DRINK

It all started when…

If you want to know how people maximize their wine tasting experiences, follow this simple rule. Less is more. Seems counter intuitive right? Nope. Maximizing your experience doesn't mean you need to see it all... it's about enjoying what you do see (and drink). Do not try to pack as many stops in as possible in one day. Driver or no driver, this is never a good game plan for your wallet, or your wine drinking in the future. Repeat after me "quality over quantity"...

We already talked about our very first stop on the trip, which was to Kendall Jackson Estate. From Santa Rosa we headed straight to Sonoma, which is about a 60 minute drive through the Hillside east. We were set up at Pangloss Cellars for a tasting there, which was not what I was expecting, but I was still happy with the experience. I thought Sonoma, rolling hillside of vineyards, giant estate sites, big building... Yes there are places like that there, but this is not one of them. This was located in the heart of downtown Sonoma, near some of the oldest Adobe architecture in town. It was actually pretty cool to see it in person.

First and foremost, I wasn't super excited with their white wine selections. I thought they were a little confusing (both texturally, and geographically) for the wine varieties that were being made in that area. That being said, i'm not very used to California white wines either. I guess when I read Chenin Blanc I just expected a little more out of it. I usually love Chenin Blanc. Maybe I was having an off day. I WAS however, impressed with their reds. I fell in love with their wine called Tenacity. It was a 2015 Red blend, and it blew my socks off. They had a wonderful 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon on the list as well that was wonderful. I purchased one bottle, but I honestly need to go back and see which one it was. I don't think they let me buy the Tenacity, so I think maybe it was their 2015 Anderson Valley Pinot Noir.

The building itself ended up being decorated very well, and the atmosphere was definitely giving off some underground wine bar vibes, almost pre prohibition esq. My only complaint is that our server was new, and didn't seem to be very interested in talking about the wines in depth or explaining the area well. He also was new to the area... so there's that.

DAY 2: LA CREMA ESTATE

We started our morning off a little early so that we could get to a couple of wineries on day two without running behind schedule, or running out of time.

We were seated on the outside patio, and since it was only 11am it was a little chilly still. This has nothing to do with them at all, I usually just don't like being outside for tastings, or eating. I hate bugs, and I hate being cold when I’m trying to focus.

I was honestly just so happy that I was drinking wine in a new place, and that the scenery was so nice around us that I really didn't care about the bugs, or being a little chilly. I didn't spit anything out, or dump anything out either. Since we were on Industry terms with all of these appointments, they didn't spare us from extra tastings 💁🏼‍♀️🍷🍷🍷

I was honestly so excited during this visit that I didn't get any photos of the place itself other than one of this wine rack, and this awesome hexagon floor that we want to put in our new kitchen.

We were able to get a full tour of the entire residence. It was really awesome to hear the stories of the Jackson Family living their with their kids. How often they entertained guests. If those walls could talk.... Honestly, it was a great experience and the associates were all very kind to us. I'd love to see them visit me at work in Oregon.

La Crema, and Jackson Family both I think get somewhat of “bad reputations” for being value brands. Being a true “Oregon wine snob” (not really) I honestly can say that both are worth visiting. We enjoyed the wine selections. No they aren't high-end, but does that even matter? Everyone needs a wine they can enjoy and not break the bank over. I didn't feel like garbage after I drank it, and like I said i've sought it out after. I'm glad these guys have come up into the Oregon territory. I'm excited to try the La Crema Dundee Hills Pinot Noir soon!

DAY 2: SECOND STOP | RIDGE

I can't say enough wonderful things about Ridge winery. I was a fan before I made my way out there, and it was by far the place I was most excited to visit. Holy guacamole!

If you are a serious wine drinker, do not miss the opportunity to visit this place. The wine selections are full of Cabernet and Merlot from all of their vineyard sites. I was able to try their Zin's as well and was absolutely ecstatic. The gentleman working in the tasting room called me out after a few minutes for being apart of the industry because of my questions, I was trying to go under the radar for a bit but I nerded out way too hard.

I mean........ tasting through the 2007 & 2011 Monte Bello side by side was incredible. There was something about those vintages that were alive and singing. Those happen to be my lucky numbers as well so it was fate. 2007 is also my graduation year. 2011 was my first full year in the wine industry and I remember it well in Oregon. I'm not so sure about the season in California but for us it was cold and wet. These wines were gorgeous. The 2014 Perrone Merlot was also wonderful. Honestly I don't think we tried a single wine we didn't like. I think my Husband stopped a while behind me, but I was talking and smiling from ear to ear about the wine selections.

Then he poured us the big poppa. The 98 point James Suckling winner, and Top 100.

Here's the official tasting note: Unique aromas of blackberry, black currant, dark chocolate and walnut. Full body, very powerful and tannic. Incredible depth and power. Precise and so focused. Muscular. Great structure.

I will never forget that experience, and I definitely went home with whatever I could actually afford, which was one of their amazing Zinfandel's. Lucky me! Do not miss your chance to visit them when you are in town. Literally we saw these two wineries that day, and enjoyed a walk around Healdsburg eating lunch at Shed. *Read my last two posts if you missed them, I honestly need to get back there ASAP.

Cheers to your next Vino Adventure!

Xo - Britt