Preferred Central Coast - Wine Country This Week

Transcription

Preferred Central Coast - Wine Country This Week
DAY TRIPS
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FALL/WINTER 2012
Preferred Central Coast Wine Country
8
39THIRTY-NINE
TRIpS
A Publication of
EIGHT
WINE TASTING
from Camarillo to Paso Robles
The Magazine of California Wine Country
1
TASTING ROOM REVIEWS
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5
101
Getting to paso Robles
•San Miguel
HEARST
CASTLE
•
•Cambria
San Simeon
1
Paso
Robles
Y
M
46W
46E
•
•
•
PASO ROBLES
•
58
•
San Luis Obispo
•
227
••
ARROYO GRANDE
VALLEY
Arroyo
Grande
204
158
116
208
3hrs 15min
2hrs 30min
2hrs
3hrs 30min
166
Santa
Maria
•
326
280
238
123
95
san Francisco
san Jose
monterey
Paso robles
santa Barbara
los angeles
166
101
Orcutt
san Francisco
san Jose
monterey
los angeles
5hrs 30min
4hrs 45min
4hrs
2hrs 15min
1hr 30min
Getting to Ventura
EDNA VALLEY
Avila Beach
Pismo
Beach
Travel Time
(average)
san Francisco
san Jose
monterey
Paso robles
los angeles
41
Morro
Bay
1
miles
Getting to Santa Barbara
Templeton 41
Atascadero
Cayucos
From
353
307
265
149
27
75
5hrs 45min
5hrs
4hrs 30min
2hrs 30min
30min
1hr 13min
SANTA MARIA
VALLEY
•
•
Lompoc
1
Los SANTA
Olivos YNEZ
SANTA
VALLEY
RITA 246 BuelltonSolvang Santa Ynez
HILLS
•
• • •
CHUMASH
CASINO
5
154
Ojai
101
•
Santa
Barbara
•
150
150
33
126
Ventura
•
Pa
ci
fi
c
O
23
Camarillo 118
• • Thousand
• Oaks
Oxnard
ce
1
an
Not to Scale
D
Pre
DAY TRIPS
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es
l Time
rage)
15min
30min
hrs
30min
bara
30min
45min
hrs
15min
0min
45min
hrs
30min
30min
min
3min
Preferred Central Coast
Ventura
Santa Rita Hills/Solvang
Los Olivos
Foxen Canyon to Santa Ynez
Paso Robles – East
SIP – Sustainability in Practice
SLO Pinot Noir
Paso Robles – West
5
11
16
26
34
41
47
51
Heading to the Tasting Room
4
N. Santa Barbara County Wineries Map
30
San Luis Obispo Wineries Map
31
Paso Robles Wineries Map
32-33
Ruby Shoes Wine Club
57
Notes on Wine Tasting
58
Dining Recommendations
60-61
Varietals by Winery
62-63
A Publication of
5
The Magazine of California Wine Country
www.WineCountryThisMonth.com
PUBLISHER
MANAGING EDITOR
Chandra Grant
P.O. Box 92, El Verano, CA 95433
Phone 707-938-1783 / Fax 707-938-3674
[email protected]
OFFICE MANAGER
Cathy Gore
Phone 707-938-3494 / Fax 707-938-3674
Email [email protected]
126
23
illo 118
•
d
Thousand
• Oaks
Mike Giangreco
Direct 707-938-3734
[email protected]
ADVERSTISING REPRESENTATIVES
Whitney Brem, San Luis Obispo County
Phone 805-252-5440
[email protected]
Cathy Olson, Santa Barbara County
Phone 415-816-1652
[email protected]
EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS
Michael Cervin, Sarah Doyle, Ronda Giangreco,
Lisa Pretty, Kim Murphy-Rodrigues, Brandi Stansbury,
Carolyn Turner, Brette Ann Womack
LOOK FOR US ON FACEBOOK AND TWITTER!
FALL/WINTER 2012
39 preferred Central Coast
Tasting Room Reviews
Adelaida
46/56
Alta Maria Vineyards
19
Andrew Murray Vineyards
21
Bella Victorian Vineyard
10
Bridlewood Estate Winery
29
Calcareous
55
Castoro Cellars
45
Cellar 360
35
Chamisal Vineyards
49
Chateau Margene
54
Cimarone & 3CV
17
Clautiere Vineyard
37
Coghlan Vineyard & Jewelers 22
Eberle Winery
38
Edna Valley Vineyard
50
Eos Estate Winery
39
Firestone Vineyard & Winery 28
Foley Wines
13
Fontes & Phillips
23
Four Brix Winery
6
Herzog Wine Cellars
9
Lincourt
25
Lions Peak Vineyards
15
Lucas & Lewellen Vineyards 14
Magnavino
8
Peachy Canyon Winery
44
Pear Valley
36
Pomar Junction
43
Qupé
18
Rancho Ventavo Cellars
7
Red Soles Winery
53
Robert Hall Winery
42
Silver Horse Winery
40
Summerwood Winery & Inn 52
Talley Vineyards
48
Tessa Marie Wines
20
Transcendence Winery
12
William James Cellars
24
Zaca Mesa Winery
27
Cover photo courtesy of
Pear Valley Vineyards
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Heading to the Tasting Room
Do not be intimidated for
any reason. That is rule number
one (and there are very few real
rules after that). For the most
part, going wine tasting is about
the easiest thing in the world,
especially here in California
where wineries and tasting
rooms abound. You can find
wineries specializing in red
wines of all types, those that are
famous for their white wines
and others who pour sparkling wine. It is a matter of
doing a little research and planning your day. Most tasting
rooms open around 10 a.m. and close between 4:30 and
6 p.m.
Before you start off pack a few essentials: Water
(plenty of water) and something to snack on – crackers or
a baguette. Many wineries have picnic areas and there are
plenty of delis and bakeries that can make up a lunch for
you, or make your own. Which brings us to eating and
drinking, the kind that doesn’t directly involve wine.
Be sure to nibble during the day and make sure you
make time for lunch. Two tips: drink at least twice as
much water as you do wine, and remember that you
don’t have to drink everything poured into your glass.
There is a reason tasting bars have dump buckets and a
pitcher of water to wash out your glass.
That said, here are some tips that have proven to be
helpful and are designed to help make the sensory
adventure of wine tasting all the more enjoyable.
Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Time and time again
I have heard knowledgeable winery workers say that
there is no such thing as a stupid question, and they
mean that.
You can drink what you want, in the order you want.
If you only like reds, say so; if you don’t like sweet wines,
speak up. But the idea of starting with whites, then going
on to reds and then sweet wines is a good guide.
Zinfandel is red. I am sure you know that but it never
hurts to remind everyone.
If there is a particular wine you want to try and it is
not on the list, ask. There might be a bottle around that
was opened for a trade tasting or by the winemaker. Most
tasting rooms are happy to pour a little if you show
enthusiasm.
If you plan to take wine home with you, either in the
4
car or on a plane, buy a
cardboard box with Styrofoam
wine inserts. Fill it during the
day and this keeps wine from
rolling around in the trunk.
Check out the smaller
wineries. It is a revelation.
Take notes on the wines you
most enjoyed.
Take advantage of tours
when the winery offers them, but
keep in mind that they take
anywhere from 20 minutes to well over an hour, so one a
day is plenty.
Buy wines that you can only find at the winery. These
often include smaller (375 ml) bottles of limited
production Ports or dessert wines. Don’t buy a wine you
can get at a supermarket back home. You’ll pay more, and
besides, what’s the point?
Look for tasting rooms in towns. Many of these are
cooperative tasting rooms, where in one place you might
find wines from a dozen or more small-to-medium
premium producers. They are scattered throughout the
area and more are opening all the time.
Don’t give too much thought to ratings and vintages.
It’s like art: if you like it, it’s a good wine. It is as simple as
that.
Remember that you don’t have to do the driving. It
takes no more than a phone call to rent anything from a
Town Car or restored classic convertible to stretch limos
and a 20-passenger bus. All have drivers that will stow
your wine for you and the local companies know the
area. As to taking that wine home, ten people sharing one
of those impossibly long limousines is fine and fun, but if
you all plan to buy a couple of cases the trunk – which is
no bigger than a normal luxury cars – is going to fill up
fast and you’re going to find yourself filling the interior
floor with boxes and using cases of Cabernet as footrest.
Tell the transportation company what you have in
mind and listen to their advice. They know the territory
and the people and personalities.
Know your limits. If you get close to it let others taste
and you can listen. It beats ending the day in a blur, and
if need be calling a taxi is cheaper than the alternative.
And if at a seated tasting, don’t be afraid to leave a
gratuity. It’s more than worth the five or ten dollars to get
wisdom – and wine – and a great time. BY CHARLES NEAVE
www.WineCountryThisMonth.com
Ventura County
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No need to travel hours by train or plane to escape to wine country; residents of southern California can get in the car and drive (often less than an hour) to
ventura County which more than 10 wineries call home. Grapes are grown locally – in Camarillo, malibu and oxnard - in addition to being brought in from
top wine growing regions all over California. The winery personnel are exceptionally friendly and welcoming. Take a day off to enjoy the cool ocean breezes
and valley warmth with the wines produced in your backyard.
OR
LIF
CH
CA
Mission
ES
San
Buenaventura
NI
A
TN
UT
DINING
Bella Victorian Vineyard –
Winery & Bistro
French Chef Gael Lecolley pairs the cuisine
with Bella Victorian luxury wines.
2135 e. ventura Blvd, Camarillo
(805) 383-8800
www.bellavictorianvineyard.com
Tierra Sur Restaurant,
at Herzog Wine Cellars
Chef Aarons specializes in Mediterranean cuisine.
A prix fixe menu including wine is available.
3201 Camino Del sol, oxnard
(805) 983-1560, www.tierrasuratherzog.com
La Dolce Vita
Celebrating “the sweet life” with Italian cuisine.
740 south B street, oxnard
(805) 486-6878, www.theldv.com
Sugar Beets
California fusion cuisine, open for lunch,
dinner and brunch on Sundays.
455 south a street, oxnard
(805) 240-7777, www.sugarbeetsrestaurant.com
E.
HA
RB
OR
Crown
Victorian
Ventura
Beach
Driving Time: 40 minutes
From Four Brix
to rancho ventavo 7+ miles
to magnavino
3+ miles
to Herzog Cellars
1+ miles
to Bella victorian
7+ miles
Total 19 miles
Ventura
Ventura
Beach
Marriott
Hotel
ATTRACTIONS
Heritage Square
In the heart of downtown Oxnard,
the square offers gardens, tours,
live entertainment and wine tasting.
715 south a street, oxnard, (805) 483-7960
www.heritagesquareoxnard.com
San Buenaventura Mission
This is the 9th and last California mission.
Self-guided tours available daily.
211 east main st, ventura, (805) 643-4318
www.sanbuenaventuramission.org
Island packers
Venture to Channel Islands for hiking,
whale watching, kayaking or just relaxing
with a beautiful view.
1691 spinnaker Drive, ventura
(805) 642-1393, www.islandpackers.com
Golf Courses
10 golf courses in a 20-mile radius!
With so many choices, every level golfer
is sure to have a wonderful time.
www.venturatoday.net/golfcourses.html
Rose B&B
M
AI
N
ST
VD
BL
Plaza
E
LODGING
Embassy Suites Mandalay Beach Hotel & Resort
Enjoy the beach and the comfort of your
own suite after your day of wine tasting.
2101 mandalay Beach road, oxnard
(805) 984-2500, www.embassymandalay.com
Ventura Beach Marriott
Right on the beach; in addition to your
wine tasting trip, enjoy whale watching tours
and other water activities.
2055 east Harbor Boulevard, ventura
(805) 643-6000, www.marriott.com/ventura
Crowne plaza Hotel Ventura Beach
Stroll down the historic pier and watch the
sunset after exploring the Ventura Wine Trail.
450 e Harbor Blvd, ventura
(805) 648-2100, www.crowneplaza.com
Courtyard Marriott
Conveniently located off Hwy. 101 near historic Old Town
and the Camarillo Airport. The Bistro offers healthy
choices, an evening bar, Starbucks coffee drinks.
4994 verdugo Way, Camarillo, 805-388-1020
E
ON
RD
H
EP
L
TE
MC GRATH ST
SPINNAKER
a
c
Terra Sur Restaurant
RANCHO VENTAVO
VENTURA
101
WOOD RD
Oxnard
Heritage
Square
Camarillo
BLVD
BELLA VICTORIAN
BLVD
CAMINO DEL SOL
E 5th ST
S. RICE RD
W 7th ST
MAGNAVINO
DEL NORTE
n
LVD
a
W 5th ST
OXNARD BLVD
e
S. B ST
c
O
Embassy Suites
OR
DE
Mandalay Beach COSTA
La
Dolce
Vita
S. A ST
Beets
RB
BO
O
AR
E. H
ic
Sugar
www.WineCountryThisMonth.com
HERZOG CELLARS
FOUR BRIX WINERY
N. RICE RD
if
EASTMAN AVE
P
Island
Packers
101
5
Not to scale
VENTURA COUNTY
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It was once believed that wine had to be made in vineyard
surroundings, but the idea of the urban winery, a production
facility not surrounded by vines but by offices, is just as valid
and often times easier. Four Brix Winery specializes in
internationally-inspired wine blends, producing wines based
upon the owners’ four favorite grape growing regions:
Italy, France, Spain and California. The word brix is the
measurement of sugar in grapes; therefore Four Brix equals
four sweets spots for great wine. With a total production of just
1,000 cases, these wines are very limited and in high demand.
“Because we make blends, we found it best to give names to
our wines,” says co-owner Karen Stewart. “Our wines have
interesting names like: Smitten, Zeductive (Zinfandel and
Petite Sirah), Temptress, Rhondezvous (Grenache, Mourvèdre
and Syrah) and Scosso (Sangiovese, Cabernet and Merlot).
Once you taste the wines, you realize how apropos the names
are.”
Though small, Four Brix is constantly offering plenty of
activities at the winery. Four Brix offers their monthly “Foodie
Friday” which features a chef or restaurant with a mini wine
pairing for $15, dinners in the Cellar, theme parties and Girls
Night Out are some events happening at the Brix House. Keep
checking their website for an up-to-date calendar.
By Michael Cervin
6
VARIETALS
Blends include Sangiovese, Tempranillo, Grenache,
Petite Sirah, Viognier and more!
INDOORS
Located in an industrial area the 1,200-square-foot
tasting room is inviting with rich, deep colors,
high ceilings, a comfortable couch area, and table and
chair arrangements which invites guests to relax and stay,
and maybe get a glass of wine or a bottle to share with
friends. Peek through glass doors to the barrel room.
FuN FACT
Four Brix has appeared on several radio shows including
Tom Leykis’ show, “Tasting with Tom, and KADY radio’s
“Tom & Sandy Show.”
NOTE
At least one owner is always at the tasting room
to greet you and take you on a tour of the barrel room
and production facility.
Four Brix Winery
Friday 4 to 8 p.m.
saturday and sunday 12 to 5 p.m.
2290 Eastman Ave., #109, Ventura
Tasting fee is $10
(805) 256-6006 | www.fourbrixwine.com
Follow on Facebook and Twitter
Bring this in to the tasting room when you visit & receive 10% off your purchases.
www.WineCountryThisMonth.com
VENTURA COUNTY
th.com
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Rancho Ventavo Cellars is one of those hidden jewels which
is situated a short distance from Highway 101 in downtown
Oxnard’s Heritage Square. Here you will find yourself stepping
back in time in this beautiful city block of a dozen historic
homes in a park-like setting. The quaint and charming tasting
room is inside a fully restored 1902 Victorian residence and
from the moment you enter you will be surrounded by
old-time craftsmanship and warmth that only an old home
can express. The hardwood floors, leaded glass doors and
windows, stamped tin ceilings, fireplace and oak paneled walls
all complement the exquisite red wines.
Winemaker and owners George and Faye Gilpatrick can
almost always be found in the tasting room sharing their
passion and hospitality. Different than most, George isn’t one
who believes in releasing his wines too quickly. Starting with
grapes from exceptional California vineyards the red wines are
typically barrel aged two years before bottling, then bottle-aged
another six to 18 months before they are released. In this way
you will actually taste the Rancho Ventavo Cellars philosophy:
wines aged to perfection.
With the intimate setting, you are invited to come relax in
their tasting room, on their porch, by the fireplace or in the
cozy pub room. A great place for locals and visitors alike to
meet friends for a tasting, a glass of wine, or to share a bottle.
George and Faye’s motto is, “Come for the wine, stay for the
hospitality.” As you will quickly find out, they are dedicated to
making your visit a memorable one. Enjoy!
CuRRENT RELEASES
Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet/Syrah,
Majecc, Merlot, Mourvedre, Petite Sirah, Syrah,
Tempranillo, Zinfandel and Late Harvest Zinfandel
ACCLAIM
Received Oxnard’s 2010/11 Downtown Business of the
Year Award and the 2010 State of California Tourism’s
Excellence Award.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
• Let RVC host your next event or function in their home,
not yours.
• Visit the website for more information on their wines or
for information on their wine club.
• Tasting fee $10, includes 16-oz Italian crystal logo glass.
• Wine tasting, sales & gift boutique
• Group tastings of 8 or more, call for an appointment.
• No limo’s without an appointment.
• Heritage Square also offers visitors, docent tours, a live
50-seat playhouse, shopping and an Italian restaurant.
FuN FACT
Rancho Ventavo creates a unique red blend called
“Majecc,” so named for their six grandchildren (Michael,
Alex, Jillian, Erin, Caitlen, Conner). Rancho Ventavo Cellars
open Friday through sunday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
741 South “A” Street, Oxnard
(805) 483-8084 • www.rvcellars.com
Follow on Facebook and Twitter
Bring in ‘Day Trips’ for 10% off any wine purchase.
www.WineCountryThisMonth.com
7
VENTURA COUNTY
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Looks can be deceiving. If you picture most winery tasting rooms
you are apt to imagine lush hillsides with trees and vines on them,
maybe cattle wandering by. But at Magnavino, the first thing you see
is the industrial surroundings of this hidden spot. However, behind
the closed doors is a slice of Italy. Once you enter you are transported
into a different world, and that’s by design. There are 24 foot ceilings
with skylights that make it look like as if you were outdoors in a
courtyard area with a wood pergola over the tasting bar. Glass doors
on the right side of the tasting room look out into the barrel room
and production area so you can see the goings-on. Wrought iron
candelabras dangle overhead. You stop and think you might be in
the wrong place, but you’re not. This warehouse that has been transformed into Tuscany and though intimate, they have ample room to
accommodate barrel tastings, corporate events and large parties.
“Our tasting room is probably the single-most thing that differentiates us from the others in the area,” says owner and winemaker
Robert Wagner. They only started making wine commercially in
2008, yet they have quickly built a loyal following of fans. They
source their grapes from Lodi, a grape growing region with more
than 120 years of producing quality grapes.
They were offering ten wines to choose from comprised of four
whites and six reds. Recently, a Tempranillo and a Grenache were
released to round out the line up. “We had visited some other
wineries that opened in Camarillo and realized that Ventura County
was a great area to expand the wine trail,” Robert says. It’s clear that
Ventura County is a force to be reckoned with and Magnavino is
helping to change perceptions.
By Michael Cervin
8
VARIETALS
Pinot Grigio, Viognier, Petite Sirah,
Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon,
Zinfandel, Tempranillo, Grenache
Buzz
Locals in Ventura County are thrilled to have a
wine tasting room in their own backyard.
FuN FACT
Their first vintage, from 2008, is featured on
the current season of the Celebrity Apprentice
TV show. The winning celebrities get to enjoy
Magnavino wines while they relax and celebrate their victories!
Magnavino
open saturday and sunday
11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and by appointment
961 N. Rice Avenue, Cellar 5, Oxnard
(805) 983-2500
www.magnavino.com
Follow along with Magnavino
on Facebook and Twitter
Bring in ‘Day Trips’ and receive a 2-for-1 tasting discount.
www.WineCountryThisMonth.com
VENTURA COUNTY
th.com
CCdaytrips-0912_Layout 1 10/30/12 3:18 PM Page 9
Nestled within the strawberry fields and farm rows of
Oxnard, California lies Herzog Wine Cellars. Here, under
the watchful eye of head winemaker Joe Hurliman, the
winery combines the artisan craft of premium California
winemaking with the Herzog family’s unyielding
commitment to excellence.
Guests experience boutique winemaking from the best
of California wine country. Select grapes are chosen from
vineyards in California’s most regarded appellations, from
Napa Valley to the Central Coast, and brought to Herzog
Wine Cellars. From here, Joe Hurliman searches out
inspiring blends of aroma, flavors and colors, refined by
the winery into masterful creations to be enjoyed across
the globe. The knowledgeable staff will guide tasters
through selected offerings in a modern, spacious and
sophisticated ambience that is nothing less than au
courant. The grounds feature a lavish granite tasting bar,
private tasting rooms, boutique and outdoor terrace.
Situated within the winery, masterful Mediterranean
inspired creations await to delight your senses at Tierra Sur
– Ventura County’s premiere five-star dining experience.
Chef Gabe Garcia and his culinary team bring bold and
exciting ideas to life – while using only ingredients sourced
fresh from local farmers.
Enjoy the finer things at Herzog Wine Cellars.
VARIETALS
Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, Merlot,
Syrah, Zinfandel, Petite Sirah, Pinot Noir, Pinot Grigio and
Orange Muscat
Buzz
Herzog Wine Cellars features Tierra Sur, their fine dining
restaurant which was recently named “Best Restaurant in
Ventura County” by Zagat.
COOL THINGS
More than just wine, Herzog offers one of the largest
displays of gifts and gourmet food items of any winery
in Ventura. Several vintages are exclusively available
through the tasting room.
FuN FACT
Tierra Sur Restaurant was asked by President Barack Obama
to provide thoughts, menus and recipes for a healthy and
satisfying Seder.
Herzog Wine Cellars
sunday through Thursday 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Friday 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
3201 Camino Del Sol, Oxnard
(805) 983-1560
www.HerzogWineCellars.com
On Twitter and Facebook
25¢ Tasting • Redeem this for a tasting flight of premium wines at the Tasting Bar.
www.WineCountryThisMonth.com
9
VENTURA COUNTY
CCdaytrips-0912_Layout 1 10/30/12 3:18 PM Page 10
Any winery is really a journey, and Jerry and Kimberly Monahan began
to fulfill their journey when they constructed their very own winery and
vineyard in Camarillo in 2004. Bella Victorian was created out of their love
for their vineyard (yes, they are growing grapes in Ventura County) and
their passion for wine and food. “Owning a family winery and crafting
luxury wines has been a dream come true for me and my wife,” says Jerry.
Beginning with their estate vineyards, the wines are handcrafted by
both Jerry and Kimberly from the vine all the way into the bottle. They
specialize in small releases of estate wines which are well balanced and
cuisine compatible. “We take a “jeweler’s approach to winemaking,” says
Jerry. “Tiny acreage, small batches and minimalist winemaking without a
lot of mechanical equipment.”
They planted their estate with Syrah, Grenache, Counoise and Viognier
grapes and have been carefully engineered and designed to produce
world-class luxury wine. All of the clones were hand selected for intensity
of flavor and true varietal character. Bella Victorian also sources fruit from
some of the best vineyards on the Central Coast. Having this diversity of
grapes to work with allows for a confluence of flavors from a diversity of
growing sites.
Their tasting room, located right off Highway 101 in Camarillo,
includes a bistro, since they love to share food with their wines. And their
tasting room is unusual in that the tasting bar is actually the top portions
of stainless steel fermentation tanks.
This spring, Bella Victorian will launch a two-barrel micro-brewery
that specializes in small batches of artisan ales in a variety of styles. Jerry
and Kimberly are dedicated to crafing artisan ales the defy styles or
categories. Bella Victorian microbrews are full-flavored and food-friendly.
10
VARIETALS
Pinot Noir, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon,
Viognier, Chardonnay, Grenache, Dornfelder
FuN FACT
This spring, Bella Victorian will be launching
a microbrewery producing small batches of
artisan ales.
Buzz
In March, 2011 the national wine magazine
Wine Enthusiast gave the 2007 “The Garage”
Syrah a 91 point rating.
OuTDOORS
The tasting room has an outdoor patio
with wrought iron furniture to enjoy lunch
and dinner.
Bella Victorian Vineyard
Wednesday-Thursday 11:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Friday and saturday 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.
sunday 12 to 5 p.m.
2135 Ventura Blvd., Camarillo
(805) 383-8800
www.bellavictorianvineyard.com
Follow them on Facebook
Mention this article and receive a 2-for-1 tasting discount.
www.WineCountryThisMonth.com
MAIN ST
Mckeon
-Philips
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406 east Highway 246, Buellton
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1117 North H street, lompoc
805-688-0676, www.hitchingpost2.com
805-735-8311
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805-686-8681, www.root-246.com
800-4alisal, www.alisal.com
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805-688-4815, www.missionsantaines.org
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805-733-3713, www.lapurisimamission.org
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Sta. Rita Hills/Solvang
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Root 246
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11
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154
STA. RITA HILLS/SOLVANG
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As a winemaker, Kenneth “Joey” Gummere’s resume is
extensive, including several years making wine at Babcock Winery
& Vineyards, Santa Barbara Winery, Lafond Winery & Vineyards,
and founding Kenneth-Crawford. But in 2006, when Joey and his
wife Sara found out that a close friend had brain cancer, he decided
to put his winemaking skills to even greater use creating a
Grenache – the proceeds of which were donated to their friend and
her family as well as to brain tumor research. At that moment,
Transcendence Winery was born as Joey and Sara realized they had
found a way to combine their life’s passions.
“My dream has always been to make great wine, and my wife
[Sara] wanted to do meaningful humanitarian work both in the
community and throughout the world,” said Joey. “When we were
married, we made a promise to support these dreams in our vows.”
Since that 2006 vintage of Grenache, Transcendence Winery
has grown from the Gummere’s shared belief that wine has the
potential to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives.
Transcendence Winery’s philanthropic endeavors support the
efforts of several non-profits by donating a minimum of 10% of
their sales and annual wine production to these worthwhile causes.
“We try to make wines that make a difference,” said Joey.
Of course Transcendence Winery’s success does not come solely
from good intentions. Joey carefully selects vineyards to partner
with, paying great attention to detail throughout the winemaking
process. All of the wines are crafted by hand, in order to emphasize
the quality and provenance of the fruit.
By Carolyn Turner
12
VARIETALS
Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Syrah and Rhône Blends
ACCLAIM
Transcendence Winery currently boasts a very hand-crafted
integrity to their annual production of around 1,000 cases.
They strive to create limited quantities of cool-climate wines
with grapes from highly acclaimed vineyards including Syrah
from Ballard Canyon, and Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from
several vineyards in the Santa Rita Hills including Lafond,
Zotovich and La Encantada.
FuN FACT
As winemaker, one of Joey’s favorite pastimes is pouring wine
for visitors to the tasting room. Since the tasting room is
connected to the winery, wine tasters are often treated to a
tour of the facility with Joey, including an opportunity to
taste whatever vintage is currently in barrel. “I think it’s really
cool to turn people on to wine, and I always love to show off
the winery,” said Joey.
DON’T MISS
Recently released a Rhône blend of Syrah and Grenache
created with grapes from Larner Vineyard.
Transcendence Winery
open Friday-sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
monday-Thursday by appointment
313 North F Street, Lompoc
(805) 689-5258 • www.transcendwines.com
Follow Transcendence on Facebook
Mention this story for a complimentary tasting!
www.WineCountryThisMonth.com
STA. RITA HILLS/SOLVANG
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Over the past fifteen years, Bill Foley has worked hard to
make his name synonymous with unique and quality wines from
Santa Barbara County. After the successful creation of Lincourt
Winery in 1996, Foley went on to found Foley Wines in 2002,
adding both Rancho Las Hermanas and Rancho Santa Rosa
vineyards to his growing portfolio of high quality vineyards.
Located in the heart of the famed Santa Rita Hills AVA, the
temperate coastal climate, south-facing hills and limestone soils
amount to the “holy grail” of elements for producing world-class
Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays. Foley knew he needed a winemaker who could exemplify this fruit and create wines in their
likeness, and so Leslie Mead Renaud joined the team. As Chairperson for World of Pinot, Renaud is completely in her element
as she farms both vineyards “cluster by cluster,” picking the best
bunches of fruit to create each Foley wine.
Foley focuses on creating wines that embody the uniqueness
of the Santa Rita Hills, and he’s also taken great care in creating a
tasting room and event center that allows guests to enjoy being
surrounded by the spectacular mountain ranges, coastal oaks
and contoured hillside vines.
In less than twenty years, Foley has watched his love of
wine become a dream that he’s been able to share with visitors
from around the world. Wine Enthusiast magazine’s “Man of
the Year” in 2010is an honor that only further fuels Foley’s
commitment to creating quality wines worth sharing.
By Carolyn Turner
VARIETALS
Chardonnay and Pinot Noir
ACCLAIM
Created from the very best blocks of Chardonnay from
Courtney’s Vineyard and Pinot Noir from Lindsay’s Vineyard, the Two Sisters wines are made in honor of Foley’s
two daughters Lindsay and Courtney. Each bottle seeks
to embody their combined strength, intelligence and
femininity, with wines that exemplify elegant bouquets
and flavorful palates.
FuN FACT
Foley’s Brand Series features six different high-end Pinot
Noirs and Chardonnays, created in recognition of Bill
Foley’s Texas Ranger and Cattlemen relatives. Each brand
represents a different trail taken to create these unique
wines. Be the first to taste and purchase your bottles at
the Pinot Release Party on August 13. This is the only time
you’ll be able to taste and purchase all six wines. Reservations are available online.
DON’T MISS
Wine and cheese pairings are available every day, with
prior notice only. Make your reservation online at least
48-hours in advance.
Foley Wines
open daily 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
6121 E Highway 246, Lompoc
(805) 737-6222 • www.foleywines.com
[email protected]
Follow Foley Wines on Facebook
Mention ‘Day Trips’ for 2-for-1 tasting.
www.WineCountryThisMonth.com
13
STA. RITA HILLS/SOLVANG
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The Lucas & Lewellen Vineyards Tasting Room offers guests
a wide variety of wines to choose from. They craft an impressive
52 different wines from 24 grape varieties that are grown on
their 400 estate acres in Santa Barbara County's three distinct
micro-climates, creating a diversity of wine styles to suit every
taste preference. All Lucas & Lewellen grapes are hand picked
and grown using sustainable farming methods.
This is the theme of Lucas & Lewellen; keep it local.
Often, you will see owners Louis Lucas or Royce Lewellen
pouring wine in the tasting room, and winemaker Megan
McGrath Gates is one of the few female winemakers who was
educated locally and grew up in the Santa Ynez Valley, giving
her an intimate knowledge of the growing region. Lucas &
Lewellen Vineyards also produces one of the few local “Méthode
Traditionelle” style sparkling wines on the Central Coast.
On October 13th, after the county’s “Celebration of Harvest”
Festival, visit the Lucas & Lewellen and Toccata Tasting Rooms
for Harvest Festival Wine & Cheese Pairings, featuring beautiful
wines with French and Italian cheeses from Vin Hus in Solvang,
live music at both locations, food sampling and wine specials.
Wine & Cheese Parings are from 5 to 7:30 p.m., $20 per
person, no RSVP required.
Mark your calendars for November 9-11 for Lucas &
Lewellen Vineyards’ Harvest Weekend with The Alisal Guest
Ranch. This Western-focused wine event includes entry to an
exclusive Harvest Party, a winemaker’s dinner, breakfast
horseback ride, BBQ dinner, dancing, live entertainment and
much more. The Harvest Party features live music, barrel and
tank sampling and production tours.
14
VARIETALS
Over 24 different varietals including: Sauvignon Blanc,
Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Franc, Syrah
and so much more.
AWARDS
2008 Lucas & Lewellen Brut Sparkling Wine,
3 Gold Medals and 3 Best of Class distinctions
2009 Lucas & Lewellen Goodchild High 9 Pinot Noir, Gold Medal
2009 Lucas & Lewellen Valley View Cabernet, Gold Medal
2009 Lucas & Lewellen Syrah, Gold Medal
2010 Toccata Malvasia Bianca, Gold Medal
FuN FACT
In the Tasting Room, they have a table area set apart for
kids to play and your canine friends are welcome too. NOTE
They offer a “Fun List” where guests are treated to “fun
wines” like Sparkling Wine, a pretty pink rosé, decadent late
harvest wines, and an award-winning Silver King Port served
in a dark chocolate “shot glass.”
Lucas & Lewellen Vineyards
open daily 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
open later on Friday and saturday nights
1645 Copenhagen Dr., Solvang
Tasting fee is $8 - $12
(805) 686-9336 | www.llwine.com
10% off any regularly priced wine purchase at the Lucas & Lewellen Tasting Room
www.WineCountryThisMonth.com
STA. RITA HILLS/SOLVANG
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When Jennifer Arant first moved to Paso Robles in
1992, she started Lions Peak with the goal of
producing exceptionally fine Bordeaux, Rhône and
specialty wines in small, handcrafted lots.
Located in the heart of Paso Robles, the 120-acres
of Lions Peak Estate Vineyard is one of the oldest
vineyards in the area, with 40-year-old Cabernet
Sauvignon vines. In addition to using their highly
lauded estate fruit, Arant also sources from several
esteemed vineyards throughout the Central Coast.
Drawing experience from her travels to many of
the great wine regions around the world, Arant was
also mentored by Robert Lawrence Balzer (35-year
food and wine critic for the L.A. Times), and attended
UC Davis and Cal Poly; the result is a portfolio of
wines with unusual depth, range and character.
Originally a professional interior designer, Arant
translated her passion for the arts into the artistic label
design, where every wine is personified with its own
graphics and unique story. The mantra of Lions Peak is
the synergy between the vineyards and Mother Nature,
along with the coupling of fine wine and artistic
packaging.
Yet the true story is the one that is told by all who
come to drink and share these unique wines with their
friends and family. Each bottle shared, exemplifies the
story of how, from grape to glass, wine is truly a work
of art.
By Carolyn Turner
VARIETALS
Bordeaux/Rhône blends, Port, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet
Sauvignon, Zinfandel, Petite Sirah, Syrah, Mourvedre, Petit Verdot,
Barbera, Merlot, Grenache, Viognier, Chardonnay, Marsanne, Late
Harvest Viognier
ACCLAIM
The Bordeaux wines in the Lions Peak collection, especially
the Estate Grown Cabernet Sauvignon, have received numerous
recognitions including Gold Medal and Best-of-Class accolades
from competitions such as the San Francisco International Wine
Competition, California State Fair, LA County Fair, New World
International WineFestival and Long Beach Grand Cru.
NEWS
• Lions Peak has won 24 medals in the most recognized wine
competitions in California.
• Jennifer Arant, winemaker and owner of Lions Peak, passed her
exam and is a Certified Sommelier!
Lions peak Vineyards
Hours: monday-Thursday 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
extended Weekend Hours
1659 Copenhagen Drive, Solvang
www.lionspeakwine.com
Email: [email protected]
Blog: www.lionspeakwine.wordpress.com
Twitter: @lionspeakwine
Facebook: Lions Peak Wines
15
Enjoy 15% off all regular-priced purchases and 2 complimentary tastings for the price of 1.
BRING ThIs aRTIcLE To ThE TasTING RooM (wINE GLass NoT INcLuDED). offER vaLID TuEsDay - ThuRsDay
www.WineCountryThisMonth.com
Los Olivos
CCdaytrips-0912_Layout 1 10/30/12 3:18 PM Page 16
santa Ynez is home to several of the most renowned santa Barbara County wineries. its ideal viticultural microclimate, with warm days and cooler nights,
produces an extensive variety of wines. These bottlings include representation from wine origins around the world such as the rhône valley, Bordeaux and
central italy. Nestled in the heart of the santa Ynez valley is the tiny town of los olivos. There are more than 20 tasting rooms within walking distance on and
around Grand avenue, each unique and delicious. in between these tasting rooms are world-class restaurants and artisan gift shops. The climate is moderate
year round and there is not an “off season” in this area. However, in autumn, the santa Ynez valley offers near perfect weather and breathtaking views of
multi-colored vineyards.
DINING
petros
Located within the beautiful Fess Parker Wine
Country Inn, Petros offers a “California-Hellenic”
cuisine with menu selections such as Moussaka and
Fish of the Day a la Grecque. Even after a long day of
wine tasting, your palate will be quite entertained.
2860 Grand ave, los olivos
805-686-5455, www.fessparker.com/restaurant
Los Olivos Café
A Wine Spectator “Best Restaurant Wines” winner
since 2007, Los Olivos Café offers a local, organic
and sustainable taste of the Central Coast.
Outdoor patio seating available.
2879 Grand avenue, los olivos
805-688-7265, www.losolivoscafe.com
GRAND AVE
CALKINS
RAILWAY
QUPÉ
ALTA MARIA
ALAMO PINTADO
COGHLAN
The Ballard Inn & Restaurant
The quaint restaurant inside the historic inn,
has only 12 tables ensuring an intimate dining
experience. Chef Budi Kazali uses farm fresh
ingredients in his French-Asian cuisine.
2436 Baseline avenue, Ballard
805-688-7770
www.ballardinn.com/restaurant
Trattoria Grappolo
Supporting local farmers with their authentic
Italian cuisine, the restaurant is open for lunch and
dinner most days. A large outdoor dining area is
perfect for the warm summer nights.
3687 sagunto st # C, santa Ynez
805-688-6899, www.trattoriagrappolo.com
Driving Time: 5 minutes
From Downtown los olivos
(Cimarone, Qupé, alta maria,
Tessa marie, andrew murray,
Coghlan and Fontes & Phillips)
to William James
1 mile
to lincourt
1.5 miles
Total >3 miles
CIMARONE
Los Olivos
TESSA MARIE/ANDREW MURRAY
FONTES & PHILLIPS
Petros/Fess Parker Wine Country Inn & Spa
Not to scale
HOLLISTER
Los Olivos CafŽ
Claremont Farms
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Chumash
Windhaven
Casino Resort
Glider Rides
LODGING
Fess parker Wine Country Inn & Spa
Located in the heart of downtown Los Olivos, this
resort offers world-class dining and spa services.
2860 Grand ave, los olivos
800-446-2455, www.fessparker.com
The Ballard Inn
The township of Ballard is home to this quaint 15room inn. Only a few minutes drive to the wineries
of Santa Ynez, this is a lovely private residence to
call home while you’re visiting the area.
2436 Baseline avenue, Ballard
805-688-7770, www.ballardinn.com
Santa Ynez Inn
This Victorian-style Inn offers luxury accommodations just 3 miles outside of Los Olivos. Full
gourmet breakfast and evening wine tasting and
hors d’oeuvres are included with your stay.
3627 sagunto street, santa Ynez
805-688-5588, www.santaynezinn.com
ACTIVITIES
Clairmont Farms - Lavendar Farm
A family owned Grosso lavender farm which
offers essential lavender oils, soaps and other
lavender products for sale.
2480 roblar avenue, los olivos
805-688-7505, www.clairmontfarms.com
Windhaven Glider Rides
A glider ride is an incredible way to view the vineyards and rolling hills of the Santa Ynez Valley.
Available on weekends.
santa Ynez airport
805-688-2517, www.gliderrides.com
ET
QU
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Chumash Casino
P
TE
Polish off a day of wine tasting with Blackjack,
Roulette or Texas Hold ‘Em! Big name acts perform
in the Samala showroom year round.
3400 east Highway 246, santa Ynez
800-CHUmasH, www.chumashcasino.com
Rancho San Marcos Golf Course
Golfers can play year round on Ranch San Marcos’
300 acres with views of Lake Cachuma. The course
is named one of Golf Digest’s “Places to Play”.
4600 Highway 154, santa Barbara
805-683-6334, www.rsm1804.com
www.WineCountryThisMonth.com
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Diversity is truly the spice of life and with nearly three dozen tasting
rooms in Los Olivos, how does a winery stand out? For Cimarone that’s
easy. You see, Cimarone’s tasting room is the only tasting room representing
the newly formed Happy Canyon of Santa Barbara AVA in all of Los Olivos.
But what exactly does that mean? Well, it means that Happy Canyon is
becoming known for Bordeaux grapes like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot
and Sauvignon Blanc, and this federally recognized growing area is unique
in all of Santa Barbara since these grapes are less common here. “After
walking countless properties, we were finally introduced to what would
become our Three Creek Vineyard,” says owner Roger Higgins. “This site
possessed all the elements of an ideal vineyard locale: rocky, well-drained
soils, steep hillsides and south-facing slopes, all within the Happy Canyon
of Santa Barbara AVA. Here we could plant and grow a superb vineyard
utilizing low-yields and sustainable vineyard care.”
Their goal is to always produce handcrafted, high-quality wines under
two distinct labels – Cimarone and 3CV, whose wines hover in the $20
range, both with an emphasis on Bordeaux and Rhône varietals. Of course
to make great wine you need a great winemaker and the Higgins tapped
winemaker Andrew Murray who, as Roger says, “embodies our goal of
making thoughtfully constructed serious wines.” Currently they are
making about 3,000 cases and it’s not uncommon to find Roger and his
wife Priscilla behind the counter in their tasting room pouring wine and
chatting about their project. They are truly hands-on in every aspect of the
winery and that translates to unique wines from a unique region making
for a unique wine tasting experience.
By Michael Cervin
VARIETIES
Syrah, Sauvignon Blanc, Sangiovese,
Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc,
Merlot, Malbec and Petit Verdot
FuN FACTS
• What’s in a name? Well, Cimarone’s is quite
simple: it’s the first two letters of their sons’
names, and Roger and Priscilla’s names –
Cilla, Mark, Roger and Neal.
• Priscilla has a PhD in physics from
Cambridge University, was born in Zambia
and raised in Kenya.
• Roger is from Yorkshire, England with a
degree in aeronautical engineering.
• If you happen to see two white and black
dogs, they are Kali and Mac, the winery
dogs.
Cimarone and 3CV
Thursday-monday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
2982 Grand Ave., Los Olivos
(805) 688-8011
www.cimarone.com
Find them on
Twitter, Facebook,
Pinterest, Tumblr and YouTube
Bring in this article for a two-for-one tasting.
www.WineCountryThisMonth.com
17
LOS OLIVOS
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Over the last 30 years, Qupé owner Bob Lindquist has
achieved a sort of legendary status in the wine world. Lindquist
has been involved in the Santa Barbara County wine industry
since its beginnings as a modern wine region in the mid 1970s
and was an early advocate of growing Rhône grapes in the region, focusing specifically on Syrah. In 1982, Lindquist started
Qupé winery and today, he continues to help increase recognition of the region world-wide through production of his
Rhône-style wines.
The name Qupé comes from the local Chumash Indian
word for poppy, as it seemed only fitting to pay homage to the
original cultivators of the land. Lindquist wanted to convey his
dedication to growing and producing local wines, and so chose
the iconic California poppy to represent his brand. Each Qupé
label is graced by yet another poppy. One of which was originally a quilt design by the craftsman-era artist Gustav Stickley.
The focus of the Qupé wines has always been on producing
wines that exhibit the unique flavors of both the terroir and the
grape varieties, which is why he chose to source from the
world-renowned Bien Nacido Vineyard. In 2002, Lindquist
and his wife Louisa purchased an 80-acre property in Edna
Valley near San Luis Obispo, and are growing both French and
Spanish-style grapes biodynamically.
A visit to the Qupé tasting room in Los Olivos will quickly
reveal that winemaking runs in the Lindquist family. Visitors
will often be greeted by Bob’s daughter Paige, who manages the
tasting room, or taste the Verdad and Ethan wines, made by
Bob’s wife and son, respectively. You’re sure to feel like one of
the family too before you leave!
By Carolyn Turner
18
VARIETALS:
Chardonnay, Viognier, Marsanne, Roussanne,
Grenache, Mourvedre, Syrah
ACCLAIM:
Qupé is known for accomplishing quite a few “firsts” in
Santa Barbara County, including the first producer of
Syrah in 1982, Viognier in 1989, as well as the first Rhônestyle blend called “Los Olivos Cuvée” in 1988. Qupé also
lays claim to producing the first Marsanne in California in
1987. Qupé was also named one of the top 100 wineries
in America for eight of the last nine years.
FuN FACT:
When visiting Qupé, you will also have the
opportunity to taste Verdad and Ethan wines. Verdad
is owned by Bob’s wife Louisa Sawyer Lindquist, and her
focus is on creating Spanish-style wines, while Ethan
Wines are made by Bob’s son Ethan Lindquist, who
focuses on creating Sangiovese and Rhône-style wines.
DON’T MISS:
The Qupé winery is located on the famed Bien Nacido
Vineyard in Santa Maria and is not open to the public
except for the day after the Vintner’s Festival in the
spring and the day after the Harvest Festival in the fall.
Qupé
open daily 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
2963 Grand Avenue, Suite B, Los Olivos
(805) 686-4200 • www.qupe.com
[email protected]
Follow Qupé and Verdad Wines
Enjoy 15% off all wine purchases and a 2 for 1 tasting when you show this article!
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LOS OLIVOS
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Though the Alta Maria Vineyards tasting room only recently
opened, they have been making wine for more than a decade.
Co-owners Paul Wilkins and James Ontiveros chose to set up
shop in Los Olivos, which is fast developing a reputation as a
destination in the heart of the acclaimed Santa Barbara County
Wine Country. Decorated with what the duo calls a “Central
Coast Heritage theme,” the tasting room is clearly influenced
by the old stagecoach and Pacific Coast Railroad days of Los
Olivos. It is at once Western yet with a nod to the
contemporary; historic but classy.
And the tasting room is a stone’s throw from Mattei’s
Tavern, the still standing historic railroad stop. “Like that of
our home town, the Santa Maria Valley, Los Olivos and the
Santa Ynez Valley are deep with history that few people
realize,” says Paul Wilkins. “It is rich with potential and its past
and the people that surround it bolster its odds of becoming
something very special. We want to be here with our wines to
help tell the stories of our past and this community’s heritage
and to also to be a part of Los Olivos’ future,” he adds. And
that’s a fitting comment since co-owner James Ontiveros has
family roots going back to 1781.
Paul and James were college buddies who both share a
love of farming and a love of wine. James works as
viculturalist and Paul as the winemaker, but they are both
equally excited to share their personal and professional
histories through their wines.
By Michael Cervin
VARIETALS
Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and
Cabernet Sauvignon
OuTDOORS
A small casual patio, which fronts Grand Avenue, the
main drag in Los Olivos, allows you sit and watch the
world go by. You can purchase wine by the glass, too.
FuN FACT
The tasting room walls have 1860 and 1861 maps
which show the recording of 411 privately held
Spanish and Mexican land grants including Rancho
Tepusquet, which was originally owned by the
Ontiveros family starting in 1837.
NOTE
The label artwork for Alta Maria Vineyards features
images of hand-hewn iron nails used by homesteaders
before the Industrial Revolution introduced mass
produced machine cut nails.
Alta Maria Tasting Room
open daily 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
2933 Grand Avenue, Suite A, Los Olivos
$10 tasting fee for the four wines.
(805) 686-1144 • www.altamaria.com
Bring in this story and receive one free alta Maria wine tasting.
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19
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Most young people who graduate from high school think
about college. For Tessa Parker, she started her winemaking
career by working in her family’s tasting room, not exactly
college curriculum. At the tender age of 18, still too young to
taste the wines, she would smell them and describe their
aromatics using the descriptive words she had frequently heard
from her family. Curious about the process of crafting wine she
enrolled in the Enology and Viticulture program at Allan
Hancock College.
During her first semester attending school and working
harvest at a local winery, she discovered what would become
her signature wine – Sangiovese. This variety captured her
imagination because of its food-friendly character, lots of ripe
fruit and ageablity. “I like to make New World-style wines with
bold, stand-out flavors that still demonstrate balance,” she says.
She crafts her wines in a small, unassuming industrial
warehouse, a stark contrast to her sleek modern tasting room.
“For me, making wine is really about making art. I don’t mean
that I take it all too seriously; it’s just that I like to take my time
when I’m making wine. I rely much more upon my intuition
and sense of taste, when I’m in the cellar, than on analysis. I
guess my approach is intuitive, more than anything else.”
Today, with multiple harvests behind her, Tessa continues
to hone her winemaking techniques, which is clearly achieving
success. From her first vintage she has received 90 point scores
from major wine magazines.
By Michael Cervin
20
VARIETALS
Vermentino, Sangiovese and Coquette – a blend of
Sangiovese and Syrah
TASTING ROOM
Tessa decided to open up a tasting room in downtown
Los Olivos, shared with E&T Wines, a winery partnership
between her father Eli (E) and herself (T). Visitors have the
opportunity to taste both Tessa Marie wines as well as
E&T wines in a modern Italian-styled tasting room.
FuN FACT
At age 18, Tessa began working in her family’s tasting
room pouring wine, even though she herself was not
legally able to drink the wine she poured for others!
NOTE
Tessa’s grandfather is the late, great Fess Parker, Santa
Barbara Wine Country pioneer, and well-known TV actor
of Daniel Boone fame, and her father, Eli Parker (Fess’ son)
established his own winery called Epiphany
Tessa Marie Wines
open Thursday - monday 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
2901 Grand Avenue, Suite C, Los Olivos
Tasting fee is $10
(805) 688-6081 • www.tessamariawines.com
Follow Tessa Marie Wines on Facebook
Mention ‘Day Trips’ for 2-for-1 tasting.
www.WineCountryThisMonth.com
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Andrew Murray fell in love with the emerging Rhône varietals,
Syrah and Viognier, in the late 1980s while traveling through France’s
Rhône Valley. Leaving his UC Berkeley paleontology studies behind,
he pursued his new mistress, Syrah, with an internship in Australia.
His three-month tryst evolved into a 15-month romance with the
famed Australian Shiraz. Returning to the states, he earned a
bachelor’s degree in viticulture and enology from UC Davis’
renowned wine program, then founded his eponymous Santa Ynez
winery and vineyard.
He sought out growers who shared his passion for excellence and
who dared to farm their vines to perilously low yields with the most
advanced viticultural methods in the industry. This uncompromising
winemaker’s lucid philosophy is summarized succinctly in three
words: Passion – Wisdom – Courage; the Passion of an unflagging
love affair with Rhône varietals; the Wisdom gained with 20 years of
winemaking; and the Courage to seek even the most subtle nuance
out of each vintage.
Andrew’s focus and dedication to his craft have culminated in
what Robert Parker, Jr. calls, “…one of the shining stars in the Santa
Barbara firmament.” This youthful perfectionist has been named
“Tastemaker of the Year” by Food and Wine Magazine, as well as,
“One of the most fearsome talents in food and wine.” Still, despite
myriad accolades, Andrew remains the same modest, approachable,
contemplative man he was when he first embarked to Australia back
in 1992.
It’s well worth the visit to Andrew Murray Vineyards’ sleek tasting
room in the center of Los Olivos, or the trek to “Area 51” to visit the
winery on the Foxen Canyon Wine Trail. You will surely delight in
sampling the fruits of Andrew’s passionate labors and will often catch
him at his work in the winery.
Buzz
Andrew Murray Vineyards had 10 wines score a 91 or
higher in the October 2011 edition of The Wine
Advocate. “This set of wines from Andrew Murray is
remarkable for its breadth of quality and sheer value.”
FuN FACT
Aside from wine, Andrew is a cycling and photography
aficionado. Often at the winery on weekends, he’s as apt to
talk carbon fiber frames and apertures, as de-stemming and
screw caps.
DON’T MISS
Andrew recently launched a new label, This is E11even Wines.
The name is a nod to the rockumentary Spinal Tap and
Murray plans to turn it up to 11 by breaking away from Rhône
varietals, and blending “to achieve just the right melody and
bust out a solo.” He will be releasing the 2011 Purple Haze (an
estate grown Pinot Noir from Santa Maria) in September of
2012. Limited production of under 250 cases and a price of
$20 will guarantee that this wine will sell out quickly!
Andrew Murray Vineyards
Los Olivos Tasting Room
open daily from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
2901-A Grand Ave, Los Olivos • (805) 693-9644
Los Olivos Winery
open weekends from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
5095 Zaca Station Rd, Los Olivos • (805) 686-9604
Email: [email protected]
www.andrewmurrayvineyards.com
Bring this story in for a 2-for-1 tasting.
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21
LOS OLIVOS
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The term, “one of a kind” comes to mind when describing
Coghlan. With its tasting room in a refurbished Victorian
home in Los Olivos, hand-crafted jewelry made by the owners and an array of wines to enjoy, one cannot help but to be
inspired in the surroundings.
Husband and wife team Eric and Samantha Coghlan, met
while studying at Gemological Institute of America. Eric, a
third-generation jeweler, and Samantha, a tremendously talented craftswoman (she started her first jewelry line at
sixteen), see the wine and jewelry industries as very similar.
Samantha explains, “My husband is a huge fan of minerals
and gemstone specimens, we look at the wine industry as a
type of a parallel to the jewelry industry. You take something
the earth gives you and then you facet it into a desirable finished product. We do this with wine grapes as well as with
the gemstones that the earth provides us with.”
Visitors can taste wine, browse jewelry, play bocce ball in
the yard and enjoy the nostalgic nature of the home, which
boasts a rich history. The Coghlan’s were happy to maintain
the integrity of the Sears kit home built in the late 1890s,
formerly owned by the Whitmore family, long-time influencers in the Los Olivos art community. Eric and Samantha
are constantly creating unique pieces on display in the house.
At Coghlan, wines and jewelry will continue to proliferate
the arts in the area.
By Brandi Stansbury
22
CuRRENT VINTAGES
• 2009 Grenache Blanc
• 2009 Santa Rita Hills Pinot Noir
• 2009 La Encantada Pinot Noir
• 2009 Fusion 50/50 Cab Merlot Blend
• 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon
THE VINEYARD
Coghlan’s estate vineyard in the Happy Canyon
area of the Santa Ynez Valley is in the midst of being
certified organic. They began to farm organically this
year to respect the environment as well as provide a
toxic free landscape for their children and dogs.
INSpIRED ACTIVITY
Sip wine and see your own custom jewelry ideas
come to life.
Coghlan Vineyard
and Jewelers
open daily 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
2366 Alamo Pintado Avenue, Los Olivos
(805) 686-2395
coghlanvineyard.com
Mention ‘Day Trips’ for a 2-for-1 tasting.
www.WineCountryThisMonth.com
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Bigger is not always better in the wine industry. A case in point is
Fontes & Phillips who make less than 1,500 cases of wine, amounting
to about 300 to 400 cases each of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Sauvignon
Blanc and Rosé. Owner and winemaker Alan Phillips works together
with his wife, Rochelle Fontes-Phillips, to create a portfolio of small-lot
wines from world-class Santa Barbara County vineyards including a
single vineyard designate Pinot Noir from the Santa Rita Hills.
But prior to calling Santa Barbara home, Alan, who worked at
wineries in the Napa Valley, eventually moved into winemaking
consulting which led him to New Zealand, Germany, France, Spain
and Portugal, giving him the opportunity to make wine and view the
wine business from a global perspective. Together Rochelle and Alan
have been involved in the wine industry for 35 cumulative years and
in 1998, they moved to Santa Ynez to help Bill Foley launch Foley
Estates and Lincourt Vineyards.
While establishing Foley, Alan was working quietly on his own
label, preferring smaller scale production where he could focus his
energies on his wines. His personal favorite is actually Panky, a classic
Rosé made from equal parts of Grenache, Cinsault and Syrah from
Santa Ynez. And lucky for us, Panky is a terrific wine and it actually
opens the door for wine lovers to better understand Rosé. This dusty
rose-colored wine is whole cluster pressed which helps to preserve the
natural vibrancy of the grapes. It is then stainless steel fermented
without a secondary malolactic fermentation and then bottled in
December following the harvest. Small lots, big flavors which shows
that at Fontes & Phillips, smaller is better.
By Michael Cervin
VARIETIES
Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc and
Rosé (my personal favorite)
FuN FACTS
Truly a labor of love, even the bottling and
packaging of their wines is done by hand as
each bottle is personally labeled by Alan and
Rochelle with pewter hand-made labels from
South America. Rochelle had a successful
career in wine compliance and accounting
when she met Alan. Their Panky wine was so
named because Panky means anything that’s
really cool. While working in Napa, Alan
worked with winemaking Pinot Noir legend
André Tchelistcheff!
Fontes & phillips
open 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Thursday, Friday, saturday and monday
sunday from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Tuesday and Wednesday by appointment
2362 Alamo Pintado
Los Olivos, CA 93441
(805) 688-2200
www.fontesandphillipswines.com
Check them out on Facebook
Bring in this article for a two-for-one tasting.
www.WineCountryThisMonth.com
23
LOS OLIVOS
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Tucked away in the beautiful back patio of the quaint 100-yearold building that houses J. Woeste, is the equally charming William
James Cellars.
“We have a beautiful location and it’s the perfect place to come
and enjoy a glass of wine on the patio,” said owner and winemaker,
Robin Bogue. “It’s a very tranquil and happy place to go.”
But don’t be fooled by the name, William James Cellars was
founded in 1993 by female winemaker Robin Bogue, and is named
after her father, William, and son James. Along with her father, Bogue
creates wines with an energy and passion with fruit sourced from premium vineyards throughout the Santa Barbara County. The wines she
creates reflect the diversity of microclimates, soil and rich varietal flavors from these select producers.
When visiting the tasting room, you’ll notice there are a couple
other wine labels in addition to the William James wines. Make sure
to try the Billy Jimmy wines, deemed the “rebel son” spin-off label.
“It’s kind of a ‘Ricky Bobby’ thing,” said Bogue. “I call them [the
Billy Jimmy wines] the ‘funmaker’, and the William James label is the
‘moneymaker’.” All jokes aside, make sure to try these seriously delicious wines!
The other wine label, Camino Real, was inspired by Bill Bogue,
who spent his life working in vineyards and is a founder of the Central Coast Wine Growers Association.
With only 1500 cases produced each year, these small-lot wines
are a fun way to experience some of the best the varietals of the Central Coast.
By Carolyn Turner
24
VARIETALS
Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Rosé, Grenache,
Pinot Noir, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Sangiovese,
Cabernet Franc and Port
FuN FACT
This winery is owned by female winemaker, Robin
Bogue, who is not afraid to experiment and venture out
of the realm of traditional winemaking styles.
ACCLAIM
Make sure to try their flagship wine, the
Hampton Family Vineyard, Santa Ynez Valley Syrah.
DON’T MISS
Enjoy your wine tasting with a picnic on the beautiful
patio beneath the orange umbrellas. You can also make
arrangements for private tours of the production facility, along with sampling wines straight from the barrel!
William James Cellars
open daily from 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
2356 Alamo Pintado Avenue
Los Olivos, CA 93441
(inside J. Woeste)
(805) 478-9412
[email protected]
www.williamjamescellars.com
www.williamjamescellars.wordpress.com
Follow William James Cellars on Facebook
Receive 15% off your purchase with this article.
www.WineCountryThisMonth.com
LOS OLIVOS
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When businessman and financier Bill Foley moved his
family to Santa Barbara in 1994, he saw the realization of his
life-long dream: to become a vintner of premier
Burgundian-style wines. Foley founded Lincourt in 1996 and
named it for his two daughters, Lindsay and Courtney.
Under the watchful eye of renowned winemaker Leslie
Mead Renaud, the 50-acres of estate Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet
Sauvignon and Merlot are farmed “vine by vine,” with Renaud
taking the best blocks (or rows) of grapes to create each wine.
Renaud also uses some of the best Pinot Noir and Chardonnay
grapes from Foley Vineyards to create wines that are both
approachable and affordable. Both Lincourt and Foley
Vineyards practice sustainable farming techniques in order to
ensure the highest quality of wine from grape to glass.
Drawing from years of experience working for wineries
throughout California, Renaud shares Foley’s commitment to
quality winemaking. Each wine is aged in French Oak barrels
for nine to twelve months, with the focus on creating wines
that exemplify the unique terroir and varietal-rich flavors.
As you arrive at Lincourt, the iconic windmill that also
graces each of their wine labels will greet you as you enter the
old farmhouse, now their tasting room. The relaxing
atmosphere and beautiful property offers something for the
whole family, whether wine tasting, picnicking or enjoying a
bottle as you bask in the beauty of the Santa Ynez Valley.
By Carolyn Turner
VARIETALS
Pinot Noir, Pinot Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay
ACCLAIM
The Lincourt Pinot Noir from Rancho Santa Rosa is
a truly tangible example of the unique terroir of
Santa Barbara County and Foley’s love of Pinot Noir.
FuN FACT
The yellow Craftsman-style house (currently housing the
tasting room) was originally ordered out of a Sears and
Roebuck catalogue in 1926. At that time the railroad ran
along Alamo Pintado Road, and the home was delivered
in pieces then carried up the hill by teams of donkeys and
assembled. Now, nearly 100 years later, the home remains
in much the same condition!
DON’T MISS
Lincourt is the perfect place to bring a picnic lunch and
enjoy the serenity of the Santa Ynez Valley out on the
veranda overlooking the vineyard. I suggest grabbing a
sandwich at nearby Paninos or Los Olivos Grocery to pair
with your tasting.
Lincourt Vineyards & Winery
open daily 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
1711 Alamo Pintado Road, Solvang
(805) 688-8554 • www.lincourtwines.com
[email protected]
Follow Lincourt Vineyards and Winery on Facebook
Mention ‘Day Trips’ and enjoy 15% on all purchases of 12 bottles or more!
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25
The hit motion picture, sideways, put the santa maria valley viticultural appellation, including the Foxen Canyon Wine Trail, on the map in 2004. Following
the picturesque winding roads of Tepesquet and Foxen Canyon will lead you to world-class wineries by way of sprawling vineyards and rolling hills. in the
135
more northern region of the appellation, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir reign due to the maritime climate. This ensures a long temperate growing season which
ST in the southern region of the appellation, the trail moves a bit east resulting in hotter days and cooler nights. Bordeaux and
the Burgundian varietalsMAIN
crave.
rhône varieties flourish in this
more extreme climate. The wineries in this region boast a concentration of California’s most well known winemakers; join
Wine Country
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Huber
805-344-1300,
www.thevick.com
OCEAN AVE
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Santa Ynez Inn
This Victorian-style Inn offers luxury accommodations just 3 miles outside of Los Olivos. Full
gourmet breakfast and evening wine tasting and
hors d’oeuvres are included with your stay.
3627 sagunto street, santa Ynez
805-688-5588,1www.santaynezinn.com
RD
CA
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Trattoria Grappolo
Supporting local farmers with their authentic
Italian cuisine, the restaurant is open for lunch and
dinner most days. A large outdoor dining area is
perfect for the warm summer nights.
3687 sagunto st # C, santa Ynez
805-688-6899, www.trattoriagrappolo.com
135
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EROS
Ranch
Since 1973 Zaca Mesa Winery has been dedicated to
producing wines that truly capture the unique spirit of their land.
Their very name comes from the Chumash word, “Zaca,” meaning
“restful and peaceful place,” a sentiment that permeates every
aspect of the 750-acre estate.
Located in the northern-most region of the Santa Ynez Valley
AVA, Zaca Mesa Winery planted close to one third of their land to
Rhône varieties along the mesas scattered throughout the property.
This combination of prolonged sun exposure, rich and well-drained
soils and mostly organic farming practices leads to the creation of
100% estate grown and bottled wines that are unparalleled. As their
website states: “We have embraced the code [of Sustainable
Winegrowing] in our winegrowing to ensure the health and
sustainability of our vineyards, our employees, our neighbors and
our environment.”
Visitors have the opportunity to taste these distinctive wines in a
rustic yet chic tasting room that was built in the 1970s, located in the
original winery.
“Our goal at Zaca Mesa is to be approachable, have fun and
educate,” said president Brook Williams. “Our wines are not
pretentious or trying to be something they’re not, which is why I like
to call them ‘Popeye wines,’ as if they’re saying ‘I am what I am’.”
For visitors interested in tasting these wines amidst the peaceful
spirit of the land, Zaca Mesa Winery offers additional picnic areas
near the tasting room, as well as on a hill overlooking the vineyards.
From time to time winemaker, Eric Mohseni, offers hikes through the
vineyards, and on the weekends visitors are often treated to food
trucks. For a complete list of upcoming events, be sure to check the
events section of the website.
By Carolyn Turner
VARIETALS
Chardonnay, Roussane, Viognier, Grenache Blanc, Syrah,
Mourvedre, Grenache
ACCLAIM
Zaca Mesa was the first Central Coast winery to appear in
Wine Spectator Magazine’s Top 10 list in 1995. Within the
following year, the Estate Syrah was served by then-President
Clinton to French President Jaque Chirac at a White House
State dinner.
FuN FACT
Since its inception in 1973, many of the winemakers and wine
professionals who have worked at Zaca Mesa Winery have
given it name Zaca Mesa University, as it’s been the training
ground for many of the Santa Barbara County wine industry
pioneers including: Ken Brown (Wild Horse, Byron, Ken Brown
Wines), Adam Tolmach (Ojai Vineyard), Jim Clendenen
(Au Bon Climat) and Bob Lindquist (Qupé).
DON’T MISS
Zaca Mesa boasts that 100% of their wines are estate-grown
and bottled. They are especially known for their Rhône wines
as well as their award-winning Syrahs, including the Mesa
Reserve Syrah, Black Bear Block Syrah, Estate Syrah and the
8 Barrel Syrah.
zaca Mesa Winery
open daily 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
6905 Foxen Canyon Road, Los Olivos
(805) 688-9339 x308 • www.zacamesa.com
Email: [email protected]
Follow Zaca Mesa Winery on Facebook
Mention this ‘Day Trips’ story for 2-for-1 tasting.
www.WineCountryThisMonth.com
27
FOXEN CANYON/STA. YNEZ
CCdaytrips-0912_Layout 1 10/30/12 3:19 PM Page 28
As the first-ever estate winery in the Santa Ynez Valley,
Firestone Vineyard & Winery is certainly the best place to
come for a taste of both the history of winemaking in Santa
Ynez Valley as well as the wines that the Firestone family has
been dedicated to cultivating for more than thirty years. When
Leonard and Brooks Firestone began their winery in 1972, the
belief that the Santa Ynez Valley could grow, let alone produce,
world-class wines was a belief shared by a select few. Luckily
for us, the Firestone family vision still continues to thrive today
at their newly renovated tasting room located on a breathtaking
400-acre property.
Tucked away in the rolling hills of the Foxen Canyon wine
trail, Firestone Winery offers tastings of their flagship Bordeaux
and Rhône-style wines that exemplify the unique terroir of
their estate: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc
and of course Syrah. You also won’t want to miss a taste of
The Ambassador, a Bordeaux-style blend of the best barrels in
the cellar named in honor of Leonard Firestone, who was a
former US Ambassador to Belgium.
Make sure to catch one of the complimentary tours offered
daily, which will take you on a journey that starts at a real cork
tree and continues throughout the vineyards and barrel room,
finishing in the historical room with a look at the history of the
Firestone family. Whether visiting for your first or fiftieth time,
Firestone Winery’s commitment to sharing their history and
dedication to quality winemaking is sure to leave you with a
lingering finish that will keep you coming back for more.
By Carolyn Turner
28
VARIETALS
Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Cabernet Franc,
Malbec, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Reisling,
Gewürtztraminer
ACCLAIM
The Lineage Chairman Series is a blend created by handpicking the best fruit from each block of vines
throughout the vineyard. Every year the blend changes
depending on the fruit picked, creating a wine with rich,
fruit flavors and a long, velvety finish.
FuN FACT
Winemaker Paul Warson lives on the property with his
family and often frequents the winery and tasting room
sharing his enthusiasm and knowledge with guests.
DON’T MISS
The free concert in the vineyard series takes place on the
first Friday of every month from June through October, 6
to 9 p.m. Bring the entire family (pets are welcome, too!)
for free local live music, local food for sale and Firestone
wines for sale by the glass and bottle.
Firestone Vineyard & Winery
open daily 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Tours Daily at 11:15am, 1:15 and 3:15 p.m.
5000 Zaca Station Road, Los Olivos
(805) 688-3940 • www.firestonewine.com
[email protected]
Follow Firestone on Facebook
Large group private tour and tasting packages are available with a reservation: tastingroom@firestonewine.com.
www.WineCountryThisMonth.com
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There is something for everyone on the gorgeous
grounds of Bridlewood Estate Winery. From an array of
varietals with multiple tasting options and venues, guests
will find something to their liking. Bridlewood’s grounds are
truly spectacular with sweeping views of vineyard speckled
hillsides and a building that is reminiscent of an old world
mission. The winery was formerly a world renowned horse
facility and still retains an elegant yet rustic charm.
There are various options for visitors in terms of tasting
Bridlewood wines. Opt for a traditional style sampling in
the tasting room or enjoy an outdoor experience in the
courtyard. A feature completely exclusive to Bridlewood is
the option to tour the estate on a horse-drawn carriage.
This unique perspective is available on weekends as long as
the weather permits. For those looking for a first-hand look
at the winemaking process, cellar tours can be arranged by
appointment.
The winemaker is fortunate to have access to premium
Central Coast vineyards in addition to the estate located in
the Santa Ynez Valley AVA. These areas include vineyards
in both Monterey County & Paso Robles. It’s this variety
and blending talents that make Bridlewood wines
distinctive, approachable and always enjoyable.
Bridlewood embodies the California wine experience with
its stunning mission-style pastoral setting and grounds.
By Brandi Stansbury
VARIETALS
Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon,
Pinot Noir, Syrah, Zinfandel
CELLAR TOuRS
Bridlewood offers cellar tours as a more intimate way to
understand their wines and become acquainted with
the winery. This activity is highly recommended for
those interested in learning more about the winemaking
process. Call (805) 688-9000 ext. 211 to set up a tour.
BARREL ROOM TOuRS
Go beyond the tasting room counter and learn how
Bridlewood crafts our artisan wines. You’ll begin your tour overlooking the Bridlewood Lake
and the stunning estate vineyard. Then, you’ll get an
intimate look at the cellar, where you can taste wine
straight from the barrel. You’ll learn about Central Coast
winemaking and enjoy wine and food pairing education.
Reservations are required for our tour, 1-800-467-4100,
ext. 223.
Bridlewood Estate Winery
open daily 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
3555 Roblar Avenue, Santa Ynez
1-800-467-4100
www.bridlewoodwinery.com
29
Present this article as an invitation to Taste (good for 2 people, Monday – Thursday only)
www.WineCountryThisMonth.com
SANTA BARBARA
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Wine Tasting in Northern
135
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Tensley
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246
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Wine Tasting in
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Wine Tasting in
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San Jose (150 m
San Francisco (19
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Parrish Family Vineyard
Grizzly Republic
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Paso Wine Centre
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Pianetta
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8TH STREET
Anglim
DÕAnbino Cellars
7TH STREET
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Treana/Hope
CHATEAU Opolo
Caliz
Jada
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Pipestone Donatoni Midnight
Proulx
Changala
Brian Benson
Kaleidos
Dark St
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Berardo Grey
PerCazo Cellars
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Pipestone Donatoni Midnight
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Edward Sellers
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Brian Benson
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Berardo Grey Wolf
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Cerro Prieto
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Cellars
San Marcos
Creek
WELL
CIM
NA
Mondo
Cellars
N
SA
RN Estate
LA
GO
REL
RANCHITA CANYON
Domaine Degher
Tassajara
SILVER HORSE
DR
MISSION
EST
Vista
del Rey
OS
RC
MA
Tackitt Family
MISSION LANE
San Miguel
Rabbit
Caparone Ridge
Villa San Juliette
Pretty Smith
10th
Ranchita Canyon
WIN
Locatelli
CANYON
CROSS
JARDINE
101
PLEASANT
To Monterey (108 miles)/
San Jose (150 miles)/
San Francisco (195 miles)
Paso Robles – East
CCdaytrips-0912_Layout 1 10/30/12 3:19 PM Page 34
The eastside of Paso robles is easily accessible from Highway 101, and 46 east by way of i-5 and Highway 41. Dozens of wineries line the way into Paso robles, and while each has unique wines, they all have warm and friendly hospitality to welcome guests to the beautiful wine country. Guests can immediately
feel the microclimate of the eastside. summer days can reach unbearably hot temperatures, but inevitably each evening cools down to a perfect crisp 50-60
degrees. These extreme swings in temperature during the growing season are ideal for the rhône and Bordeaux varieties grown in the region.
101
NIBLICK
Linne Calodo
Zin Alley
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Jack
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Templeton
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www.WineCountryThisMonth.com
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NEAL SPRI
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D
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Dover Canyon
BRANCH
Cass CafŽ
G
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Vineyard
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Jack Creek
CLAUTIERE
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MA
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PENMAN SPRINGS
RIVERSIDE
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Laurent
UNION
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4th ST
Hotel Cheval
PerCazo Cellars
YORK MTN
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11th ST
CRESTON
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Enlarged
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detail
Vintners
LODGING
CHY CANYON RD
PEA
Hotel
Cheval
cher
Minassian-Young
VillaThis
Creek
boutique luxury hotel is located in the heart of
Poalillo
downtown Paso Robles. Relax at the Pony Club bar
or around the fire pits in the outdoor lounge area.
Norman
mmerSky
D
Chateau
1021 Pine street
• Paso robles
Westburg
Dunning
Margene
Oso Libre
866-522-6999, www.hotelcheval.com
EE
Opolo JADA
Changala
K
34
RANCHITA CANYON
PLEASANT
TN
Vineyards
Whalebone
GOLDEN HILL
M
HALTER RANCH
as Creek Vineyard
BET
HEL
eCuvier
N
DE
D
HI
PARK
Paso Robles
LU
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Kukkula
BU
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RIVE
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Starr Ranch
AIRPORT
RIVER
MISSION
IND
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RD
Hunter Ranch Golf Course
Adelaide Inn
DINING
Located in the heart of the Eastside wine country,
Conveniently located at the start of 46 East. Ofers
Artisan
this course is perfect for a casual game while
comfortable accommodations at a superb value.
Arguably the most renowned restaurant on the
you’re visiting. Rated 4.5 stars by Golf Digest.
1215 Ysabel avenue, Paso robles
Central Coast. Chef Kobayashi supports local
4041 Highway 46 east, Paso robles
800-549-Paso (7276), www.adelaideinn.com
farmers and ranchers when developing the
(805) 237-7444, www.hunterranchgolf.com
Wine Country RV Resort
“American Bistro” menu which is continuously
Traveling by RV? There is no better place to park
Ravine Water park
changing with the seasons.
than here; enjoy the pools, restrooms, kitchens,
Perfect attraction for kids and adults during the
1401 Park street, Paso robles
laundry facility and so much more!
hot summer days. Open all summer long.
805-237-8084, www.artisanpasorobles.com
2500 airport road, Paso robles
2301 airport road, Paso robles
Bistro Laurent
805-238-4560, www.winecountryrvresort.com
805-237-8500, www.ravinewaterpark.com
The restaurant offers a touch of France in the heart
ATTRACTIONS
Vineyard Antique Mall
of Downtown Paso Robles. Featuring an exquisite
Estrella Warbird Museum
Greg and Jeanine Cantrell have an incredible
menu and certified sommelier onsite to assist
museum restores and preserves military airselection of indoor and outdoor collectables.
miles)/
guests with their wine selection.To Monterey (108The
craft and memorabilia; it’s open Thursday-Sunday.
The 10,000 square foot mall is open daily.
San Jose (150 miles)/
202 Pine street, Paso robles
101
ANYON
4251
Dry Creek road, Paso robles
2320 ramada Drive, # a, Paso
San
Francisco
(195
miles)
Ranchitarobles
Canyon
ROSS C
C
805-226-8191, www.bistrolaurent.com
Locatelli
805-238-3897, www.ewarbirds.com
(805) 237-4012
Cass Café
14th
Located inside Cass Winery, nestled in the
10th
MISSION LANE
backroads of the Eastside, the Cass Café offers
lunch daily which includes wine tasting.
RD
San Miguel
VON DOLLEN
EST
SILVER HORSE
REL
7350 linne road, Paso robles
LA
805-227-2888, www.casswines.com
Thomas Hill Organics
Opened by farmers, Debbie & Joe Thomas,
Driving Time: 38 minutes
THO uses their organic farm fresh ingredients in
ANYON
GC
From Cellar 360 Paso robles
HO
the menu which truly embodies the flavors of
to Pear valley
4.6 miles
to Clautiere vineyard
1 mile
Paso Robles. An extensive selection of local
to eberleWWinery
4.6 miles
OS
WELLSONA
ELLSO
RC
wines is available by the glass and bottle.
MA
to eos estate NA
1 mile
N
SA
to silver Horse Winery 6.5 miles
1305 Park street, Paso robles
Total 17+ miles
805-226-5888, www.thomashillorganics.com
Villa Creek
A
ST
CELLAR 360
VI
Chef Tom Fundaro offers an “early California
Estrella Warbird
A
PASO ROBLES
Museum
uisine” menu featuring fresh and local ingredients.
DRY CREEK RD
46E
The bar is a popular spot for the locals, and offers
Wine Country
EBERLE
RV Resort
Hunter Ranch
EOS
signature cocktails for unwinding after a long day
Artisan
Golf
Course
Ravine
Thunderbolt
14th ST Thomas Hill Organics
ADELA
IDA
of wine
tasting.
Twilight
Junction
46E Water Park
13th ST
Cellars
MILL
Adelaide
Inn
1144
Pine street, Paso robles
Adelaida
24th ST
12th ST
Daou
PEAR VALLEY
805-238-3000,
www.villacreek.com
Nadeau Family
Villa Creek
N
EN
ES
EO
PASO ROBLES - EAST
t
CCdaytrips-0912_Layout 1 10/30/12 3:19 PM Page 35
Paso robmediately
isp 50-60
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Set in the midst of one of its expansive vineyards, the Cellar 360
Tasting Room (formerly Meridian Vineyards) in Paso Robles, is a prime
destination for wine enthusiasts seeking out a variety of wines from
multiple wine appellations. With its vast views of endless vineyards, the
drive up to the winery from the highway leads you to a picturesque
setting that begs you to linger and enjoy your visit.
Garden paths of fragrant, native plants greet you and lead to a shaded
patio complete with bistro tables, perfect for a picnic. The tasting room
has a wide-selection of deli items, including artisan cheese, which pair
nicely with their wine.
The tasting room menu includes a “Best of California” offering, with
the tasting fee waived with the purchase of two bottles and always
complimentary for wine club members. The menu includes a travel
through California’s wine regions, with a showing of the AVA’s most
well-known varietals, such as a Gewürztraminer from Chateau St. Jean in
Sonoma, Beringer’s Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from
TAZ in Santa Barbara County, and a Petite Sirah from Greg Norman in
Paso Robles. For those seeking a reserve tasting, Cellar 360 has a selective
menu of four wines (with a nominal fee for wine club members). This
menu includes wines like a Reserve Chardonnay from Chateau St. Jean, a
limited production Pinot Noir by TAZ from the Fiddlestix Vineyard in the
Santa Rita Hills and a Chateau St. Jean Cinq Cepages from Sonoma
County. All tasting experiences can be paired with a cheese selection for
an additional fee. The tasting room also has a wide selection of wine
accessories and gift items, perfect for any occasion.
The Cellar 360 experience is a delightful wine journey, all in one
convenient location that is perfect for a day trip to California’s scenic
Central Coast.
BY KIM MURPHY-RODRIGUES
WINE CLuBS
As a member of our wine club you get
access to notable wines not just from
California, but from other wine regions,
most notably in Australia. Plus, club
members receive complimentary
tastings at their sister wineries including
Beringer, St. Clement in Napa Valley and
Chateau St. Jean in Sonoma.
Club options include the popular
California Discovery Club, featuring
wines from premier wine regions in
California, the Global Explorer Club for
those seeking adventure in exploring
new wine regions, and the Reserve Club
with a focus on the finest reserve and
limited production wines from Cellar
360’s most prestigious wine estates.
Cellar 360
open Friday through sunday
from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
7000 Highway 46 East
Paso Robles
1-877-774-9463
www.cellar360.com
Mention ‘Day Trips’ and receive complimentary 2 for 1 tasting for the Best of california menu
(excluding special events and reserve tastings).
www.WineCountryThisMonth.com
35
PASO ROBLES - EAST
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Pear Valley is family owned and operated by Tom and
Kathleen Maas. The 113-acres of vineyard land are operated with
sustainable farming practices to ensure that the best fruit possible
will still be grown there when their grandchildren operate the
farm. All the wines produced at Pear Valley are made from their
estate fruit.
At the winery they strive to deliver the highest quality wines
at affordable prices so you can enjoy them with friends and
family daily. The focus on quality begins in their vineyards with
low yields to produce intense flavors. All the fruit is harvested
and immediately sorted and processed at the estate winery while
the fruit is still cold and fresh. Within the winery the wines are
processed and aged to bring out the best the varietal has to offer.
By the time it is released the wine is ready to be consumed.
Tom and Kathleen invite you to visit them at Pear Valley,
since after all, everything in life is better when shared. As you
pull into the parking lot you will be greeted with spectacular
views of the vineyards. The short walk to the tasting room takes
you through a courtyard tastefully decorated with flowers, water
features, statues and a large picnic area.
Be sure to become a Distraction Club member and receive
three shipments of two bottles per year along with a 30%
discount on all wine and merchandise.
With the excellent value wines, the welcoming atmosphere
and the friendly staff, once you visit you will keep coming back
time and time again. Bring a picnic lunch and enjoy the beauty
of Pear Valley.
By Lisa pretty
36
ESTATE WINES
Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Muscat Canelli,
Our Daily White, Rosé, Orange Muscat, Syrah, Merlot,
Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel,
Frizzante, Distraction, Inspiration and Belle Fin.
With more than 24 varieties planted on the estate
vineyards, this list will soon grow.
EVENTS
With settings both indoors and outdoors, the winery
hosts several events throughout the year including
concert series, winemaker dinners, a 4th of July
Celebration, club pick-up parties and fund raising
events.
FuN FACT
The winery was named Pear Valley after the vineyard
Tom & Kathleen purchased on the west side of Highway
101 as a “retirement plan.” Growing grapes was not
enough for Tom and today Pear Valley Estate Wine
includes three vineyards, a winery and a gorgeous
tasting room with beautiful vineyard views.
pear Valley
open daily 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
4900 Union Road, Paso Robles
(805) 237-2861 | Email: [email protected]
PearValley.com
Social Media: Facebook
Mention ‘Day Trips’ for free tasting and 10% off any wine purchase.
www.WineCountryThisMonth.com
CCdaytrips-0912_Layout 1 10/30/12 3:19 PM Page 37
PASO ROBLES - EAST
A Tasting Room like No Other
Singled-out and recognized as one of “California’s Most Unusual
Tasting Rooms” by Wine Enthusiast Magazine, the distinctive tasting
room and whimsical sculpture garden of Clautiere Vineyard is known to
wine-lovers everywhere as a destination to “…relax, let your hair down,
and have a little fun with the wine-tasting experience.”
The vibrant décor of the tasting room, along with the brightly colored
wigs and hats in the “Playroom,” have a magical way of bringing out the
“Child Heart” in everyone.
The winding Zen Garden paths, rock circles, metal sculptures, magical
mosaic cubes and spheres scattered among the beautiful grounds add to
the enchanting atmosphere. Combined with the award-winning Estate
wines and a fun-loving, knowledgeable staff, it’s easy to see why Clautiere
continues to be one of the region’s most popular tasting room destinations.
“Director of Fantasy,” Claudine Blackwell, explains it this way;
“We feel as though angels are smiling down on Clautiere because there’s
so much fun and laughter here. The minute you get out of your car, the
magic begins.”
But don’t let the fun and frolicking atmosphere of the tasting room fool
you. When it comes to the art of serious winemaking, Clautiere is all
business. The 57-acre vineyard is dedicated to the production of premium
Rhône, Bordeaux and Port style wines and Clautiere Vineyard is 100%
Estate bottled to ensure you’re getting the highest quality from grape to
glass.
The tasting room at Clautiere Vineyard now features a wine and
gourmet cheese pairing, showcasing the food-friendly wines of Clautiere.
Pairings are $10 per person and guests enjoy six wines expertly paired
with six different gourmet cheeses. The list rotates every month, so as
usual, “There’s Always Something Different at Clautiere!”
VARIETALS
100% Estate Grown Grapes: Syrah, Grenache, Mourvedre,
Counoise, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Malbec,
Petite Verdot, Roussanne, Viognier, Touriga Nacional,
Tinta Cao, Tinta Ruiz; Annual production: 3,000 cases
AWARDS
2007 Estate BDX –“Best Bordeaux Blend,” 2012 Critics
Challenge, International Wine Competition, San Diego
Gold Medal at the 2012 Los Angeles International
Wine & Spirits Competition, with an over-all score of 94.
2009 Estate Syrah – Gold medal, 2012 Los Angeles County Fair
FuN FACT
Recently, the nearby barn has been renovated and transformed
into “Clautiere Too,” a glamorous private party and large group
space rivaling the whimsy of the original tasting room with a
collection of colorful wigs, hats and funhouse mirrors. Built to
accommodate the increasing demand for larger groups of 12 or
more and private parties, “Clautiere Too” provides a wine tasting
bar, comfortable seating area, built in stage with a digital
sound-system, access to a full-kitchen and catering services,
along with a large shaded deck and patio area with additional
seating for up to 50. Essentially, a turn-key solution to
everything you need for your memorable party or private event.
Clautiere Vineyard
open Thursday-monday 12 to 5 p.m.
1340 Penman Springs Road, Paso Robles CA 93446
(805) 237-3789 | www.clautiere.com
email: [email protected]
www.facebook/clautierevineyard.com
37
Mention 'Day Trips' for 10% off your claitiere wine purchase and a two-for-one wine & Gourmet cheese pairing in the tasting room.
www.WineCountryThisMonth.com
PASO ROBLES - EAST
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Perched on a hilltop surrounded by 60-acres of estate
vineyard land, Eberle Winery is one of the most popular stops
during a wine tasting adventure in Paso Robles. In addition to
the spacious tasting room with a large gift shop and
complimentary wine tasting, the facility also includes
underground caves, an expansive vineyard deck, bocce ball
courts, the “Wild Boar” event room with commercial kitchen
and plenty of places to have a picnic lunch while enjoying the
vineyard views.
Inside the tasting room guests have the opportunity to taste
the Eberle wines that continue to be top award winners. Made
from the estate grapes, Gary Eberle and winemaker Ben Mayo
handcraft each of the wines for the 27,000 case production.
On the tasting list you will find Chardonnay, Viognier, Muscat
Canelli, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Zinfandel, Sangiovese and
Barbera. There are also a few delicious blends including
“Cotes-du-Robles Blanc,” “Full Boar Red” and
“Cotes-du-Robles.” Gary is known to be a Cabernet man so
when he and his wife Marcy got together to make a limited
production Cabernet named “Love & Kisses” you know you are
in for a treat. A small amount of the 2007 Love & Kisses is still
available.
Although Eberle has grown in production over the years,
the winery still has a warmth and family feel. On most visits to
the tasting room you will find the Eberle standard poodles,
Cabernet and Roussanne, wandering the tasting room for a
little well deserved attention. Eberle welcomes families and
four-legged friends for an enjoyable experience.
38
FuN FACTS
• The German name “Eberle” translates to
“small boar.” (Gary is half Polish, half German.)
• All of the wines except Muscat Canelli are aged in oak
in the caves.
• Gary Eberle created the Paso AVA and is known as the
“godfather” of the Paso Robles wine appellation.
• Gary Eberle created the first 100% Syrah in the USA
and is called the “Johnny Appleseed of Syrah” by the
Wine Spectator.
• Ebere Winery is the longest continuously owned
family winery in Paso Robles.
• Eberle has been delivering award-winning wines for
33 years. When he first started there were only a handful
of wineries, today there are more than 200.
TOuR THE CAVE
Complimentary tours are offered each day so you can
explore the 16,000 square feet of underground caves
located below the winery. Take the tour and see why it
was rated as one of the best tours by Wine Spectator.
Eberle Winery
open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (5 p.m. winter)
3810 East Highway 46, Paso Robles
(805) 238-9607
Email: [email protected]
www.eberlewinery.com
Follow on Eberle Winery on
Facebook & Twitter.
Mention ‘Day Trips’ to receive 20% discount off full retail wine purchase.
www.WineCountryThisMonth.com
PASO ROBLES - EAST
th.com
CCdaytrips-0912_Layout 1 10/30/12 3:19 PM Page 39
When Foley Family Wines acquired Paso Robles based
Eos Winery, in the Fall of 2010, they moved the tasting room
location three miles down the road to the corner of Highway
101 and Airport Road. The tasting room location wasn’t all that
was changed. The production went from 90,000 cases to 20,000
cases with a greater emphasis on quality. Bill Foley had a vision
to transform Eos into a big Paso red house.
Eos now offers a variety of bold red wines including a line
of vineyard specific Zinfandels. With sister properties in other
wine regions, the winery is able to demonstrate the differences
between climates and growing conditions through their four
distinct Zinfandels. While many of the wines have changed,
the winery continues to produce the “Tears of Dew” Moscato
and several dessert wines that customers loved. The winery
even offers a Sweet Only option for club members and is
committed to producing a number of wines on the sweet side.
The Zinfandel Port is here to stay and that makes Zin-fans
everywhere very happy.
The new location has many advantages in addition to being
centrally located on Highway 46 East. The large tasting room
includes a lovely gift area with plenty of fun items for shoppers,
the covered picnic area offers wonderful views and is a great
place to relax while sipping wine or to enjoy one of the winery
hosted events. Plan a visit to experience the new flavor of the
iconic Eos Estate Winery.
By Lisa pretty
WINES
Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Rousanne,
Muscat Canelli, Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon,
Petite Sirah, Pinot Noir, Merlot, French Connection Red,
Mischief, Late Harvest Sauvignon Blanc,
Late Harvest Moscato and Zinfandel Port
FuN FACT
• Eos namesake was the ancient Greek Goddess of Dawn
yet the winery uses state-of-the-art equipment.
TASTING OpTIONS
Featured Wine Flight – $5 tasting
$3 more to keep the Eos Estate logo wine glass
Reserve Wine Flight – $10 tasting
$3 more to keep the Eos Estate logo wine glass
No reservations are necessary for groups of ten or less.
Kindly phone ahead for larger groups: (805) 591-8050.
Private Tastings are also available, with advanced
reservations. Groups of up to 60 people: (805) 591-8050.
Eos Estate Winery
open daily 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
2300 Airport Road, Paso Robles
(805) 591-8050 | eosvintage.com
[email protected]
Facebook: eoswinery
Twitter: EOSwinery
Yelp: eos-estate-winery-paso-robles-2
Mention ‘Day Trips’ for a complimentary 2-for-1 tasting.
www.WineCountryThisMonth.com
39
PASO ROBLES - EAST
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Silver Horse Winery is located on the winery’s estate
vineyard on the east side of Paso Robles. The vineyard consists
of 40 acres of Cabernet Sauvignon, Grenache, Malbec, Petit
Verdot, Syrah and Tempranillo. These six varieties grow
exceptionally well in the warm, dry climate which is so
common around the Pleasant Valley Wine Trail. Silver Horse
crafts small lot wines from this estate vineyard; at times the
vineyard can produce less than one ton of fruit per acre.
Winemaker Steve Kroener describes his wines as being,
“100% food friendly,” and with the layered complexity and
balanced acidity of each bottling, there is no doubt about it.
The Albarino is perfect for sipping with artisanal cheese and
charcuterie. The Petite Sirah has become what some might call
a “cult wine” and Silver Horse offers a prime example of the
Rhone variety. Recently, wine critics have take note of Steve’s
winemaking and the unique vineyards of the east side of Paso
Robles. The 2009 Sage, a Bordeaux-style blend of Cabernet
Sauvignon, Malbec, Merlot and Petit Verdot, was awarded a
gold medal from the San Francisco Chronicle Wine
Competion.
In 2005, the Kroener family built a state of the art winery
facility and hospitality and event center. The exclusive and
luxurious tasting room offers samples of Silver Horse wines
Friday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Silver Horse
Winery is a true gem in the heart of the east side of Paso Robles.
By Brette Ann Womack
40
VARIETALS pRODuCED
Albarino, Petite Sirah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Grenache,
Malbec, Petit Verdot, Syrah and Tempranillo
SpECIAL EVENTS!
• During the summer months, Silver Horse celebrates a
“Friday Fete” once per month. These events feature
house-made traditional winery fare, wines by the
taste, glass or bottle, and live music. Think concert in
the park but in the middle of beautiful vineyards
accompanied by delicious wines.
• Silver Horse is also available for private events.
The expansive surroundings have been touted as
the best view on the Central Coast and the facilities
ensure that each occasion on the property is
spectacular and flawless.
Silver Horse Winery
open Friday through sunday
11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
2995 Pleasant Road, San Miguel
(805) 467-WINE
[email protected]
Get Social!
Look for Silver Horse Winery on Facebook
and on Twitter: @Silverhorsewine
Bring this article to the tasting room and receive 15% off any wine purchase!
www.WineCountryThisMonth.com
SIP– Sustainability in Practice
CCdaytrips-0912_Layout 1 10/30/12 3:19 PM Page 41
The Central Coast is home to several siP (sustainability in Practice) Certified wine growers. siP Certified growers pride
themselves on preserving and protecting the natural environment, treating the people around them with care and using
sound business practices that recognize the impact of today’s actions in the future. Certified vineyards go beyond
organics by preserving both natural and human resources that include: habitat conservation, pest management,
energy efficiency, water conservation and worker’s rights. stop by one of these wineries to see how sustainability can
not only be incorporated into the winemaking process, but how it can also produce some incredibly delicious wines.
management, water conservation,
economic stability, and human
resources are some of the key
elements of the program. The
Standards look at the farm in its
entirety: the worker, soil fertility,
cover crops, wildlife, native plants,
irrigation and more.
SIp Certification –
What It Means for Your Wine
Take a look inside the SIP™
Certification process and find out
what it means for your wine.
Quality Commitment
SIP Certification goes beyond
the organic wines you typically see
in the marketplace – it speaks to
the farmer’s commitment to
protecting both natural and human
resources. Growers and
To Monterey (108 miles)/
winemakers recognize that
mindful
San Jose (150 miles)/
San
fruit production and care Francisco
for (195 miles)
workers’ well-being are important
components of quality wine.
SIp Certification
VALL
EY
RD
It took four years to develop
the Standards. More than 30
environmental, regulatory, and
academic representatives
101
independently reviewed our work.
In order to Locatelli
qualify for certification,
PRETTY SMITH
growers must have their practices
verified through in-depth
records
San Miguel
SILVER HORSE
Tassajara
Whole Farm System
and on-site audits by accredited
J&J CELLARS
RIVERSTAR
The comprehensive rules for
independent inspectors.
A separate
SIP Certification (known as
Certification Advisory Committee
Standards) address many
Caparone
then determines eligibility based
interrelated elements of the whole
on reports from auditors. During
J LOHR
farm system. Habitat conservation,
the evaluation process,
the name of
CHRONIC the vineyard remains anonymous.
energy efficiency, pest
CELLARS
IAN
CANYON
CROSS
Ranchita Canyon
IND
MISSION
14th
Villa San Juliette
10th
MISSION LANE
Tackitt Family
R
VON DOLLEN
REL
RIVER
PLEASANT
LA
RN Estate
Graveyard
Vineyards
Vista
del Rey
Rabbit
N
SA
M
A
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Four Sisters
Ridge
OS
RC
WELLS
ONA
Creek
WELLSONA
TOWER ROAD
Via Vega
NIBLIC
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Cayucos
Cayucos Cellars
R
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Harmony Cellars
HOPPE’S GARDEN
BISTRO & FINE WINES
WIN
ERY
Driving Time: 70 minutes
From robert Hall Winery
to Pomar Junction
10 miles
to Peachy Canyon
12 miles
to Castoro Cellars
.2 miles
to adelaida
Winery 13 miles
1
Total 38 miles
LAS TA
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Cambria
B ET
CASTORO CELLARS
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PEACHY CANYON
HEL
46W
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Templeton
POMAR JUNCTION
A
SANTA RIT
41E
Not to scale
www.WineCountryThisMonth.com
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Santa Margarita
41W
1
Aron Hill
Vineyards
TON
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To San Luis Obispo
Santa Barbara
58
Wines earning SIP Certification
go beyond the USDA Organic
certification process. While you’ll
find many organic wines that are
Camarillo
also SIP Certified, the SIP process
focuses on sustainable practices on 101
every level of the winegrowing CANTARA
CELLARS
process, from farm labor to
agriculture – from energy
E 5th ST
conservation to water quality. It’s an
additional way for consumers to
know they’re buying sustainable
wines that give back to the land and
community on every level.
– www.sipcertified.org
LINNE
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BURT
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ROBERT HALL
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RIDGE PL
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How Are SIp Certified Wines
Different from Organic Wines?
PENMAN SPRINGS
6 TH
101
Black Hand & Skyhawk Lane
MA
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BR
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PACI
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Paso Robles
CRESTON
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AC
PE HY C NYO
Moonstone Cellars
CA
AIRPORT
R
ADELAIDA
To Hearst Castle
(36.6 miles)
The farmers and wineries show
their dedication through daily
practice of sustainable farming
methods and by investing in
certification. Wine lovers interested
in showing their dedication to these
shared values can do so by
choosing SIP Certified wines. The
SIP Certified seal assures that the
farmer has completed a process
verifying that the fruit was grown
with respect for the land and the
wine was made with SIP Certified
fruit.
Want to learn more about the
details of the Standards and the
certification program? Visit the
Central Coast Vineyard Team
Tobin
website,
www.sipcertified.org.
Chumeia James
To I-5
46E
S.
ADELAIDA
24
TH
VINE
NE
AIRPORT
IM
CH
K
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SPRING
Justin Carmody
McKnight
Le Vigne
RIVE
Cellars
JARDINE
ADOBE
Mondo
Starr Ranch
YON
CAN
Ranch
San Marcos
D
RANCHITA CANYON
EST
Values & Trust
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“The Essence of Paso Robles” ™
The winery’s owner, Robert Hall, had many years of
experience in the hospitality sector prior to acquiring the Hall
Ranch in Paso Robles. After planting his vineyards he put all his
energy and knowledge to work to create a winery and hospitality
center that would welcome guests. The smallest of details can
make a huge difference when it comes to entertaining. “I wanted
to create a warm and beautiful place in Paso Robles that people
would visit time and time again.”
The tasting experience at Robert Hall may be customized to
fit the guests’ desires. Up to six wines may be selected from
either the standard tasting or for a slightly higher fee from the
reserve tasting lists. A pre-packaged box of three cheeses paired
with the wines is also available for purchase. With so many
wines there is something for every palate on the list and the
knowledgeable tasting room staff is delighted to help make the
tasting experience a memorable one.
For guests who want to linger there are plenty of things to do
at Robert Hall. Every day the winery offers a guided, educational
tour of the large caverns, winery and hospitality center. The tour
is included with the tasting fee and is a great way to learn more
about how the wines are made. Everything from the vineyard to
the bottle is discussed with a barrel tasting offered in the caverns.
The tour lasts approximately 30 minutes.
By Lisa pretty
42
WINES
Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Viognier,
Grenache Blanc, Orange Muscat, Merlot, Cabernet Franc,
Cabernet Sauvignon, Meritage, Syrah, Petite Sirah,
Rhone de Robles, Pape de Robles and Vintage Port
FuN FACT
The large golden bear on display in the tasting room is a
trophy from when Robert Hall Winery was named the
“2010 Golden State Winery” by the California State Fair
Competition – a first for a California Central Coast Winery.
EVENTS
Robert Hall Winery was designed as a hospitality center
to host a wide range of events. In addition to the many
weddings, private parties and corporate retreats, the
winery hosts public events such as the New Year’s Eve
Party, Valentine’s Day Dinner, Port & Cigar Tasting,
Lobster Festival, 4th of July Celebration and Wine Cavern
Extravaganzas. Check the website for details or just stop
by for a picnic and a round of bocce ball.
Robert Hall Winery
open daily 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
3443 Mill Road/Hwy 46 East, Paso Robles
(805) 239-1616
RobertHallWinery.com
Facebook: Robert Hall Winery
Twitter: RobertHallWine
Bring in ‘Day Trips’ for 2 tastings for the price of 1.
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Pomar Junction Vineyard & Winery is a family run winery
featuring wines from their estate vineyard. The vineyard and
tasting room are located at the “junction” of El Pomar Drive and
South El Pomar Road, in the El Pomar District of Paso Robles.
The rustic, country tasting room, surrounded by the wellcared-for vines, takes you back in time. The welcoming picnic
area beckons with colorful flowers and trees. It is easy to see
why, generation after generation, the family has stayed in the
area.
The Merrill Family’s agricultural heritage and grape-growing
history dates back at least eight generations on California’s
Central Coast. After nearly 30 years of growing grapes for many
of the finest wineries in California, ranging from ultra premium
small producers to the largest international brands, the Merrill’s
decided to produce their own wines. Today, Dana and Marsha
Merrill and son, Matthew farm the vineyards, while Matthew’s
winemaking is complemented by winemaker, Jim Shumate.
In addition to harvesting fruit from the family vineyards,
blocks of grapes from Santa Barbara and Monterey counties
are selected from vineyards managed by a sister firm, Mesa
Vineyard Management, Inc. All wines produced are exclusively
farmed by the Merrills who believe that control from planting
and pruning through harvest, fermentation and cellaring is
critical for success. Taste through the offering with their
friendly staff to experience the family’s commitment to
producing high-quality wines.
By Lisa pretty
VARIETALS
The winery produces Viognier, Chardonnay, Merlot,
Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, Pinot Nior, Syrah in
addition to a number of lively blends and their delicious
flagship wine, Train Wreck.
FuN FACT
Marsha Merrill’s grandfather, George Grigg, was a
longtime Southern Pacific Engineer. To honor that
heritage, the Merrills have relocated a boxcar and
cupola Caboose adjacent to the tasting room.
SIp CERTIFICATION
The family is very committed to sustainable farming.
Dana Merrill was among the founding members of
the Central Coast Vineyard Team who created the
Sustainability in Practice (SIP) certification program.
They are very proud to have SIP Certification for not
only the vineyards but also the wines.
TRAIN WRECK FRIDAYS
The Merrills know how to throw a party – join them for
Train Wreck Fridays each month to enjoy BBQ, live music
and wine. Be sure to visit the website to find other
exciting events offered throughout the year.
pomar Junction Vineyard & Winery
open daily 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
5036 S. EL Pomar Road, Templeton
(805) 238-9940 • www.pomarjunction.com
Look for them on Facebook & Twitter
Mention ‘Day Trips’ for a 20% discount on wine purchases.
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Sustainability is one of the key ingredients at Peachy Canyon
Winery on the west side of Paso Robles, where owners Doug and
Nancy Beckett have been producing wine since 1988.
In addition to sourcing top quality fruit from a number of
growers in the area, the Becketts manage 100 acres of their own
vineyards, which participate in the Sustainability in Practice (SIP)
Vineyard Certification Program. This highly-respected
accreditation requires growers to farm in a way that protects both
natural and human resources. Habitat conservation, energy
efficiency, and water conservation are all integral parts of the
program.
At Peachy Canyon, the vineyard team grows cover crops in
between their vine rows to help prevent erosion during the
winter months. They also compost all of the byproducts from the
winery and reintroduce them to their soils every other year.
Throughout the growing season, each vineyard block is
strategically watered to maximize the quality of the fruit while
minimizing water waste and runoff. Rather than spray pesticides,
they introduce beneficial insects to the vineyard, such as
ladybugs, lacewings and praying mantis, which feast upon enemy
pests.
A visit to the Peachy Canyon tasting room on Highway 46
West will treat you to a number of award-winning Zinfandels,
Bordeaux blends, Malbec and Viognier. Grab a glass of the 2011
Chardonnay and settle beneath the idyllic gazebo, or pack a
picnic and sit amongst the undulating vineyards and canopy of
ancient oaks. Peachy Canyon is a place not to be missed!
By Sarah Doyle
44
VARIETALS pRODuCED
Zinfandel, Malbec, Cabernet
Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc,
Bordeaux blends, Petite Sirah, Viognier,
Chardonnay, Port-style Zinfandel
INTERESTING FACT
The Peachy Canyon tasting room is located in the
historic Old Bethel School House, which was built
in 1886.
RECENT AWARDS
• 2012 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition
• 2009 Vortex Zinfandel - Double Gold
• 2009 Ms Behave Malbec - Gold
• 2009 Para Siempre Bordeaux Blend - Silver
• 2009 Old Baily Zinfandel – Silver
peachy Canyon Winery
open daily from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
(except major holidays)
1480 N. Bethel Road, Templeton
(805) 239-1918 | 1-866-335-1918
www.peachycanyon.com
On Facebook and Twitter
@PeachyCynWinery
www.WineCountryThisMonth.com
Castoro Cellars’ Mediterranean-style tasting room is located
in the heart of Paso Robles with easy access from scenic Highway 46 West. The picturesque setting is the perfect place to
enjoy wine tasting. The courteous, knowledgeable staff is eager
to assist in making the experience memorable. Guests are encouraged to bring a picnic to relax while taking in the
spectacular views.
Since their first release in the fall of 1983, Castoro Cellars
has produced award-winning premium varietals. Winemaker
Tom Myers, Assistant Winemaker Mikel Olsten and owners
Niels and Bimmer Udsen have concentrated on producing the
best wines the Paso Robles appellation has to offer selecting
fruit from their estate vineyards – a hundred acres of which are
certified organic and the rest in the SIP (Sustainability in Practice) program. On the tasting list you will find a wide range of
wines starting with a number of whites including Fumé Blanc,
Chardonnay, Viognier, Pinot Grigio and blends in addition to a
red selection of Cabernet Sauvignon, single vineyard Zinfandels, Rhône varietals, blends and more. When you taste
through the line you will see how they got the reputation for
producing “Dam Fine Wine.”
The Castoro Cellars event gallery and gardens provide a
beautiful location for special events such as weddings, receptions, parties and meetings. The facilities offer an elegant site
for any occasion, from casual to formal, and are competitively
priced. The courteous and helpful Castoro Cellars event staff
provides excellent service and attention to detail in order to
make every special event unforgettable.
By Lisa pretty
FuN FACT
Niels’ life-long nickname is “Beaver,” and while he
worked in Italy it evolved further to “Il Castoro,” which
is beaver in Italian. The name and the motto stuck.
Castoro Cellars’ “Dam Fine Wines” sport a picture of a
beaver on each label.
THE GROuNDS
The 150-foot grape arbor at the tasting room entrance
leads to gardens featuring lush native plants and specimen cork oaks. The beautifully landscaped grounds with
grand views are the perfect place for a picnic.
CONCERTS
Throughout the year, Castoro Cellars hosts concerts for
musicians from around the world. During the summer the
shows are held outside with the vineyard and sunset as
the backdrop. Winter concerts are held in the cozy bistro
atmosphere of the event gallery.
FAMILY FRIENDLY
With families and designated drivers in mind Castoro
offers an alcohol-free grape juice.
Castoro Cellars
open daily from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
1315 North Bethel Road, Templeton
www.castorocellars.com
(805) 238-0725
1-888-DAM-FINE
Bring in ‘Day Trips’ for a free tasting for two and 10% off wine purchases.
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The synergy of unique “terroir”, sustainable
agriculture and minimalist winemaking all come
together in the ripe, well balanced wines made at
ADELAIDA CELLARS. Named after a 19th century
settlement in the Santa Lucia Mountains, the historic
ADELAIDA CELLARS is not to be missed.
Located on the west side of Paso Robles, some 15
miles from the fog shrouded Pacific coast, Adelaida has
150 acres of estate vineyards. This dramatic terrain has
become synonymous with ancient calcareous soils of
limestone and chalk, diurnal temperature changes of
40-50 degrees, mountainous elevations ranging from
1300 to 2000 feet and inherently low yielding vines
with concentrated grape flavors.
The estate includes four distinctive vineyards: the
historic HMR, the reserve Viking Vineyard, Anna’s and
Michael’s. The HMR Vineyard features Pinot Noir and
Chardonnay and is the oldest of our vineyards,
established in 1964. The reserve quality Cabernet and
Syrah comes from the steep rocky outcropping of the
Viking Vineyard. Our dry-farmed Zinfandel comes
from Michael’s Vineyard while Anna’s Vineyard, the
newest edition, is host to their Rhône varietals.
A visit to ADELAIDA CELLARS is a return to the
essence of great Paso Robles wines and hospitality. Join
them daily for wine tasting, complimentary tours in
their barrel room, or schedule a Vineyard Tour, Taste
and Tailgate or Reserve Green Room tasting.
46
VARIETALS
Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Viognier,
Roussanne, Mourvedre, Syrah, Grenache, Cinsault, Counoise and
Version White ( Rhône White Blend), Version Red (Rhône Red
Blend) and Traditional Port Varietals
FuN FACT
ADELAIDA CELLARS produces award-winning wines but is also
home to the second largest walnut orchard/ producer in the state
of California. They celebrate three harvests at Adelaida: grape
harvest, walnut harvest and almond harvest. During November,
the “tree shakers” are harvesting the walnuts. The fresh walnuts are
so good, they don’t last long in the tasting room.
TOuRS
The Adelaida Tour, Taste and Tailgate in the Vineyards showcases
the 150-acre estate vineyards woven throughout the walnut
orchards of Adelaida. See first-hand the landscape, vineyard
practices and terroir that sets apart their Viking, HMR, Anna’s and
Michael’s Vineyards as well as the sustainable agricultural
elements that they take great pride in. Enjoy a Tailgate Wine
Tasting of their best wines while in the vineyard along with a
picnic of artisanal cheese and meats.
ADELAIDA CELLARS
open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
5805 Adelaida Road, Paso Robles, CA 93446
(805) 239-8980 | Adelaida.com
Twitter: Adelaida Cellars
Facebook: www.facebook.com/adelaida.cellars
Blog: www.adelaida.com
Enjoy complimentary tasting for two when you present this during your tasting at adelaida, $20 value.
www.WineCountryThisMonth.com
To Paso Robles
(26 miles )
E
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Not to scale
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Driving Time: 13 minutes
From Talley vineyards
to Chamisal vineyards 3+ miles
to edna valley vineyard 2+ miles
Total 6+ miles
SO
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San Luis Obispo
TA
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VINEYARDS
CHAMISAL
VINEYARDS
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www.WineCountryThisMonth.com
A lighter bodied Pinot is charming
accompaniment to grilled salmon or
roasted chicken. Medium bodied
Pinot, known for being extremely
versatile, is quite delicious with
pork, duck and charcuterie. Finally,
heavier bodied Pinot Noir can be
perfectly suited for wild mushroom
dishes, lamb and certain cuts of
beef.
There is no shortage of fabulous
SLO Pinot Noir and it is available to
taste daily at the wineries in the
Edna and Arroyo Grande valleys.
regions around California and the
rest of the world. Pinot Noir from
the Edna and Arroyo Grande valleys
is usually fruit forward with a finish
that is distinctively spicy or herbaceous and in between there is often
a generous mid palate.
These wines are often quite elegant when enjoyed on their own;
however, Pinot Noir is lovely when
paired with the proper fare. Varying
degrees of light bodied to heavier
bodied wines will dictate the types
of food to pair your Pinot Noir with.
S
In the Edna and Arroyo Grande
valleys, Pinot Noir has flourished
since 1973. Several of the vineyards
in the area are less than five miles
from the ocean. In the mornings, a
thick layer of fog lays directly over
the Pinot Noir vines. In the afternoon, the mist dissipates and the
sun shines brightly on the clusters
during the growing season. This is
ideal climate for the Burgundian variety because it ensures moderate
temperatures resulting in a long
growing season. The grape will not
over-ripen, making the wine too
sweet, but will stay on the vine for a
several months and develop complex flavors.
Weather is not the only environmental factor in making the SLO
Pinots delicious. The geology in the
area boasts at least four different
types of soil such as calcareous,
sandy loam, volcanic and shale. In
several of the vineyards in the area,
it is not difficult to find fossils of sea
scallops, large chunks of limestone,
and a variety of volcanic and plutonic rocks. This assortment of dirt
allows for proper water drainage,
adds nutrients to the vines and promotes beneficial microorganisms all
which assist the development of the
perfect Pinot Noir harvest.
Once the grapes are picked, destemmed, pumped over, punched
down and finally moved to barrels,
the juice becomes what we know as
Pinot Noir. After aging for several
months in the barrels, and then a bit
of time in the bottle, we are finally
able to taste the wine. While winemakers’ decisions can greatly affect
the final outcome of the wine, SLO
Pinot has several attributes that differ from Pinot grown in other
LO
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Arroyo Grande
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Talley Vineyards may be celebrating 26 years in business,
but they are still younger than Talley Farms, started in the
1940s. Though the farm is an integral part of the family-run
business, producing specialty and organic vegetables, it’s wine
that has taken centerstage.
Today, Talley has four estate vineyards in the Arroyo
Grande and Edna Valleys. Their Mediterranean-styled tasting
room rests in the middle of their Rincon Vineyard in Arroyo
Grande, where cropland surrounds the vines. The
comfortable tasting room has floor to ceiling windows, a
horseshoe tasting bar and vaulted ceilings. The expansive
property also features three diverse picnic areas offering
beautiful views of the serene landscape.
Talley has always strived for a personal approach to the
wine tasting experience, therefore they offer a variety of
special tours and tastings. These tours are fun and
informative and can be customized to the size and interests of
any group. Guests are educated about what happens in all
aspects of the winemaking process and can focus on the
winery, vineyards and barrel room. For example, during May
visitors can learn about shoot thinning and Spring pruning or
have a “Chardonnay Experience” and learn about Chardonnay
while tasting a flight of vineyard designated wines. In
September, learn about harvest techniques and fermentation
or taste through new releases of their Pinot Noirs.
Talley is open daily for tasting of their Talley Vineyards
and Bishop’s Peak wines. Visit Talley Vineyards today and
experience all the unique and special offerings of almost three
decades in the Arroyo Grande Valley.
48
VARIETALS
Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir,
Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Riesling
Buzz
Killer scores from Wine Enthusiast Robert Parker
who wrote, “The one superstar for Chardonnay and
Pinot Noir in the Edna Valley is Talley Vineyards.”
OuTDOORS
Their scenic grounds feature three unique picnic areas
in a serene rural setting.
NOTE
Local art shows which feature new artists rotate every
two months and Talley offers a complimentary
concierge service providing information on local
restaurants, lodgings and attractions.
FuN FACT
They sponsor an annual 5K run through their vineyards,
which raises funds for student athletes at Arroyo Grande
High School.
The Talley Vineyards Tasting Room
open daily 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
3031 Lopez Drive, Arroyo Grande
(805) 489-0446 • www.talleyvineyards.com
Follow Talley Vineyards on
Facebook and Twitter
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SLO PINOT NOIR
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Upon arriving at Chamisal Vineyards, you immediately
get the impression that this property has quite a bit of history.
And it’s true – Chamisal Vineyard was the first vineyard
planted in the Edna Valley in 1973. While they grow five
different varieties, Pinot Noir is the most widely planted on
the property and the winery’s main focus.
The vineyard boasts 10 different clones of Pinot Noir, each
carefully chosen for the vineyard’s specific climate and soil
type. The result of this extensive clonal selection is ten completely different Pinot Noir lots which winemaker, Fintan du
Fresne is able to blend into his bold, delicious and perfectly
balanced Estate Pinot Noir.
The tasting room is a large barn with a warm and inviting
feel and is always filled with fun-loving wine lovers and
hospitality staff alike. While the wines are quite focused and
seriously delicious, you’ll find a variety of wine drinkers who
are fans of Chamisal. Hospitality Manager Andrea Chan
explains, “We cater to wine enthusiasts of every age and level
of wine knowledge,” and between the Stainless Chardonnay
and Califa Pinot Noir guests are sure to find a favorite
Chamisal Vineyards wine.
Whether you are interested in chatting with the friendly
and educational hospitality staff or looking for a relaxing place
to picnic and lounge outside, Chamisal is a wonderful place to
satisfy your Pinot craving. On any given day, they have 2-5
different Pinots open. Don’t miss this historic property!
By Brette Ann Womack
VARIETALS
Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Grenache, Syrah, Pinot Gris
STYLE
“My Pinot is bigger than your Pinot,” is a phrase coined
by winemaker Fin, playfully referencing the uniquely
bold style of Chamisal Pinot Noir.
EVENTS
Chamisal has wonderful events throughout the year,
such as Blending Seminars, Pigs N Pinot, Concert in the
Vineyard, and LobsterFest, which requires an RSVP six
months in advance to ensure you get a seat!
Chamisal Vineyards
open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
(last tasting at 4:45 p.m.)
reservations are required for groups of 7 or more.
7525 Orcutt Road, San Luis Obispo
1-866-808-9463 or (805) 541-9463
chamisalvineyards.com
Email [email protected]
Chamisal loves to Facebook and Twitter!
Follow them @ChamisalVyd or
Facebook.com/Chamisal.Vineyards
Bring in ‘Day Trips’ for 10% off any purchase during your visit.
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Tucked away in a prime spot along California’s Central Coast,
Edna Valley Vineyard is easy to fall in love with. Edna Valley offers
the perfect conditions for growing world class Chardonnay and
Pinot Noir. Portions of vineyards are located less than five miles
from the Pacific Ocean and share the same marine climate. Edna
Valley Vineyard has been making Chardonnay in the Edna Valley
wine region for more than thirty years. Winemaker, Josh Baker, has
been with the winery for almost ten years and continues to
produce exceptional wines which can be enjoyed by a wide
spectrum of wine drinkers. Visiting the tasting room is one of San
Luis Obispo County’s iconic experiences. The Hospitality Center
offers what is arguably the finest view in San Luis Obispo. Just
outside of the tasting room, a demonstration vineyard, which
allows guests to learn about the varietals grown in the Edna Valley,
is surrounded by ample parking. Inside, thoughtfully selected
wine-related gift and gourmet food items fill the great room. The
tasting menu boasts a wide selection of wines including reserves,
such as the Reserve Chardonnay, which are available only through
the tasting room. While mostly known for Edna Valley Pinot Noir
with regards to the reds, the Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon from
Paso Robles is an exciting and delicious addition to the flight. After
the first sip of wine, spending an afternoon perusing the grounds is
inevitable. Edna Valley Vineyard’s is a must see location for any
local resident or visitor in San Luis Obispo.
By Brette Ann Womack
50
VARIETALS
White ‘V’, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay,
Pinot Noir, Red “V’, Syrah, Malbec, Meritage
and Cabernet Sauvignon
FuN FACTS
• Chardonnay was the first varietal planted at
Edna Valley Vineyard and, to this day, they still
craft balanced, friendly Chardonnay wines that
appeal to all white wine enthusiasts.
• Edna Valley Vineyard was one of the first to make
wine in the Edna Valley AVA, which is now home
to only 20 wineries.
• The vineyards enjoy gentle sunshine, cool ocean
fog and rich soil during the long growing season,
all of which are perfectly balanced for coaxing
the best possible flavors from our fruit.
• “Club Edna” offers at least six member-only
events throughout the year!
Edna Valley Vineyard
open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
2585 Biddle Ranch Road
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
(805) 544-5855
www.ednavalley.com
Follow EdnaValleyVineyard
on Facebook!
Present this story for 50% off of your tasting fee.
www.WineCountryThisMonth.com
The Westside of Paso robles has become one of the fastest growing wine regions in the world. Wine spectator recently named a wine from the Westside the
number one wine of the year. The unique terroir makes this area extremely desirable for viticuluralists from around the world. The Westside of Paso robles is
home to winemakers from France, south africa, australia and New Zealand to name a few. While historically known for the old vine Zinfandel, rhône and
Bordeaux varieties grown in the area have become world renowned. Guests will quickly become familiar with the famed “Templeton Gap” and how it positively affects the fantastic wines in this region.
PACIFIC
Dale Evers Design Studio
6th
Hotel
4th ST
Cheval
Paso Robles
PE
AC
HY
VINE ST
ON
NY
CA
RD
PARK
SPRING
Buona Tavola
PINE
11th ST
Paso Robles Inn Steakhouse
CALCAREOUS
RIVERSIDE AVE
12th ST
Il Cortile Ristorante
ADELAIDA
Courtyard
La Bellasera Paso Robles
CHATEAU MARGENE
Hotel & Suites
/Enoteca
SUMMERWOOD 46W
S
LA
S
TA
B
WI
NE
RY
R
Farmstand 46
46W
Not to scale
Vineyard
Antique Mall
RAMADA
OAKDALE
LA
L RD
LA
S
ETH
E
LE
OAKDA
TA
B
N. B
S
RED SOLES
D
LA
DR
www.WineCountryThisMonth.com
Thomas Hill Organics13th ST
A
LAID
ADE
D
LODGING
Hotel Cheval
This boutique luxury hotel is located in the heart of
downtown Paso Robles. Relax at the Pony Club bar
or around the fire pits in the outdoor lounge area.
1021 Pine street, Paso robles
866-522-6999, www.hotelcheval.com
ATTRACTIONS
Dale Evers Design Studio
A cutting edge artist, specializing in centerpiece
art, Dale’s work is featured all over the country.
1000 Park street, Paso robles
805-434-9237, www.daleeversstudio.com
Hearst Castle
William Hearst developed what is now the
Central Coast’s most renowned attraction from
1919-1947, after inheriting the land from his
father, George Hearst. Several different tours
are offered year round.
750 Hearst Castle road, san simeon
800-444-4445, www.hearstcastle.com
Vineyard Antique Mall
Greg and Jeanine Cantrell have an incredible
selection of indoor and outdoor collectables.
The 10,000-square-foot mall is open daily.
2320 ramada Drive # a, Paso robles
805-237-4012
Courtyard paso Robles
Centrally located, and brand new, Courtyard offers
a great value and all the amenities guests have
come to expect from Marriott.
120 south vine st · Paso robles, 805-239-9700
www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/
sbppr-courtyard-paso-robles/
La Bellasera Hotel & Suites
Conveniently located at the beginning of Highway
46 West and just off Highway 101, this hotel offers
luxurious accommodations for the wine connoisseur and discerning traveler.
206 alexa Court, Paso robles
805-238-2834, www.labellasera.com
paso Robles Inn
Originally built in 1891, the old western charm still
warmly welcomes guests. Be sure to soak in the
natural hot springs at the end of a long day.
1103 spring street, Paso robles
805-238-2660, www.pasoroblesinn.com
R
YA
NE
DINING
Buona Tavola
Northern Italian cuisine in downtown Paso Robles,
with friendly and warm hospitality.
943 spring street, Paso robles
805-237-0600, www.btslo.com/paso
Enoteca
Dine on Central Coast cuisine by a warm fireplace
on cool evenings or on the outdoor patio almost
year round.
located in la Bellasera Hotel & suites
206 alexa Court, Paso robles
805-238-2834, www.labellasera.com/dining
Farmstand 46
While it looks like a farmstand in wine country,
don’t be fooled. Enjoy gourmet sandwiches and
sides daily and indulge in pizza from the woodfired oven on the weekends.
3750 Highway 46, Templeton
805-239-3661, www.farmstand46.com
Il Cortile Ristorante
Fine Italian dining, featuring seasonal menus and
ample specials each evening.
608 12th street, Paso robles
805-226-0300, www.ilcortileristorante.com
paso Robles Inn Steakhouse
In the historic Paso Robles Inn, the steakhouse is
family-friendly dining. The chef sources from local
farmers and ranchers to give guests a true sense of
Paso Robles.
1103 spring street, Paso robles
805-238-2660, www.pasoroblesinn.com/dining
Thomas Hill Organics
Opened by farmers, Debbie & Joe Thomas, THO
uses their organic farm fresh ingredients in the
menu; an extensive selection of local wines.
1305 Park street, Paso robles
805-226-5888, www.thomashillorganics.com
VI
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VINEYARD DR
Driving Time: 54 minutes
From summerwood
to red soles
101margene 2.56 miles
to Chateau
miles
to Calcareous
6 miles
to adelaida
13 miles
Total 28 miles
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Templeton
PASO ROBLES – WEST
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Located on Arbor Road at the gateway to Paso Robles wine
country, the Summerwood estate is a local landmark for
travelers venturing west on Highway 46. With its white picket
fence and grand lawn peppered with native trees, the
Summerwood Winery & Inn beckons you to drop by for a
relaxing stay complete with an epicurean experience paired
with Summerwood wines.
Situated on 45 acres and home to the winery’s Syrah and
Cabernet Sauvignon plantings, Summerwood Winery is
focused on crafting small lots of ultra-premium wines, with an
expansive Rhône and Bordeaux wine portfolio. In addition to
the estate plantings, the winery enjoys long-term relationships
with select vineyards in the westside Paso Robles region.
With the wines exclusive to the tasting room, the winery
has two wine clubs at varying levels of bottle selection.
Seasons and Private Reserve Club members can have wines
delivered direct to them, and also enjoy their benefits as club
member which include opportunities for food and wine
pairings, educational seminars and other winery events such
as the patio concerts.
The nine-guest room Summerwood Inn is located adjacent
to the winery and is known for its exceptional hospitality and
customer service. The Summerwood Inn is the perfect retreat,
with an on-site Executive Chef and Concierge Team. Guests
are treated daily to a gourmet breakfast, afternoon wine and
appetizer reception and evening desserts. The inn is also the
perfect site for destination weddings and celebrations, with
expansive views of their gardens and vineyards.
Discover Summerwood - inviting hospitality, fresh wine
country cuisine and exquisite wines.
52
WINES
Summerwood Winery’s limited production wines
include: the Diosa Blanc (white-Rhône blend), Marsanne,
Viognier, the Diosa (red-Rhône blend), Syrah, GSM,
Cabernet Sauvignon, the Sentio (red-Bordeaux blend)
and a Solera style non-vintage Zinfandel Port. All wines
are exclusive to the winery’s tasting room, with a Private
Reserve (red-Bordeaux blend) allocation released
annually to wine club members.
FuN FACT
The Summerwood estate is named after the Fukae
family’s eldest son, Natsuki Fukae, whose name means
“Summerwood” in Japanese.
EVENTS
Summerwood Winery & Inn has an ongoing epicurean
calendar of seminars and food demonstrations with
their on-site Executive Chef, Kelly Wangard. Kelly
specializes in farm-to-table cuisine, taking advantage of
the fresh local ingredients found on the Central Coast.
Join Summerwood for a “Perfect Pairing” or inquire
about having your private event at one of the estate’s
scenic locations.
Summerwood Winery & Inn
open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Fall/Winter
2175 Arbor Road, Paso Robles
(805) 227-1365 Winery l (805) 227-1111 Inn
www.summerwoodwine.com
Facebook: SummerWood Winery & Inn
Mention ‘Day Trips’ and receive complimentary tasting for two.
www.WineCountryThisMonth.com
PASO ROBLES – WEST
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High-school sweethearts Randy and Cheryl Phillips began
growing grapes in Paso Robles in 1991. With two hundred
acres of wine grapes, half are on the west side of Paso on the
winery property and the other half are on the east side of
Paso. They have been selling their fruit to local wineries for
more than 20 years. In 2004 Cheryl convinced Randy to
make one barrel of wine and the first commercial vintage of
Red Soles was produced in 2005. Today, they still sell most of
the grapes but keep 30 tons each year in order to make 2000
cases of wine under their label. With 25 different wines, no
more than 150 cases of each, their wines are only available in
the Red Soles tasting room.
The tasting room is casual and friendly; think of it as a
mom-and-pop fruit stand that sells wine, instead of grapes.
It also doubles as the winery during harvest. Guests enjoy
tasting wine in an authentic “behind the scenes” setting while
the grapes ferment and wine ages in barrels. As a family
owned and operated winery, Cheryl and Randy can be found
working in the tasting room on weekends.
Red Soles is pet friendly and supports Wine 4 Paws, an
annual weekend event in which a portion of the weekend’s
proceeds are donated to Wood Humane Society. The resident winery dogs are Lucy, a Greater Swiss Mountain dog,
and Barney and Ruby, Bernese Mountain dogs.
By Allison Levine
VARIETALS
Chardonnay, Viognier, Cabernet Sauvignon,
Zinfandel, Petite Sirah, Syrah, Cabernet Franc,
Tempranillo, Syrah Rosé, many blends and
dessert wines
FuN FACT
• The first year Randy and Cheryl made wine was in 2004.
Not having any equipment at the time, they crushed
their first vintage by foot. When they finished, they sat
down and saw that their feet were red and thought
that Red Soles would be a cute name for a winery.
While they no longer crush the grapes by foot, the
memory lives on in the winery name.
• Pack a picnic and enjoy a glass or a bottle of Red Soles
wine as you sit under the 350 year old oak tree overlooking the Syrah vines.
Red Soles Winery
open daily 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
3230 Oakdale Road
Paso Robles, CA 93446
(805) 226-9898
www.redsoleswinery.com
www.facebook.com/red.s.winery
2 for 1 tasting when you bring in the ad, 10% off six bottles
(cannot be combined with other discounts).
www.WineCountryThisMonth.com
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PASO ROBLES – WEST
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When discussing Cabernet Sauvignon in Paso Robles, Chateau
Margene is often the first producer a local wine connoisseur
recommends. Since 1997, Michael Mooney and his family have
carefully crafted luxury Bordeaux blends and varietal specific
Cabernet Sauvignon. As with most winemakers, Michael credits
much of his outstanding vintages to his estate vineyard, which is
located in Creston in the eastern portion of the Templeton Gap.
The grapes are thoughtfully grown in the most sustainable
practices available, and then picked carefully – lot by lot in
amounts of one and a half tons per acre. The wine is then aged for
32 months in 100% French oak, such patience the Mooney’s have!
And it pays off, these outstanding Bordeaux style wines sell out
almost immediately upon release. In addition to the original
Chateau Margene label, the Mooney’s now produce other varieties,
such as Grenache Blanc, Pinot Noir, Grenache and Petite Sirah
under the Mooney Family label. Michael’s sons started the Mooney
Family label in 2006 with the goal of producing Paso Robles
Rhone blends. The grapes for the Pinot Noir are sourced from a
SIP certified vineyard in the famed Santa Lucia Highlands. To
enjoy Chateau Margene and Mooney family wines on the Westside
of Paso Robles, guests are welcomed to the tasting room at
Limerock Orchards, conveniently located on the corner of Peachy
Canyon and Vineyard Drive and open daily. Often, one of the
Mooney family members will host your tasting and share stories of
their family winemaking adventures.
By Brette Ann Womack
54
VARIETALS
Cabernet Sauvignon, Bordeaux Blend,
Rhone Blend, Grenache Blanc, Grenache,
Pinot Noir and Petite Sirah
FuN FACTS
• Michael Mooney is a seventh-generation local of
San Luis Obispo County. His forefathers owned a
land grant encompassing what is now the Pacific
Coastline from Los Osos to San Luis Obispo,
including Montana de Oro!
• Chateau Margene keeps up with a interactive blog
on their website describing the current
happenings inside the winery.
• Check the website for unique events and
experiences Chateau Margene offers throughout
the year – such as barrel tasting with the
winemaker by appointment!
Chateau Margene
open daily from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
6996 Peachy Canyon road
Paso robles, Ca 93446
(805) 238-3500
www.chateaumargene.com
[email protected]
www.facebook.com/chateaumargene
Bring a copy of your Day Trips and receive complimentary tasting for 2.
www.WineCountryThisMonth.com
PASO ROBLES – WEST
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Come for the wine...Stay for the view!
Father and daughter Lloyd Messer and Dana
Brown realized their dream of finding a place to
express their passion for wine in 2000, when they
established Calcareous Vineyards on one of the
highest limestone plateaus on Paso Robles’ west side.
Both Lloyd and Dana, experienced wine distributors
in their native Iowa, recognized that the west side of
Paso Robles had potential to produce world-class
wines.
Their acquisition of 442 acres atop solid
calcareous rock reaching 1,800 feet above sea level
confirmed their dedication to producing the highest
quality, terroir-driven wines possible. It is a labor of
love to cultivate fruit on this challenging land, but
the reward is immediately apparent when tasting the
wines. Calcareous has, for over a decade now,
produced a collection of world-class blends and
varietal wines that exhibit Paso Robles’ claim to being
“distinct, different.”
Lloyd passed on in 2006, and Dana advances
their vision with the help of her sister, Erika.
VARIETALS
Chardonnay, Viognier, Marsanne, Grenache, Mourvedre,
Syrah, Pinot Noir, Malbec, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon,
Cabernet Franc and Zinfandel
FuN FACTS
• The tasting room sits perched atop the property at 1,800 feet
above the expansive Salinas Valley.
• Calcareous sits just 17 miles from the Pacific Ocean and enjoys
the full benefits of Paso Robles' unique west side climate. The
western edge of the Paso Robles AVA is probably the fastest
growing and most sought out land for growing wine grapes in
California. Richly calcareous soils, the regulating maritime
influence of both the Templeton Gap and Salinas valley fogs and
steep hillside topography create a spectacular climate for
growing wine grapes.
• Wine and food pairings are available from 12 to 3 p.m. on the
weekends featuring local organic fare from Thomas Hill Organics.
Calcareous Vineyards
Open daily from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
3430 Peachy Canyon Road
Paso Robles, CA 93446
(805) 239-0289 | www.calcareous.com
Follow us on Facebook and
Twitter, Calcareous Vineyard
Mention this story for a complimentary tasting for two.
www.WineCountryThisMonth.com
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The synergy of unique “terroir”, sustainable
agriculture and minimalist winemaking all come
together in the ripe, well balanced wines made at
ADELAIDA CELLARS. Named after a 19th century
settlement in the Santa Lucia Mountains, the historic
ADELAIDA CELLARS is not to be missed.
Located on the west side of Paso Robles, some 15
miles from the fog shrouded Pacific coast, Adelaida has
150 acres of estate vineyards. This dramatic terrain has
become synonymous with ancient calcareous soils of
limestone and chalk, diurnal temperature changes of
40-50 degrees, mountainous elevations ranging from
1300 to 2000 feet and inherently low yielding vines
with concentrated grape flavors.
The estate includes four distinctive vineyards: the
historic HMR, the reserve Viking Vineyard, Anna’s and
Michael’s. The HMR Vineyard features Pinot Noir and
Chardonnay and is the oldest of our vineyards,
established in 1964. The reserve quality Cabernet and
Syrah comes from the steep rocky outcropping of the
Viking Vineyard. Our dry-farmed Zinfandel comes
from Michael’s Vineyard while Anna’s Vineyard, the
newest edition, is host to their Rhône varietals.
A visit to ADELAIDA CELLARS is a return to the
essence of great Paso Robles wines and hospitality. Join
them daily for wine tasting, complimentary tours in
their barrel room, or schedule a Vineyard Tour, Taste
and Tailgate or Reserve Green Room tasting.
56
VARIETALS
Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Viognier,
Roussanne, Mourvedre, Syrah, Grenache, Cinsault, Counoise and
Version White ( Rhône White Blend), Version Red (Rhône Red
Blend) and Traditional Port Varietals
FuN FACT
ADELAIDA CELLARS produces award-winning wines but is also
home to the second largest walnut orchard/ producer in the state
of California. They celebrate three harvests at Adelaida: grape
harvest, walnut harvest and almond harvest. During November,
the “tree shakers” are harvesting the walnuts. The fresh walnuts are
so good, they don’t last long in the tasting room.
TOuRS
The Adelaida Tour, Taste and Tailgate in the Vineyards showcases
the 150-acre estate vineyards woven throughout the walnut
orchards of Adelaida. See first-hand the landscape, vineyard
practices and terroir that sets apart their Viking, HMR, Anna’s and
Michael’s Vineyards as well as the sustainable agricultural
elements that they take great pride in. Enjoy a Tailgate Wine
Tasting of their best wines while in the vineyard along with a
picnic of artisanal cheese and meats.
ADELAIDA CELLARS
open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
5805 Adelaida Road, Paso Robles, CA 93446
(805) 239-8980 | Adelaida.com
Twitter: Adelaida Cellars
Facebook: www.facebook.com/adelaida.cellars
Blog: www.adelaida.com
Enjoy complimentary tasting for two when you present this during your tasting at adelaida, $20 value.
www.WineCountryThisMonth.com
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No Taste Like Home in California Wine Country
Jeanette Trompeter has always been a California
girl at heart. Born in San Luis Obispo County, she attended Cal Poly and started her career in journalism
at KSBY. Though she loved exploring new territory as
a news anchor in Iowa and Minnesota, she always
longed to come home to the Central Coast.
While living back East, Jeanette was an unofficial
ambassador for the Central Coast wine country, and
her go-to gifts for friends and colleagues were always
hand-picked selections of Central Coast wines. “Most
folks back there only know Napa and Sonoma, so
when they would try our wines, they would just go
crazy at how good they are.”
That’s when the idea for a rotating wine club
started brewing for Jeanette. With long-time friend
and former Cal Poly roommate Janice Kelsey, she
launched RubyShoesWine.com to introduce wine
lovers to the world-class wines, breath-taking beauty
and down-home charm of Central Coast wine country.
Jeanette picks a different winery four times a year
to profile, or as she says, “introduce.” Like most wine
clubs, members get regular shipments of wine delivered to their door. But unlike others, each shipment is
from a different Central Coast winery. “We want to
make the introduction, and if people like the wines I
choose, they’ll go back and order more.”
Featured wineries not only offer up great wines,
www.WineCountryThisMonth.com
but must also be a nice place to visit. “I want them to
be places I would tell friends to go visit. I want people
to know where their wine comes from and what kind
of people they are. If I send someone to a winery, I
want to feel confident they’ll be treated like friends no
matter who they are. I think that’s what’s special about
our wine country. “
RubyShoesWine.com also has an online store, featuring wines, art and other locally made goods, all
hand-selected by Jeanette. It also features local hotels
and activities where members receive discounts.
Jeanette has found a lot of locals are enjoying the
concept of a rotating club, as well. “We’ve decided to
do our own pickup parties at each featured winery because we have so many locals in the club. It’s a great
way for people who live here to keep discovering all
the gems right in their own backyard. There really is
no taste like home!”
For more information or to sign up for the wine
club, go to the website at www.RubyShoesWine.com.
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Notes on Wine Tasting
It’s a good idea to plan to visit several wineries as every
wine-tasting experience offered is different. With so many
distinctive viticultural areas within The Napa Valley, one
can easily taste many of the world’s best varietials and
winemaking style without learning the region. Listed
below are five basic types of tasting experiences. The experience will vary in style from winery to winery!
Wine Bar Tasting
The most common tasting experience is a Wine Bar
Tasting. You step up to the bar where typically a list of
wines being poured is displayed. Expect to pay a tasting
fee between $10-$40. Some tasting bars will offer you the
option to taste a library or reserve wine. Exercising this
option increases the fee, but will allow you to taste very
unique, old or rare wines.
Sit Down Tasting
A Sit Down Tasting usually requires an appointment,
and there may be a slightly higher fee than a wine bar fee.
Seated in an elegant room, you are poured several wines
by your winery host. Expect your host to describe the
unique characteristics of each wine and how it was made.
Table Service Tasting
A Table Service Tasting, popular at sparkling wine facilities, is a tasting experience where you are seated at a
table and the tastings are brought to you.
Walk Around Tasting
A Walk Around Tasting is a combination of a tour and
a tasting. Your host brings along several bottles of wine on
your tour, and may take you to a garden area of the win-
ery to pour the first round. Then you move to another
place within the winery to sample the next wine. This experience continues until all the wines are tasted.
Barrel Tasting
Another popular tasting experience that can be part
of a tour or a Walk Around is a Barrel Tasting. Your guide
takes a “wine thief,” a special siphon placed into a hole in
the top of a barrel to extract tasting samples of a maturing wine. The sample allows you to taste what the wine
is like in the middle of developing its full potential.
Why make an appointment?
58
Some wineries are so small that they need to know
when you are coming so someone will be there to greet
you. Other wineries have permit restrictions that limit
the number of guests that can visit each day. Others have
sit-down tastings that start and end at specific times. It’s
always a good idea to schedule your appointments well in
advance of your visit because some of the more popular
wineries fill up their appointments weeks in advance.
WWW.LEGENDARYNAPAVALLEY.COM
www.WineCountryThisMonth.com
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Do the Math
one of the most asked questions asked when it comes to wine is how much of this does it take to make that, and so on. We
won’t pretend that is simple, but here are some industry statistics that will give a pretty good answer to that query. as with
anything agricultural, of course, they are all based on countless variables when it comes to acre yields, but this is a good
starting point. The rest of the information varies little if at all.
=
A case of wine includes:
a dozen 750 ml bottles
(or 24 half bottles)
or 307.2 ounces total,
which comes from
30 pounds of grapes.
A single bottle contains:
750 ml of wine which is 25.6 ounces made from
about 2.4 pounds of grapes (39 oz.) and is enough
for four or maybe five glasses.
An acre of vineyards land can give the grower:
One standard oak barrel of wine holds:
295 bottles of wine (or 59 gallons) made from 740 pounds of grapes
which works out to almost – but not precisely - 24 cases of wine.
Five tons of grapes (though it is also less, depending
on a variety of farming and winemaking practices,
and on the varietal and the vineyards location) which
will give you 797 gallons of juice (or thirteen-and-ahalf barrels) which is pretty close to four thousand
bottles of wine.
What does all that information on a wine label mean?
XYZ Winery
The U.s. Department of alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms regulates wine
labels and requires that information be given in a straightforward
way. Basically, you will want to look for the types of grapes grown,
where the grapes are grown and when the grapes were picked.
RESERVE
• Brand name
Edna Valley
San Luis Obispo
PINOT NOIR
2002
Produced and Bottled by
XYZ winery, San Luis Obispo, California
ALCOHOL 13.6% BY VOLUME
www.WineCountryThisMonth.com
• Designation for a special wine
• Vineyard or appellation known for its grapes might be designated
• Location where the grapes used were grown
• Grape Variety used
• Vintage year in which the grapes were picked
• Location where the wine was made and/or bottled
(Not to be confused with the area the grapes are grown.)
• Alcohol content may be stated or the the label may simply say
"Table Wine”
WWW.LEGENDARYNAPAVALLEY.COM
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pASO ROBLES
Thomas Hill Organics
1305 Park st, Paso robles; 805.226.5888
Villa Creek
1144 Pine st, Paso robles; 805.238.3000
Enoteca
206 alexa Ct, Paso robles; 805.238.2834
Bistro Laurent
1202 Pine st, Paso robles; 805.226.8191
Artisan
1401 Park st, Paso robles; 805.237.8084
paso Inn and Steakhouse
1103 spring st, Paso robles; 805.238.2660
il Cortile
608 12th st, Paso robles; 805.226.0300
Buona Tavola
943 spring st, Paso robles; 805.237.0600
Mcphee’s
416 s. main st, Templeton; 805.434.3204
SAN LuIS OBISpO
Novo
726 Higuera st, san luis obispo; 805.543.3986
Firestone Grill
1001 Higuera, san luis obispo; 805.783.1001
Cafe Roma
1020 railroad ave, san luis obispo; 805.541.6800
Mama’s Meatball
570 Higuera st, san luis obispo; 805.544.0861
palazzo Giuseppe’s
1010 Court st, san luis obispo; 805.541.9922
Luna Red
1009 monterey st, san luis obispo; 805.540.5243
MORRO BAY
Dorn’s
801 market ave, morro Bay; 805.772.4415
pISMO BEACH
Steamer’s
1601 Price st, Pismo Beach; 805.773.4711
Giuseppe’s
891 Price st, Pismo Beach; 805.773.2870
SANTA YNEz VALLEY
Hitching post
3325 Point sal rd, Casmalia (santa maria); 805.937.6151
Hitching post II
406 e Highway 246, Buellton; 805.688.0676
60
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fine dining
Contemporary american Cuisine
© © © © ©
© © © © ©
spanish Cuisine
seafood
© © © © ©
© ©
Q
©
Q
© © © © © © © © ©
French Cuisine
© © ©
©
american Bistro
© © ©
© © © © ©
steakhouse
© ©
© Q
Q
© © © © © © © © © © © © Q
italian Cuisine and some seafood Dishes ©
Northern italian Cuisine
Grill: Burgers, seafood, pasta, steak, etc
© © © © © © ©
©
© © © © ©
© ©
© © ©
©
Q
© Q
©
Q
© © © © © © © © © © Q
international Cuisine
BBQ and Burgers
Q
©
© © © © ©
© © ©
© © © © © © ©
© Q
Fine italian Cuisine
© © ©
© Q
Fine italian Cuisine
© © © © © © © © ©
italian Cuisine
Q
Q © © © © © © © © © Q
international Cuisine
specialty in seafood & Chicken
© ©
©
© © © © ©
© © ©
Q
seafood
© © © ©
Q ©
©
Q
italian Cuisine
Q © © ©
Q ©
©
steakhouse
© © ©
©
©
Q
steakhouse
© © ©
©
©
Q
Q Call for details
www.WineCountryThisMonth.com
fine
©
Q
©
Q
©
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©
© Q
Q
fine dining
Full of Life Flatbread
225 Bell st, los alamos; 805.344.4400
Brothers Restaurant at Mattei’s Tavern
2350 railway ave, los olivos; 805.688.4820
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CCdaytrips-0912_Layout 1 10/30/12 3:20 PM Page 61
Greek american Cuisine
The Ballard Inn Restaurant
2436 Baseline ave, Ballard; 805.688.7770
French/asian Fusion
italian
© © © © ©
© © ©
New american
Los Olivos Cafe petros
2860 Grand ave, los olivos; 805.688.7788
Trattoria Grappolo
3687 sagunto st # C, santa Ynez; 805.688.6899
© ©
american and Pizza
©
©
© © © © ©
©
Q
© © ©
Q
© ©
©
© © ©
Q
© © ©
©
© © ©
Q
© © Q
Root 246
420 alisal road, solvang; 805.686. 8681
©
Q
Avant Tapas & Wine
35 industrial Way, Buellton; 805.686.4742
Contemporary american & small Plates
© © ©
© Q
Sissy’s uptown Cafe
112 south i street, lompoc; 805.735.4877
Traditional american Cuisine
© © ©
©
©
Q
© ©
©
©
Q
© © © © ©
Q
©
Q
© © Q
©
©
© Q
© Q
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© © Q
©
©
Q
©
© © © © © ©
© ©
©
©
CITY OF SANTA BARBARA
Julienne
138 e Canon Perdido st, santa Barbara; 805.845.6488
The Shellfish Company
230 stearns Wharf, santa Barbara; 805.966.6676
The Wine Cask
813 anacapa st, santa Barbara; 805.966.9463
Olio pizzeria
11 W victoria st. ste. 21, santa Barbara; 805.899.2699
Contemporary american Cuisine
seafood
Contemporary american
© © ©
© © © © ©
© ©
©
©
Q
©
©
©
Q
© © © © ©
©
©
Q
© © ©
©
©
italian Cuisine
© © © ©
Bouchon
9 West victoria st, santa Barbara; 805.730.1160
Wine Country Cuisine
© ©
Ca’Dario
37 east victoria st, santa Barbara; 805.884.9419
italian Cuisine
Arigato
1225 state st, santa Barbara; 805.965.6074
Japanese Cuisine
The Stonehouse
900 san Ysidro ln, montecito; 805.565.1724
Contemporary american
© ©
© © © © © © © © ©
©
© © ©
©
Q
© © © © © © © © ©
©
© © © © © © ©
©
©
© © ©
©
©
©
Q
© ©
©
© © ©
VENTuRA COuNTY
Q
©
©
Contemporary american Cuisine
Le petit Cafe Bakery
1591 spinnaker Dr #112, ventura; 805.642.1191
New american Cuisine
La Dolce Vita
740 south B st, oxnard; 805.486-6878
italian and mediterranean Cuisine
Q
Tierra Sur Restaurant
3201 Camino Del sol, oxnard; 805.983.1560
Q
Bella Victorian Bistro
2135 ventura Blvd, Camarillo; 805.383.8800
th.com
French
Sugar Beets
455 south a st, oxnard; 805.240.7777
www.WineCountryThisMonth.com
mediterranean
© © ©
61
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Andrew Murray Tasting Room – Daily 11am-5pm, Los Olivos, (805) 693-9644
P21
Bella Victorian – Wed-Thu 11:30am-7pm, Fri-Sat til 8pm, Sun 12-5pm, Camarillo, (805) 383-8800
P10
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Bridlewood Estate – Daily 10am-5pm, Santa Ynez, 1-800-467-4100
P29
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Calcareous – Daily 11am-5pm, Paso Robles, (805) 239-0289
P55
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Castoro Cellars – Daily 10am-5:30pm, Templeton, 1-888-DAM-FINE
P45
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Cellar 360 Paso Robles – Friday-Sunday 10am-5pm, Paso Robles, 1-877-774-9463
P35
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Chamisal Vineyards – Daily 10am-5pm, San Luis Obispo, 1-866-808-9463
P49
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Chateau Margene – Daily 11am-5pm, Paso Robles, (805) 238-3500
P54
Cimarone and 3CV – Thursday-Monday 11am-5pm, Los Olivos, (805) 688-8011
P17
Clautiere Vineyards – Thursday-Monday 12-5pm, Paso Robles, (805) 237-3789
P37
Coghlan Vineyard – Daily 11am-5pm, Los Olivos, 805-686-2395
P22
Eberle Winery – Daily 10am-6pm (5pm winter), Paso Robles, (805) 238-9607
P38
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Edna Valley Vineyards – Daily 10am-5pm, San Luis Obispo, (805) 544-5855
P50
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Eos Estate Winery – Daily 10am-5pm, Paso Robles, (805) 591-8050
P39
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Firestone Winery – Daily 10am-5pm; Tours 11:15am, 1:15 & 3:15pm, Los Olivos, (805) 688-3940
P28
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Foley Wines – Daily 10am-5pm, Lompoc, (805) 737-6222
P13
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Fontes & Phillips – Th, Fr, Sa, Mo 11am-5pm; Sun 12-5, Los Olivos, (805) 688-2200
P23
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Sauvign
on Blan
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Riesling
pinot G
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pinot G s/
rigio
miner
pinot B
lanc
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P9
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Lincourt – Daily 10am-5pm, Solvang, (805) 688-8554
P25
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Lions Peak – Mon-Thu 11am-7pm, open later Fri-Sun, Solvang, (805) 693-5466
P15
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Lucas & Lewellen – Daily 11am-5:30pm, Solvang, (805) 686-9336
P14
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Herzog Cellars – Sun-Thu 10:30am-9pm/Fri 10:30am-5pm, Oxnard, (805) 983-1560
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Peachy Canyon Winery – Daily 11am-5pm, Paso Robles, (805) 239-1918
P44
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Pear Valley – Daily 11am-5pm, Paso Robles, (805) 237-2861
P36
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Pomar Junction – Daily 11am-5pm, Templeton, (805) 238-9940
P43
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Qupé – Daily 11am-5pm, Los Olivos, (805) 686-4200
P18
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Rancho Ventavo – Fri-Sun 11am-6pm, Oxnard, (805) 483-8084
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Four Brix Winery – Fri 4-8pm, Sat-Sun 12-5pm, Ventura, (805) 256-6006
Magnavino – Sat-Sun 11am-6pm, Oxnard, (805) 983-2500
Other
✘
P19
Viognie
r
P46/56
Alta Maria Vineyards – Daily 11am-5pm, Los Olivos, (805) 686-1144
Adelaida – Daily 10am-5pm, Paso Robles, (805) 239-8980
Gewurz
tra
*Wines are subject to availability and release.
Chardo
Find Your Favorite Varietals
nnay
CCdaytrips-0912_Layout 1 10/30/12 3:20 PM Page 62
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P7
Red Soles – Daily 11am-5pm, Paso Robles, (805) 226-9898
P53
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Robert Hall Winery – Daily 10am-6pm, Paso Robles, (805) 239-1616
P42
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Silver Horse Winery – Fri-Sun 11am-5pm, San Miguel, (805) 467-WINE
P40
Summerwood – Daily 10am-5pm, Paso Robles, (805) 227-1365
P52
Talley Vineyards – Daily 10:30am-4:30pm, Arroyo Grande, (805) 489-0446
P48
Tessa Marie – Thu-Mon 11:30am-5pm, Los Olivos, (805) 688-6081
P20
Transcendeance – Fri-Sun 11am-4 pm, Lompoc, (805) 689-5258
P12
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William James Cellars – Daily 11:30am-5pm, Los Olivos, (805) 478-9412
P24
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Zaca Mesa – Daily 10am-4pm, Los Olivos, (805) 688-9339 x308
P27
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CCdaytrips-0912_Layout 1 10/30/12 3:20 PM Page 64
Come enjoy the cool coastal sunshine
and a glass of William James Cellars
wine amongst the tranquil sounds of
J. Woeste’s garden.
The wines of William James Cellars focus on fruit
from Santa Barbara County appelations, with an
emphasis in the Santa Maria Valley and Santa Ynez
Valley to create premium varietals to delight the
changing palates of todays wine enthusiast.
WilliamJames
Cellars
Open Daily 11:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
www.williamjamescellars.com
William James Cellars is tucked away in the beautiful back patio of the quaint
100-year-old building that houses J. Woeste Home and Garden Treasures and Succulents
2356 Alamo Pintado Avenue, Los Olivos 93441 | 805-693-1951
Come and discover wonderful
must-have plants, garden art
and home accessories.
Whatever your taste and whatever your space,
J. Woeste is a peaceful place to laugh,
rejuvenate, relax and nurture your soul.
You'll visualize a wealth of ideas as you
explore the treasures at our store...
Open Daily 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
www.jwoeste.com