTasting Daily 9:30-5STONEHOUSE WINERY 2510861 Shenandoah, Plymouth209-245-6888stonehousewines.comTasting Fri-Sun 10-5STORY WINERY 2610525 Bell Road, Plymouth209-245-6208, zin.comTasting Daily 11-5 SUTTER CREEK 35WINETASTING(Crystal Basin Cellars, Gold Hill & Le Mulet Rouge)85 Main St., Sutter Creek209-267-5838suttercreekwinetasting.comTasting Daily 11-6SIERRA RIDGE 27VINEYARD & WINERY14110 Ridge Rd., Sutter Creek,209-267-1316sutterridgewine.comTasting Fri-Sun 11-4

TANIS VINEYARDS 3613120 Willow Creek Road, Ione,209-274-4807tanisvineyards.comTasting Sat-Sun 10-5:30TERRA D’ORO 1920680 Shenandoah School Rd,Plymouth, 209-245-6942montevina.comTasting Daily 10-4:30TKC VINEYARDS 2811001 Valley Drive, Plymouth209-245-6428tkcvineyards.comTasting Sat 11-5; Sun 1-5 or by Appt.VILLA TOSCANO WINERY3710600 Shenandoah, Plymouth209-245-3800villatoscano.comTasting Daily 10-5VINO NOCETO 2911011 Shenandoah, Plymouth209-245-6556, noceto.comTasting Fri, 12-4; Sat-Sun, 11-4 or by Appt.YOUNG’S VINEYARD 3810120 Shenandoah, Plymouth209-245-3005youngsvineyard.comTasting Mon-Fri 10-4,Sat-Sun 10:30-5WILDEROTTER VINEYARD3019890 Shenandoah School,Plymouth, 209-245-6016wilderottervineyard.comTasting Fri-Mon 10:30-5

Submit your winery or changesto be included in our February /March issue’s guides. Please sub-mit by Jan. 10, 2011 to [email protected]

www.vinetimesonline.com • December 2010 / January 2011 � 29

Continued on Page 33

Page 30: California  Vine Times Magazine

CHATEAU SINNET 1413746 Center St., Carmel Valley831-659-2244,chateausinnet.comTasting Sun-Thu12-5, Fri-Sat 12-6CIMA COLLINA 16San Carlos, b/t Ocean & 7th,Carmel-By-The-Sea831-620-0645, cimacollina.comTasting Thu-Mon 11-6GALANTE VINEYARDS 4Off Dolores b/t Ocean & 7th,Carmel-By-The-Sea831-624-3800,galantevineyards.comTasting Daily 12-6GEORIS WINERY 154 Pilot Road, Carmel Valley831-659-1050, georiswine.comTasting Daily 11-5HAHN ESTATES/SMITH &HOOK WINERY 2337700 Foothill Road, Soledad831-678-4555, hahnestates.comTasting Mon-Fri 11-4, Sat-Sun 11-5Tours by Appt.HELLER ESTATE 10ORGANIC VINEYARDS69 W. Carmel Valley Rd.,Carmel Valley, 831-659-6220800-625-8466, hellerestate.comTasting Mon-Thu 11-5:30,Fri-Sun 11-6

BARGETTO WINERY 1700 G Cannery Row, Monterey831-373-4053, bargetto.comTasting Daily 10:30-6BAYWOOD CELLARS 3381 Cannery Row,Ste.C,Monterey831-645-9035baywood-cellars.comTasting Daily 12-6, Sun 1-5BERNARDUS WINERY 125 W. Carmel Valley Road,Carmel Valley, 831-659-1900,bernardus.com, Tasting Daily 11-5BLACKSTONE WINERY 20800 South Alta St.,Gonzales, 831-675-5341blackstonewinery.comTasting Daily 11-4BOETÉ WINERY 87156A Carmel Valley Rd,Carmel Valley, 831-659-7563boetewinery.com, Tasting Thu-Fri2-5:45, Sat-Sun 12-5:45CHALONE VINEYARDS 25Stonewall Canyon Rd. & Hwy146, Soledad, 831-678-1717chalonevineyard.comTasting Sat-Sun 11:30-5 or by Appt.CHATEAU JULIEN WINEESTATE 98940 Carmel Valley Road,Carmel, 831-624-2600chateaujulienwine.comTasting Mon-Fri 8-5, Sat-Sun 11-5/Tours by Appt.

JOULLIAN VINEYARDS LTD.2 Village Drive, Suite A, 13Carmel Valley, 831-659-8100joullian.com, Tasting Daily 11-5MANZONI ESTATEVINEYARD 2130981 River Road, Soledad831-675-3398 manzoniwines.comTasting Sat-Sun 11-5MARILYN REMARKWINERY 17645 River Road, Salinas831-455-9310, remarkwines.comTasting Sat-Sun 11-5MEADOR ESTATE WINERY/VENTANA VINEYARDS 52999 Hwy. 10, Monterey831-372-7415, meadorestate.comTasting Daily 11-6MORGAN WINERY 7204 The Crossroads, Carmel831-626-3700, morganwinery.comTasting Thu-Mon 10-6PARAISO VINEYARDS 2438060 Paraiso Springs Rd.,Soledad, 831-678-0300paraisovineyards.comTasting Mon-Fri 12-4, Sat-Sun 11-5PESSAGNO WINERY 191645 River Road, Salinas831-675-9463, pessagnowines.comTasting Fri 11-4, Sat-Sun 11-5ROBERT TALBOTT VINEYARDSTASTING ROOM53 W. Carmel Valley Road,Carmel Valley, 831-659-3500talbottvneyards.comTasting Thu-Mon 11-5SAN SABA VINEYARD 2635801 Foothill Rd., Soledad 831-678-2292, sansaba.comTasting Tue-Sun 11- 5SCHEID VINEYARDS INC. 101972 Hobson Ave., Greenfield831-386-0316, scheidvineyards.comTasting Daily 11-5/Tours by Appt.TALBOTT VINEYARDS 1153 W. Carmel Valley Rd,Carmel Valley, 831-659-3500talbottvineyards.com,Tasting Daily 11-5TASTE OF MONTEREY1. 700 Cannery Row, 27

Monterey, 831-646-5446,tastemonterey.comTasting Daily 11-6

2. 127 Main St., Salinas 28831-751-1980Tasting Mon-Thu 11-5,Fri-Sat 11-6, Sun 11-4

Winery Guide

Submit your winery or changes to be included in our February/March issue’s guides. Please submit by Jan. 10, 2011 to [email protected]

Our final stop was the new kid on the block, Monte de Oro Winery located on RanchoCalifornia Road. This is an open and airy contemporary winery. It has a cool glass floorthat allows guests to look into the barrel room downstairs. Ladies beware – pants are theclothing of choice for the glass floor section. Expect sweeping views, beautiful patio areas,and the ability to purchase some cheese and meat type plates to accompany your tasting.This was a grand place to end our wine tasting adventure. We’re sure you’ll find the giftshop a place to spend some quality time, and there are sure to be a wine or two that willplease your palate. When Jim and Richard gave us final call to board the bus, we wererelaxed and ready to return.

A short ride back to Pechanga Resort & Casino found the group congratulating andcomplementing the driver and tour guide. Not a frown in sight. It looked to be a good timeto tip them both. On our way off the bus, we were handed a super treat – an envelope witha $20 gift certificate to local restaurant favorite Ravioli’s and a 20 percent off coupon forthe fabulous Rustico. Can you say “smart marketing” and “unexpected benefit” with me?We certainly hopped off the trolley with a big smile.

Amy told me she is able to visit all the wineries in Temecula Valley, so the route oftenchanges with each tour. This means you can call ahead and ask for your favorites and takethe tour often without worrying about repeating wineries. We feel this is a great tour to treatyourself, friends, and out of town guests to on any given day.

Be sure and check out Brewen’s Empire Trolley Web site EmpireTrolley.com for pric-ing, reservations and a multitude of fun trolley ride events like the December 11, 2010:Progressive Dinner (6:30 - 11:30 p.m.), the December 18, 2010: Hobbit (5:30 p.m. - 12:30a.m.), the December 30, 2010: Underground DinnerTour (6:30 - 11:30 p.m.), or how about the December31, 2010: New Year’s Eve Tour.

The Wine ChixsContinued from Page 28

wineries. When the village is complete andeach winery is housed in its own space,Vienza, C’est La Vie and Bolero will eachhave a master winemaker guiding a team.

From Prelude visitors will have theopportunity to watch Europa Village“come to life.” Although it will be isolatedfrom the actual construction, visitors willget to watch as Europa Village begins to

take shape. Prelude is slated to open inMarch of next year with the completion ofEuropa Village anticipated approximatelytwo years from now. The aim is to haveeverything work in unison. The excitementamong those involved with Europa Villageis palpable. Growth in the Temecula regionhas been rapid, but the area is still in itsinfancy. “Whoever’s around EuropaVillage is going to have a good time.”

Temecula’s Europa VillageContinued from Page 28

ings used to haul sugar beets when TheMill produced sugar.

The sixth winery is Clarksburg WineCompany. It is a custom crush facility ded-icated to the production of wines. Whetherit is an entire vineyard or a small lot,Clarksburg Wine has the equipment, toolsand amenities to produce world classwines. It plans on having its first releasesometime in spring 2011.

The Mill is also expanding with fivenew custom crush buildings, which will beavailable for existing wineries and newones. Construction will start in Spring 2011.

The Old Sugar Mill MarketingRepresentative Mary Tye thinks winesmade in the Delta region are becomingmore recognized for their high quality.“The climate here is similar to the climatein Sonoma and Napa,” Tye said.

A great time to visit The Old SugarMill is during one of their big eventsthroughout the year. The Clarksburg

Country Christmas for Charity is coming upon December 4. But don’t despair if you’vealready missed it, for the Port & Chocolatetasting is coming up on February 12 and 13,2011; the Wine, Cheese and Bread Faire isJuly 2 and 3; the Crush Festival isSeptember 17 and 18 and Black Friday isNovember 25. There are weddings and siterentals available at the Sugar Mill as well.And each winery’s tasting room offers avariety of unique gift items for those whowant to take home a souvenir.

Do take a break from the wine tastingand enjoy lunch at one of these two localrestaurants, both located within one mile ofthe Sugar Mill. Try La Amistad Café, aMexican Restaurant that locals refer to asShorty’s, or visit the Café/Deli at Husick’sCountry Store. For those who are hungrybut don’t want to drive, Husick’s will cus-tom plan a picnic lunch on the lawn of TheMill by calling (916) 915-7236 ahead oftime. People can check out their menuonline at husicks.com.

Discover:The Old Sugar Mill in ClarksburgContinued from Page 22

Above: Owner Erin Cline at Three WineCompany. (Kimberly Horg-Webb)Below: Sacramento resident Joe Meraz,tasting for the first time at Heringer.

(Kimberly Horg-Webb)

The Old Sugar Mill is located in the his-toric town of Clarksburg, fifteen min-utes southwest of the Capitol buildingin Sacramento.35265 Willow AvenueClarksburg, CA 95612Open Wed - Sun, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.(916) 744-1615, www.oldsugarmill.com

La Amistad Café, aka Shorty’s36046 Jefferson BlvdClarksburg, CA 95612Phone: 916-744-1346Breakfast and lunch. Open Daily exceptMondays from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Husick's Country Store, Café/Deli36510 Riverview DriveClarksburg, CA 95612Lunch. Open Mon- Tues & Thu-Fri 10a.m. to 4 p.m., Sun 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.(916) 744-1077

Page 31: California  Vine Times Magazine

www.vinetimesonline.com • December 2010 / January 2011 � 31

The City CellarBy Michelle Sieling

The Living RoomSometimes you wanna go...

For wine purists, changes over the past couple of decades in the packaging of winehave been difficult to swallow. Synthetic corks and screw caps were hard enoughfor some people. Now we’ve got wine on tap.

Obviously tapping kegs has been around for some time, but it’s only just catchingon now as a way to sell wine in U.S. restaurants and bars. San Francisco restaurantssuch as Salt House, Delfina, and Coda all currently devote some of their tap lines towine. Now The Living Room in Redwood City, which was opened back in July of thisyear by sisters Kristen Archibald-Moreau and Katrina Archibald, is bringing wine ontap to its customers in a comfy setting, along with other comfort items like bar food,seven TVs, and even free internet access.

As much as anyone likes a fancy wine bottle, there is an expense and waste thatcomes with that container. First, you’re paying a markup for the bottling (glass, labels,corks, crates, etc.). Once it gets to the restaurant or bar, there’s waste when patrons don’tdrink all the wine in the opened bottles. For a restaurant to make any real money onthat bottle, they’ll often offer you cheap wine with big markups, meaning less value inprice and poorer quality wine for the consumers. But with wine on tap, the business cansave as much as 25 percent on the purchase of the wholesale wine, passing those sav-ings on to the consumer.

Though the taps for wine look similar to the ones for beer, the process is a littledifferent. Nitrogen or argon gas pushes the wine from keg to tap in a low pressure sys-tem. As the wine is pushed out, the gas fills the empty space in the keg, preventing oxi-dation, which in turn keeps the wine fresh for months, not hours or days.

In the case of The Living Room, their steel kegs hold 5.15 gallons, or approxi-mately 26 bottles of wine each, translating to less bottles and all the waste that may gowith it. In fact, The Living Room found quickly that they were only filling one of theirfour allotted waste bins. Once Redwood City puts in compost receptacles, it will cut ontheir waste output even more.

And as all of the green output is admirable, I’ve got to talk about what the LivingRoom is like. The goal of the sisters is to make a place where their customers feel com-fortable and welcome, offering people a place to enjoy unique beers and well-priced,quality wines by the glass. Whether you want to chill out alone or with a group offriends, the owners invite customers to decide what they want and their staff will makeit happen.

Each “living room,” be it the couches set by the fireplace or in the alcove in the backor where have you, is equipped with its own TV and remote. You are the master of yourtelevision when you claim a room. There’s even one TV with Wii for your gaming pleas-ure.

Getting down to the wine, the selection features well known and respected stan-dards. Red wines include Michael Martella Grenache ($10), 2001 Frogs Leap Zinfandel($10), and 2008 Thomas Fogarty Pinot Noir ($10). You will find white wine such as 2008Page Mill Sauvignon Blanc ($8), Mas Vino Blanco ($7) and Husch Chardonnay ($10).If you can’t make up your mind, you can also purchase a flight of four wines for $12.

There’s a good selection of European beers like Blanche de Bruxelles fromBelgium ($7), Konig Pilsner from Germany ($6) and London Pride from the U.K. ($6pint/$3 half pint). Flights of beer are $10. If you’re not into foreign beers, you canalways drink Coors ($3.50).

Non-alcoholic drinks include hand pumped sodas without chemicals or preserva-tives ($2.50), which are a good deal as they come with one free refill, plus there’s freshice tea ($1.50) and coffee ($2.00).

The Living Room doesn’t have its own kitchen, but you can order from the restau-rant next door, All Season’s Café & Crepery. They offer traditional, but fresh bar fare,with most items priced under $10. This includes appetizers like Buffalo wings, cala-mari and caprese; house, Caesar or Mexican salads; and hamburgers, grilled chicken orturkey club sandwiches. The plan is to expand their menu with offerings from otherrestaurants in the area.

If you’re looking to host a private party, The Living Room can be rented out forsmall to medium groups, including catering. If you want to watch a Pay-Per-View fightor something like that, just call and they’ll do their best to oblige.

Basically, if you’re looking to chill out and enjoy something tasty off tap, just ask.The Living Room will take care of you.

The Living Room is located at 2048 Broadway in Redwood City, CA. For moreinformation give them a call at 650-365-7666 or visit their website atthelivingroomrc.com.

GLENN COUNTYLAWLEY VINEYARD &WINERY7503 Cutting Ave., Orland530-865-2388Tasting by Appt.

YOLO COUNTYBOGLE VINEYARD WINERY37675 County Road 144,Clarksburg, 916-744-1139boglewinery.comTasting Mon-Fri 10-5, Sat-Sun11-5

CARVALHO FAMILY WINESOld Sugar Mill35265 Willow Ave.,Clarksburg, 916-744-1625carvalhowines.comTasting Wed-Sun 11-5

FRENCH HILL WINERYOld Sugar Mill35265 Willow Ave.,Clarksburg, 916-744-1710frenchhill.comTasting Fri-Sun 11-5

HERINGER ESTATESOld Sugar Mill35265 Willow Ave., Ste.203,Clarksburg916-744-1094heringerestates.comTasting Thu-Sun 11-5

R.H.PHILLIPS VINEYARDS26836 County Rd., 12A,Esparto, 530-662-3215nightharvest.comTasting Wed-Sun 11-5

RIVER GROVE WINERY52183 Clarksburg Road,Clarksburg916-744-9000rivergrovewinery.comTasting by Appt.

ROMINGER WEST WINERY4602 2nd Street, Ste. 4,Davis, 530-747-2044romingerwest.comTasting Mon-Sat 12-5 or byAppt./Tours

SOLOMON WINE CO.Old Sugar Mill35265 Willow Ave.,Clarksburg, 800-861-4185solomonwines.comTasting Fri-Sun 11-5

CARVALHO FAMILY WINESOld Sugar Mill35265 Willow Ave.,Clarksburg, 916-744-1625carvalhowines.comTasting Wed-Sun 11-5

THREE WINE COMPANYOld Sugar Mill,35265 Willow Avenue, #204,Clarksburg

916-744-1300threewinecompany.comTasting Fri-Sun 11-5

SACRAMENTOCOUNTY

BLUE GUM WINERY13637 Borden Rd., Herald209-748-5669Tasting Daily 11-5

FRASINETTI'S WINERY7395 Frasinetti Road,Sacramento, 916-383-2444frasinetti.comTasting Tue-Sat 11-8

SCRIBNER BEND VINEYARDS9051 River Road,Sacramento. 916-744-1803scribnerbend.comTasting Fri-Sun 11-4:30

SIX HANDS WINERY13783 Isleton Rd.,WalnutGrove, 916-776-2053sixhandswinery.comTasting by Appt.

MADERA COUNTYBIRDSTONE WINERY9400 Road 36, Madera559-970-2060Tasting Sat-Sun 11-5

CHATEAU LASGOITY11219 Road 26, Madera559-674-8291Tasting Sat-Sun 1-5 or by Appt.

FICKLIN VINEYARDS30246 Ave. 7 1/2, Madera559-674-4598, ficklin.comTasting Daily 12-5/Tours by Appt.

IDLE HOUR WINERY41139 Hwy 41, Oakhurst559-760-9090idlehourwinery.comTasting Wed-Sat 4-10 or by Appt.

MARIPOSA WINE COMPANY20146 Rd. 21, Madera559-673-6372mariposawine.comTasting Daily 11-4

OAK HOLLOW WINERY9805 Road 30, Madera559-675-8826Tasting by Appt.

PACIFIC CREST WINERY33137 Avenue 9, Madera559-674-4996, pcvino.comTasting Daily by Appt.

QUADY WINERY13181 Road 24, Madera800-733-8068quadywinery.comTasting Mon-Fri 9-4:30,Sat-Sun 12-4:30

WESTBROOK WINE FARM49610 House Ranch Road,O’Neals, 559-868-3499westbrookwinefarm.comTasting by Appt.

MERCED COUNTYRED ROCK WINERY7326 E. Hwy. 140, Merced209-722-7625redrockwinery.comTasting Daily 10-5

Winery Guide

Visit California VineTimes Online for up to the minuteWine News,Winery Profiles, Events, Shopping, WineryMaps and Guides and more...

California

www.vinetimesonline.com

Submit your winery or changesto be included in our February /March issue’s guides. Please sub-mit by Jan. 10, 2011 to [email protected]

Page 32: California  Vine Times Magazine

32 � December 2010 / January 2011 • www.vinetimesonline.com

Arroyo Grande,805-544-8461,kynsi.com,Tasting Thu-Mon 11-5LAETITIA VINEYARD &WINERY 18453 Laetitia Vineyard Dr,Arroyo Grande,805-481-1772laetitiawine.com,Tasting Daily 11-5PERBACCO CELLARS 231850 Calle Joaquin, SLO805-787-0485,perbaccocellars.comTasting Thu-Mon 11-5PIEDRA CREEK WINERY 246425 Mira Cielo Drive, SLO805-541-1281,Tasting byAppt.REFUGIO VINEYARD 26COMPANY1691 See Canyon Rd, SLO805-801-1919,Tasting byAppt.SALISBURY VINEYARDS 286985 Ontario Rd.,SLO 805-595-9463,salisburyvineyards.comTasting Daily 11-6SAUCELITO CANYONVINEYARD 293080 Biddle Ranch Rd, SLO805-543-2111,saucelitocanyon.comTasting Daily 10-5SEXTANT WINES 303536 S.Higuera,Ste 250, SLO805-542-0133,sextantwines.comTasting Thu-Mon 11-5 or byAppt.

ALAPAY CELLARS 1415 First St., Avila Beach805-595-2632,alapaycellars.comTasting Sat-Thu10:30-6, Fri 10:30-8BAILEYANA 35828 Orcutt Rd,SLO805-269-8200,baileyana.comTasting Daily10-5 CERRO CALIENTE CELLARS 5831-A Via Esteban, SLO805-544-2842,cerrocalientecellars.comTasting Fri-Sun 11-5 CHAMISAL WINERY 87525 Orcutt Rd, SLO805-541-9463,domainealfred.comTasting Daily 10-5 CLAIBORNE & CHURCHILL 62649 Carpenter Canyon,SLO805-544-4066,claibornechurchill.comTasting Daily11-5EDNAVALLEYVINEYARDS 102585 Biddle Ranch Rd, SLO 805-544-5855,ednavalley.comTasting 10-5/ToursKELSEY SEE CANYON 15VINEYARDS1947 See Canyon Rd, SLO805-595-9700,kelseywine.comTasting Daily11-5:30KYNSI WINERY 162212 Corbett Canyon Rd,

STEVEN ROSS WINE CELLARS 323031 Lopez Dr.,Arroyo Grande805-489-0446, talleyvineyards.comTasting Daily 10:30-4:30TALLEY VINEYARDS 333031 Lopez Dr.,Arroyo Grande805-489-0446, talleyvineyards.comTasting Daily 10:30-4:30TANGENT 315828 Orcutt Rd,SLO805-597-8250, tangentwines.comTasting Daily 10-5TOLOSA WINERY 354910 Edna Rd., SLO805-782-0500, tolosawinery.comTasting Daily 11-5WINDEMERE/CATHYMACGREGOR WINES 393536 S.Higuera,Ste.240B,SLO805-542-0133Tasting Daily 11:30-4WOLFF VINEYARDS 406238 Orcott Rd, SLO805-781-0448,wolffvineyards.comTasting Daily 11-5WOOD WINERY 41136 Bridge St., Arroyo Grande805-489-9663,wildwoodwine.comTasting Thu-Mon 11-5

Winery Guide

Award-winning South Coast WineryResort & Spa’s Vineyard Rose Restaurant isserving up more than wine these days. It’sserving up specially created grape–basednectars with a twist. Due to licensingrequirements, South Coast Winery is unableto sell anything other than vine–based alco-hol, which, until now, had prohibited con-sumers from enjoying a favorite BloodyMary with their Sunday Brunch or a Cosmoat Happy Hour. Leave it to the ingenuity ofthe highly creative team of food and bever-age professionals at the Vineyard Rose topress forward. They discovered the won-derful world of Grappa, a beverage madefrom the grape pomace, or the skin of thegrape, and what is left after the grape iscrushed in order to make wine.

After months of research, taste tests, afew headaches, and dumps, South Coast’swinemakers, colleagues and unsuspectingguests helped to select a grappa that wasjust right for the project at hand. Then bar-tenders Justin and Scott, set off to discoverthe perfect mixes and blends to create abeverage of quality and character.According to Vineyard Rose Manager,Kari Carter, “The addition of mixed cock-tails is the perfect enhancement to theVineyard Rose restaurant experience.Being able to maintain quality grape–basedproperties for our cocktails was paramountand is an exciting step forward for SouthCoast Winery Resort & Spa.”

Why grappa? Just like fine wine,every grappa has a uniquely different char-acter and taste. South Coast Winery recog-nizes its customers have a uniquely differ-ent character and taste too, which is why itproduces more than 40 styles of wine.South Coast Winery chose Jacopo Poli asits grappa of choice because of its stellarreputation for quality above quantity. The

area where Jacopo Poli gathers their grap-pas’ grape-pomace ranges from Bassanodel Grappa to the hills surroundingMarostica and Breganze, lands historicallyfamous for the cultivation of grape vines.The still of the Poli Distillery is among theoldest in use today. It consists of cauldronscompletely made of copper, as in centuriesgone by. Its distillation cycle is discontinu-ous. This means that they put thegrape–pomace into the cauldrons and thendistill it using steam. After about threehours, they unload the cauldrons and thecycle begins again. Because of the individ-ual characteristics of grappas and wines,Jacopo Poli was selected because it too hasa nice selection of grappas with unique andwonderful aromatic profiles, combiningprimary flavors that are fruity, floral,herbaceous and spicy.

These new drinks stretch previouslimitations; in fact, they are more than a“mixed” drink. The Jacopo Poli grappasthat South Coast Winery selected are per-fect for sipping or mixing up a BloodyMary that makes each Sunday Brunchcomplete or a Margarita, Cosmo, Appletinior Chocolatini after a long day at the office.Of course, with Winter upon us, otherpatrons will be pleased to discover theNardini line of grappas used for theVineyard Rose’s delectable ToastedAlmond, Hot Butternut and CremeBruelee fireside sippers.

South Coast Winery Resort & Spafeatures a 39-acre destination propertylocated in the heart of Southern CaliforniaTemecula Valley’s Wine Country at 34843Rancho California Road, Temecula, andalso is home to a wine-country themedrestaurant and tasting room in the heart ofOrange County California. For completeinformation visit southcoastwinery.com.

Heaven Sent Grape NectarNew and Vibrant Drinks Now Served

at South Coast Winery’s Vineyard Rose Restaurant

New App Makes the World ofZinfandel Wine and Producers Mobile –And describes, scores, and stores all vari-etal favorites in personal database

The Association of Zinfandel Ad-vocates (ZAP), a nonprofit dedicated toadvancing public knowledge of and appre-ciation for American Zinfandel and itsunique place in our culture and history, justunveiled its first version of the ZAP App.Zinfandel fans can now download the freeZAPApp on iPhones, iPods and iPads.

The ZAPApp cross-references ZAP’smember wineries, educates tasters, helpsthem score wines, and organizes theirfavorites in a personal portable data-base.Best of all, the app may be used at any vari-etal wine festival, allowing the user to keepa running data-base of favorite wines year

round.In addition, the ZAP App is designed

to work without 3G coverage, so whetheryou’re wine tasting in rural SonomaCounty, or deep in a convention center theApp will work. For travelers exploring theworld of Zinfandel, the ZAPApp can easi-ly locate, call, email, or visit member web-sites and plan wine tour itineraries on thego. The app makes it easy to find outwhether the vintner has a tasting roombefore roaming the back roads of Sonoma,saving time on the road between wineries.

Unique ZAP App features:• The Zinfandel Aroma Wheel helps

to identify and classify unique aromaswhile tasting. Simply rotate the wheel tolocate the right one! From nutty to woody,

fruity to spicy, the wheel helps describe theunderlying elements contributing to thearoma in the wine.

• Wine Scoring helps create scorecards for favorite wines while tasting, soone can easily keep track of a day’s worthof tastings. Sort them by producer, desig-nate, date, and score; and email the info tofriends, business partners, or self.

The free ZAP App provides informa-tion about ZAP’s Festival 2011 (January27-29 in San Francisco) and the app willautomatically upload real time informationand updates regarding the producers repre-sented at the festival, event schedules andspecial events. Having all this informationat one’s fingertips, carrying festival pro-grams, score cards, and pencils will now beoptional – it’s all in the app! Beyond the

ZAP festival, the functions of capturingfavorite wines represented at any varietalfestival make this app valuable to the winelover all year long.

For complete details visit www.zin-fandel.org

Zinfandel Advocates and Producers ZAP App is Live and FREE!

Page 33: California  Vine Times Magazine

www.vinetimesonline.com • December 2010 / January 2011 � 33

does the pouring and a more affable hostwould be hard to find. With his thick Italianaccent and expressive manner, one will feeltransported to the Italian countryside. Mostof Vittorio’s family wines are producedfrom their estate vineyards, yieldingCabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Sangiovese,Montepulciano and Aglianico grapes.

The tasting room offerings range froma delightful Prosecco, the perfect accompa-niment to a warm summer afternoon, to

rich and lusty Barberas, Zinfandels,Syrahs, and Cabernets, along with theItalian varietals, Primitivo, Sangiovese,Montepulciano and Aglianico. The winesnot to be missed however are their twoblends. The VJB Rosso, a red table wine, isone of the most approachable and “pure”examples of what you would find on near-ly any table in Italy. It is robust, yet smoothand easy on the palate. And it is impossibleto drink without dreaming of a plate ofsteaming pasta.

Their other red blend, Dante, is a lus-cious marriage of Cabernet and Sangiovesefruit. It is undoubtedly a more elegant wine,with soft tannins and a silky, graceful finish,but somehow just as unpretentious and user-friendly as their red table wine.

Not willing to rest on their laurels, theBelmonte family is excited about theirnewest adventure. With the ground brokenfor a magnificent new tasting room, com-plete with an Italian deli, picnic groundsand retail space, they have a vision for cre-ating a quintessential wine country destina-tion. “If you only have time to visit oneplace in the valley, this will be the place tocome. It will be a true expression of whomy family is and of what we want to offerto people who come to visit us. For us thegoal is not for you to simply enjoy ourwines, but for you to leave feeling asthough you are now a part of our family.”

The current tasting room located at9077 Sonoma Highway in Kenwood isopen daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Two tast-ing options are available. The “Normale”tasting features from five to seven wines ata cost of only $5. The “Reserva” tastingcomes with a tasty plate of Italian curedmeats and cheeses meant to complementthe wines. It is a tremendous value at $10.A private estate tour and tasting for groupsof two to thirty can also be arranged fromThursday through Sunday by appointment.This is the wine tour to take in the valley.Guests enjoy a walk through the estate’s

Montepulciano vineyard, sip wine pool-side and then move to the wonderful “can-tina” for a fabulous selection of the fami-ly’s library wines. It is well worth the twen-ty-dollar admission. And to recreate athome a bit of your splendid Italian experi-ence, be sure and pick up a copy of Maria’snew cookbook, Cucinare Con Amore(Cook With Love).

Love, family and marvelous wines.Bravo!

For further information, visit theirwebsite at vjbcellars.com or call (707) 833-2300.

The Peachy Canyon “Old School House” tastingroom (circa 1886) is located in the heart of PasoRobles’ wine country on Highway 46 West.Come taste the world famous Estate Zinfandelsor any of the other 15-plus handcrafted smallbatch Rhone & Bordeaux varietals.

Open 7 Days a Week11 a.m. to 5 p.m., except major holidays

1480 N. Bethel Road, Templeton, CA 93465www.peachycanyon.com805/239.1918 or 866/335.1918

COME IN FOR OUR HOLIDAY SPECIALS

HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSEDec. 11-12, 10 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.

Special Sales, Treats, Mulled Wine & Live Music

SLOFOLKS PresentsERIC HENDERSON in Concert

Saturday, January 15, 20117:30 p.m

Open Daily 10 - 5:301315 North Bethel Rd., Templeton

888-DAM-FINEWWW.CASTOROCELLARS.COM

P ASO

RO

BLE

S

Join Us For Our Holiday Celebrations

Tasting Room Open Daily

11 to 5:30

2174 Hwy 46 WestPaso Robles

greywolfcellars.com805-237-0771

Specials for December and January

HOLIDAY SPECIALS!

10% OffWine

Order&

2 for 1tasting fee

Paso Robles Inn SteakhouseEnjoy a Complimentary

Appetizer or Dessertwith the purchase of two entrées

1130 Spring Street, Downtown Paso RoblesCall for Reservation (805)226-4925

Pick up a coupon at Grey Wolf Cellars.

MJB Vineyards & Cellars Tasting room is a realization of the Belmonte Family’s dream ofcreating Italian style wines here in America. Vittorio and his son Henry in the vineyards.

Maria Belmonte has just published a newcookbook, Cucinare Con Amore (CookWith Love), so visitors to the winery cantake home a bit of their Italian experience.

A Taste of Italy in Kenwood at VJB Vineyards and CellarsContinued from Page 29

Page 34: California  Vine Times Magazine

ANNAPOLISANNAPOLIS WINERY 126055 Soda Springs Rd., 707-886-5460, annapoliswinery.comTasting Daily 12-5

CLOVERDALECELLAR NO. 8 226150 Asti Rd., 866-557-4970 cellarno8.com, Tasting Thu-Mon 10-5FRITZ WINERY 324691 Dutcher Creek Rd.707-894-3389/ 800-418-9463fritzwinery.comTasting Daily 10:30-4:30, TICARIA CREEK WINERY 427750 Asti Rd., 707-486-9623 icariawinery.com, APASTORI WINERY 523189 Geyserville Ave.707-857-3418, AWATTLE CREEK WINERY 625510 River Rd., 707-894-5166,wattlecreek.com, A

GEYSERVILLECLOS DU BOIS WINES 1119410 Geyserville Ave.,707-857-3100/ 800-222-3189closdubois.com Tasting Daily 10-4:30, TDAVID COFFARO VINEYARD &WINERY 127485 Dry Creek Rd.707-433-9715, coffaro.com Tasting Daily 11-4, TDE LORIMIER WINERY 132001 Hwy. 128, 707-857-2000delorimierwinery.com, AFRANCIS FORD COPPOLA300 Via Archimedes, 707-857-1980franciscoppolawinery.comTasting Daily 11-5FRICK WINERY 1523072 Walling Rd.,707-857-1980, frickwinery.comTasting Sat-Sun 12-4:30GEYSER PEAK WINERY 1622281 Chianti Rd. 707-857-2500/800-255-9463, geyserpeakwinery.comTasting Daily 10-5LOCALS TASTING ROOM 17Geyserville Ave. @ Hwy. 128,707-857-4900, tastelocal-wines.com, Tasting Daily 11-6PEDRONCELLI WINERY 201220 Canyon Rd., 707-857-3531,pedroncelli.com, Tasting Daily 10-4:30ROBERT YOUNG VINEYARDS 214950 Red Winery Rd., 707-431-4811, ryew.com, Tasting Daily 10-4:30SILVER OAK CELLARS 2224625 Chianti Rd., 707-857-3562,silveroak.com Tasting Mon-Sat 9-4

STRYKER SONOMA 245110 Hwy. 128, 707-433-1944strykersonoma.com, Tasting Daily10:30-5THE MEEKER VINEYARD 2521035 Geyserville Ave.707-431-2148, meekerwine.comTasting Mon-Sat 10:30-6, Sun 12-5TRENTADUE WINERY 2619170 Geyserville Ave.707-433-3104trentadue.com, Tasting Daily 10-5, T

HEALDSBURGALEXANDERVALLEYVINEYARDS 285110 Hwy. 128, 707-433-7209avvwine.com, Tasting Daily 10-5A. RAFANELLI WINERY 294685 West Dry Creek Rd., 707-433-1385 arafanelliwinery.com, AAMISTA VINEYARDS 303320 Dry Creek Rd., 707-431-9200 amistavineyards.com Tasting Thu-Mon 11-4:30AMPHORA WINES 314791 W. Dry Creek Rd., Bldg. 6,707-431-7767, amphorawines.com,Tasting Daily 11-4:30ARMIDA WINERY 322201 Westside Rd., 707-433-2222armida.com, Tasting Daily 11-5CAMELLIA CELLARS 3557 Front St., 707-433-1290cameliacellars. com, Tasting Daily 11-6CHATEAU SOUVERAIN 36308B Center St., 707-433-2822chateausouverain.comTasting Daily 11-6DAVIS FAMILY VINEYARDS 3852 Front St.,707-433-3858, daviswines.comTasting Thu-Sun 11-4:30DE LA MONTANYA 39999 Foreman Ln., 707-433-3711dlmwine.com, Tasting Fri-Sun 11-5 DEUX AMIS WINES 401960 Dry Creek Rd., 707-431-7945, deuxamiswines.com, ADOMAINE DANICA 421960 Dry Creek Rd.707-431-1902, ADRY CREEK VINEYARD 433770 Lambert Bridge Rd., 707-433-1000, drycreekvineyard.comTasting Daily 10:30-4:30DUTCHER CROSSING WINERY448533 Dry Creek Rd., 866-431-2711, dutchercrossingwinery.comTasting Daily 11-5, TEVERETT RIDGE VINEYARDS &WINERY 46435 W. Dry Creek Rd., 707-433-1637, everettridge.comTasting Daily 10-5FERRARI-CARANO WINERY 478761 Dry Creek Rd., 707-433-6700, ferrari-carano.comTasting Daily 10-5, T

FORCHINI VINEYARDS & WINERY 495141 Dry Creek Rd., 707-431-8886, forchini.com, ATGALLO OF SONOMA 50320 Center St., 707-433-2458 gallo-ofsonoma.com, Tasting Daily 10-6, TGROVE STREET WINERY 521451 Grove St., 707-836-5615,grovestreetwinery.comTasting Daily 11-4:30, THOLDREDGE WINERY 5351 Front St., 707-431-1424 Tasting Sat-Sun 11-4:30 HUNTINGTON WINE CELLARS5453 Front St., 707-433-5215 hunt-ingtonwine.com, Tasting Thu-Sun 11-5JORDAN VINEYARD & WINERY 571474 Alexander Valley Rd., 800-654-1213, jordanwinery.com, ATKENDALL-JACKSON WINEESTATES 58337 Healdsburg Ave., 707-433-7102 kj.com, Tasting Daily 10-5

LA CREMA WINERY 59235 Healdsburg Ave.707-431-9400, lacrema.comTasting Daily 10:30-5:30LAKE SONOMA WINERY 60340 Healdsburg Ave., 800-750-9463, lakesonomawinery.netTasting Daily 10-5LAMBERT BRIDGE WINERY 614085 W. Dry Creek Rd.800-975-0555, lambertbridge.comTasting Daily 10:30-4:30LONGBOARD VINEYARDS 635 Fitch St., 707-433-3473longboardvine-yards.com, TastingThu-Sat 11-7, Sun 11-5 or by Appt.MAURITSON FAMILY WINERY642859 Dry Creek Rd., 707-431-0804mauritsonwines.com Tasting Daily 10-5MAZZOCCO VINEYARDS 651400 Lytton Springs Rd., 707-431-8159, mazzocco.com, Tasting Daily 11-5

MICHEL-SCHLUMBERGER FINEWINE ESTATE 664155 Wine Creek Rd., 707-433-7427 michelschlumberger.com, ATMILL CREEK VINEYARDS &WINERY 681401 Westside Rd., 707-433-5098millcreekwinery.com Tasting Daily 10-5MURPHY-GOODE WINERY 6920 Matheson St., 707-431-7644murphygoodewinery.com Tasting Daily 10:30-5:30NALLE WINERY 702383 Dry Creek Rd., 707-433-1040nallewinery.com, Tasting 12-5 Sat or AOPTIMA WINE CELLARS 73498 Moore Ln., 707-431-8222 optimawinery.com, APASSALACQUA WINERY 743805 Lambert Bridge Rd.707-433-5550, passalacquawinery.com, Tasting Daily 11-5PETERSON WINERY 754791 Dry Creek Rd., Bldg. 7707-431-7568, petersonwinery.comTasting Daily 11-4:30PRESTON VINEYARDS & WINERY779282 W. Dry Creek Rd., 707-433-3372, prestonofdrycreek.comTasting Daily 11-4:30QUIVIRA VINEYARDS 784900 W. Dry Creek Rd., 707-431-8333quivirawine.com, Tasting Daily 11-5, TRAYMOND BURR VINEYARDS 798339 W. Dry Creek Rd., 888-900-0024, raymondburrvineyards.com, ARIDGE VINEYARDS 82650 Lytton Springs Rd., 707-433-7721ridgewine.com, Tasting Daily 11-4ROSENBLUM WINE CELLARS83250 Center St., 707-431-1169rosenblumcellars.comTasting Daily 10-6SAPPHIRE HILL WINERY 85Front St., 707-431-1888 sapphirehill.comTasting Thu-Mon 11-4:30 SAUSAL WINERY 867370 Hwy. 128, 800-500-2285sausalwinery.com, Tasting Daily 10-4SBRAGIA FAMILY VINEYARDS 879990 Dry Creek Rd., 707-473-2992,sbragia.com, Tasting Daily 11-5, TSEGHESIO WINERY 8814730 Grove, 707-433-3579seghesio.com, Tasting Daily 10-5

SELBY WINERY 89215 Center St., 707-431-1288 selbywinery.com, Tasting Daily 11-5:30SIMI WINERY 9216275 Healdsburg Ave., 707-433-6981/ 800-746-4880, simiwinery.comTasting Daily 10-5, TSTONESTREET VINEYARDS 937111 Hwy. 128, 800-355-8008stonestreewines.com, ASTUHLMULLER VINEYARDS 944951 W. Soda Rock Ln., 707-431-7745, stuhlmullervineyards.com, ATALTY WINERY 967127 Dry Creek Rd.,707-433-8438, taltyvineyards.com, ATELDESCHI WINERY 973555 Dry Creek Rd., 707-433-6626, teldeschi.com, Tasting Daily 12-5 TOAD HOLLOW VINEYARDS100409A Healdsburg Ave.707-431-8667, toadhollow.com,Tasting Daily 10:30-5:30UNTI VINEYARDS 1014202 Dry Creek Rd., 707-433-5590, untivineyards.com, AWILSON WINERY 1031960 Dry Creek Rd.707-433-4355, wilsonwinery.comTasting Daily 11-5YOAKIM BRIDGE WINERY 104

7209 Dry Creek Rd.707-433-8511, yoakimbridge.com Tasting Fri-Sun 11-4:30, A

CAZADEROFLOWERS VINEYARD & WINERY 128500 Seaview Rd., 707-847-3661flowerswinery.com, A

FORESTVILLEHARTFORD FAMILY WINERY 28075 Martinelli Rd., 707-887-8010hartfordwines.com, Tasting Daily 10-4:30JOSEPH SWAN VINEYARDS 32916 Laguna Rd., 707-573-3747,swanwinery.com, Tasting Sat-Sun11-4:30TOPOLOS AT RUSSIAN RIVERVINEYARDS 45700 Gravenstein Hwy. N.707-887-3344, russianrivervine-yards.com, Tasting Thu-Sun 11:30-4:30WOODENHEAD 55700 River Rd., 707-887-2703woodenheadwine.comTasting Thu-Sun 10:30-4:30

Sono

ma

Val

ley

Win

ery

Gui

de SONOMA COUNTYNORTH

SONOMA COUNTYNORTH

SONOMA COUNTYCENTRAL

SONOMA COUNTYCENTRAL

34 � December 2010 / January 2011 • www.vinetimesonline.com

Page 35: California  Vine Times Magazine

GUERNEVILLEKORBEL CHAMPAGNE CELLARS 713250 River Rd.707-824-7000, korbel.comTasting Daily 9-4:30, T

HEALDSBURGACORN WINERY 812040 Old Redwood Highway707-433-6440, acornwinery.com, AALDERBROOK WINERY 92306 Magnolia Dr., 707-433-9154alderbrook.com, Tasting Daily 10-5ARISTA WINERY 107015 Westside Rd., 707-473-0606,aristawinery.com, Tasting Thu-Mon 11-5C. DONATIELLO WINERY 134035 Westside Rd. 707-431-4409,cdonatiello.com, Tasting Daily 11-5CHALK HILL WINERY 1410300 Chalk Hill Rd., 707-657-4837, chalkhill.com, ATCHATEAU FELICE 15223 Center St., 707-836-9010chateaufelice.com, Tasting Fri-Sat11-6, Sun-Thu 11-5CHRISTOPHER CREEK WINERY16641 Limerick Ln., 707-431-8243,christophercreek.com, Tasting Daily 11-5DAVIS BYNUM WINERY 198075 Westside Rd., 707-433-2611,davisbynum.com, Tasting Daily 10-5DENATALE VINEYARDS 2011020 Eastside Rd.,707-431-8460, ADOMAINE ST. GEORGE WINERY& VINEYARD 211141 Grant Ave., 707-433-5508domainesaintgeorge.com, ATFIELD STONE WINERY &VINEYARD 2310075 Hwy. 128, 707-433-7266,fieldstonewinery.com Tasting Daily 10-5FOPPIANO VINEYARDS 2412707 Old Redwood Hwy.707-433-7272, foppiano.comTasting Daily 10-4:30GARY FARRELL VINEYARDS &WINERY 2510701 Westside Rd., 707-473-2900 garyfarrellwines.com Tasting Daily 11-4, THANNA WINERY ALEXANDERVALLEY 279280 Hwy. 128, 707-431-4310hannawinery.com, Tasting Daily 10-4HOP KILN WINERY 286050 Westside Rd., 707-433-6491hopkilnwinery.com, Tasting Daily 10-5J. ROCHIOLI VINEYARD &WINERY 306192 Westside Rd., 707-433-2305,rochioliwinery.com, Tasting Thu-Mon 11-4J VINEYARDS & WINERY 3111447 Old Redwood Hwy.707-431-3646, jwine.comTasting Fri-Sun 11-4, TJOHNSON’S ALEXANDER VALLEYWINES 328333 S. Hwy. 128, 707-433-2319johnsonavwines.com, Tasting Daily 11-4KENDALL-JACKSON WINECENTER 33337 Healdsburg Ave., 707-433-7102, kj.com, Tasting Daily 11-5LANCASTER ESTATE 3415001 Chalk Hill Rd., 707-433-8178, lancaster-estate.com, ATLIMERICK LANE VINEYARDS 361023 Limerick Ln., 707-433-9211limericklanewines.comTasting Daily 10-5MIETZ CELLARS 38602 Limerick Ln., 707-431-7103,mietzcellars.com, APORTER CREEK VINEYARDS 398735 Westside Rd., 707-433-6321portercreekvineyards.comTasting Daily 10:30-4:30ROCHIOLI VINEYARDS & WINERY 406192 Westside Rd., 707-433-2305rochioliwinery.comTasting Thu-Mon 11-4RODNEY STRONG VINEYARDS 4111455 Old Redwood Hwy.707-431-1533, rodneystrong.comTasting Daily 10-5, TVERITE WINERY 444611 Thomas Rd., 707-433-9000,veritewines.com, A

WHITE OAK VINEYARDS &WINERY 457505 Hwy. 128, 707-433-8429whiteoakwinery.comTasting Daily 10-5

SANTA ROSAFISHER VINEYARDS 476200 St. Helena Rd.,707-539-7511, fishervineyards.com, AHANNA WINERY RUSSIAN RIVERVALLEY 485353 Occidental Rd.,707-575-3371, hannawinery.comTasting Daily 10-4HARVEST MOON ESTATE 492192 Olivet Rd., 707-573-8711harvestmoonwinery.com Tasting Daily 10:30-5BALLETTO VINEYARDS & DUTTON-GOLDENFIELD TASTING ROOM 5057 Occidental Rd., 707-568-2455,ballettovineyards.com, duttongold-field.com, Tasting Daily 10-4BATTAGLINI ESTATE WINERY 512948 Piner Rd., 707-578-4091, AMARTIN RAY WINERY 542191 Laguna Road, 707-823-2404,martinray-winery.comTasting Thu-Mon 11-4MATANZAS CREEK WINERY 556097 Bennett Valley Rd.707-528-6464/ 800-590-6464matanzascreek.comTasting Daily 10-4:30PARADISE RIDGE WINERY 564545 Thomas Lake Harris Dr.707-528-9463, paradiseridgewin-ery.com, Tasting Mon-Fri 11-5PELLEGRINI FAMILY VINEYARDS 574055 West Olivet Rd. 800-891-0244, pellegrinisonoma.com, ATSABLE RIDGE VINEYARDS 606320 Jamison Rd., 707-542-3138,sableridge.com, ATSIDURI 61980 Airway Court, Ste. C,707-578-3882, siduri.com, AST. FRANCIS 62100 Pythian Rd., 888-675-9463stfranciswine.com, Tasting Daily 10-5, TSUNCE WINERY & VINEYARD 631839 Olivet Rd.,707-526-9463suncewinery.com, Tasting Daily 10:30-5

SEBASTOPOLIRON HORSE VINEYARDS 669786 Ross Station Rd.707-887-1507, ironhorsevine-yards.com, Tasting Daily 10-3:30, TLYNMAR WINERY TASTING ROOM673909 Frei Rd., 707-829-3374lynmarwinery.com, Tasting Daily 10-5MARIMAR TORRES ESTATE 6811400 Graton Rd.,707-823-4365,marimarestate.com, Tasting Daily11-4,TPETERS FAMILY WINERY 692064 N. Gravenstein Hwy., Ste.102, 707-829-3111peteresfamilywinery.com, ASEBASTOPOL VINEYARDS 718757 Green Valley Rd.,, 707-829-9463, sebastopolvineyards.comTasting Daily 11-5TAFT STREET WINERY 722030 Barlow Ln., 707-823-2049,taftstreetwinery.com, Tasting Mon-Fri 11-4, Sat-Sun 11-4:30

WINDSORINMAN FAMILY WINES 745793 Skylane Blvd., Ste. C707-395-0689 inmanfamilywines.com,AMARTINELLI VINEYARDS & WINE TASTING 753360 River Rd.,707-525-0570martinelliwinery.com, Tasting Daily 10-5RUSSIAN HILL ESTATE 764525 Slusser Rd., 707-575-9428russianhillestate.comTasting Thu-Mon 10-4

KENWOODBLACKSTONE WINERY 18450 Sonoma Hwy., 707-833-1999blackstonewinery.comTasting Daily 10-4:30CHATEAU ST. JEAN WINERY 28555 Sonoma Hwy., 707-833-4134,chateaustjean.com, Tasting Daily 10-5, TFAMILY WINERIES OF SONOMAVALLEY 59200 Sonoma Hwy., 707-833-5504familywineries.com, Tasting Daily 11-6KAZ VINEYARD & WINERY 6233 Adobe Canyon Rd.707-833-2536,kazwinery.comTasting Fri-Mon 11-5KENWOOD VINEYARDS 79592 Sonoma Hwy.,707-833-5891kenwoodvineyards.comTasting Daily 10-4:30KUNDE ESTATE WINERY 89825 Sonoma Hwy.707-833-5501, kunde.comTasting Daily 10:30-4:30LANDMARK VINEYARDS 11101 Adobe Canyon Rd.,707-833-0218, landmarkwine.comTasting Daily 10:30-4:30LEDSON WINERY & VINEYARDS 127335 Sonoma Hwy.,707-537-3810/ 800-539-2331ledson.com,Tasting Daily 10-5SL CELLARS 139380 Sonoma Hwy., 707-833-5070slcellars.com, Tasting Daily 10:30-5THE WINE ROOM 159575 Sonoma Hwy., 707-833-6131the-wine-room.comTasting Mon-Thu 11-4, Fri-Sun 11-5VJB VINEYARDS & CELLARS 169077 Sonoma Hwy., 707-833-2300,vjbcellars.com, Tasting Daily 10-5

GLEN ELLENARROWOOD VINEYARDS& WINERY 1814347 Sonoma Hwy., 707-935-2600, arrowoodvineyards.comTasting Daily 10-4:30, TAUDELSSA ESTATE WINERY 1913647 Arnold Dr.707-933-8514, audelssa.comTasting Fri-Mon11-5, TB. R. COHN WINERY 2015000 Sonoma Hwy.,707-931-7924, brcohn.com,Tasting Daily 10-5, TBENZIGER FAMILY WINERY 211883 London Ranch Rd.707-935-3000, benziger.comTasting Daily 10-5, TDEERFIELD RANCH WINERY 241310 Warm Springs Rd., 707-833-5215, deerfieldranch.com, AERIC ROSS WINERY 2514300 Arnold Dr., 707-939-8525,ericross.com, Tasting Thu-Mon 11-5IMAGERY ESTATE WINERY 2814335 Hwy. 12, 707-935-4515imagerywinery.comTasting Sun-Thu 10-4:30, Fri-Sat 10-5LOXTON CELLARS 2911466 Dunbar Rd., 707-935-7221,loxtonwines.com, AVALLEY OF THE MOON WINERY30777 Madrone Rd., 707-939-4510,valleyofthemoonwinery.com,Tasting Daily 10-4:30WELLINGTON VINEYARDS 3111600 Dunbar Rd., 707-939-0708800-816-9463, wellingtonvineyards.comTasting Daily 11-4, T

SONOMABARTHOLOMEW PARK WINERY 341000 Vineyard Ln., 707-935-9511,store.bartpark.com, Tasting Daily 11-4:30BUENA VISTA WINERY 3518000 Old Winery Rd.707-938-1266/ 800-926-1266buenavistawinery.comTasting Daily 10-5, TCASTLE VINEYARDS & WINERY 36122 West Spain St., 707-996-1966,castlevineyards.com, Tasting Daily 10-5

NOT ON MAPS

MARIN COUNTYPACHECO RANCH WINERY235 Alameda del Prado, Novato,415-883-5583pachecoranchwinery.com, APOINT REYES VINEYARD INN12700 Hwy. 1, Point Reyes Station415-663-1011,ptreyesvineyardinn.comTasting Sat-Sun 11-5STEPHEN ZELLERBACHVINEYARD159 Glen Park Ave., San Rafael707-527-0172, AWINDSOR VINEYARDS72 Main St.,Tiburon800-214-9463,windsorvineyards.com, TastingSun, Mon-Thu 10-6, Fri-Sat 10-7

A = Tasting by AppointmentT = Tours

For ease of use, note thatthe color of the numbernext to each winery listingcorresponds to the mapwith a border of the samecolor.

Annapolis, Cloverdale,Geyserville, Healdsburg

Cazadero, Forestville,Guernville, Healdsburg,Santa Rosa, Sebastopol,Windsor

Kenwood, Glen Ellen,Sonoma, Petaluma

NORTH

CENTRAL

SOUTH

Sonoma V

alley Winery G

uideSONOMA COUNTY

SOUTHCHARLES CREEK VINEYARD 37483 W. First St., 707-935-3848charlescreek.com, Tasting Daily 11-6CLINE CELLARS 3824737 Arnold Dr., 707-940-4000clinecellars.com, Tasting Daily 10-6, TCORNERSTONE PLACE 39(multiple winery tasting room)23570 Hwy. 121, 707-933-3010 cornerstoneplace.com, Tasting Daily 10-5FAVERO VINEYARDS 423939 Lovall Valley Rd., 707-935-3939. faverovineyards.com, ATGLORIA FERRER CHAMPAGNECAVES 4323555 Hwy. 121,707-996-7256gloriaferrer.com, Tasting Daily 10-5, TGUNDLACH-BUNDSCHUWINERY 442000 Denmark St., 707-938-5277gunbun.com, Tasting Daily 11-4:30HANZELL VINEYARDS 4518596 Lomita Ave., 707-996-3860800-393-4999, hanzell.com, AHOMEWOOD WINERY 4623120 Burndale Rd., 707-996-6353homewoodwinery.comTasting Daily 10-4LARSON FAMILY WINERY 4923355 Millerick Rd., 707-938-3031larsonfamilywinery.comTasting Daily 10-5MACROSTIE WINERY 5021481 E. 8th St., #25, 707-996-4480macrostiewinery.com, ATMOON MOUNTAIN VINEYARD511700 Moon Mountain Dr.707-996-5870, moonmountainvine-yard.com, ATMUSCARDINI CELLARS 52440A Fifth St.West, 707-833-0526muscardinicellars.comTasting Daily 11-6NICHOLSON RANCH WINERY534200 Napa Rd., 707-938-8822nicholsonranch.comTasting Daily 10-6PETRONI VINEYARDS 54990 Cavedale Rd., 707-935-8311,petronivineyards.com,ARAVENSWOOD WINERY 5518701 Gehricke Rd., 707-933-2332ravenswood-wine.com, Tasting Daily10-4:30ROBERT HUNTER WINERY 5615655 Arnold Dr., 707-996-3056roberthunterwinery.com,ATROBLEDO FAMILY WINERY 5721901 Bonness Rd., 707-939-6903robledofamilywinery.com, AROCHE WINERY 5828700 Arnold Dr., 707-935-7115800-825-9475, rochewinery.comTasting Daily 10-5SCHUG CARNEROS ESTATEWINERY 60602 Bonneau Rd.707-939-9363/ 800-966-9365schugwinery.com, Tasting Daily 10-5SEBASTIANI VINEYARDS &WINERY 61389 E. 4th St., 707-933-3230sebastiani.com, Tasting Daily 10-5SONOMA ENOTECA 62(multiple winery tasting room)35 E. Napa St.,707-935-1200sonoma-enoteca.comTasting Wed-Mon 11-6,Tue 3-6THE CELLAR DOOR 65(multiple winery tasting room)1395 Broadway, 707-938-4466sonomacellardoor.com, TastingMon,Thu-Sun 11-6,Tue-Wed 4-6VIANSA WINERY 6625200 Arnold Dr., 707-935-4700800-995-4740, viansa.com,Tasting Daily10-5, T

PETALUMAADOBE ROAD WINERY 671995 S. McDowell Blvd., 707-939-7967, adoberoadwines.com, AKELLER ESTATE 695875 Lakeville Hwy., 707-765-2117,kellerestate.com, A

SONOMA COUNTYSOUTH

Submit your winery or changesto be included in our February /March issue’s guides. Please sub-mit by Jan. 10, 2011 to [email protected]

www.vinetimesonline.com • December 2010 / January 2011 � 35

Page 36: California  Vine Times Magazine

Temecula Olive Oil Companyannounces the grand opening of its newestretail tasting room in the design district ofSolana Beach, California. Located at 342S. Cedros, the store is open every day from10 am to 6 pm. Like its sister locations,Temecula Olive Oil Company offers com-

plimentary tasting of cold pressed extravirgin olive oils and balsamic vinegars.Additional culinary accompaniments likeolives, spreads, mustards, candy chocolateolives, salts, peppercorn, herbs, and rubscompliment an array of cookbooks andartisan gifts made from ceramic and olive

wood. Olive oil is also the main ingredientin locally made soaps, lip balms, lotionsticks, lotion bars, butter for the skin,shampoo bars and candles. Visitwww.temeculaoliveoil.com for additionalcompany information.

Two additional tasting rooms are also

open daily in Old Town Temecula at 28653Old Town Front Street and Old Town SanDiego at 2754 Calhoun Street. Visitwww.temeculaoliveoil.com for additionalcompany information.

36 � December 2010 / January 2011 • www.vinetimesonline.com

ENZ WINERY 51781 Limekiln Rd., Hollister831-637-6443Tasting by Appt.

FLINT WINE CELLARS 613160 Cienega Road, Hollister831-636-8986Tasting by Appt.

CALERA WINE COMPANY 111300 Cienega Rd., Hollister831-637-9170calerawine.comTasting Daily 11-4:30

DEROSE VINEYARDS 39970 Cienega Road,Hollister831-636-9143derosewine.comTasting Sat-Sun 11-4

LEAL VINEYARDS 8300 Maranatha Way, Hollister831-636-1023lealvineyards.comTasting Daily 11-5

PESSAGNO WINERY 922704 Picador Dr., Salinas 831-675-9463 or 831.675.1922Tasting Fri-Sun, 11-5

PIETRA SANTA WINERY 1010034 Cienega Road,Hollister, 831-636-1991pietrasantawinery.comTasting Wed-Sun 11-5,Mon-Tue by Appt.

SUMMERAYNE VINEYARD 111781 Limekiln Rd., Hollister831-902-5638Tasting Sat-Sun 1-4

ZANGER VINEYARDS 12of Casa de Fruta10021 Pacheco Pass Hwy.,Hollister, 408-842-7282casadefruta.comTasting Mon-Thu 8-7:30,Fri-Sun 8 a.m. - 8:30 p.m.

Winery Guide

Submit your winery orchanges to be included inour February / March issue’sguides. Please submit by Jan.10, 2011 to [email protected]

On a rain soaked late October after-noon, Toby Lane Vineyards debuted itsnewest offerings at Chalk Hill Ranch to asmall group of family and friends. The pro-prietors, Charlie Martin and his son Blairpoured their 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon, allestate grown on the family’s hillside vine-yard that is tucked into a secluded valley inthe southern Alexander Valley just twomiles east of Chalk Hill Road. They alsopoured their Estate grown 2008 Merlot.Charlie and Blair work with AmesMorrison and Chris Christensen ofMedlock Ames gravity flow winery nextdoor to produce their well crafted wines.Only a small amount of the Merlot wasavailable and they sold out on the spot. Itwas that tasty.

“Our family motto is fine wine beginswith superb soil and exceptional grapes,”said Charlie. And fine wine it is.

Family is a key element of Toby Lane.

The tasting took place at the family home,the former estate of Charles Schultz.Charlie’s mom Willie (Blair’s grandmoth-er) roamed the grounds in her golf cart inthe downpour to make sure everything wasin place. Various family members andfriends helped pour, sell wine, BBQ slidersand keep the water from building under ourfeet due to the downpour. Toby LaneVineyards makes its home on the beautifulrolling hills of Chalk Hill Ranch where theMartin family have been growing grapesfor the past 30 years.

Toby Lane wines are new to the mar-ket, but worth seeking out. They have lim-ited availability so hit their website(www.tobylanevineyards.com) for all thedetails. In the dining world, you can findthem locally served at Il Fornaio restau-rants in Palo Alto and Corte Madera withmore locations on the way.

Toby Lane Vineyards

Chalk Hill Ranch, the former estate ofCharles Schultz. (John Sieling)

Blair Martin pours his wines. (John Sieling)

The Martin matriarch Willie, was busyhelping out. (John Sieling)

Blair Martin and his wife Jana hold theirnewest offerings. (John Sieling)

Temecula Olive Oil Company Opens New Tasting Room

Caroline Bale was the daughter of Dr.Edward Bale and Maria Soberanes, a nieceof General Mariano Vallejo. On the dayafter Christmas in 1860, just weeks afterAbraham Lincoln was elected president,Caroline was married to Charles Krug. Itwas a fortuitous union for the NapaValley’s winemaker: Caroline’s dowryprovided the land for the Charles Krugestate, thereby launching the regional wineindustry that put a small rural Californiavalley firmly on the world map.

150 years later, on December 26,2010, the Peter Mondavi Sr. family willthrow a party to celebrate that historic mar-riage: Charles’ and Caroline’s 150th wed-ding anniversary festivities will take placein the tasting room from 10:30 a.m. to 5:00p.m. The party will also serve to kick offthe 150th anniversary of Napa Valley’s firstwinery, which Charles Krug founded in1861.

The 150th wedding anniversary fes-tivities will include:

• Historian and professional charac-ter performer George Webber will appear

in period costume as Charles Krug, from 1-4 p.m., with dramatic vignettes performedon the hour. Charles Krug and his “wife”,Caroline Bale, will mingle with guests and

150th Anniversary Partyat Charles Krug WineryPeter Mondavi Sr. Family Toasts Historic Wedding

of Napa Valley’s First Winemaker

Continued on Page 37

Charles Krug (Courtesy of Charles Krug Winery)

Page 37: California  Vine Times Magazine

Vine Times publishes an editorial calendar listing the subject of emphasis for each issueand regional stories planned for each issue.Subject to change.

Burrell School..................................................39

Castoro Cellars..............................................33

Cooper Garrod..............................................26

Copious Winery ............................................39

Equinox/Bartolo ............................................39

Grey Wolf Cellars ........................................33

Guglielmo Winery ........................................11

Hillcrest Terrace Winery ............................39

Hunter Hill ......................................................39

J. Lohr ............................................................2, 19

Keller & D’Agostini ......................................21

Loma Prieta Winery ....................................39

Miraflores..........................................................14

MJA Vineyards ................................................39

Odonata Wines..............................................39

Orfila ..................................................................11

Paso Robles......................................................33

Peachy Canyon ..............................................33

Pelican Ranch ..................................................39

Poetic Cellars ..................................................39

Sandrew Montgomery ................................26

Santa Cruz Mtn.Vineyard ..........................39

Silver Mtn.Vineyards ....................................39

Sones Cellars ..................................................39

Soquel Vintners ..............................................23

Storrs Winery ................................................39

Story Winery............................................23, 28

Summit to Sea ................................................39

Surf City Vintners ..........................................39

Thornton Winery..........................................27

Trout Gulch Vineyards ................................39

Vaso Peritos ....................................................28

Via Vega..............................................................40

Vine Hill ............................................................39

Vino Tabi............................................................39

INDEX TOADVERTISERS

February / MarchDestination: Paso Robles Discover:Ventura County

CALENDAR

SSuubbmmiitt yyoouurr eevveenntt ffoorr oouurr nneexxtt iissssuuee..

Email your press release or eventinformation by January 10th

for your Feb./March events to:[email protected]

or submit via our website at:www.vinetimesonline.com JOHN CHRISTOPHER CELLARS29

25 S. Livermore Ave., #103,Livermore (@Blacksmith Sq.),925-456-9463, johnchristopher-cellars.com, Tasting Thu-Sun 12-6LA ROCHELLE WINERY &STEVEN KENT WINERY 305443 Tesla Rd., Livermore925-243-6440, larochellewin-ery.com, stevenkent.comTasting Daily 12-4:30LES CHENES ESTATEVINEYARDS 315562 Victoria Ln., Livermore925-373-1662,lechenesvine.com,Tasting Sat-Sun 12-4:30 or by Appt.LITTLE VALLEY WINERY 325700 Greenville Rd., Livermore925-862-9006, Tasting Fri-Sun 12-5LIVERMOREVALLEY CELLARS 332838 Cellars Dr., Livermore925-454-9463, lvcwines.comTasting Sat-Sun 12-5, or by Appt.LONGEVITYWINES 3435 Rickenbacker Circle SouthLivermore, 925-454-9463,lvcwines.comTasting Sat-Sun 12-5, or by Appt.MCGRAIL VINEYARDS 355600 Greeville Rd.,Livermore925-373-6214, mcgrailvineyards.comTasting Sat-Sun 12-4:30 or byAppt.MITCHELL KATZ WINERY ATRUBY HILL 361188 Vineyard Ave., Pleasanton,925-931-0744, mitchellkatzwin-ery.com, Tasting Thu-Sun 12-5MURRIETA'S WELL 373005 Mines Rd., Livermore925-456-2390, muriettaswell.comTasting Daily 11-4:30 NOTTINGHAM CELLARS 382245 S.Vasco Rd., Livermore,925-294-8647nottinghamcellars.comTasting Fri 2-6, Sat-Sun 12-4:30PAGE MILL WINERY 401960 S. Livermore Ave.,Livermore, 925-456-7676pagemillwinery.comTasting Sat-Sun 12-4:30 or by Appt.RED FEATHER WINERY &VINEYARD 415700 Greenville Rd., Livermore,510-861-2722, redfeatherwinery.comTasting Mon-Thu 1-5, Fri 12-6Sat 12-8, Sun 1-5 or by Appt.RED SKYE WINERY 4221 S. Livermore Rd. #101,Livermore, 510-795-7725redskyewine.com, Tasting Fri 3-6,Sat 1-6, Sun 1-5 or by Appt.RETZLAFF ESTATE WINERY 431356 S. Livermore Ave.,Livermore, 925-447-8941retzlaffwinery.com, Tasting Tue-Fri 12-2, Sat-Sun 12-4:30RHYAN ESTATEVINEYARDS 445385 East Ave., Livermore408-712-1984, rhyanestatevine-yards.com, Tasting Wed-Fri 12-5,Sat-Sun 11:30-5 or by Appt.RIOS-LOVELL ESTATEWINERY 466500 Tesla Road, Livermore925-443-0434, rios-lovellwinery.comTasting Wed-Fri 12-3, Sat-Sun 11-5 RODRIGUE-MOLYNEAUXWINERY473053 Marina Ave., Livermore925-447-4280, rodriguemolyneaux.comTasting Sat-Sun 12:30-5

BATTAION CELLARS 121 S. Livermore Ave., #109,Livermore (@Blacksmith Sq.),925-245-9242, battaioncellars.comTasting Fri 4-7,Sat-Sun 12-5BENT CREEK WINERY 25455 Greenville Rd., Livermore,925-455-6320, bentcreekwinery.comTasting Fri-Sun 12-4:30 or byAppt.BIG WHITE HOUSE WINERY 36800 Greenville Rd., Livermore,925-449-1976, bigwhitehouse.comTasting Sat-Sun 12-4:30 or byAppt.BOAVENTURA DE CAIRESWINERY 59309 Tesla Rd., Livermore925-606-9672, boaventuravineyard.comTasting 1st weekend each month & byAppt.BODEGAS AGUIRRE WINERY 68580 Tesla Rd., Livermore925-606-0554, bodegasaguirre.comTasting Sat-Sun 12-4:30 or byAppt.CEDAR MOUNTAIN WINERY 87000 Tesla Rd., Livermore925-373-6636, cedarmountainwinery.com, Tasting Sat-Sun 12-4CHARLES R VINEYARDS 98195 Crane Ridge Rd.,Livermore, 925-454-3040 charlesrvineyards.comTasting Fri-Sun 12-4:30 or byAppt.CHOUINARD VINEYARDS 1033853 Palomares Rd., Castro Valley510-582-9900, chouinard.comTasting Sat-Sun 12-5 & by Appt.CONCANNON VINEYARD 114590 Tesla Rd., Livermore925-456-2508, concannonvine-yard.com, Tasting Daily 11-4:30CROOKED VINE WINERY 124948 Tesla Rd., Livermore925-449-0458, crookedvine.comTasting Mon-Thu 12-4, Fri-Sun 12-5CUDA RIDGE WINES 155385 East Avenue, Livermore510-304-0914CudaRidgeWines.comTasting Fri-Sun 12-4:30DEER RIDGE VINEYARDS 161828 Wetmore, Livermore925-447-4328, deerridgevine-yards.com, Tasting Fri-Sun 11-5EAGLE RIDGE VINEYARD 1810017 Tesla Rd., Livermore925-743-9427, Tasting Sat-Sun 12-4:30 or by Appt.ECKERT ESTATE WINERY 192400 Arroyo Rd., Livermore925-371-8606, eckertestate.comTasting Sat-Sun 12-5 or byAppt.EL SOL VINEYARD 208626 Lupin Way, Livermore925-606-1827, elsolwine.comTasting Fri-Sun 12-5ELLISTON VINEYARDS 21463 Kilkare Road, Sunol925-663-8219, elliston.comTasting Sat-Sun 11-5 FENESTRA WINERY 2483 Vallecitos Road, Livermore925-447-5246,fenestrawinery.comTasting Fri-Sun 12-5 GARRÉVINEYARD & WINERY 257986 Tesla Rd., Livermore925-371-8200, garrewinery.comTasting Sat-Sun 11:30-5HIDDEN CREEK WINE 2721 S. Livermore Ave., #101Livermore (@Blacksmith Sq.),925-989-1163, thecrushwine-making.com, Tasting Fri-Sun 1-6

RUBY HILL WINERY 48400 Vineyard Ave., Pleasanton925-931-9463, rubyhillwinery.netTasting Wed-Sun 11-5:30STONY RIDGE WINERY 514948 Tesla Road, Livermore925-449-0458,stonyridgewinery.comTasting Mon-Wed 12-3,Thu-Sun 11-4:30TAMAS ESTATEWINERY 525489 Tesla Rd., Livermore925-456-2380, tamasestates.comTasting Daily 11-4:30TENUTA VINEYARDS 53633 Kalthoff Commons,Livermore, 925-960-1006tenutawinery.comTasting Fri-Sun 12-5 or byAppt.THE SINGING WINEMAKER 555443 Tesla Rd., Livermore925-606-9463, teslavintners.com,Tasting Fri-Sun 12-5 THOMAS COYNE WINERY 5651 E.Vallecitos Rd., Livermore925-373-6541, thomascoynewin-ery.com, Tasting Sat-Sun 12-5 WENTE VINEYARDS ESTATEWINERY 595565 Tesla Rd., Livermore925-456-2305, wentevineyards.comTasting Daily 11-4:30WENTE VINEYARDS VISITORSCENTER 605050 Arroyo Rd,.Livermore925-456-2405, wentevineyards.comTasting Daily 11-6:30WESTOVER VINEYARDS/PALOMARES WINERY 6134329 Palomares Canyon Rd.,Castro Valley, 510-537-3932westoverwinery.com, Tasting Mon-Fri1-5, Sat-Sun 12-5 or by Appt.WHITE CRANE WINERY 635405 Greenville Rd., Livermore925-455-8085, whitecranewinery.comTasting Fri-Sun 12-4:30 or byAppt.WOOD FAMILY VINEYARDS 647702 Cedar Mountain Dr.,Livermore, 925-606-7411woodfamilyvineyards.comTasting byAppt.& Scheduled Events

Winery Guide

www.vinetimesonline.com • December 2010 / January 2011 � 37

Follow California Vine Times on Facebook and Twitter

Submit your winery orchanges to be included inour February / March issue’sguides. Please submit by Jan.10, 2011 to [email protected]

be available for photo opportunities. • The Charles Krug-Peter Mondavi

Family’s pre-release, the 150th Anniver-sary Estate Grown Napa Valley CabernetSauvignon, vintage 2008 and bottled onlyin magnums, will be uncorked for the pub-lic for the first time that day.

• Victorian-style petite sweets by theCulinary Institute of America Greystonewill be served from a tiered display “wed-ding-cake” style, and punch will be provid-ed for the children.

• The first 50 visitors that day willreceive a complimentary copy of the book-let, Charles Krug and His Winery, courtesyof the Napa County Historical Society.

• Napa Valley wine history authorityTim Gaughan, Ph.D. will tell tales ofCharles Krug’s legacy and sign copies ofhis recent book From Wilderness to WineCountry, from noon-3 p.m.

• Photos and other historical memo-rabilia provided by the St. HelenaHistorical Society will be on display, andthe Society's book Images of America: St.Helena will be available for purchase.

Tasting room hours are 10:30 a.m. to5:00 p.m. Regular wine tasting fees apply(tasting of current releases, $10.00; FamilyReserve and Limited Release Tasting,$20.00). Both flights will include the 150thAnniversary Cabernet Sauvignon. Noreservation is required.

The Charles Krug Winery’s 150-yearhistory traces the transformation of theNapa Valley from “Wild West” to WineCountry destination. With a legacy of near-ly 70 years at Charles Krug, the PeterMondavi Sr. Family is dedicated to ecolog-ical stewardship in order to preserve theland for their children and future genera-tions. Having extensively replanted itsvineyards with a focus on noble redBordeaux varietals, the Peter MondaviFamily is now practicing sustainable viti-culture on its 850 prime Napa Valley acres.Those efforts to steward the land and pre-serve the winery’s historical legacy areearning new respect for a family long iden-tified with California wine.

To learn more about Charles KrugWinery, Peter Mondavi Family wines, andthe vision of Cesare and Rosa Mondavi,visit www.charleskrug.com.

Continued from Page 36Charles Krug

Going WineTasting?

Visit our website for all the latest wine country guides.

vinetimesonline.com

Page 38: California  Vine Times Magazine

38 � December 2010 / January 2011 • www.vinetimesonline.com

Chow Bella Compiled By Victoria Buonocore

Eat This With... By Lisa J. Pretty

WINE COUNTRY RECIPIES & PAIRINGS

Eat Spicy Beef Ribs with MalbecMalbec has gained international recognition due to the winemakers in Mendoza,

Argentina. The wines tend to be medium to full bodied, inky and juicy with dark fruit fla-vors and soft tannins. From some producers the wine can get a little jammy while othersoffer a spicier and even earthy wine. When I visited Argentina a couple of years ago I drankMalbec daily with wines priced as little as $5 to as high as $40 a bottle – all very drinkable.The wines in the low end of the price range have made their way to the USAwith over threemillion cases imported in 2009. Clearly the economy and the very approachable wine stylehave helped make this wine popular.

Malbec may have gained its popularity in Argentina; however, it originated in theBordeaux region of France where it was typically used to add color and tannins to theBordeaux blends. Today there is a limited amount of Malbec produced in Bordeaux withmost of it found in the Loire Valley. Continued to be used as a blending grape, the name givento it there is Côt and it tends to be produced to be highly extracted with lots of tannins.

The popularity of Malbec has led California producers to begin to work with this grapevarietal. Several Malbecs have been popping up around the Paso Robles area and most aresurprisingly good – the best seem to be grown in Paso’s east side vineyards. They do tendto be priced much higher than their Argentinean cousins and are often a little more elegant.I planted Malbec a few years back and have to say when the grape ferments the aromareminds me of blueberry pie baking in the oven. The dark purple color is far different fromthe other Bordeaux varietals (a little similar to Petit Verdot but much easier to grow). Manyproducers are including Malbec in their Bordeaux style blends with a small amount goingto a stand alone offering. Find the stand alone ones – they can be remarkable.

In terms of pairing with food, I would have to say my summertime favorite would bea perfectly grilled steak. The fruitier versions are wonderful with spicy food and in generalMalbec tends to pair well with tomato sauce and casseroles. Given the colder weather atthis time of year I decided to go with spicy beef ribs for this column’s recipe. Spicy ribs,falling off the bone, served on a bed of garlic mashed potatoes, a side of spinach and a glassof Malbec make a fantastic winter supper that you have to admit is comfort food at its best.

Spicy Beef Ribs Recipe

Combine salt, pepper and flour. Dredge ribs in flour mixture. Heat olive oil in a large pan(ideally a Dutch oven). Brown ribs in oil on both sides. Remove ribs, sauté onions, celeryand garlic for 3 minutes, adding additional olive oil if required to prevent vegetables fromsticking. Return ribs to pan then stir in remaining ingredients and salt and pepper to taste.Bring to a boil, reduce heat to simmer and cover. Simmer for 2.5 hours or until meat isvery tender. Add lemon juice and simmer for 10 more minutes.

MalbecLisa’s Favorite: 2008 Locatelli Malbec: Soft and juicy this estate grown Malbec offersblackberry, raspberry, plum and canned peach fruit flavors with a little smoke and leatheron the finish. locatelliwinery.com $30Paso Pick: 2007 Still Waters Malbec: Taking best of class at the Los Angeles InternationalWine Competition, this Malbec is fruit forward with plum, strawberry and essence of laven-der. stillwatersvineyards.com $32Value Pick: 2008 Autumn Flight Malbec: Autumn Flight is a collection of wines fromJ&J Cellars offering great value for everyday enjoyment. The 2008 estate grown Malbechas aromas and flavors of blackberry, fig, anise and a dark smoky spice. jjcellars.com $16

3 pounds of beef short ribs (cut into single rib pieces)1/2 teaspoon salt1/4 teaspoon pepper1/2 cup flour2 tablespoons olive oil2 stalks celery, chopped1 medium onion, chopped

3 cloves of garlic, chopped28 oz can stewed tomatoes1 teaspoon each thyme, marjoram,cayenne pepper, chili pepper flakes2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce2 cups dry red wineJuice of one lemon

Saganaki Chef Bob Engle, Le Vigne Winery, 5115 Buena Vista Dr., Paso Robles, CA 93446,(805) 227-4000, www.sylvesterwinery.comPair with La Vigne Kiara Reserve Pinot Noir. Appetizer Serves 8 Ingredients:

Method:Melt Kasseri cheese over medium heat in a skillet, stirring occasionally. Whisk the vine-gar, lemon juice and oregano into cheese and whisk to blend. Rim with brandy and ignite.Serve immediately with sliced bread and a glass of red wine.

Succulent Steak with Zinfandel Sauce & Vegetable SautéEl Dorado Winery Association, PO Box 1614, Placerville, CA 95667, (800) 306-3956;www.eldoradowines.orgPair this recipe with Zinfandel.Steak and Sauce Ingredients:

Method:Put in hot sauté pan. Sear steaks on both sides, transfer to warm pan in a 350-degree oven.Add beef stock, zinfandel, tomato paste, and garlic to sauté pan, reduce by half. Add choco-late and stir to melt. Continue to simmer until mixture is reduced to a creamy consistency.Salt & pepper to taste.Vegetable Saute Ingredients:

Method:Heat oil in a large pan over medium hat. Add onion and cook about two minutes. Addsquash, peppers, and garlic. Saute until tender-crisp. Add tomato sauce and fennel seeds.Salt and pepper to taste. Arrange in center of warm platter with steaks over top. Pour saucearound outside and serve.

New Gewurz Gingered Cranberry SauceAlexander Valley Vineyards, 8644 Highway 128, Healdsburg, CA 954481-800-888-7209, www.avvwine.com Ingredients:

Method:Combine all ingredients in a sauce pan, bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cookfor 30 minutes. Enjoy with your Holiday roasted turkey.

Chocolate Chip Fudge BrowniesJudy Schultze, Windy Oaks Estate, 550 Hazel Dell Rd, Corralitos, CA 95076, (831)786-WINE; www.windyoaksestate.com. Serves 6-8Serve this chocolate favorite with a good quality vanilla ice cream. Do not overcook thesebrownies. Believe it or not, this tastes fantastic with Windy Oaks Estate Pinot Noir!Ingredients:

Method:Preheat oven to 350 degrees.Grease an 8x8x2-inch baking pan. Set aside.In a medium saucepan, melt the butter and chocolate under low heat, stirring all the while.When melted, remove from heat and stir in the sugar, just until mixed; then stir in the eggsand vanilla, just until mixed.To this, add the flour, nuts and chips; stir just until mixed and then spread in the pan andbake 18 to 20 minutes (the brownies will have just begun to pull away from the sides andwhile a toothpick inserted into the middle will be moist, the sides will be clean).

8 ounces Kasseri Cheese, shredded (a Greek cheese made from sheep or goats milk)3/4 teaspoon red wine vinegar3/4 teaspoon lemon or orange juice

1/4 teaspoon dried oregano1-1/2 tablespoon brandy1 baguette-sliced

6 small thick Steaks1 teaspoon olive oil1 cup beef stock1/2 cup Zinfandel

1 tablespoon tomato paste1 large clove garlic, chopped1 teaspoon dark chocolate

1 tablespoon olive oil1 red onion cut into wedges2 pounds summer squash cut in chunks2 sweet peppers (red or yellow) cut in chunks

2 cloves garlic, sliced1/2 cup chopped tomatoes2 teaspoons fennel seeds

1 - 12 oz bag fresh cranberries1 cup sugar1 cup Alexander Valley 2006 NewGewurz, or other Gewurtztraminer

1 cinnamon stick2 tablespoons grated fresh peeled ginger root3 shallots, peeled and sliced 1/4 teaspoon chili flakes - optional

1/2 cup butter, cut into 8 pieces2 ounces unsweetened chocolate, cut into 4pieces1 cup sugar2 eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla3/4 cup flour1/2 cup coarsely chopped nuts3/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chipsPremium quality vanilla ice cream, optional

Page 39: California  Vine Times Magazine

Walk and taste an incredible varietyof hand-crafted local wines.

All located within the city of Santa Cruz

West Cliff Drive

Mission Street / Hwy 1

Ingalls St.

Swift Street

Fair Ave.

1

1

2 3 34

4

5

5

67

6

Pelican Ranch www.pelicanranch.com831.426.6911Fri-Sun 12-5

Odonata Wines www.odonatawines.com831.566.51471st Sat of each month

Sones Cellarswww.sonescellars.com831.420.1552Fri-Sun 12-5

2

Santa Cruz Mountain Vineyardwww.santacruzmountainvineyard.com831.426.6209Wed-Sun 12-5:30

Equinox / Bartolowww.equinoxwine.com831.423.3000Fri-Sun 12-5

Copious Winerywww.copiouswinery.com831.425.9463Fri-Sun 12-5

Hillcrest Terrace Winerywww.hillcrestterracewinery.com831.419.0803Sat-Sun 12-5 & most Fri Afternoons

Silver Mountain Vineyardswww.silvermtn.com831.466.0559 • 408.353.2273Thu-Sun 12-5

Vino Tabiwww.vino-tabi-wine.com831.426.1809Wed-Thur 1- 5, Fri-Sat 12-9, Sun 12-5

www.surfcityvintners.comLike the good old days, you may run into a real winemaker!

7

8

9

Trout Gulch Vineyardswww.troutgulchvineyards.com414 Avalon Ave. 831.471.2705Open for special events only

10

89 10

MJA Vineyardswww.mjavineyards.com 328 Ingalls St. 831.421.9380Thurs 12-5, Fri-Sun 12-6

11

Storrs WineryOld Sash Mill, 303 Portrero St. #35www.storrswine.com831.458.5030Daily 12-5

12

1211

(1-7 Located at or acrossfrom the Swift StreetCourtyard, corner of Swiftand Ingalls)

427 Swift Street

toPortrero

Street

MAP NOT TO SCALE

COMINGEVENTS

12

Wishing you a wonderful Holiday Season!Dec 18 • 3rd Saturday - Best Last-Minute GiftJan 15 • Come see us on Passport Saturday

Page 40: California  Vine Times Magazine