When traveling to a new wine region, you can quickly cut to the top of the list just by asking around for the locally famous winemakers. In a town like Murphys, winemakers like Rich Gilpin are known by name. He is the man behind the magic of several wineries known for...
The newest tasting room in Murphys is in a large building right on the main strip. I believe it was once the firehouse. In this great location, Bunting Wines serves up some classically French-styled wines with a punch. The French style is not only seen in their...
Where better to go on March 17 than Irish Family Vineyards in Murphys, CA! This trip, wowed with a Malvasia Bianca that had lots of apricot and lemon curd with a hint of banana. Their Duct Tape that fixes most everything is now called Quick Fix and it still does with...
Who says Merlot cannot be the star of the show!? The Broll Mountain Vineyards Merlot was balanced, complex, and bursting with that dark cherry cassis flavor that is such a hallmark characteristic of this grape. BRAVO! And what a beautiful tasting room: [gallery...
If you like zins with unique characteristics, stop for a tasting at Newsome Harlow Wines. On my last visit, they were pouring a special barrel sample of a zin with the thickness of olive oil and a hint of hazelnut on the long finish. Delightfully refreshing! The...
All the wines are balanced and complex at Vina Moda probably because their winemaker is too. It’s clear from a tasting that these wines come from an experienced mind with the passion to think a little differently. Could be because he hand selects each grape or...
Contestants stand on red grapes within a half barrel while a mucker (no, not a typo) ensures all the juice flows into a measuring can and filters out skins, seeds, or stems that could block the flow. The juice excised is measured and winners announced with the most clear juice.
Was challenged to find a Cinsault for a winemaker dinner and was still not able to find one. I even checked in Santa Barbara, Paso Robles, Healdsburg, and the Bay Area, simply because that's where my travels took me the few days before this tasting. Why is this lovely...
You can find well crafted Italian varietals with a California edge at La Folia Winery in Murphys. Their Barbera is my favorite with a big blue smokey flavor that lasts. But the unique find at La Folia that is quite unexpected is a white light crisp wine that is...
Man, you can pack up your car to leave Murphys but it won't soon leave you. Something about this place pulls you in like a warm hug. The town may be in the midst of the quintessential growth spurt of any California wine pocket but it sure has not outgrown its small...