Willamette Valley Oregonis one of the absolute best wine regions in the entire world. They produce some of the most world class Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, and (finally) Chardonnay not only in the US, but in the world. Willamette wine producers and workers are also some of the friendliest and most accommodating folks that you will ever encounter in wine country. They really know their stuff, and love sharing the wonders of Willamette wines. And the beauty of Willamette Valley vineyards and countryside may arguably be the prettiest wine country overall in the US.
But don’t pronounce Willamette “will-a-meat”, or “will-a-met” or anything else. You will be corrected immediately by the locals…
“It is pronounced Will-am-it, just like Dammit!”
My lovely bride and I had a Wedding Anniversary coming up, and we decided we wanted to go to wine country…yah shocker huh? We know Napa Valley and Sonoma Valley like the back of our hands because we visit often. We know the best areas to taste, we know where to eat, we know that if we are not done tasting wine at 5:00 in Sonoma Valley we can go to Girard and their tasting room is open until 7-PM. In other words we love the familiarity, and it is like our second home to some extent. But sadly we had never been to Oregon Wine Country before and we were seeking a new adventure.
I get the opportunity to attend many really cool and informative wine events and tastings events as they come through the Dallas/Fort Worth area. This was the case when “Pinot In The City – Willamette Valley Wine”came to town last year, and decided almost immediately that Willamette Valley, Oregon would be my next wine country destination!
We flew into Portland, rented a car at the airport and headed South. Portland is a city that I definitely want to spend some time soon. Hipsters, coffee houses, microbreweries, great food, and a really cool vibe in the city. But we had wine country waiting for us, SO ROLL ON THROUGH!
VIDON VINEYARDS
Our fist visit was with Vidon Vineyards (Vee-Dohn) outside of Newberg. We had an early 9:00 Am appointment with the proprietor Don Hagge. We drove through the simple entrance, through the beautiful vineyards, and around the house overlooking the vineyards to the small production facilities just beyond the home. We noticed a sign that read “Tasting Room” and we looked around, but no one came out to meet us. But I heard a John Deere Gator coming towards me between the vines, and here comes an older gentleman with a full head of white hair. We introduced ourselves, and I soon learned more about Don Hagge and what drives this amazing man. As I discovered he is very hands-on and spends a lot of time attending to his vines. We also discovered even at his advanced age he really is a One Man Show for the most part! To say Don Hagge is an amazing would be a gross understatement.
Don Hagge was Chief Astrophysicist at Nasa Space Program from 1964-1970, assisting with Apollo, Saturn 1, and Explorer programs
Don Hagge Pouring his wines!
Have you ever actually met a Rocket Scientist before? Well I have now, and I love this man! He took a shinning to my wife Margie too It seems… as I turned my back for a moment and he put her on the Gator as he weaved through the vineyards collecting Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, and Voignier grapes for her simply because she asked what they tasted like before crushing. What a charming man, and he just makes you feel better about yourself for knowing him!
After he retired from NASA he enjoyed several ventures. In 1999 at the ripe age of 69 Don decided he wanted to become a Winemaker. So he bought land in Oregon’s Chehalem Mountain AVA in Willamette Valley, cleared the land and planted vines. He built his home on the property in 2003. And he has never looked back. At 85 years young Don is still sharp as a tack and full of energy!
Vidon Reserve Wines
Wine production is onsite and current production is about 2000 cases of 100% Estate-Grown wines. His Pinot Noir is produced from 5 different clones. He also produces Tempranillo and Syrah. White wines include a damn good Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc, Viognier, and the favorite for my wife Margie ; Rose from Pinot Noir!
If you are in Willamette stop by Vidon Vineyards. Visit with Don Hagge and taste his great wines. You will thank me.
ALLORO VINEYARDS
After a trip back to Newberg for lunch, we were off to our next appointment Alloro Vineyards. Alloro is a very stunning property that is immaculately landscaped and reminiscent of Vineyards and wineries in Tuscany, Italy. Landscaping was absolutely beautiful, and the grounds were magnificent but not ostentatious in the least. In fact, the property is very welcoming and comfortable for guests. Just off of the tasting room is a picnic area for patrons so they can sit with a glass of wine and breath in the wonderful scenery. Margie immediately grabbed a glass of 2014 Estate Pinot Noir, plopped herself in a chair on the patio, and watched the hawks fly over the perfect rows of grapevines. She was in heaven, or actually Willamette Dammit. And while she loves good wine and definitely can tell the difference between a good and not so good wine; she couldn’t care less about all the details and nuances of how it was actually produced. Me on the other hand… Well I am a wine geek. So I met and chatted with Winemaker Tom Fitzpatrick.
Alloro Vineyards Entrance
Alloro Vineyards was originally planted in 1999, and the 34-acre vineyard is devoted to Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Riesling, and Muscat on Laurel Ridge in the Chehalem Mountains AVA, Willamette Valley. The production facilities and winery are on site to improve processing from vines to crush in a very short time, and is powered by Solar. An incredible gravity flow design in the production buildings gently moves the wine from crush pad, through fermentation and then barrels in the underground cave! Production is around 2500 cases per year.
UC Davis educated and trained in Burgundy, Winemaker Tom Fitzpatrick explained the terroir is paramount to making wines from the vineyards of Alloro. The soil, aspect of the vineyards, and the painstaking process of gentle handling and gravity flow are all designed to bring out the purity of flavor and to preserve its signature qualities of the site.
Tom believes that a wine should be an “expression of place, at a moment in time”
2014 Alloro Pinot Noir. Red and dark fruits dominate, with notes of spice, and rose petal on the nose. While fruit forward and great concentration, it has a beautiful texture, ample structure and substance, with great balance.
2015 Alloro Chardonnay. Dijon clones, cool climate style. Palate is full, balanced and a great core of minerality that really fits my palate. Pear, tropical fruits, nuttiness dance on the tongue.
DINNER
We left Alloro and headed back to our hotel to get ready for dinner at Dundee Bistro Wine & Bubble Bar. A classic wine bistro with a great selection of wines, heavy on Willamette Valley, and casual enough that you can wear jeans and a nice shirt and feel very comfortable. The food was farm-to-table New American, and offered many local wines by the glass. As a bonus Ponzi Vineyards has a Tasting Room next door, and you can BYOB for a small fee. We enjoyed a Sokol Blosser Dundee Hills Pinot Noir 2012. Tangy red fruits, dark cherry, spices, savory with an earthy edge. Very nice!
ROCO WINERY
The following day we had a late 11:00 appointment at Roco Winery outside of Newberg. After breakfast we had a little time before our appointment, so we decided to drive around just enjoy the area before our appointment. As I stated earlier Willamette may be the prettiest wine country anywhere. It is Willamette Dammit, and I love this valley! I scouted out several places that was a must visit either later on this trip or the next one.
Rocco Winery, Newberg Or
I wanted to visit Roco Winery for one reason; Winemaker Rollin Soles. Known for his quick wit and handlebar mustache, the Texas-born (big points for being Texan) Soles co-founded Argyle Winery in 1987. He left in 2013 to concentrate on his own project “Rocco”, which had been open for about 10 years at that point. Rollin received a bachelor’s degree in microbiology from Texas A&M and a master’s degree in enology and viticulture at U C Davis. I have been a big fan of Rollin’s wines at Argyle for many years, and he was one of the few Winemakers to produce a Red, White, and Sparkling Wine that reached the Wine Spectator Top 100. But alas the wine gods were not shining on me this morning as Rollin had a personal issue, and he was called away and wasn’t able to join me. So we did a quick tasting of the wines and I hope to return on my next trip to get a better look at what the infamous Winemaker and Willamette Legend is up too with Rocco.
Roco Gravel Road Chardonnay
2015 Roco Gravel Road Chardonnay was delightful. Blended from his 3 favorite Chardonnay vineyards. Creamy and rich, notes of peach, pear, apricot. This is a sensuous and sexy wine!
LUNCH
Lunch in wine country always draws me to where the locals eat, such as Dry Creek General Storein Sonoma. Well we found a great place like reminiscent this day; Red Hills Market in Dundee! Delicious wood fired oven pizza on the patio & a glass of local Pinot Noir with the locals was perfect. They have a great menu, sell lots of cured meats, salads, and sandwiches. You can also find a few wine country paraphernalia here such as wine glasses, coffee mugs, and country store type items that oddly are not readily prevalent in Willamette unlike other areas such as Napa, Sonoma, or even Hill Country of Texas. That was surprising, as tasting rooms cam make a lot of extra cash selling these items. But possibly the folks in Willamette were here to sell wine, not trinkets and t-shirts. After all it is Willamette Damnit!
VISTA HILLS WINERY
Our next stop was top 5 of all the winery visits I have ever experienced at Vista Hills Winery!
Vista Hills Vineyard
Vista Hills Vineyardand Winery is next door to Domaine Serene, and down the road from Domaine Drouhin. So you can understand this is exalted terroir that produces some of the absolute best Pinot Noir in the world.
The Winery and Tasting Room are in the top of the hill surrounded and shaded by large trees. When you walk in the lobby you are amazed by the breathtaking scenery just outside the doors the tall windows and glass doors.
Large shaded wooden deck called The Treehouse overlooking a vast valley of perfectly manicured grapevines… Astonishingly beautiful!
The Treeehouse, Vista Hills Vineyard, Dundee Oregon
Winemaker Dave Petterson, Vista Hills Vineyards
We sat out on the shaded deck overlooking the vines with Winemaker Dave Petterson for about 2 hours as he personally poured through his wines, and chatting about the wonders of Vista Hills and how to get the most from this hallowed land for his wines. Unlike some of his fore mentioned neighbors just to the North and East of him, Dave believes applying a minimalistic approach in the cellar to showcase both site and vintage. In part this means low use of new oak, and believes in the brick red Jory soil dense with nutrients that grow these amazing grapes! He produces several Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris, and are 100% Estate Grown fruit.
’15 Vista Hills Piedmont Pinot Noir Dundee Hills, OR
2015 Vista Hills Piedmont Pinot Noir Dundee, Willamette Valley : Somewhat translucent in the glass, but don’t let that fool you. This wine is bursting of flavor. Raspberry, ripe dark cherry, cloves, baking spices. Smooth finish and mild tannins. Exceptional.
It was getting late in the afternoon, so we decided to go see one of my favorite Willamette Valley Wines; Penner-Ash!
PENNER ASH CELLERS
Penner-Ash Tasting Room
Penner-Ash Wine Cellars is sitting on the top of a large hill overlooking a beautiful valley below. The winery is state of the art, and gravity flow. We met a lovely young lady pouring wines and I explained was a Wine Writer & apologized because I didn’t have an appointment. She couldn’t have been more accommodating. The tasting fee is $25, but if you purchase a Single Vineyard or better wine they waive the tasting fee. We did of course purchase a few bottles because these are tremendous Pinots, and some can only be purchased at the winery.
Penner-Ash Cellars
We decided to do a quick tasting, then purchase a bottle and go to the patio overlooking Willamette valley and soak it all in. We were well rewarded as this may be one of the best views in the valley! And my bride Margie got to do what she likes best… sit & sip wine with a beautiful view.
HEAVEN!
If I could say anything about Willamette Valley wines overall they are exceptional. In fact they make some of the absolute best Pinot Noir in the world. And the Willamette Valley is simply incredibly beautiful. Thinking about going to wine country soon? Let me help you:
Go to Willamette Valley and don’t forget; It’s “Willamette Dammit!”
Thank you for taking the time to read my article, and PLEASE leave a commentbelow to let me know you were here.
I recently visited Lodi Wine Country. Yes, you read right. I said “Lodi Wine Country”.
Lodi Gold! Photo courtesy of Randy Caparoso
I dare say most of the wine drinking public wouldn’t know Lodi Appellation produced great wine. That is perhaps unless you are a wine producer, wine professional, or maybe a California wine enthusiast. In fact, I am in the wine business and while I have enjoyed many terrific wines from Lodi Wine Country, I had to look up on a map exactly where Lodi, California was located (By the way it is between Stockton and Sacramento).
Most folks only know Lodi from the Credence Clearwater Revival song and the line “Oh lord, stuck in Lodi Again”. Being “stuck in Lodi” may have been the case in the 1970 when the song was recorded, but that certainly is NOT the case now.
This is cool, upcoming, and happening kind of wine destination.
Well kind of…
I say “kind of” because Lodi Wine Country is a Paradox. Let me explain.
The Lodi Wine Country was just named by Wine Enthusiast Magazine “Wine Region Of The Year for 2015”! That is quite a feat indeed, and quite an honor from a very prestigious magazine. Lodi Wine Appellation now boasts over 85 wineries in the area, and over 100 different varieties of grapes are grown. It isn’t just Old Vine Zinfandel like many non-informed wine lovers think. Although some of the old gnarly Zinfandel vines planted in the 1850’s makes as good of old vine zin as anywhere!
A few things to consider about Lodi Wine:
The passion and pride of the 4-5 generations of Winegrape growers,
Incredible quality of the grapes they are producing and the terroir,
The truly ingenious young Winemakers
How Lodi is so primed to be the “next big wine destination”.
Lodi seems to be a paradox. In other words while they are primed to the ‘next big wine region’ and everything points to just that, Lodi powers that be do not want that to happen.
Well kind of… I will explain later.
Wine Bloggers Welcome Dinner by Snooth Media and Lodi Winegrape Commission!
In September I and five other Wine Writers and Bloggers were very fortunate to be invited to discover the wonders of Lodi Wine Country by the great people at Snooth Media and Lodi Winegrape Commission. I was very excited to be invited, but did not quite know what to expect. I dearly love the wine country of Napa and Sonoma and visit often for my “wine fix”. And while I enjoy a Lodi 7-Deadly Zin as much as the next wine aficionado I wasn’t quite sure what to expect.
But what did Lodi Wine Country have to offer?
I was very open minded. Primarily because I had already made a conscious decision to expand my California wine horizons in 2017 beyond Napa and Sonoma Valleys. And Lodi and Paso Robles Appellations were on top of my list of places to explore, visit, and taste. So when Claudia Angelillo, Brand Director of Snooth Media called, I jumped on a plane and started my adventure!
After landing in Sacramento Airport, we were picked up by Claudia in a big white passenger van that would be our transportation for he next 4 days. After about an hour drive we arrived in Lodi. We checked in at the Wine and Roses Hotel in Lodi and I have to tell you it was incredibly beautiful. The hotel was tucked in the back of the same property as the Lodi Winegrape Commission and Visitor Center. I was VERY impressed immediately with the stunning grounds of the hotel. You are surrounded by very relaxing and lush landscaping of mature trees, tropical plants, and beautiful flowers everywhere you turn. Exotic birds were in big cages throughout the property, and they just added a sense of adventure to our setting. They offer an award winning spa, pool, restaurant on site, and would be perfect for a romantic getaway or honeymoon! The rooms were very clean, beds were extremely comfortable, and the décor of the rooms (which included a fireplace) were very wine country pleasant. I will take my lovely bride back to Lodi and we will definitely stay at this hotel for a romantic weekend soon.
Lodi Wine Visitor CenterWine and Roses Hotel, Lodi
The next morning after a great breakfast with the other writers we were loaded in the van and off to the vineyards! Randy Caparoso was our guide for the week, and he was a wealth of information about the incredible history of the Lodi Appellation. Randy seemed to have a great story about the history of Lodi and the winegrape growers at every turn. I am personally a huge history fanatic, so I was very pleased he was so versed in the vast and important history of Lodi to the wine industry of California.
Randy Caparoso
Kevin Soucie of Soucie Vineyards
Within a short drive we were popping corks in Marian’s Vineyard at the Mohr Fry Ranch at 8:45 AM (Yah… I know. It is a tough life I have sometimes). We met wine grower Bruce Fry of St. Amant Winery. We were drinking wines from the vineyards that the wines came from, from the Winemaker that produced the wines. Soon after we were back in the van and down the road to Soucie Vineyards with Kevin Soucie, a 5th Generation Farmer. Winemaker Layne Montgomery of M2 Wines shared his wines from the vineyard. Soon after we were back in the van and down the road to Wegat Vineyard. There under a giant shade tree we met Winegrape Grower Todd Maley, Winemakers Chad Johnson, Layne Montgomery and Tim Holdener. We enjoyed their wines as the cut up with each other, and each told the stories of the grapes, the terroir, and their wines. Added bonus: when you are in the middle of a vineyard popping corks and enjoying incredible wines you don’t need a spit can. You simply spit it out on the ground! And yes, I was spitting at 9 AM in the morning. Mandatory procedure considering we tasted over 200 wines in 4 days time!
Paella for lunch at M2 Vineyards, YUMMMM!
After a tasty lunch of paella cooked at the winery at M2 Wines, the Winemakers were excited to explain the virtues of the Lodi Native Project. I was HIGHLY impressed with the exciting project by these young and passionate winemakers! Check back here soon for more on this incredible project at a later date, but for more information now click here.
M2 Vineyards, MUST visit!
M2 Old Vine Zinfandel
The rest of the week was somewhat similar to this first morning. Yes we were in different vineyards and wineries the next several days. And yes we were listening to different Winemakers and Winegrape Growers as they graciously shared their own wines. But the theme was almost identical. Everyone shared the same passion and pride for Lodi. The also shared the desire for the rest of the wine world to know how special Lodi is, and how important Lodi has been in the growth of the California wine industry.
They told the history of the vineyards and the Lodi terroir. They shared fascinating stories of the generations of families that worked the soil, producing some of the best wine grapes in California. And then they passed the vineyard down to their children. And then those children did the same and handed the vineyards down to their children, and so on.
This was the theme we heard all week from everyone we visited.
The often 5th generation Winegrowers and Winemakers understood the truly special place Lodi, California is, and they want the rest of the world to know this as well.
Well, kind of…
I say “kind of” because I felt an underlying current the entire week: While they want the world to understand how special Lodi is overall, and how important Lodi has been to the California wine industry. While they want the world to appreciate and give credit to the wines that were produced in and from the grapes of Lodi Appellation. While they want more tourists to visit Lodi so they too can understand what their parents, grandparents, and often great grandparents discovered generations ago. They do NOT want to become Napa Valley.
The leaders of Lodi Wine are grappling with consistent push and pull : How to grow and spread the word that “this is a very special place” and “please visit, taste, and tour Lodi”, yet the city fathers, and the Lodi Winegrape Commission are very adamant that they not grow too fast and lose their soul. Example: They have very strict controls against restaurants in the wineries. They can cater food in, but they cannot build a restaurant on site. This holds wineries back. Even more restrictions of when a winery can be built and the zoning. From my short understanding from visiting with the good wine people of Lodi; The restrictions on the growth, often self imposed by their own commissions, seemed stringent at best. But that absolutely is by design.
“We don’t want to be the next Napa Valley”
I was confused and bewildered at first when they mentioned over and over that they did not want to be Napa. After all, look how stunning and beautiful Napa wineries are, and how some of the best Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay in the world is produced in Napa Valley!
But after speaking to the real Lodi wine people that grew up a 4th and 5th generation Winegrape grower. Then seeing how many families began producing their own wines after other regions were winning gold metals and 90+ scores from their grapes, you start to get it.
I live in Texas, and you grow up with a very strong pride of your state. It reminds me very much with the fine people of Lodi Wine Country. They love where they live, and have a strong sense of being. Of where and what they came from, and where they are going in the near future. They want to control of what Lodi Wine Country will look like in the coming decades.
After all you have to admit Napa Valley has become very corporate. It has lost a part of its soul that was so evident from the 1970’s and 1980’s when it was in its heyday of young and aggressive winemakers that were the pioneers of what it is today. And Napa can be quite ostentatious! Unless you are well off the beaten path of the Silverado Trail, you will almost never taste wines from the actual family that farmed the land, harvested the grapes, and produced the wines they are pouring.
Markus Bokish of Bokisch Vineyards
This is not the case in Lodi Wine Country. If you visit Bokish Vineyardsto taste some of the best Spanish Varietal wines in California you are likely to run into and visit with Markus or Liz Bokisch. When you visit McCay Cellarsyou are likely to see Michael McCay and he will share his passion for Zinfandel and Rhone varietals. And this happens any winery you visit in Lodi. This just so rarely happens in Napa Valley because they owners are likely a huge conglomerate of wineries ran by a Board of Directors!
LoCa The Wines Of Lodi, Ca!
So what makes Lodi wines so special?
Number one is the incredible passion of the Lodi Winegrape Growers and talented young Winemakers. The people are warm and inviting and are genuinely glad you are here. But second, and just as important is the Lodi Terroir.
So what is “terroir”? (terˈwär/)
Terroir is a French noun that describes the complete natural environment in which a particular wine is produced, including factors such as the soil, topography, and climate. The characteristic taste and flavor imparted to a wine by the environment in which it is produced.
Marians Vineyard with Bruce Fry, Stuart Spencer, and Randy Caparoso
Lodi Appellation has a Mediterranean climate that will have warm to hot days, and cool evenings. Lodi is situated about 100 miles East of the San Francisco Bay and on the edge of the San Joaquin/Sacramento River Delta. This provides cool breezes and chills the grapes down at night. Warm days allow the winemaker to produce a full flavored complex wine, and the cool nights provide natural acidity. This is a winning combination for any winemaker.
Combine the near perfect climate for wine grapes with the diverse soils formed thousands of years ago through geological events and alluvial waters rich in granitic-based minerals, and you can see why the wines of Lodi are winning gold medals and 90’s scores from the wine magazines around the world
Lodi Vineyard. Photo by Goff Photography
So visit Lodi.
Visit soon and discover the incredible award winning wines that are a true bargain. Discover the warm and friendly people. And discover the beautiful but very unpretentious wineries.
But don’t come looking for Napa.
This is Lodi Wine Country!
Lodi Harvest Gold
Punching the cap at Holdener Vineyards Winery with Kyle Lerner
Thank you for reading and sharing my experiences in Lodi. Check back soon for the follow up on the exciting Lodi Native Project.
And please…Leave a comment below. Wine is for sharing. And not just the wine itself. I love hearing of your own travels and adventures and the great bottles you have discovered!
Dinner at School Street Bistro, downtown Lodi with Snooth Media and our crew!
The lovely Kela enjoying Harney Lane wines with Kyle Lerner
Old Vine Zinfandell at Wegat Vineyard, Lodi
Oak Farms Vineyard, this is a a must visit in Lodi Wine Country!Oak Farm Vineyard Favorites!
2015 Acquiesce Viognier, Stunning wine and possibly my favorite!Macchia Volupous Old Vine Zinfandel Maley Vineyard
Do you live in the DFW Metroplex area? Have I got a great Daytrip for you!
My wife Margie and I love Day Tripping to different spots not far from the Dallas-Fort Worth Texas area.
So what is “Day Tripping”?
Day Tripping is getting in the car and driving 2-3 hours from home, spending a few hours doing something fun, and then driving back home all in one day. No need to pack for an overnight stay. No need for the expenses of a hotel / motel room. Simply dress casual, pack some snacks and water for the road trip, and hit the road!
One of my favorite day tripping is visiting wineries in and around the DFW Metroplex. While there are many in and around our home in North Dallas that are within 30 minute drives, I dearly love the wines of Brennan Vineyards in Comanche, Texas.
I have known the Winemaker Todd Websterfor many years. We first met at TexSom about 4-5 years ago, but I began corresponding with him on Twitter a few years before, so I felt like I knew him already when we met face to face. (On a side note: I have met so many great “Wine People” on Twitter). I also met the owner and founder of Brennan VineyardsDr. Pat Brennan at TexSom several years ago. Todd and Dr. Brennan have been asking me to visit the winery for many years, but I never could quite find the time.
One Friday night Margie and I were sitting on the patio enjoying a nice glass of Brennan Viognier, and she said to me “I love this wine!”. I agreed whole heartedly so I suggested we day trip on Saturday to visit the winery in Comanche.
Now you may be asking “Where the heck is Comanche, Texas”?
Comanche, Texas is about 2 hours Southwest of Fort Worth, and 2-3/4 hours from Dallas, near Stephenville. So it qualifies for Day Tripping!
Todd was busy the day we arrived, so we were given the grand tour and tasting from the beautiful and very knowledgeable Rebecca Conley! I met Rebecca a few years back at TexSom as well, and her and Margie hit it off immediately. She had a nice selection of barrel tastings that Todd had taken earlier that day to share with us, including the terrific Orange Wine! We tasted through the wines, and I was getting excited about the upcoming vintage that Todd had produced. The Tempranillo and Reserve Viognier are my personal favorites, but you cannot find a “so-so wine” in the portfolio. The quality is truly impressive across the board.
Orange Wine direct from Barrel to my glass!
Dr. Brennan stopped by and we visited and talked Texas Wines, and how he got his start in the wine business for over and hour. He is so great, I just love this man! Pat was a retired Physician, and bought land in Comanche to grow grapes. His good friend Dr. Richard Becker (Becker Vineyards) used to buy his grapes, and helped convince him he should build a Winery in 2004. The rest is history!
In 2009, three Texas winemakers – Pat Brennan of Brennan Vineyards, Gene Estes of Lost Oak Winery, and Kim McPherson of McPherson Cellars– began exploring the idea of opening a winery in Fredericksburg, the heart of Texas wine country. As a result of their collaboration, 4.0 Cellars opened its doors in April 2012.
So when you are in Fredericksburg, definitely stop by and taste and purchase some of the absolute best wines Texas has to offer!
Day Tripping – Brennan Vineyards HistoryDay Tripping to see Dr. Pat Brennan!
Here are a few pictures of the Winery:
Day Tripping with Rebecca and Margie at Brennan Vineyards TourBrennan Tasting Room ComancheBrennan Barrel RoomHospitality Room
Tasting Room: 802 South Austin Street
Comanche, TX, 76442
T | (325) 356-9100
Hours
Sun, Mon, Tue(Closed)
Wednesday11-5
Thursday11-5
Friday11-5
Saturday11-5
Reservations are NOT required.
If possible, please provide advance notice of parties of 8 or more to ensure that we provide your party with the best experience possible.
The wine is some of the absolute best in all of Texas, and they are genuinely glad to see you.
So if you love good wine, and you are looking for a Day Trip to somewhere fun, go see Pat, Todd, and Rebecca at Brennan Vineyards!
Headed to Napa or Sonoma? Tips on wine tasting & “must stops” for great food in Napa and Sonoma Valley!
Airports: Fly into San Francisco!
Even though it is much easier to fly in and substantially easier to get out of Sacramento International Airport from Dallas, Texas, we nearly always fly in to San Francisco International Airport for one reason; I LOVE SAN FRANCISCO! San Francisco is my 2nd favorite city in the world (next to Paris). I simply adore this incredible City by the Bay. Besides being so visually stunning; the arts are incredible, the people are so diverse, so much to see and do, and some of the absolute best restaurants in the entire world. Plus there is just something special about crossing the Golden Gate Bridge on the way to wine country that excites me now just thinking about it!
A few Tips for Wine Tasting and Food
Just after you cross the Golden Gate Bridge heading to Sonoma & Napa Valley’s, you will find an incredibly quaint little town by the name of Sausalito. You need to spend some time here walking around town, investigating the quaint shops and bookstores, and enjoying the many great restaurants. Lunch or dinner on the pier at Salito’s Crab House or my favorite French Bistro in town “La Garage“!
When you continue on to Sonoma or Napa you have a choice; Turn on Hwy 37 and head to Napa Valley, or keep going on Hwy 101 and head to Sonoma Valley. If you are new to the Wine country of Napa and Sonoma Valley, I would go to Napa and see it first. Especially if you have never visited in past. Napa Valley in my opinion is what most folks will normally think of as “Wine Country” and the visions it brings to mind.
Get on line or call the wineries the week before you decide to visit and schedule appointments if possible.
I will give you some examples of wineries and tasting rooms that we love, but keep in mind; If you see a sign or a winery that looks interesting just stop in!Most wineries will take guests if you simply walk in (more in Sonoma than Napa Valley). But be aware; if you want a tour or a library tasting be sure and call in advance and set an appointment.
If you only have 3 days to spend tasting and exploring wine country I would spend 1 day in Napa Valley, then one day in Southern Sonoma and the last day in Northern Sonoma. If you have more time then you can easily spend 3-4 days in each area and never get tired of the beauty, great food, and some of the best wines worldwide. You may get tired of the crowds on certain times of the year, but not the beauty!
Wise words to live by!
You need to understand the differences between Napa Valley and Sonoma Valley.
Napa Valley is compact and you can easily drive from the city of Napa in the southern valley to Calistoga in the northern Napa Valley on Hwy 29 in about an hour to 1-1/2 hours (depending on traffic). And there is almost one winery after another up and down Hwy 29 all the way to Calistoga.
Sonoma Valley is much larger, longer, and much wider! You should not try and visit one winery in Glen Ellen, Northern Sonoma Valley for example and then head to one near the city of Sonoma in the Southern part of the valley. You will spend most of your day driving instead of doing what you came for; tasting new and different wines, eating incredible foods, and reveling in exactly how phenomenally beautiful wine country is!
So when you are in Sonoma Valley, plan your visits around the wineries and restaurants that you want to visit, then plan the next day in the other part of the valley.
Always the question when wine tasting!
Winetasting Pro Tips:
SPIT! You will be consuming a lot of wine. Some you will like, some you will not. So learn to spit into the spit bucket, it is not rude.
Have a designated driver, or rent a car service. Even if you spit 100% of the time you will still get some alcohol in your system, it is just the way it is. Stay safe!
Try and stay away from a winery that has one or more tour buses out front unless you have an appointment. You will be part of the masses and will spend way to much time fighting to “get a pour” and this isn’t fun.
Enjoy the time you spend in each winery. Ask questions, try different styles, and immerse yourself in the culture of wine. This is a passion for most of the people working there at the winery, and they love to share information with people who are genuinely interested.
Be courteous and use common sense. Yes you are there to have fun and laugh, but if you are obnoxious, you can ruin the experience of others around you. Once again…SPIT! Also if the person pouring the wine enjoys spending time with you they are more likely to give you a “little something extra” like a heavier pour or a discount on products, or even no charge for the tasting!
Try Different wines that you would normally NOT buy at home. Keep in mind; it is a 2oz pour. If you do not like the wine, simply pour it into the spit bucket and try something else.
Buy a bottle or two if you like the wines to take home with you. Often the tasting fee (especially in Sonoma) will be waived or reduced if you purchase wine. Ask upfront for the rules. And remember to be pleasant!
NAPA VALLEY
Welcome Sign to Napa Valley!
Restaurants in Napa Valley to visit:
Rutherford Grillis always a stop for us when in Rutherford and Napa Valley. American food with a great atmosphere and patio. Good wine list.
Auberge du Soleil is A MUST! Great spa and ‘adult only luxury hotel’ sitting up on the mountain overlooking the valley with stunning views. French bistro with over 40 wines by the glass. A terrific spa as well if you are interested!
Brixhas a French / Napa inspired menu sitting on 16-acres of gardens and vineyards with spectacular views of the Mayacamas Mountains. One of the best wine lists in Napa Valley.
Wineries to visit Napa Valley:
Domaine Carneros. Sparkling wines produced and poured here in a stunning French style Chateau setting just outside the city of Napa. You can buy wine by glass or bottle and sit out on the patio and soak it all in with bubbles in your glass! A great way to start your wine journey. Need to set appointment for best service but not mandatory.
Cuvaison is next door to Domaine Carneros outside of the city of Napa. Modern tasteful tasting room; nothing fancy but great views and exceptional wines. No appointment needed.
Darioush on the Silverado Trail in the City of Napa is built to look like a Persian Castle. The wines are outstanding and the property is one of the most impressive in all of wine country! They take walk-ins, but do yourself a favor and get appointment.
Whitehall Lanein St Helena has a great garden that you can picnic. The Whitehouse wines are outstanding, and always garner top reviews and scores from Parker, WS, and Tanzer. No appointment is needed for standard tasting, but is recommended, especially for library wines or big groups.
Ehlers Estate in St Helena requires an appointment, and is well worth the effort. Exceptional wines, and do NOT forget to taste some of the best Petit Verdot and Cabernet Sauvignon in the valley!
Frank Family Vineyards in Calistoga is a world class winery, and produces outstanding wines that consistently score mid-90’s with the wine pundants. They are open to the public and take walkins, but they are usually very busy. Make an appointment if possible.
Chateau Montelena is a “must see” when in Calistoga! This is the winery that helped best the best French wines in the famous Judgement Of Paris tasting in 1976, made famous by the movie Bottle Shock a few years ago. While the wines went through an awkward stage in the early 2000’s, the Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon are once again world class. The property is beautiful as well. No appointment required, but if you want a tour then call first and get appointment. Take a picnic basket!
Chateau Montelena..legendary!
Sonoma Valley
Sonoma Restaurants:
The Town of Sonoma Square is a fun area with lots to see and great restaurants. Here you will find The Girl and the Figis a good restaurant for lunch or dinner with a good patio if weather permits. Sunflower Caféfor truly impressive breakfast. Or soup, salads, and sandwichs for lunch. Both are on the square in City of Sonoma.
Barn Diva in Healdsburg has a really impressive back patio, hip night scene, good wine list, and an ever changing fresh menu according to the season. Order the Goat Cheese Croquettes with Lavender Honey as a starter!
Dry Creek Kitchen in Healdsburg Square is incredible! Wine list is almost exclusively Sonoma Valley and over 500 selections. White Table cloths and fine dinning in modern atmosphere.
Russian River Brewing is a world famous brew pub in Healdsburg. If you are a craft beer aficionado you know about the 8% ABV Pale India Ale “Phliney The Elder“. And the ever sought after (and very rare) Phliney the Younger that beer lovers camp out for days once a year upon release! Pub food, wings, good pizza but go for the best craft beer in Sonoma or Napa Valley.
Release date for Phliney the Younger is Feb 5-12th!
Wineries in Sonoma Valley To Visit
Southern Sonoma Valley:
B.R. Cohn in Glen Ellen. This winery was established and until recently was owned by the Manager of the Doobie Brothers Band. Good wines and great olive oil! No reservation needed. Often they will have live music as well, so check out the website and adjust your schedule accordingly!
Chateau St JeanThe 250 acre estate and 3550 sq ft house, property, and gardens are stunningly beautiful, and the higher end wines are very good. No appointment needed for tasting unless you want something special.
Middle and Northern Sonoma:
You should plan on spending 1/2 day in city of Healdsburg. Very cool town with tons of great restaurants and tasting rooms in the square.
When in Dry Creek, don’t forget to stop at Dry Creek General Store. The locals hang out here. You can stop and buy goods for lunch basket, or get a beer and sit on the front porch and hang out with locals!
Dry Creek general Store
Martin Ray Wineryin Santa Rosa. Incredible chardonnay, pinot noir, cabernet sauvignon, and zinfandel that are a consistent 90-95 point scores with Wine Spectator! The estate grounds are very pretty too, but call in advance and get an appointment several days in advance if you want to taste their wines.
Benovia Winery in Santa Rosa has EXCEPTIONAL Pinot Noir, Zinfandel, Grenache, and Chardonnay that are perennial favorites of Parker WS, and Tanzer. By appointment only.
Pappietro-Perry in Dry Creek. This is some of my favorite Pinot Noir in Sonoma. But DO NOT expect a fancy tasting room, but don’t let that stop you from tasting! Ben and Yolonda Pappietro make artisanal Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Zinfandel wines that will impress you. Bonus: The Dry Creek area is easily one of the most beautiful areas of Sonoma. Tell Yolanda I said hello! No appointment needed.
Dry Creek Vineyards in Dry Creek. Good to exceptional and large portfolio of wines with exceptional value. The property is very pretty and you can pick up picnic supplies at Dry Creek General Storeand picnic here! No appointment needed.
Ridge Vineyards in the Healdsburg / Dry Creek area. Known for their award winning Zinfandel, but do not pass up the terrific Cabernet Sauvignon, Petite Sirah, Chardonnay, and Rhone Style Blends! But do not leave without buying some of the BEST ZINFANDEL produced in the world! No appointment required, but most times a waiting list will apply. So call and make an appointment to save time.
Francis Ford Coppola in Geyserville. No appointment needed. The director of Godfather & other classic films. Museum inside, with a pool and bar outside, lined on one side by Cabanas. You can spend the day by the pool and rent a cabana with personal showers and toilets. Wines are ‘ok’, but go to see the facility and museum. Bonus: Coppola is one of the only spots in wine country that you can taste wines AND order a cocktail at the same establishment, because they were grandfathered in with a liquor license from the previous winery owner!
There is just so much to do and see in the Wine Country of Napa and Sonoma Valley. I hope this guide helps you with a few choice places to spend your time and money. And if you have more suggestions, comments, or ideas please share them in the comment section below!
Thank you for visiting the Texas Wineaux and reading my ramblings.
Please stop back from time to time for new content. Please leave a comment on your thoughts, favorite spots you love, and favorite restaurants in the comment section below.
