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Cheese Lover’s Tour with West Marin Food & Farm Tours

WineCountry Staff — Thu, 06 Jul 2017 08:00:25 +0000

West Marin chef, gardener, and teacher, Elizabeth Ann Hill, holds an ingrained bond with the California region she calls home. It’s a familiar relationship, one that has gone back multiple generations, when her family used to travel by way of ferry and horse-drawn carriage from Berkeley to West Marin’s beautiful Tomales Bay to enjoy the summer months. The region is chock full of artisan food and organic farming, a larger animal population than human, and views that are out of this world. Elizabeth has a passion for the land, the people, and the products that are crafted here, and through this interest, an idea was born.

West Marin Food & Farm tours, which began in 2012, are packed with flavor, and really the only way you can fully understand is to experience one yourself. The dairy delightful Cheese Lover’s Tour is one of two available through Wine Country Experiences and we wanted to shed light on each delicious element. Boasting visits to three established West Marin creameries, Elizabeth gives exclusive access to private farms and a behind-the-scenes taste of the region’s artisan cheesemaking.

Cheese Lover’s Tour
Available Year-round, Wednesday through Friday, and Sunday
10:30am – 3:30pm
$195

Cowgirl Creamery at Tomales Bay Foods
The adventure begins in Point Reyes Station, where you’ll meet Elizabeth and new, cheese lovin’ friends (typically there’s between 4-7 people in a group) at the famed Cowgirl Creamery. The creamery was founded in 1994 by Sue Conley and Peggy Smith, two women who had been intertwined in the food scene for some years, as a bonus to the opening of Tomales Bay Foods in a renovated barn in this quaint, Marin town. The structure housed a small cheese-making room and cheese dreams were pursued. Over the course of the last 20+ years, Cowgirl Creamery has grown from a modest room and a bit of curiosity, to a heavily awarded creamery with four retail stores, two production locations, and sales being made in over 500 additional retailers.

While this location only produces their pundgent, triple cream variety, Red Hawk, visitors on West Marin Food & Farm Tours can get an inside look (and taste!) of all their renowned cheeses. As you enter the building, windows welcome viewers to take a peek into the original facility and watch as each step of the process is completed. The tour official begins with munching cheese-centric, baked delights care of Bovine Bakery and a lesson in past and present farming and food production in Marin from Elizabeth. As soon as the last crumb is nabbed, Elizabeth gets into the good stuff (the cheese, of course) and the group can try the full bounty of regularly produced aged and fresh cheeses, and a taste of their seasonal creation.

Insider Tip: Plan on arriving at Tomales Bay Foods early to explore the market and the many goods for sale. The company continues to stay true to their ethos of supporting the community and artisan cheesemaking, and offers over 200 additional cheeses from around the globe alongside their own.

Toluma Farms and Tomales Farmstead Creamery
Elizabeth will take the wheel as the whole gang hops into the West Marin Food & Farm Tours’ van for a picturesque drive through West Marin. Head up the eastern coast of Tomales Bay, where salty, steady waters host oyster farms and unbelievable views of rolling hills and the tree lined Point Reyes National Seashore park. After winding up the coast and heading inland just past the small town of Tomales, you’ll reach Toluma Farms, the home of the Tomales Farmstead Creamery.

The property is 160-acres, but the multiple barns, cheesemaking facility, and beautiful main home welcome you to the farm. Owners, David Jablons and Tamara Hicks, purchased the property in 2003 and worked with multiple agricultural agencies to restore the land in order to properly transition it back to a goat and sheep dairy. In 2012, they completed the final stage of the property’s transformation and started their onsite creamery.

Join the farm team for the day, and explore the in’s and out’s of this dynamic farm and creamery. Step into their milking barn, where you’ll learn how the animals are milked first hand. Then follow the journey, from milk to cheese, at the creamery building.

Your group will take a break to enjoy a picnic, curated by Elizabeth, on the wraparound porch of the modern farmhouse. Now’s the chance to try each one of the creamery’s cheeses, all with names from the Miwok, the indigenous Native Americans from the region. The cheeses are complemented by local breads, charcuterie, and olive oil, fruit, and even a sparkling, honey wine produced just down the road.

Insider Tip: Make sure you packed comfortable shoes that you’re willing to get potentially messy. The team at Toluma Farms gives you an in-depth tour, and this includes going in and out of the barns and pens where the animals live and are milked.

Double 8 Dairy
Say goodbye to your new animal friends with a full stomach, and join Elizabeth as you continue to explore the diverse region. The last stop is Double 8 Dairy, a water buffalo farm located in West Petaluma.

This small farm is the home to a growing herd of buffalo and Jersey cows. The farm is a pioneer, as it’s breeding water buffalo for milking for the first time in the United States. Melissa, who raises the animals, will introduce you to the ladies and their calves. You’ll get to say hello, meet these gentle giants, and probably receive a friendly lick in return. Their facilities house a milking barn with sixteen stations, in two sets of eight. Hence the name Double 8. The water buffalo are milked twice daily, so if timing works out, you’ll have a chance to see the full process — from their machinery and facilities, watching the buffalo be milked, to the final crème de la crème — a taste of their delicious wares.

Insider Tip: Typically on a tour of Double 8, you’ll have a chance to try one of their delicious, dairy products. This could be fresh cheese or some of their mouth-watering, seasonally-flavored gelato. But if it’s a really good day, you may have a chance to interact with the dairy’s generous cheesemaker, who may share warm ricotta, flavorful buffalo mozzarella, and give you a bit more insight into the creamery’s production.

Book your own West Marin Food & Farm Tours through WineCountry.com/Experiences, and explore the full list of current offerings.

The post Cheese Lover’s Tour with West Marin Food & Farm Tours first appeared on WineCountry.com.

Unexpected U.S. Wine Countries

WineCountry Staff — Wed, 22 Feb 2017 09:00:14 +0000

Wine country might be closer to your front door than you realize. There are blossoming wine countries all over the country from the southwest to the midwest to the southeast. Several of these areas were thriving wine countries until Prohibition hit and are now enjoying a rebirth.

Arizona

When you think of Arizona, you probably think of the Grand Canyon or Phoenix not wine country. But the warm days and cool evenings in some high elevation areas of Arizona create the perfect environment for growing wine grapes. Vineyards planted on rocky terrain are great for winemaking because they produce grapes with concentrated and complex flavor.

Willcox is located in the southeastern part of the state between Tucson and the New Mexico border. The region’s climate and soil resembles the well-known wine countries of the Rhone Valley in France and Mendoza in Argentina. The area is known for producing red wine, white wine, sweet wine and dessert wine and nearly three-quarters of the wine grapes in Arizona are from Willcox.

The Sonoita region near Tucson is home to the largest concentration of vineyards and wineries in Arizona so there are plenty of spots to visit. The state’s only official American Viticultural Area, the area is known for growing white, red and blush wine grapes and the soil is similar to the Burgundy area of France.

The Verde Valley is tucked away south of the Grand Canyon, southwest of Flagstaff and far away from the Willcox and Sonoita wine countries. The sunshine, heat and rocky soils help produce wine groups full of flavor. A 714 square mile region produces a wide variety of wines including Syrah and Zinfandel.

Insider Tip: The Verde Valley Wine Trail features seven wineries and eight tasting rooms along its path. We recommend trying all of them!

New Mexico

The Spanish colonists in New Mexico needed wine and the first wine grapes in the state were planted in 1629 by a Franciscan priest and a monk, making it the oldest wine country in the U.S. Monks from Spain may no longer need the wine for their daily masses but the state is proud to still produce wine. Today there are more than 40 family-owned vineyards and wineries across the state, according to the New Mexico Wine and Grape Growers Association.

The three main regions are in the southern, central and northern parts of the state. The Rio Grande valley in the southern region was a thriving wine country from the 17th century until the late 19th century when the Rio Grande began flooding. Wineries and vineyards have been popping up in the area for the past forty years and there are a number of wineries and tasting rooms in Las Cruces.

Insider tip: If you visit Las Cruces area, stop by the Rio Grande Vineyards and Winery (5321 NM-28, Las Cruces, NM) which has beautiful views of the mountains and great red and white wines. Co-owners Gordon and Sandi Steel traveled the wineries of the world while he was in the Air Force and his ancestors grew wine grapes in the area during the 1880s.

Iowa

There are 11 wineries along the Iowa Wine Trail from the Brick Arch Winery just east of Iowa City to the Winneshiek Wildberry Winery just south of the Minnesota border. There are more than 100 wineries and 300 vineyards in the state despite a midwestern climate that’s not very friendly to wine grapes with its hot summer days and sub-zero winter nights. Some of the wineries import grapes from abroad and other more climate-friendly states to produce wine.

The northeastern part of the state is home to the Upper Mississippi River Valley American Viticultural Area. Its hills and soil are good for grape growth and growers adapt to the cold by pulling the grapevines from their trellises before winter sets in.

Insider tip: Visit Cedar Ridge Winery & Distillery (1441 Marak Road, Swisher, IA) which has won numerous awards for its wine and spirits. Between Cedar Rapids and Iowa City, it’s convenient to visit and located in a picturesque rural area. Make sure you take home a bottle of their Reserve Red wine which won a gold medal at the 2011 Mid-American Wine Competition and should appeal to Merlot and Cabernet drinkers.

Michigan

It may be a surprise that Michigan is the fourth-largest grape growing state in the U.S. with 121 wineries. The wine, wine grape and grape juice industries in the up-and-coming wine country account for about $790 million in economic value and more than 5,000 jobs in Michigan, according to the Michigan Grape and Wine Industry Council. Many varietals are produced in the state from Pinot Noirs to Chardonnays to Pinot Grigios to Sauvignon Blancs.

Lake Michigan, along the state’s western border, surprisingly is very hospitable for wine-making and most of the state’s grapes grow within 25 miles of it. “Lake effect” snow covers the vines during the winter and the lake’s effect extends the growing season.

Insider Tip: We recommend Chateau Chantal (15900 Rue Devin, Traverse City, MI), a winery and inn in beautiful Traverse City. The charming, family-owned business is located on a 65-acre estate with cooking classes, wine seminars and wine dinners in addition to the bed and breakfast and tasting room. Make sure you try their Chardonnays (especially the Proprietor’s Reserve), Pinot Noirs and Malbec Rose.

Missouri

Wine was first produced in Missouri in the 1850s and it grew into a thriving wine hub until Prohibition halted the industry for decades. It started to make a comeback in the 1960s and today there are several wine countries in the state including Hermann, Augusta and Sainte Genevieve. There are some more wineries sprinkled around the state including in the Ozark Mountains and Highlands. The wine regions are very picturesque with many quaint bed and breakfasts, good restaurants and attractions in nearby towns.

Norton is the official state grape and it produces Norton wine, which is “every bit as lush and robust as Zinfandel,” according to Missouri Wine Country. There are many other varietals produced in the state including Merlot, Pinot Noir, Rose and Cabernet Sauvignon.

Insider tip: The Crown Valley Winery (23589 State Route WW, Sainte Genevieve, MO) is an exceptional place to visit set in the rolling countryside of the southeastern region and in close proximity to St. Louis. Make sure to try some of their Norton varietal, their rich Cabernet Sauvignon and their specialty Caramel Apple Sangria during the fall. Visit during the summer, spring or fall because the winery closes for the winter season reopens March 30.

North Carolina

Wine countries in North Carolina extend across the state from the mountains to the Atlantic Ocean. The three major wine-growing regions are the Yadkin Valley, Swan Creek and the Haw River Valley. It’s a fast-growing industry with over 100 wineries, a number that has quadrupled since 2001, according to the North Carolina Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services. North Carolina was producing wine during the colonial era and continued to be a major player in the industry until Prohibition.

The Yadkin Valley, home to about a third of the state’s wineries and vineyards, in the western part of the state has a similar viticultural climate to Burgundy, France which makes it a natural fit for wine-making. Some of the most popular varietals are Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot and Chardonnay. Muscadine grapes are native to the state’s coastal areas and thrive in that climate. Duplin Winery, the state’s oldest and largest, is the world’s biggest producer of Muscadine wine. A little-known and interesting fact: the most visited winery in the country is Biltmore Estate Winery, part of the historic Biltmore Estate built by the Vanderbilt family, in Asheville with more than a million visitors a year. Biltmore produces more than 150,000 cases of wine a year.

Insider tip: When visiting the Yadkin Valley, stop by the picturesque RayLen Vineyards and Winery (3577 US-158, Mocksville, NC). The tasting room offers red, white or sweet wine flights featuring 6-8 wines for a reasonable $7. They even offer yoga classes which look like fun. Specializing in European varietals, they produce Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Chardonnay and many more popular wines. We recommend trying their vibrant Deacon White Chardonnay which is named after Wake Forest University’s Demon Deacon mascot.

The post Unexpected U.S. Wine Countries first appeared on WineCountry.com.

Discover Vegan and Organic Wines: What’s The Difference and What To Look For

blogger — Tue, 21 Feb 2017 09:00:59 +0000

It’s Only Natural

People pursuing healthy lifestyles often turn to organic and natural foods in order to avoid chemicals and additives that just don’t seem healthy to ingest. And wineries are starting to meet that demand, too, offering organic, sustainable, biodynamic and even vegan wines at every price point.

Improved availability doesn’t mean you won’t get confused when seeking out a more natural vintage, however. Wineries can pin many modifiers on their farming practices and selections, and some terms are more strictly defined than others. Let’s break down a few of the terms you might soon see on labels.

Organic

Organic wines are made without herbicides, pesticides, fertilizers and genetically modified seeds. Organics also typically avoid the use of added sulfur in bottling, meaning that those with an allergy to the near-ubiquitous preservative can drink many selections with a reduced risk of getting a blotchy complexion or more severe reaction.

Sustainable

Sustainable farming goes a step further to indicate that the winery’s practices minimize environmental impact by using organic methods while conserving energy, water and other resources. Beyond sustainable is “biodynamic,” meaning growers use natural methods to control pests, maintain soil health and protect the ecosystem.

What Makes It Vegan?

Many organic, sustainable and biodynamic wines can’t be considered vegan. Wineries have long used (natural and organic) animal proteins such as isinglass, albumin, casein, gelatin and chitin to remove impurities and sediment from wines. Vegan wineries instead use charcoal, diatomaceous earth, and bentonite and kaolin clays as “fining” agents, or produce unfiltered and unfined (“raw”) wines.

Certified Organic

USDA’s “Certified Organic” seal is the best indicator that a wine is organic. To qualify, wines must be made up of 100 percent organic ingredients and be processed only with organic aids and no added sulfites. The California Certified Organic Farmers (CCOF) certification parallels USDA’s, and certified growers are allowed to use either seal.

Wines can also bear the USDA seal and the word “organic” if they include 95 percent organic ingredients and achieve naturally occurring sulfite levels under 100 ppm—just a fraction of what a conventional wine might contain. Beware: Wines labeled “Made with Organic Grapes” and no seal can contain as little as 70 percent organic produce and added sulfites.

Certified vintners say that organic, sustainable and biodynamic processes deliver purer flavors, better revealing the true nature of the grape, crop and terroir. One drawback? Since they don’t contain added sulfur as a preservative, some organic wines may not cellar well. And unfiltered/unfined vegan wines—even reds—are best stored upright in the refrigerator.

The number of organic and vegan-friendly vineyards is growing fast. Here are just a few around the country that produce superior vintages.

California

Benziger Family Winery was the first Sonoma vineyard certified as biodynamic, and Tribute, its robust Cabernet blend, was the area’s first certified biodynamic wine. Benzinger also now offers Joaquin’s Inferno, a full-bodied, berry-forward blend of Zinfandel, Petite Sirah and Grenache named for the vineyard’s head grower.

Frey Vineyards in Mendocino County is a longtime leader in organic and biodynamic farming, and is known for creating vegan-friendly and gluten-free wines with no added sulfites. Frey has more than 20 organic and biodynamic blends, including a spicy organic Sangiovese and smooth Petite Sirah.

Girasole Vineyards is CCOF-certified and avoids all conventional pesticides, herbicides, synthetic fertilizers, sewage, bioengineering, and ionizing radiation in wines such as its medal-winning 2014 Pinot Noir. The biodynamic producer plants clover, peas and vetch among the vines, then turns them to nourish the soil of its Mendocino vineyards.

Quivira Vineyards are certified 100 percent organic, and planted and harvested in tune with the earth’s natural cycles. The vintner is known for its biodynamic Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel—a quintessential, pungent Sonoma red with black cherry aromas—and a fruity, refreshing Rhône-style rosé.

Pacific Northwest

Amity Vineyards was founded in 1974 by winemaker Myron Redford, who claims to be the first in Oregon to produce a world-class organically grown, sulfite-free Pinot Noir. Badger Mountain Vineyard’s USDA organic blends feature a “heady balance of fruit, floral, spice and earth” with no added sulfites. And Portland vintner Jasper Sisco makes Gratus Bynum, a smoky semi-sec blend of Riesling, Pinot Gris and Muscat, from organic grapes grown on the banks of the Columbia River.

Other Areas

La Cruz de Comal wines “practically make themselves,” the Texas Hill Country vintner says. Grapes are hand-harvested and hand-bottles with nothing is added—not even yeast. The winery creates vintages that reflect the terroir including Pétard Blanc (firecracker white) and savory Troubadour. Most aren’t filtered or fined.

Al Weed, vintner at Mountain Cove Vineyards in Nelson County, Va., says “the best winemaking uses as little inputs as possible.” Virginia’s oldest winery adds only a slight amount of yeast to spur fermentation, but no egg whites or animal byproducts, so vegans can imbibe Chardonnay with a clear conscience.

Final Word

Look for the circular USDA Organic or CCOF seal when looking to buy organic wines; other organizations such as Demeter audit and certify producers’ environmental practices. There is no official seal or certification that proves vegan-friendliness, however, so ask your cellarist for vegan, “unfiltered and unfined,” or “raw” recommendations. Enquire ahead when seeking an onsite tasting. Many organic wineries produce on a very limited scale, making their wines not only tasty and unadulterated choices, but true finds. Here’s to your health!

The post Discover Vegan and Organic Wines: What’s The Difference and What To Look For first appeared on WineCountry.com.

A Zinfandel Lovers Guide to Lodi

WineCountry Staff — Mon, 18 Jan 2016 09:00:07 +0000

Between the San Francisco Bay and Sierra Nevada Mountains lies Lodi, the unassuming little sister of better-known wine regions Sonoma and Napa Valley. Lodi’s most popular wines are Zinfandels, which are robust reds known for their strong, smooth finish and notes of berries and spice. Find out why this variety has put Lodi on the map as the Zinfandel capital of the world with this two-day itinerary.

Day 1

Image Source: Yelp

Michael David Vineyards
4580 W. Highway 12
Lodi, CA 95242
(209) 368.7384
TripAdvisor: 4.5 stars, 38 reviews
Reservation: Required for groups of eight or more
Directions: Location one mile from where Interstate 5 meets Highway 12

This vineyard named its Zinfandels Lust, Gluttony, Sloth, Rage, and the 2012 vintage 7 Deadly Zins for a reason—the varieties are all sinfully delicious. While you come for the wine, you can stay and play at Michael David Vineyards all day long. Grab one of the famous pies at the bakery, enjoy a hearty breakfast or lunch at the Farm Cafe, and visit the produce stand for heirloom fruits and veggies.
Insider tip: Michael David’s 15% alcohol Earthquake Zin, described as “over the top and shattering to the veins,” comes from an old Lodi vineyard planted around the same time of San Francisco’s great Earthquake of 1906.

Image Source: Yelp

Van Ruiten Family Vineyards
340 W. Highway 12
Lodi, CA 95242
(209) 334-5722
TripAdvisor: 5 stars, 8 reviews
Reservation: Not required
Directions: From Michael David Vineyards, head east on Highway 12 for 2.9 miles, and the vineyard is on the right.

For the past five decades the Van Ruiten Family has been growing grapes in the Lodi region, after Dutch immigrant John Van Ruiten Sr. settled in the area after World War II. After sampling wines in the cozy tasting room, relax on the patio with a picnic lunch overlooking the vineyards. Sample the 2011 Reserve Sideways Zinfandel, which is aged in French oak, giving the wine a vanilla quality that complements its notes of berries, currants, and coffee.
Insider tip: The Van Ruitens have been introducing sustainable farming practices to their vineyard. For instance, they created owl nesting boxes to encourage these nocturnal predators to keep down the rodent population in the vineyard.

Image Source: Yelp

Borra Vineyards
1301 Armstrong Rd.
Lodi, CA 95242
(209) 368-2446
TripAdvisor: 4.5 stars, 5 reviews
Reservation: Required for groups of eight or more
Directions: From Van Ruiten Family Vineyards, head east on Highway 12 for 0.7 miles, and then take a right onto Lower Sacramento Road. Continue on this road for 2.1 miles, turn left onto Armstrong Street, and after 0.6 miles, Borra Vineyards will be on your left.

Known for their luscious red wines, the Borra family has Italian roots going back three generations and more than 100 years. Borra Vineyards’ old vine Zinfandels exhibits the complex nature of the Lodi region’s terroir. Grown at the Borra’s 135-acre Gill Creek Ranch overlooking the Mokelumne River, the vineyard produces dark, decadent Zinfandels that are fruity, well-balanced with a hint of spice. Enjoy a glass of Borra’s many red varieties in the rustic tasting room.
Insider tip: If you’re feeling adventurous, try the 2012 Finesse, a hearty red blend that is 59% Zinfandel (as well as 16% Merlot, 14% Syrah, 11% Cabernet Sauvignon).

Day 2

Image Source: Yelp

Klinker Brick Winery
15887 North Alpine Rd.
Lodi, CA 95240
(209) 333-1845
TripAdvisor: 4.5 stars, 31 reviews
Reservation: Required for groups of eight or more
Directions: Location is 2.75 miles east of where Highway 12 and Highway 99 intersect

“Old Vine” takes on a new meaning at Klinker Brick Winery, where Zinfandel vineyards were planted in the early 1900s. Six generations of the Felton family have tended to the Zinfandel vines, which were planted along the Mokelumne River Appellation of Lodi and the Clements Foothills. A balance of berries and warm spices are unifying identifiers of Klinker Brick’s Zins, but each vintage has its own distinct flavor profile from black cherry and cardamom to sweet fruit notes and savory black pepper. Housed in a spacious rustic barn, the tasting room has a charming quality, and on the patio you can sip a glass of wine while relaxing in one of the chairs made out of salvaged wine barrels.
Insider tip: Take home a bottle of Old Ghost, coming from the very best Old Vine Zins Klinker Brick produces each year.

Image Source: Yelp

Jeremy Wine Co.
6 W. Pine St.
Lodi, CA 95240
(209) 367-3773
TripAdvisor: 5 stars, 8 reviews
Reservation: Required for groups of eight or more
Directions: From Klinker Brick Winery, head North on East Pine Street for 0.9 miles and turn left on East Victor Road. Head down this road for 2.2 miles, take a left onto Beckman Road for 0.2 miles and take a right onto Pine Street.

A boutique winery with a cozy tasting room in the heart of historic downtown Lodi, Jeremy Wine Co. produces small batches of wine. Dry and fruity Zinfandels aged in French and American oak barrels are characteristic of Jeremy Wine Co. Beginning his wine career in Lodi in 1990, owner and winemaker Jeremy Trettevik can give you the insider’s perspective on the region’s Zinfandels. Come prepared to pepper him with questions.
Insider tip: Purchase one of Jeremy’s refillable wine jugs and have the tasting room staff fill it with your favorite wine to-go.

Image Source: Yelp

Oak Farm Vineyards
23627 Devries Rd.
Lodi, CA 95242
(209) 365-6565
TripAdvisor: 4.5 stars, 4 reviews
Reservation: Required for groups of six or more
Directions: From Jeremy Wine Co., head west on West Pine Street toward North School Street for 0.8 miles, turn left onto South Ham lane and continue for 0.3 miles, then make a right onto West Lodi Avenue. Continue on this street for 1.3 miles, at the traffic circle take the second exit, and continue on West Lodi Avenue. Turn right onto North Davis Road and continue for 4.1 miles, where you’ll make a left turn onto West Peltier Road. After a mile on this road, make a right turn on Devries Road, and the winery will be just 0.7 miles down the street.

This small-lot vineyard was appropriately named for the enormous oaks on the 60-acre historic estate. Sip the award-winning 2012 Zinfandel (Wegat Vineyard) on the rose garden terrace or in the brand new gorgeous 2,600-square-foot tasting room.
Insider tip: On the weekends, enjoy a VIP tour of the winery’s vineyards, crushpad, and barrel room (includes a full tasting).

Lodi wineries are slowly stealing the spotlight one bottle of Zinfandel at a time. Although small in comparison to sister regions Sonoma County and Napa Valley, Lodi has a burgeoning wine scene with vineyards creating top-notch wines. If you’re looking for luscious reds and an exciting wine adventure off the beaten path, make Lodi your destination.

The post A Zinfandel Lovers Guide to Lodi first appeared on WineCountry.com.

Traveler’s Guide to Santa Ynez Valley

WineCountry Staff — Wed, 06 Jan 2016 09:00:44 +0000

Wineries like Sunstone Vineyards and Winery, Fess Parker Winery, and Bridlewood Estate Winery have put Santa Ynez Valley on the map. Not to mention it was featured in the hit Academy Award winning movie Sideways. If you’re planning to explore the Santa Ynez Wine Trail, we’ve compiled a list of places to stay, places to eat, and things to do that will make your trip memorable.

Where to Stay

Image Source: Yelp

Hotel Corque
400 Alisal Rd
Solvang, CA 93463
(800) 624-5572
TripAdvisor: 4.5 stars, 531 reviews

Luxurious, rustic, and modern, Hotel Corque is a great place to stay during your trip to Santa Ynez Valley. Located in the Danish town of Solvang, Hotel Corque is a premier four diamond boutique hotel that will help you relax before your day of wine tasting and exploration. You can eat at the hotel’s restaurant Root 246 or venture out into town and explore the many danish bakeries and restaurants in the area.
Insider tip: Looking for a room with a view? Ask for a top floor room at the rear of the hotel overlooking the pool.

Image Source: Mirabelle Inn

Mirabelle Inn
409 1st St
Solvang, CA 93463
(805) 688-1703
TripAdvisor: 4.5 stars, 222 reviews

Looking for a hotel that has a warm, quaint, European ambiance? Mirabelle Inn is the perfect pick for a romantic getaway. Located in downtown Solvang, Mirabelle Inn is known for its elegance and hospitality with extras like flowers in the room, chocolates, and special occasion cakes. Breakfast is provided on the patio and wine and cheese are served in the afternoon. Sample some of the Santa Ynez Valley wines in the restaurant for dinner along with rare vintage selections from Napa Valley and Sonoma County.
Insider tip: The Solvang Festival Theater, located one block away, is worth checking out after a day of wine tasting. Plays such as Shrek, The Glass Menagerie, and Sense and Sensibility run year around.

Image Source: Yelp

Santa Ynez Inn
3627 Sagunto St
Santa Ynez, CA 93460
(805) 688-5588
TripAdvisor: 5 stars, 294 reviews

Stay closer to the wineries at the Santa Ynez Inn. Luxurious, sophisticated, cozy yet spacious, this hotel focuses on providing you a relaxing and peaceful stay. Splurge for the Romance Package which includes: a welcome bottle of chilled sparkling wine, chocolate covered strawberries, a lovely guest room for two, a full American Breakfast cooked to order, evening wine tasting, hors d’oeuvres, and desserts.
Insider tip: The courtyard rooms provide a balcony where you can sit outside and enjoy lovely live jazz music from the restaurant across the garden.

Where to Eat

Image Source: Yelp

Industrial Eats
181 Industrial Way
Buellton, CA 93427
(805) 688-8807
TripAdvisor: 4.5 stars, 135 reviews
Reservations: Not required

Want to up your foodie game? Try Industrial Eats, but don’t let the casual, communal dining style fool you. This little gem rivals any restaurant in Los Angeles or San Francisco. From the beef tongue pastrami reuben sandwich to the gorgonzola apple bacon pizza and the white shrimp pancetta with chile and garlic, you are sure to find something to satisfy your appetite.
Insider tip: Industrial Eats offers two-day butcher classes for a hands on experience in breaking down your own pig.

Image Source: Yelp

S.Y. Kitchen
1110 Faraday St
Santa Ynez, CA 93460
(805) 691-9794
TripAdvisor: 4.5 stars, 85 reviews
Reservations: Recommended

One of the best little Italian restaurants in the area, S.Y. Kitchen offers an upscale ambiance both inside and outside its Italian-inspired California barn setting. S.Y. Kitchen offers fresh fare like grilled prawns, wild mushroom pappardelle, margherita di bufala pizza, and t-bone truffle sliders. Save room for desserts like homemade vanilla panna cotta and almond chocolate cake.
Insider tip: Looking for a cocktail instead of a glass of wine? Try the “Old Fashioned Therapy” made with homemade bitters.

Things to Do

Image Source: Yelp

Chumash Casino
3400 E Hwy 246
Santa Ynez, CA 93460
(800) 248-6274
TripAdvisor: 3.5 stars, 139 reviews

If you’re looking for an alternative to the peace and quiet of the wineries and tasting rooms, Chumash Casino and Resort is the place to go. Recently remodeled, the casino provides slots, tables, bingo, and much more. If it’s not gambling you’re seeking, check out the live entertainment acts that pass through such as Def Leppard, Air Supply, Little River Band, and Kansas to name a few. Fine and casual dining options are available 24 hours a day.
Insider tip: Chumash Casino offers a shuttle service starting in LA County and running all the way up to San Luis Obispo. It’s perfect if you don’t want to drive your own vehicle.

Image Source: Yelp

Vino Vaqueros Horseback Riding
Estelle Vineyards
2178 Mora Ave
Santa Ynez, CA 93460
(805) 944-0493
TripAdvisor: 5 stars, 6 reviews

Looking for an alternative to traditional wine tasting? Do it on the back of a horse. Sign up for the Wine and Ride package at Estelle Vineyards where you will ride through the ranch and vineyards and then taste a glass of Estelle wine back at the barn. Or splurge on the Ride, Dine, and Wine package at Fess Parker Vineyards. It includes a ride through the vineyards followed by a tasting of Fess Parker wines and a gourmet meal of locally made sandwiches and salads. All levels and ages are welcome.
Insider tip: After your ride, head over to the Santa Ynez Valley Historical Museum and Janeway-Parks Carriage House where you will learn the rich history of the area and how it became one of the premier wine destinations in the world.

Image Source: Yelp

Santa Barbara Wine Country Cycling Tours
1693 Mission Dr
Solvang, CA 93463
(888) 557-8687
TripAdvisor: 5 stars, 22 reviews

Cycling is another fantastic way to tour the Santa Ynez Valley. Santa Barbara Wine Country Cycling Tours offers packages to accommodate all types of riders—from beginner to experienced. Each tour provides gorgeous views of the valley along with olive oil and wine tastings at different tasting rooms. Choose the Wine, Dine, and Unwind package and you’ll be treated to a relaxing massage at Terra Massage and lunch or dinner across the street at the Vineyard House after a morning of cycling.
Insider tip: If cycling isn’t your cup of tea, the company provides hiking packages as well.

Image Source: Yelp

Gypsy Art Studios
3001 Santa Ynez Ave
Santa Ynez, CA 93460
(805) 990-2105
TripAdvisor: 5 stars, 5 reviews

Looking to take home a souvenir that will complement your collection of wine? Gypsy Art Studios can help. With fresh air painting out in the vineyards, you will create your own picture of the views and scenery. Skill level isn’t important, but a good attitude and a glass of wine are required. Relaxing, fun, and creative, you might actually find your inner Picasso.
Insider tip: If you don’t see a class on the calendar, you can schedule a private painting session.

While the Santa Ynez Valley is becoming well known for its wineries, it’s also becoming very well known for its hospitality. If you’re planning a trip to Santa Barbara, Paso Robles, or just simply driving on the 101, make time to visit the Santa Ynez Valley.

The post Traveler’s Guide to Santa Ynez Valley first appeared on WineCountry.com.

The Best Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon in 2 Days

WineCountry Staff — Thu, 27 Aug 2015 21:44:02 +0000

You could spend months in Napa Valley and still not have tried all of the exquisite wines, but if you only have two days and you want to really understand Napa Valley wine, we have you covered. This two day itinerary will take you to some of the best premium Cabernet Sauvignon producers in Napa Valley, while leaving you ample time to enjoy each tasting. Each day is centered around one of the main thoroughfares (Highway 29 or Silverado Trail), and begins at the north end of Napa Valley and works south back towards the town of Napa.

Day 1: Highway 29

Image Source: Beringer Vineyards

Beringer Vineyards
2000 Main St
St. Helena, CA 94574
(866) 708-9463
Yelp: 4 stars, 367 reviews
Reservation: Not needed for bar tasting, required for tours and food and wine pairings
Directions: 19 miles north of downtown Napa on Highway 29, take a left off of the highway and you’re there

The longest continuously operating winery in Napa Valley, Beringer has been a standard bearer since 1876. The wines have structure and depth of flavor, with immense ageability, year after year.

The wine to taste: Beringer Vineyards Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley) $165

Image Source: Robert Mondavi Winery

Robert Mondavi Winery
7801 St. Helena Hwy
Oakville, CA 94562
(888) 766-6328
Yelp: 4 stars, 616 reviews
Reservation: Not needed for bar tasting, required for tours and food and wine pairings
Directions: Drive 0.5 miles on Bella Oaks Lane back out to Highway 29, take a right, drive 1 mile and take a right, you can’t miss it!
Robert Mondavi Winery is synonymous with Napa Valley due to its illustrious founder, and the wines deserve the same consideration. The To Kalon Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon comes from the famed To Kalon Vineyard next to the winery, and is one of the best cabs in Napa Valley today.

The wine to taste: Robert Mondavi Winery To Kalon Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon (Oakville, Napa Valley) $145

Day 2: Silverado Trail

Image Source: Joseph Phelps Vineyards

Joseph Phelps Vineyards
200 Taplin Rd
St. Helena, CA 94574
(707) 963-2745
Yelp: 4.5 stars, 198 reviews
Reservation: Required
Directions: 18.5 miles north of Napa on the Silverado Trail. Drive 18 miles to Taplin Road, take a right and drive 0.5 miles and bear to your left.

Joseph Phelps’ wines helped define Napa Valley’s style and quality in the ‘80s and ‘90s, and they embody Napa Valley Cabernet’s ability to be enjoyed now or in 20 years.

The wine to taste: Joseph Phelps Insignia (Napa Valley) $225

Image Source: Shafer Vineyards and Shafer Vineyards Yelp

Shafer Vineyards
6154 Silverado Trail
Napa, CA 94558
(707) 944-2877
Yelp: 5 stars, 32 reviews
Reservation: Required
Directions: Turn right onto Taplin Road, drive 0.5 miles and turn left onto the Silverado Trail. Head south for 6 miles, then turn left onto the unmarked road with a vertical white sign listing street numbers, including Shafer’s address, 6154. Drive 0.2 miles, then take a left to arrive at the Shafer gate.

With exquisite flavors and a structure that should win an architecture award, Shafer’s wines represents the best of what Napa Valley can do. Shafer is certainly the First Family equivalent of Napa Valley wineries.

The wine to taste: The flagship wine, Hillside Select, is only available to list members, but their other Cabernet does not disappoint: Shafer Vineyards One Point Five Cabernet Sauvignon (Stag’s Leap District, Napa Valley) $80

Image Source: Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars

Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars
5766 Silverado Trail
Napa, CA 94558
(707) 944-2020
Yelp: 4 stars, 216 reviews
Reservation: Not needed for bar tasting, required for tours
Directions: Head back out to the Silverado Trail, take a left to head south for 1.5 miles, then turn left into the winery parking lot.

Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars’ Cask 23 told the world about Napa Valley at the Judgment of Paris in 1976, and it hasn’t stopped performing since. The gorgeous new visitor center is the perfect backdrop for this stunning wine.

The wine to taste: Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars Cask 23 Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley) $245

Ready to hop on Highway 29? Start planning your Napa Valley wine tasting and don’t forget to vote for your favorite Cabernet Sauvignon below!

Which is the best Cabernet Sauvignon in Napa Valley?

The post The Best Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon in 2 Days first appeared on WineCountry.com.