December in the Edna Valley wine region is beautiful. The leaves are changing and the colors are spectacular. Here are a few pictures I took yesterday at Kelsey See Canyon Vineyards and Winery. Enjoy!
One of Kelsey Canyon's famous peacocks looking for grapes in the vineyard.
Lately we’ve been getting questions about which wines to bring to the holiday dinner table. A great guide that I like to use is Nat Decants Wine & Food Matcher. Here are some of her suggestions:
Classic Holiday Turkey Dinner with Cranberry Sauce
Red: Syrah & Zinfandel
White: Gewürztraminer, Riesling
Classic Holiday Ham
Red: Pinot Noir
White: Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blac
Herb Roasted Lamb
Red: Bordeaux Margaux, Crozes-Hermitage, Malbec, Valdepenas
For more suggestions, visit Nat Decants website or give us a ring.
There are many vineyards practicing the art of sustainability, but why don’t we know about them? Is the average consumer aware of these earth conscious wineries? Would this knowledge make a difference in the consumers wine selection? I would like to think so.
I always get excited when I learn about a winery that has adopted sustainable practices, even more excited if it is in my backyard, on the Central Coast. As a member of the wine industry I am fortunate to hear word of mouth news about the sustainability forefront and its effect on the wine industry. But how is the rest of the world going to know about the investment wineries are making in our future and the future of wine? And how can we reward them if there isn’t a simple way to identify them? Did you know that Castoro Cellars, in the Paso Robles Wine Region, has recently received its organic certification for their Cobble Creek and Bethel Road Vineyard? Also, did you know that all of the tractors used on Wolff Vineyards, in the Edna Valley Wine Region, are run on bio-diesel?
My point is that, when wine bottles are placed on the shelf, there is no identifying factor that separates our vineyard heroes in sustainability from the rest. Even if a vineyard is certified organic, that does not mean the wine itself is equally certified. The reason stems from one main ingredient, sulfite. In order for a wine to preserve in the bottle to the utmost quality, sulfites are added during the winemaking process. Yes, sulfites are already a naturally occurring ingredient in wine, but not enough is naturally produced to support a wines aging process. With the addition of this ingredient, the certified organic nature of the grape is lost, and therefore that organic green stamp at the bottom of the wine label is lost as well. In fact, a certified organic label on a wine bottle will make some winemakers shutter, as it will depict a wine that will not preserve well. So, as you see, this issue of organic certification is a double-edged sword.
Last Thursday, I had the pleasure of attending a lecture on vineyard sustainability practices at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo. The discussion was lead by Paul Dolan, the previous president of Fetzer Vineyards and current owner of Parducci Vineyards. Paul has revolutionized the idea of vineyard sustainability in many ways. For example, Parducci Vineyards recently became the first carbon neutral winery in the United States! Jason Haas from Tablas Creek Vineyards, Brian Talley from Talley Vineyards and Jean-Peirre Wolff from Wolff Vineyards were also included in the panel. Each one of these individuals is using different aspects of sustainability to improve their vineyards and decrease the ecological impact of their production. The sustainable methods are astounding, yet each winery has a different reason for their actions. Whether the eco-friendly investment is for the increased quality of wine, economic sustainability or simply to decrease the ecological impact to the land, these vineyards are heroes in our industry.
This is yet another example of why we need to be educated, pro-active consumers. The next time you taste at a winery, simply ask why type of sustainable practices are used in the vineyard and during the winemaking process. You might be surprised. Or, simply try some of the wine mentioned above and know that you are rewarding local vineyards that choose a sustainable way of farming. I assure you, with this knowledge in your back pocket, the wine will taste better!
Yesterday, I guided a tour for ABS Global and as usual, had a blast. Once I realized that I would have to guard our bus’s microphone from the group in order to avoid disastrous karaoke sessions, I knew I was in for a real treat. I was correct in making this assumption. By the way, if you want to have a good laugh and share some interesting conversation, ask me what they do at ABS Global…
As we made our way through wine country, we arrived at Wolff Vineyards. A jewel in the heart of Edna Valley, I am continually impressed by their great wine, hospitality and enchanting surroundings. Mark and Clint, the sons of owner and wine-maker Jean-Pierre Wolff, walked our group through each vintage, the production process and even gave food-pairing i deas that made our mouths water. At one point I as taken aback as all 17 country boys and country girls were silent (rare for this group), captivated by Mark’s description of the vineyards and the very delicious Pinot Nior.
Wolff Vineyards amplifies what all of us wish for when visiting a tasting room. The necessity of superb wines is a given, but the additional touch of wine education from the wine maker and background information on the vineyards is the cherry on top. Did I mention that Wolff Vineyards uses sustainable winegrowing practices and has a habitat restoration program in their vineyards? I recommend that anyone visiting Edna Valley stop by Wolff Vineyards and taste, smell and see this jewel for yourself.
Last Saturday, I had the pleasure, and I mean pleasure, to be a step-on guide for Opal and her daughters wedding party on an Edna Valley Wine Tour. After working with this group, I have fallen in love with guiding tours and hope to do more in the future. Let me fill you in on what we did…
Leaving from the Applefarm in our 25 passenger vehicle, I had the pleasure of providing the group with background information on the Enda Valley Wine Region, the art of how to taste wine and on our first winery of the day, Laetitia Vineyard & Winery. Here, the group tasted fine wines in the same room as Laetitia’s European wooden basket presses, the only one of its kind in the United States. Not only did we get to visualize this unique pressing process, but we also tasted the Methode Champenoise sparking wines that have been a tradition at Laetitia for over 20 years. What a way to start the day!
At Tolosa Winery, we enjoyed another private tasting as I walked the group through the full tasting process, starting with a close look at the color characteristics and ending with an examination of our palates. Combining this demonstration with a side-by-side taste comparison of Tolosa’s steel barrel and oak barrel Chardonnay, we were able to identify the subtleties on our palates within a single variety. I’d like to believe that after this demonstration, each member of the party was able to identify more characteristics on their palate than before they started the tour.
While at Salisbury Vineyards, we had the pleasure of tasting fine wines with the owner and winemaker, John Salisbury. As an industry diehard, I can testify that the most valuable information one can learn about the winemaking process is always taught by the winemakers themselves. John proved my theory by talking to the group about grapes before they hit the press and sharing some insight on industry growth and trends. The combination of this conversation and the beautiful picnic area made this stop the topic of conversation for the remainder of the trip. Way to make some new fans Salisbury!
Last on our route was Perbacco Cellars. At first glance, one may wonder how to get to this winery, but I assure you that it is worth the trip. Our driver Rich, famous for his courteous character and excellent driving skills, successfully navigated the hidden back road to arrive at the small winery. Once inside, we were greeted with excellent hospitality and charmed by boutique flare of wine barrels and wine making equipment. After sharing my last few tastes of delicious wine with the group, I felt honored to have made so many new friends and was sad to end the day.
After being invited to join Opal and the gang for dinner and drinks afterwards, I had to regretfully decline, only hoping to reunite once again with such a fun clan. Parting ways with this group was sweet sorrow, as I know the group had a wonderful day and I can only hope to join another just like them.Question from Opal: “Where can I go in Paso Robles that will satisfy my thirst for big, bold red wines?” Answer: I strongly recommend that you visit Fratelli Perata on the westside of Paso Robles. Next time you are in the area I will introduce you to our Italian friends who not only specialize in your favorite type of red wine, but will also win your heart with their fine cooking and wonderful hospitality.
As some people know, and have seen, the Paso Robles Wine Region is growing at an exponential rate. As a local to the area and active member of the industry fan club, it has been a fun challenge to keep up with the new wineries. Recently, I’ve had the pleasure of visiting some friends involved in the industry growth and would like to share my insights to get you up to speed. Therefore, without further ado, let me introduce you to some of the new and not-so-new locations to check-out in the Paso Robles Wine Region.
Casa de Caballos is a hidden treasure tucked away in the windy, obscure roads of Templeton. Unlike any winery I’ve visited, you are able to get up close and personal with Arabian horses that are raised on the property while you peruse the grounds. If you’ve never had the opportunity to experience Arabian horses, I strongly recommend it, as I swear they dance on air when they run, never letting their feet touch the ground. Unfortunately, the tasting room is only open Friday through Sunday, so your opportunity to see inside the winery and participate in a tasting is limited to weekends. Walking around the grounds, you get a rustic feel that includes wine making machinery, horse barns and of course the horses themselves. Aside from the spectacular view of the Arabians, there is a comical take on the original surroundings as you gaze at a stuffed scarecrow, holding a newspaper and smiling as he occupies the old fashioned outhouse. And no, this is not the only restroom available. =)
Donati Family Vineyard, formerly Mastantuono Winery, is a wonderful addition to Vineyard Drive in Templeton. With excellent hospitality, this winery is a great addition for groups who would like to add some sport to their tastings. Equipped with botchy ball sets and long stretches of lawn, a group can enjoy a nice game and then picnic in the gazebo outside the winery.
Lone Madrone, formerly Bonny Doon Vineyards, is a refreshing stop heading east on 46 towards Paso Robles. As you enter the grounds, you are greeted by Buster, the 6 ½ year old billy goat, an old fashioned tree house, and the smells from the herb farm adjacent to the winery. Inside the newly built tasting room you can gaze at the glass artwork, beautiful jewelry and of course taste some delicious wines. As usual, I spend more time in this oasis than originally planed and would love to bring groups of all sizes to enjoy the eclectic sights, smells and tastes Lone Madrone has to offer. If you happen to go on your own, make sure to tell Joel and Shannon I said hello.
From Lone Madrone, you can’t help but hear the trumpets roar from the newly built and long awaited Eagle Castle Winery. Several years in the making, I do not stand alone when I say, “It’s about time! Welcome to the neighborhood!” Not an ordinary castle by any means, you feel as though you are at Hearst Castle East as you walk across the bridge and gaze at the moat. The inside is just as spectacular as the outside with fireplaces, armor statues, impressive architecture, medieval art and twin towers overlooking the rolling hills, oh my! The extensive amount of corporate meeting space makes this location an ideal special event venue.
Possibly the best views of the Paso Robles Wine Region can be found at Calcareous Vineyards. Named after the limestone soil in the vineyards, this winery not only has breathtaking views, but equally delicious wines. A must stop for groups of all sizes, this winery sports a cozy tasting room and barrel room that can host group functions of all types. Every time I visit this winery I have a great time with the tasting room manager Bob and his dog Salty. When we take your group there, we’ll request a concert duo from the two, as I assure you the dog can sing!
The WineYard is a must for our groups because it gives the educational, yet seriously fun perspective of wine before it hits the glass and even the crush. Recently I had the pleasure of joining Cindy, the owner and operator of The WineYard, for a tour of Steinbeck Vineyards in the back of her six passenger open air vintage jeep. Also available in a twelve passenger jeep, her tours provide spectacular close-up views of the vineyards and wine knowledge you can’t get anywhere else. Cindy grew up on Steinbeck Vineyards, and is apart of the sixth generation still working the land. The perspective Cindy shares will truly make each sip of wine a memorable moment of appreciation for all the handwork, labor and love given to the grapes.
After visiting some close friends and making new ones along the way, I am excited to show groups the NEW in the Paso Robles Wine Region. I invite you to ask us questions about our Paso Robles Wine Tours and about how we can bring your groups to these spectacular locations. Also, if you have other places you would like us to visit, by all means let’s go together.
