Stunning, Award Winning California Wineries with Fabulous Pairings
In 1976, Steven Spurrier, a sommelier in Paris, visited the Napa Valley of California to bring the best wines he could find to Paris for a blind taste test against the best French wines. What happened has become the stuff of legends. When the California wines defeated the French wines the wine industry of California changed forever.
The breathtaking Ferrari-Carano Vineyards and Winery, Sonoma, California.
Overlooking stunning vineyards, gardens and fountains, the Villa Terrace Wine Tasting area of the Ferrari-Carano Vineyards and Winery.
A selection of wines from Ferrari Carano.
2018 Siena Sonoma County, Gold Medal Winner. An easy‐sipping, Sangiovese‐based, red wine blend. Siena has delicious aromas of toasted graham cracker, plum, raspberry and mocha that lead to flavors of baked cherry pie, vanilla bean, cola and spice with sweet oak notes and hints of butterscotch lingering on the finish. Siena has supple tannins and a balanced mouthfeel with lively elegance and depth. What shall we pair with this delightful vino?
Chicken Cacciatore will be perfecto! Credit: Prouditaliancook.com.
Vineyards of Ferrari-Carano Vineyards and Winery.
Melville Vineyards and Winery, Lompac, California. Credit: yelp.com.
Melville Vineyards and Winery with rolling hills in the background.
Glorious setting to relax and enjoy a beautiful tour or delicious tasting. Melville Winery.
2017 Blanc de Blanc Estate Sparking Wine. Golden straw in color, vibrant and crisp aromatics of granny smith apples, lemon peel and a hint of toasted brioche spring from the glass. On the palate, fresh and zippy notes of jasmine flower, rock salt and jicama are immediately apparent while more tender components of marzipan, grilled pineapple and honeycomb linger in the background. Bone dry in texture, vivacious and tight bubbles provide ample lift that leads to a lingering and concentrated finish. And our choice of a heavenly pairing to this crisp bubbly?
Broiled lobster tails. Credit: Wholesomeyum.com.
Flowers Winery was founded on a mountaintop piece of land on the first ridgeline of the Sonoma Coast with incredible views of the Pacific Ocean.
A private space for wine tasting with gourmet treats at Flowers Vineyard and Winery.
On the Sonoma Coast at around 1100 feet up, the thick morning cloud layer is perfect for growing grapes. Flowers Winery. Watch the video and learn about the history of this amazing location.
Flowers Winery Bottles & Provisions. Estate wines alongside local, seasonal bites.
2019 Flowers Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir. Red currents, earthy forest floor, bergamot and sea breeze. A balanced wine with persistent mid palate that is laced with acidity and tart cherry, finishing light and lifted with a twist of blood orange. Let’s pair this beauty with…
Honey glazed duck with cherry sauce and pineapple chutney. Credit: Vice.com.
The only way to reach the Sterling Vineyards, Napa Valley, is by aerial tram.
The magnificent mountain top Sterling Vineyards. Credit: Kazzit.com.
Lush landscape of Sterling Vineyards.
2019 Sterling Vineyards Carneros Rosé of Syrah. This Syrah Rosé is distinctive for its somewhat weightier style, with expressive aromas of ripe red fruit layered with floral notes of Rose petal and violets. Flavors mimic the aromas, with notes of pomegranate and spice shining through. The most exotic pairing?
Indian chicken curry. Credit: Hermodernkitchen.com.
The history of California wines is truly fascinating. Interested in the story behind the French/California blind taste test of 1976? Watch the movie, Bottle Shock. Enjoy!
