Learning About Cosmopolitan’s Wine, the Best Wines “you can afford to drink daily” and the Cab that Stole my Palate – With Guarachi Wine Partners

October 30, 2020 by evebushman

When was the last time you tasted wine with one of your favorite wine influencers? It’s been 8 years since I drove over to Woodland Hills to taste wine with Alex Guarachi, owner of both Guarachi Wine Partners, as well as his own Napa-based Guarachi Family Wines label. Alex’s portfolio of wines have been included in Wine Spectator’s Top 100 of the year, dozens of 90+ scored wines from reputable sources and he’s been named Wine Importer of the Year…

Eve and Alex Guarachi, 10/2020.

That paragraph above was one of my public social media posts ahead of my reconnecting with Guarachi. After that came two more posts, one was a video of all of the bottles we shared and the second was nine photos of our fun. This is the story behind it all now.

Guarachi has been kept pretty busy with his distribution company and his winemaking, he now had many more wines to share from both – it’s been 35 years of growth. In our meeting I learned about one wine brand while tasting three others. I’ll start with the one we didn’t taste: Uncorked by Cosmopolitan. Yes, Cosmopolitan magazine with “the largest young women’s media brand in the world.”

Uncorked by Cosmopolitan

Uncorked by Cosmopolitan

First look: the “Uncorked” wine label is silky smooth on one side, holographic on the other and a shape that is reminiscent of an open magazine…I think! We didn’t get to sample these as they are not yet released, so stay tuned as the magazine will surely be advertising their new babies made by Guarachi! And look for these reasonably priced wines on supermarkets and box stores everywhere. Varietals, with these cute little sayings on each, include 2019 “That’s enough todaying for today” Chardonnay, 2019 “Cheers to pour decisions” Rose, 2019 “Cuz Mercury’s always in retrograde” Pinot Noir and 2018 “This is totally one glass” Cabernet Sauvignon.

Parker Station ($15 range)

Parker Station makes a mighty tasty 2018 Chardonnay that has a mild acidity and benefited from four months in French Oak; a 2018 Pinot Noir that was an easy drinker and I could see why it was a #1 selling wine. Guarachi said the Pinot is the best in the price range. I liked the Pinot with a little chill on it and found it both fresh and fruity. Both wines are made with grapes from Monterey, San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara Counties; they also make a 2017 Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignon that had a great nose with a bit lighter flavor than most high alcohol Paso Cabs, and a lovely finish. Guarachi bought the label awhile back “but they’re still married” and he continues to purchase the grapes from the Santa Barbara County and Edna County. All labels proudly state, “The best (Chard, Pinot or Cab name is filled in here) you can afford to drink daily.” I agree.

Tenshen Wines ($20 to $25 range)

I was wowed by both a 2017 Central Coast White wine that was predominantly a white Rhone, with a twist (they added Chardonnay to it) that was aged six to seven months in French oak; and a yummy Cabernet Sauvignon made from Paso’s westside and had spent seven to eight months in French oak. These wines are from a partnership between Guarachi and winemaker Joey Tensley.

Guarachi Family Wines ($75 to $95 range)

Really enjoyed the buttery Guarachi 2018 Sun Chase Estate Vineyard, Petaluma Gap, Chardonnay. The wine is a new release, its grown at the highest elevation in the Sonoma Coast, spent 11 months in new French oak, and no barrel is over two years old; then came the 2018 Sun Chase Estate Vineyard, Petaluma Gap, Pinot Noir – an easy drinker, both rich and tannic.

Finally, the giant 2017 Meadowrock Estate Vineyard, Atlas Peak, Cabernet Sauvignon stole my palate. When we were on the Cab Guarachi commented, “Who doesn’t like it?” and I had to agree. It had spent 20 months in new French oak (65% new) and also benefited from all red volcanic soil. I found it rich, tannic and a length that never gave out. The 14.8% alcohol didn’t translate to heat, it gave the wine tremendous backbone. He had started this endeavor over a decade before, and those years of experience shows. Both the Pinot Noir and Cabernet Sauvignon have been richly awarded in wine competitions.

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Eve Bushman has a Level Two Intermediate Certification from the Wine and Spirits Education Trust (WSET), a “certification in first globally-recognized course” as an American Wine Specialist ® from the North American Sommelier Association (NASA), Level 1 Sake Award from WSET, was the subject of a 60-minute Wine Immersion video (over 16k views), authored “Wine Etiquette for Everyone” and has served as a judge for the Long Beach Grand Cru and the Global Wine Awards. You can email Eve@EveWine101.com to ask a question about wine or spirits.

Tolosa Winery Announces New Futures Program for 2019 Single Vineyard Wines

October 19, 2020 by evebushman

San Luis Obispo, Calif. — Tolosa winery, acclaimed producer of estate and single vineyard Pinot Noir and Chardonnay wines from the Edna Valley, announced a look into the future of its much-anticipated 2019 Single Vineyard wines with private tastings of barrel samples.

Private seated tastings, available by appointment, are currently offered on the winery’s expansive outdoor patio, allowing guests the rare opportunity to explore these exclusive small-lot wines prior to release. The 2019 Single Vineyard wines will be released November 1, accompanied by the 2019 Primera, also scheduled to be released on November 1, 2020. Futures of the Primera and the Single Vineyard series wines are now available for purchase. Given the prestige of these limited-production bottlings, with under 250 cases of each produced, many of these wines are expected to sell-out prior to release.

“2019 was a textbook cool climate grape growing vintage. Harvest unfolded nicely, the mild weather letting us call for the perfect picking dates with no need to rush things, which is a nice feeling for once. In their youth, the wines are showing bright fruit (definitively on the red side for the Pinots and on the stone fruit one for the Chardonnays) and great freshness. And I am really excited about this, because it is also a guarantee of the aging potential they have,” said Winemaker Frederick Delivert.

Ideally situated close to the Pacific Ocean in California’s coolest wine region, Tolosa is blessed with a myriad of microclimates and soils that prove ideal for growing delicate Burgundian grapes. As a testament to the winery’s dedication to crafting exemplary Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, Tolosa looks beyond Edna Valley for their Single Vineyard series, selecting the best sites and fruit for these varietals throughout California. The artisanal wines of the Single Vineyard series invite exploration of renowned appellations and acclaimed vineyards — including Tolosa’s own SIP Certified estate vineyard, Edna Ranch — confirming Edna Valley’s place in this distinguished company.

Through November, guests are invited to visit Tolosa to experience barrel samples of the 2019 Single Vineyard Series, each crafted with a similar approach in the cellar in order to capture the true essence of each vineyard and its unique terroir. The following wines are now available to taste:

Bien Nacido Vineyard Chardonnay, Santa Maria Valley 2019

This iconic vineyard in Santa Barbara County’s Santa Maria Valley AVA benefits from one of the longest growing seasons in California. Located 16 miles from the Pacific Ocean, the vineyard was first planted in 1973 and is acclaimed for its world-class Chardonnay. Situated at 600 feet of elevation on the valley floor, the site is punctuated by mild sunny days, an afternoon sea draft, and foggy nights and mornings to moderate the temperature of the vines. These conditions translate into a wine with vibrant acidity, recognized through essences of grapefruit, nectarine and pineapple. Oak aging in 35% new, lightly toasted puncheons adds notes of vanilla and walnuts, while partial Malolactic fermentation reveals fresh green apple flavors on the mineral-driven mid-palate. Tolosa is honored to be one of the few producers to source fruit from this highly sought-after vineyard located just south of us in the Santa Maria Valley.

Poletti – Edna Ranch Chardonnay, Edna Valley 2019

The Poletti portion of Edna Ranch is located on the mountainside slopes of the Edna Valley — home to block 569, featuring own-rooted Tepesquet Chardonnay vines. The slopes offer more sun exposure, while the vineyard sits in the direct path of the coastal sea breeze, offering a cooler temperature to maintain natural acidity and citrusy aromatics. After completing malolactic fermentation, the wine was aged in 30% new, lightly toasted oak puncheons, allowing it to develop a creamy, seamless texture layered with notes of hazelnut, citrus and stone fruit. This elegant Chardonnay encapsulates the Edna Valley, with a refined structure and uplifting acidity that stands out on the finish.

El Coro Vineyard Pinot Noir, Petaluma Gap 2019

El Coro translates to “The Chorus” in Spanish. This site is farmed by the Keller family and is located within the Petaluma Gap AVA, the premier gateway to the Sonoma Coast. Located just 7.5 miles from San Pablo Bay, here maritime wind and fog roar into the region cooling off the vines, while less sun exposure from north-facing slopes contributes to the wine’s bright, complex berry fruit flavors. Adding to its appeal is a silky texture and racy acidity that lingers on the impressively long finish. In reverence to its name, this wine brings harmony to the palate.

Apex Vineyard Pinot Noir, Santa Lucia Highlands 2019

Farmed by the Franscioni family, Apex Vineyard is located 28 miles from the cold water of Monterey Bay in the heart of the renowned Santa Lucia Highlands. The vineyard rests high atop a bench receiving morning sun exposure before being influenced ever so slightly by the daily fog and ocean winds. Typical of its region, this wine paints itself darker, lending more robust flavors of juicy fruit, ripened cherry and sweet spice. This is a Pinot Noir for the Cabernet lover.

Solomon Hills Vineyard Pinot Noir, Santa Maria Valley 2019

Solomon Hills Vineyard takes its name from Salomon Pico, a celebrated bandit who travelled frequently along the El Camino Real in the 1850s — and may have inspired the legend of Zorro. This acclaimed Santa Barbara County vineyard is located at the westernmost end of the Santa Maria Valley AVA, where its close proximity just 10 miles to the Pacific Ocean reveals itself through the wines that flourish in its sandy soils. Floral and red fruit aromas carry on through the palate, showcasing notes of pomegranate, raspberry, cherry and rose petals that integrate seamlessly into its fine-grained tannic structure.

Drum Canyon Vineyard Pinot Noir, Sta. Rita Hills 2019

Farmed by the Dierberg family, Drum Canyon Vineyard thrives in the eminent Sta. Rita Hills AVA of Santa Barbara County. Adjacent to the Pacific Ocean, the region is famous for its transverse mountain range, which allows strong coastal breezes to drift through the vines. These cooling influences, coupled with the vineyard’s sandy loam soils, produce a beautifully structured Pinot Noir with velvety tannins and signature notes of dark cherry, cola and raspberry. A more structured Pinot Noir than many others in the line-up, this is a wine with well-developed tannins that will soften beautifully as it ages.

Gunsalus Vineyard Pinot Noir Green Valley of Russian River Valley 2019

The newest single vineyard Pinot Noir in the series balances the collection as an excellent cellar addition for the wine enthusiast. This small vineyard resides 12 miles from the coast at an elevation of 242 feet in the Green Valley region of Sonoma’s Russian River Valley, known for its maritime fog that rolls in and lingers throughout the day. Big and bold in structure, this garnet-colored Pinot Noir leads with aromas of black cherry, strawberry, pine and rose petal. Bright red fruit, fig and tobacco flavors linger on the palate, accented by gentle mouth-coating tannins on the flawless finish.

Hollister – Edna Ranch Pinot Noir, Edna Valley

Located in the core of the Edna Valley, the Hollister section of Tolosa’s home vineyard, Edna Ranch, is the closest to the Pacific Ocean. Located just 5 miles away, it receives a moderating maritime influence to maintain composed acidity in the grapes, while varied soils, including chalky limestone and sand, contribute to the minerality and complexity in this wine. Made from a single block in the vineyard, Block 579, the wine displays aromas of blood orange, wild strawberry, anise and rose petals. Black cherry notes shine on the palate, which is layered with stone fruit and clove to express an exceptional sense of place.

Primera Pinot Noir, Edna Valley 2019

Tolosa’s flagship Primera demonstrates the full potential of the varietal, revealing what makes Pinot Noir one of the most coveted grapes in the world. Primera is a small-lot selection of the best of Tolosa’s estate vineyard, Edna Ranch, located a mere 5 miles from the Pacific Ocean. Here, daily fog and prevailing winds funnel into the transverse valley from Morro Bay, cooling off the vines. The result is a wine of power and length characterized by notes of hibiscus, strawberry and dried herbs, enhanced by a seamless mouthfeel and structure. This is truly a vintage-specific statement Pinot Noir for the oenophile looking to add a marquee wine to their cellar.

Futures of the Single Vineyard 2019 series as well as the Primera 2019 are available to taste by appointment through October 2020, with tastings available to both Club Members and non-members. Purchase of wine futures is available prior to their release, November 2020. Tolosa also invites qualified media to look behind the curtain at the winery with a tasting of the Single Vineyard Series. For media inquiries, please contact: Linda@parkersanpei.com.

About Tolosa

Cowboy dreams of owning a cattle ranch brought Robin Baggett to California’s Edna Valley over 40 years ago. The cold Pacific wind and soils from ancient seabed to limestone made him realize he was on a frontier of a different sort. Tolosa is the expression of his commitment to spare no effort to craft Pinot Noir and Chardonnay wines of distinctive character to rival any in the world. Founded in 1998 and guided by the core values of integrity, teamwork and meticulous craftsmanship, Tolosa is committed to creating complex, balanced and nuanced wines that are the purest expressions of Edna Valley. The Tolosa winemaking team combines traditional winemaking techniques and cutting-edge technology to achieve the purest translation of place to taste. Tolosa supports numerous environmental and philanthropic initiatives and is an active member of the Central Coast community, welcoming guests daily to enjoy its trademark gracious hospitality and a variety of luxury tasting experiences surrounded by its Sustainability in Practice (SIP) Certified vineyard, Edna Ranch. Tolosa is open daily at 4910 Edna Road, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401. You can find them on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter or visit the website at tolosawinery.com.

Unique Northern California Varietals Steal the Show

May 2, 2019 by evebushman

PETALUMA, Calif. (PRWEB) – The judges of the 2019 North of the Gate Wine Competition have spoken, and this year’s wines debuting at the Sonoma-Marin Fair will be as complex and unique as the regions they come from.

This annual competition, now in its 19th year, has grown to represent unique, world-class wineries of Northern California, spanning from the Golden Gate Bridge to the Oregon Border. Each year, winemakers submit their best wine to a panel of industry-leading critics and judges. The winning wines will, in turn, be showcased at the Sonoma-Marin Fair Wine Garden this June 19-23, allowing fairgoers from all over the chance to experience the best that Northern California winemaking has to offer.

The 2019 competition took a unique turn, as more obscure varietals gave way to traditional California wines such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, and Chardonnay. Instead, the field blend of international varietals, which were originally planted in California, stole the show. Varietals among the Best in Class wines were grapes such as Carignane, Albarino, Barbera, Graciano, Montepulciano, Grenache and beyond. This refreshing success brings new life to the competition and opens opportunities for winemakers to expand the palates of their consumers, giving them an opportunity to taste something they might not have grabbed off the shelf themselves.

Winemaker Carol Shelton.

Known as the “Queen of Zin,” winemaker Carol Shelton was awarded this year’s Winemaker of the Fair. Shelton’s wines swept the show, winning multiple awards across categories. From Best of Class, Best of Show, and Double Gold awards, it was clear that Shelton’s passion and craft in winemaking in the North Bay showed up to play this year. The Carol Shelton Wines 2016 Oat Valley Carignane took both Best of Show and Best of Show Red, while her Late Harvest 2017 Zinfandel Black Magic won Best of Show Dessert Wine.

Imagery Estates showcased their 2018 Albarino, which took Best of Show White across the competition. Winemaker Jamie Benziger carries with her a legacy of Sonoma winemaking from Benziger Estates, though it’s clear that she has made her mark on Imagery Estates with her own style and talent.

Idle Hour Winery took home the Best of Show Sparkling Wine. Winemaker, Anna Marie Dos Remedios, incredible talent impressed this year’s judges with her beautifully crafted Sparkling Blanc de Blanc.

Competition judge and professional wine writer Bill McNabb noted the trend of more unusual grapes being planted and flourishing at the hands of talented women winemakers. “The Albarino that just won Best White is a very unusual grape that normally does not win,” says McNabb. “It is refreshing to see these grapes win.”

This bodes well for Northern California winemakers who are looking to entice their audience to get outside their comfort zone. The vintages presented in the competition are indicative of another spectacular year in California winemaking, despite challenges from the fires of 2017 that potentially threatened some of this year’s submissions. In terms of balance, the wines presented were holding their own beyond expectation. “This year’s wines are less acidic than years prior. The wines this year are deeper and have more earthy notes,” noted competition judge Yvonne Hurson. For a complete list of award-winning wines, please visit http://www.sonoma-marinfair.org/portfolio-item/wine/#.

The incredible wines were not the only thing to be celebrated. In an industry historically dominated by men, female judges, winemakers, and even the North of the Gate Wine Competition Director, Valery Uhl, carry distinct representation across the competition. There was no shortage of Women In Wine at the North of The Gate competition this year.

The winning wines will be displayed at the Sonoma-Marin County Fair in the Wine Garden this June 19th-23, 2019. Fair-goers can taste and mingle with the winemakers, as each wine who won their category are featured in a display for all 5 days of the Fair. A separate ticket is required to visit the Wine Garden and will be available for purchase at the gate the day of and in advance online at Sonoma-marinfair.org.

Mark your calendars for a summer to remember during “Eight Decades of Fun” at the Sonoma-Marin Fair, June 19-23, 2019. With new competitions and contests, FREE concerts, unlimited carnival rides, and delicious fair food you will want to come all 5 fun-filled days. Enjoy heart-warming entertainment during the World’s Ugliest Dog® Contest, the thrill of Sprint Car Racing, and the joy of connecting with our local agricultural community. For details, visit sonoma-marinfair.org or call (707) 283-3247. Be the first to know about all of the fun by following us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

The 8 Million-Bottle Man Keeps Gold Medal Wine Club’s Focus on Artisan Wineries and Gifting

October 14, 2018 by evebushman

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (PRWEB) – After twenty five years and the delivery of 8 million bottles of wine to his club members, Gold Medal Wine Club’s David Chesterfield feels a responsibility to keep doing what he and his wife Linda have always done: Focus on introducing their members to the dedicated artisan winemakers who form the core of the California wine industry.

Now embarking on the beginning of his second quarter century in the Wine Club channel, Chesterfield believes his past success and future success will depend entirely on providing what he believes is at the foundation of what wine lovers want.

Real Value in Wine Depends on Delivering Substance and Quality

“It’s all about the act of discovering something that is real and that carries with it an authentic and compelling story,” says Chesterfield. “It’s fine to guarantee a customer cheap, drinkable wine, but that’s not what we did to deliver 8 million bottles to our members. What we have done and plan on continuing to do is introduce our members to the real artisan producers that deliver value through quality and substance.”

David and Linda Chesterfield established Gold Medal Wine Club in 1992 and were one of the first wine of the month clubs in existence and remains as one of the oldest, most respected, independent wine clubs in the country. Over the years the Chesterfields have added new club levels to meet the demands of changing tastes and interests. Today, six different clubs are offered: Gold Club, Platinum Club, Diamond Club, International Club, Pinot Noir Club and the Garagiste Club. They range in price from $39 to $179 per two-bottle shipment and all of them feature wines produced by genuine artisan winemakers at significant discounts off their winery retail pricing.

The focus on discovering artisan wineries located up and down the West Coast has been at the heart of the 8 million bottles shipped over Gold Medal’s first 25 years and define its ongoing success. Together, David and Linda have introduced their club members to hundreds of artisan wineries including the likes of Keller Estate and Couloir from the Petaluma Gap AVA, Napa Valley’s Blackbird and Odette, Santa Barbara’s Press Gang Cellars and Cordon, and Anderson Valley’s Fulcrum and Philo Ridge wineries.

Competition From Bulk Wine-Based Wine Clubs Renews Commitment to Real Winemakers

Despite increasing competition from new, bulk wine-based competitors in the wine club sphere, Gold Medal Wine Club is embarking on its second quarter century with the belief that more and more wine drinkers will demand an authentic artisan experience from their wines and their wine clubs.

“We could look toward reaching the 10 million bottles shipped mark by hawking cheaper, bulk wine and we are sure it would attract an audience,” says Linda Chesterfield. “But like our hundreds of thousands of members over the years, we don’t see any delight in this approach and prefer to continue on our course introducing our members to something real and honest.”

Wine lovers can learn more about Gold Medal Wine Club, the Chesterfields’ 25-year journey to find authentic value and see the wines that are delivered in club shipments by visiting http://www.goldmedalwineclub.com

North of the Gate Wine Competition Announces Award Winning Wines

May 30, 2018 by evebushman

PETALUMA, Calif. (PRWEB) – Of the 302 wines entered in the North of the Gate Wine Competition in Petaluma, California an unprecedented 294 were honored with awards. And yet despite the overall quality of the wines entered, this year’s esteemed judging panel of 12 had no trouble at all selecting just one overall winner. This year’s Best of Show was awarded to Lewis Grace’s 2015 Petite Sirah, which also won Best of Show Red, Best of Class, Best of El Dorado County, and a Double Gold award.

The North of the Gate Wine Competition, produced by the Sonoma-Marin Fair held June 20-24, 2018, is known for attracting high end luxury wines. Competing wines come from grapes grown in the wonderful Sierra Foothills all across Northern California to the beautiful California Coast. We have the consistently best wine producing regions in the world. More and more varietals are being grown and this year the judges had a difficult time awarding the best wines since so many were exceptional.

Not only is the competition one of the oldest to include all of Northern California’s unique wine regions, but it also has one of the highest esteemed judging panels. This year four panels of professional wine judges met on April 26 to determine which would be worthy of their accolades.

The Best of Show White Wine was a racey 2017 Albarino from Imagery Estate Winery with bright acidity that enhances its peach and citrus flavors. It has won top awards at many wine competitions and should not be missed.

Rosé wines are making a come back and just in time for summer. This wine judging category has exploded and the Best of Show Rosé Wine was a beautifully colored 2017 Rosé of Pinot Noir made by Rodney Strong Vineyards. It is fresh and vibrant with aromas of strawberry and white peach as well as fresh acidity and a lasting juicy finish.

The Best of Show Red Wine also won the top award: Best of Show Wine, highlighting the incredible wine-making skills of two brothers: Trevor and Tyler Grace from the El Dorado region. Their 2015 Lewis Grace Petite Sirah steps out with an intense maroon color and an equally complex boysenberry and cedar nose. The friendly pomegranate opening and chocolate finish complement it’s characteristic peppery kick.

Winery owner Steve Grace received this highly coveted accolade humbly by sharing, “we are more than thrilled with the results. While it is a small competition compared to some, the judging panel is superb and it’s great to have exposure to that group.”

Case in point, last year Grace Patriot Wines received multiple awards including the Sweepstakes Award for their 2016 El Dorado Rosé of Pinot Noir.

Among the best by county this year were Brassfield Estate Winery 2016 Sauvignon Blanc for Best of Lake County, Handley Cellars 2015 Estate Vineyard Pinot Noir for Best of Mendocino County, My Italian Cousin 2015 Eugenio for Best of Napa County, Oak Farm Vineyards 2016 Tievoli for Best of San Joaquin County, Grindstone Wines 2017 Rosé of Syrah for Best of Colusa County, Lewis Grace 2017 Torrontes was Best for Sacramento County, and Schug Carneros Estate Winery 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon for Best of Sonoma County.

For a complete list of this year’s North of the Gate Wine Competition winners and more information on this year’s judging panel, please visit sonoma-marinfair.org.

Wine tasting of the top medal winners will be available during the Sonoma-Marin Fair in the beautifully landscaped Wine Garden. The best of the best will be poured on Saturday, June 23 during the fair’s annual Taste of the North Gate. Guests can mingle with wine makers, enjoy live music, and partake in a cheese and chocolate pairing. A separate ticket will be required and available for purchase at the gate the day of and in advance online.

The 2018 Sonoma-Marin Fair will be taking the summer fun “Beyond the Milky Way” from June 20-24, 2018. Enjoy 5 fun-filled days of FREE concerts, unlimited carnival rides, the World’s Ugliest Dog ® Contest, action-packed Pit Stop USA Sprint Car Racing, fun games & contests, delicious fair food, and more. For details, visit sonoma-marinfair.org or call (707) 283-3247. Be the first to know about all of the fun by following us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Plan for an out of this world experience!

Balletto Vineyards, by Barbara Barrielle

May 2, 2016 by evebushman

The Balletto Family story is a true wine country farming story. Even as they segued from vegetables to grapes, the Ballettos continued to be farmers and were named 2010 Sonoma County Farmers of the Year.

And, as you visit their stunning production facility and tasting room, you would never dream that this began as a young man learning to grow produce to support his mother after his father passed away. It was family then and Balletto remains family today.

John Balletto began farming in 1977 at the age of 17, having just graduated high school when the untimely death of his father meant he would give up what looked like a promising college football and track career to take care of his family. With $200 in the bank and five acres in Sebastopol, California, John began farming. His mother, Hazel, pitched in.

By 1981, John purchased his first ranch with the help of former high school counselor and friend, Pete Barbieri. He leased more land until John and his wife Terri decided to purchase a large piece of land in order to grow more vegetables and build a new produce packing facility. This land is now the winery and one of Balletto’s larger vineyards.

John would eventually become the largest vegetable farmer north of the Golden Gate Bridge growing more than 70 different vegetables on over 700 acres. More than two million cases of mixed vegetables moved through the premises during its heyday.

In 1998, although they were still going strong in the vegetable business, there were three El Nino storms during the spring that wiped out three of their successive planting, each worth a half million dollars. It was hard economically to stay in the vegetable business.

The Ballettos already had 35 acres of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris vineyards on their home ranch in the western hills of Sebastopol and were thrilled with the grape quality. This vineyard is still important to the Ballettos winemaking today. In order to stay in the farming business they felt grapes were their future and, in 1999, replanted vegetables to grapes and concentrated on winemaking.

The Balletto Family now has over 600 acres in the Russian River Valley and select only 10% from many different clones and soil types to make their wine. They sell the remaining 90% of their grapes to other wineries.

The Balletto wines are spectacular and excellent values. All of the fruit is Russian River Valley and all of it is estate grown. Imagine how good this wine is when you realize only 10% of the RRV production is chosen for Balletto wines.

A long-time Pinot Gris producer, this is a fabulous crisp, minerally yet adequately structured wine that is a downright bargain at $18. The Rose of Pinot Noir, at $18 is a strawberry-laced, yummy summer wine that is also well-made and could easily be an aperitif or pair with a number of fresh and bright cheeses.

One of my favorite Balletto wines is the Teresa’s Unoaked Chardonnay, named for John’s wife, with its true fruit-driven quality and excellent representation of the Russian River Valley…only $20.

I love finding great by-the-glass values in wine lists and Balletto’s competitive pricing makes this easy. Dining at Occidental’s hot restaurant, Hazel, two nights ago, I was delighted to find both a Balletto RRV Pinot Noir as well as the Rose for $10 a glass. These wines are well-made by a loving family with history, a quality that outstrips the dot.commers investing in a wine country dream. This family built one.

Balletto produces a Russian River Valley Estate Pinot Noir as well as many single vineyard Pinots. Not resting on their laurels, Balletto and winemaker Anthony Beckman keep pushing the envelope into new Pinot Noir territories with the latest plantings in the up-and-coming Petaluma Gap area (Hazel’s Vineyard, named for John’s mother.) Balletto’s entry-level Pinot Noir has won many awards over many vintages and, at $29, is enormous value for the smoky, earthy wine that maintains a balance of delicious red berry fruitiness.

Balletto’s single vineyard Pinot Noirs from their home ranch at Sexton Hill Vineyard to the acclaimed Sonoma Coast area and many areas in between don’t break the bank either. Solid and delicious with each vineyard representing a different palate of aromas and flavors, Balletto is a true standout in Russian River Valley production. They even make an RRV Sauvignon Blanc and Zinfandel…and a Pinot sparkler.

A touching fact that I did not hear about when I visited was the Balletto has their own “Field of Dreams” thanks to the request of John’s vineyard workers who asked to use a vacant four acres as a baseball field. John went above and beyond by building a true regulation baseball field hidden among vineyards.

The entire Balletto family is involved with the winery so, visiting this gorgeous place, may mean meeting up with the true stars of farming and winemaking in the Russian River Valley.

Balletto Vineyards and Winery: http://ballettovineyards.com/

Don’t miss this week’s STARS of California 2015

May 18, 2015 by evebushman

STARS of California will be here next Wednesday, May 20th, 2015 at The Peninsula Hotel located at 9882 South Santa Monica Blvd. in Beverly Hills, CA.

Top “Artisan” California Wineries Set to Participate in SoCal’s Exclusive Wine Event

Beverly Hills, Calif. – The Peninsula Hotel and wineLA join together again to host the annual STARS of California Wine Festival on Wednesday, May 20. With 35 notable wineries set to participate in the festivities, The Peninsula Hotel will expect to welcome hundreds of wine enthusiasts in celebration of California’s most coveted wines.

Tickets —> https://www.eventbrite.com/e/stars-of-california-2015-tickets-13859625513

Your LINEUP:
6:15 PM – 7:00 PM: VIP Winemaker Presentation with Kosta Browne Winery, 6:15 PM Entrance ($150 advanced, $200 at the door)

Includes… ROBUST DINNER BUFFET (ONLY UNTIL 7 PM), VIP GIFT BAG, Full Event Access and Unlimited Tasting, PLUS Exclusive 6:30 PM VIP Presentation with Kosta Browne with the following wines:
– One Sixteen Chardonnay, Russian RIver Valley 2013
– VIP Tasting Only: Cirq Treehouse Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley 2012
– Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley 2013
– Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast 2013

7:00 PM – 9:30 PM: General Admission ($95 advanced, $125 after May 1, $150 at the door)

In addition to the wineries confirmed to attend wineLA’s annual Stars of California Wine Festival, tickets will include an elegant assortment of tray-passed hors d’oeuvres and a number of lofty auction items to bid on. Auction items will range from $100 to $2,000. One hundred percent of silent auction proceeds will benefit TJ Martell Foundation.

2015 Participants:

Keller Estates – Sonoma (Keller Winery Estate)
– Oro de Plata Chardonnay, Sonoma Coast, Petaluma Gap 2013
– La Cruz Chardonnay, Sonoma Coast, Petaluma Gap 2013
– La Cruz Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast, Petaluma Gap 2012
– El Coro Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast, Petaluma Gap 2012

Robert Biale – Napa/Sonoma (Robert Biale Vineyards)
– Black Chicken Zinfandel, Napa Valley 2013
– R.W. Moore Zinfandel, Napa Valley 2013
– Basic Black, Old World blend, Sonoma 2012
– Royal Pinshers Petite Syrah, Napa Valley 2013

Beekeeper Cellars – Sonoma (Beekeeper Cellars)
– Zinfandel, Black Sears Vineyard, Howell Mountain 2012
– Zinfandel, Madrone Springs Vineyard, Rockpile 2011

Sonoma-Loeb – Sonoma (Sonoma Loeb)
– Chardonnay, Sangiacomo 2013
– Chardonnay, Envoy 2013
– Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast 2013
– Pinot Noir, Dutton Ranch 2013

Argot Cellars – Sonoma (Argot Wines)
– Chardonnay, Simpatico Ranch, Bennett Valley, Sonoma 2012
– Pinot Noir, Hawk Hill Vineyard, Sonoma Coast 2012

Clos Solene – Paso Robles (Clos Solene)
– Hommage Blanc, Roussanne Viognier, Paso Robles 2014
– Harmonie, 62% Grenache, 28% Syrah, 6% Mourvedre, Paso Robles 2013
– Hommage a Nos Pairs 94% Syrah, 4% Grenache, 2% Roussanne, Paso Robles 2013

L’ Aventure Winery – Paso Robles (L’Aventure Winery)
– Estate Cuvee (57% Syrah, 31% Cab Sauv, 12% Petit Verdot), Paso Robles 2012
– Cabernet Sauvignon (91% Cab Suav, 9% Petit Verdot), Paso Robles 2012

RN Estate – Paso Robles
– Pinot Noir (Whole Cluster Fermentation), Fiddlestix Vineyard, Sta. Rita Hills 2012
– Pinot Noir, Solomon Hills, Santa Maria Valley 2012
– Cuvee des Trois Depages, RN Estate Vineyard 2011
– Chardonnay, Solomon Hills Vineyard 2013

LAW Estate – Paso Robles (Law Estate Winery)
– Intrepid, Syrah, Law Vineyard, Paso Robles 2011
– Sagacious (38% Syrah, 34% Mourvedre, 28% Grenache), Law Vineyard, Paso Robles 201

Westerly Wine – Santa Barbara (Westerly Wines)
– Cote Blonde, Syrah Blend, Happy Canyon of Santa Barbara 2012
– Fletcher’s Red, Red Blend, Happy Canyon of Santa Barbara 2010
– Fletcher’s White, White Blend, Happy Canyon of Santa Barbara 2013
– Sauvignon Blend, Santa Ynez Valley 2013

Alma Rosa – Santa Barbara (Alma Rosa Winery and Vineyards)
– Vin Gris, 2014
– Pinot Noir, Santa Rita Hills 2013
– Chardonnay, Santa Barbara County 2013
– Pinot Gris, Santa Barbara County 2013

Gainey – Santa Barbara (Gainey Vineyard)
– Limited selection Sauvignon Blanc, Santa Ynez Valley 2013
– Limited selection Chardonnay, Sta. Rita Hills 2012
– Limited selection Pinot Noir, Sta. Rita Hills 2012
– Limited selection Cabernet Sauvignon, Santa Ynez Valley 2012

Gentleman Farmer – Napa/Valley (Gentleman Farmer)
– Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley 2012

St. Supery – Napa Valley (St. Supéry Estate Vineyards and Winery – Napa Valley)
– Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley Estate 2012
– ELU, (Red Meritage) Napa Valley Estate 2012
– Cabernet Sauvignon, Dollarhide Estate Vineyard 2012
– Merlot, Rutherford Estate Vineyard 2012

Ahnfeldt – Napa Valley
– Estate Chardonnay 2013
– Special Reserve Merlot 2010
– Special reserve Cabernet 2012
– Quid Pro Quo Red Blend 2012

Oakville Ranch – Napa Valley (Oakville Ranch Vineyards)
– Chardonnay, ORV 2013
– Field Blend, ORV 2012
– Robert’s Cabernet Franc 2011
– Cabernet Sauvignon, Oakville Ranch 2012

Amici Cellars – Napa Valley (Amici Cellars)
– Sauvignon Blanc, Napa Valley 2013
– Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley 2013
– Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley 2012
– Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve, Napa Valley 2012

Refugio Ranch Vineyards – Santa Barbara (Refugio Ranch)
– RR Sauvignon Blanc/Semillon Blend, Santa Ynez Valley 2013
– Roussanne/Viognier Blend, Santa Ynez Valley 2011
– Syrah, Grenache, Petite Syrah, Santa Ynez Valley 2012
– Petite Syrah, Santa Ynez Valley 2012

Saxon Brown – Sonoma County (Saxon Brown Wines)
– Fighting Brothers, Semillon, Sonoma Valley 2012
– Sangiacomo “Green Acres Hill”, Chardonnay, Sonoma Carneros 2012
– Sangiacomo “Robert’s Road”, Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast 2012
– Stonewall, Zinfandel, Sonoma Valley 2011
– Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley 2007

Foxen – Santa Barbara (Foxen Winery)
– Chenin Blanc, Ernesto Wickenden Vineyard 2013
– Chardonnay, Bien Nacido Block UU 2013
– Pinot Noir, Santa Maria Valley 2013
– Pinot Noir, John Sebastiano Vineyard 2012

Epoch Estate – Paso Robles (Epoch Estate Wines)
– White, Grenache Blanc (blend), Catapult and Paderewski Vineyards 2013
– Ingenuity, Syrah (blend), Paderewski Vineyard 2011
– Veracity, Grenache (blend), Paderewski Vineyard 2012

Lucas & Lewellen – Santa Barbara (Lucas & Lewellen Vineyards)
– High 9, Pinot Noir, Santa Ynez Valley, Santa Barbara 2013
– Cote Del Sol, Cabernet Sauvignon, Santa Ynez Valley, Santa Barbara 2011
– Syrah, Santa Ynez Valley, Santa Barbara 2012
– Cabernet Franc, Santa Ynez Valley, Santa Barbara 2011

Chesebro – Arroyo Seco (Chesebro Wines)
– Pinot Noir, Cedar Lane Vineyard, Arroyo Seco 2010
– La Montagne Sauvage, CM Ranch Vineyard, Carmel Valley 2009

Cole Bailey – Redwood Valley
– “Sesquipedalian” Cabernet Sauvignon, Cole Bailey Vineyards, Redwood Valley 2007

Cordon – Santa Barbara
– “L’Inox” Sauvignon Blanc, Happy Canyon 2014
– “Les Jumeaux” Pinot Noir, Sta. Rita Hills 2012
– Syrah, White Hawk Vineyard, Los Alamos 2011

Graef – Lake County
– Rose of Syrah, Lake County 2013
– Viognier, Solano County Suisun Valley 2012
– Syrah, Lake County 2012

Random Ridge – Napa/Sonoma (Random Ridge)
– “Old Wave” Zinfandel, Moon Mountain, Sonoma Valley 2012
– Cabernet Franc, Random Ridge Vineyards, Mt. Veeder 2009
– Cabernet Sauvignon, Random Ridge Vineyards, Mt. Veeder 2012

Hawk & Horse Vineyards – Lake County Red Hills (Hawk and Horse Vineyards)
– Cabernet Sauvignon, Red Hills 2009
– Cabernet Sauvignon, Red Hills 2010
– Latigo- Port style dessert wine, Red Hills 2010
– Petite Syrah, Red Hills 2011

– Forgotten Barrel/Sika Wine – San Diego (Forgotten Barrel Tasting Room)
– SiKa Chardonnay, Atlas Peak 2013
– SiKa Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast 2012
– SiKa Cabernet Franc, Atlas Peak 2013
– SiKa Cabernet Sauvignon, Alexander Valley 2013

Metaphora Wines – Napa Valley (Metaphora Wines)
– Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 2010
– Pinot Noir, Napa Valley 2010
– Sauvignon Blanc, Napa Valley 2014

Cellars 33 – Sonoma County (Cellars 33)
– Grenache Blanc, Clay Satation Vineyard – Lodi 2014
– Chardonnay, Keefer Ranch, Russion River Valley 2013
– ‘Katie’s Cuvee’ Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley 2013

Jeff Cohn – Paso Robles/Sonoma (Jeff Cohn Cellars)
– The Impostor Zinfindel Blend, California 2012
– Rockpile Syrah, Rockpile 2012
– Botticelli Zinfandel, Rockpile 2012
– Misc Stuff GSM Blend, California 2012

Bougetz Cellars – Napa Valley (Bougetz Cellars)
– Sauvignon Blanc, Rutherford 2013
– Amaryllis Cabernet Sauvignon, Spring Mountain District 2012
– Eminence, Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley 2012
– The Cairn, Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast 2012

La Rochelle – Pinot Noir Specialist (La Rochelle Wine)
– Chardonnay, Ferrington Vineyard 2012
– Pinot Meunier Saralee’s Vineyard 2012
– Pinot Noir, Tondre Grapefield 2011
– Pinot Noir, Dutton Freestone Hill Vineyard 2011

Truchard – Napa Valley (Truchard Vineyards)
– Chardonnay, Napa Valley Carneros Estate 2013
– Pinot Noir, Napa Valley Carneros Estate 2013
– Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley Carneros Estate 2012
– Roussanne, Napa Valley Carneros Estate 2013
– Syrah, Napa Valley Carneros Estate 2013

Aloft – Napa Valley
– Cabernet Sauvignon, Howell Mountain 2010

Valdez – Sonoma (Valdez Family Winery)
– Chardonnay, Sonoma Coast 2012
– Valdez Vineyards, Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley 2011
– St. Peter’s Church, Zinfandel, Alexander Valley 2011
– Silver Eagle Syrah, Russian River Valley 2009

Cairdean Estate – St. Helena (Cairdean Vineyards)
– Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley 2010
– Sauvignon Blanc, Napa Valley 2012
– Haley Margaret White Wine (Blend of Roussanne, Viognier, and Pinot Gris) 2012
– Pinot Noir, Carneros 2011

Miura Vineyards (MIURA Vineyards)
– Pinot Noir, Santa Lucia Highlands 2013
– Pinot Noir, Williams Ranch, Anderson Valley 2011
– Pinot Noir, Pisoni Vineyard, Santa Lucia Highlands 2011
– Antiqv2s, Syrah, Garys’ Vineyard, Santa Lucia Highlands 2008

…with MANY more to come!

Special guest DJ of KCRW: Dan Wilcox

About wineLA:
wineLA is about enhancing the wine culture of Los Angeles. To do so, wine must be in rhythm with fashion, music, food and other beverages. It must take advantage of the geography, the architecture and the centers of interest. Los Angeles is a giant playground with an amazing array of venues, spaces, wine bars, restaurants, beaches, roof tops, gardens, and magical views. We want to be a part of the LA lifestyle, the wine lifestyle, and celebrate the people, the place and the passion.

wineLA hosts significant events, occasional classes, and tastings of merit. This is phase two of what we started 20 years ago at LearnAboutWine.com – America’s first wine education website and first in wine event creation.

2015 Partners:
– Los Angeles Magazine
– Learnaboutwine
– wineLA
– The TJ Martell Foundation
– The Peninsula Beverly Hills
– RIEDEL The Wine Glass Company
– Beverly Hills Chamber of Commerce

2015 Sponsors:
– IPPA-MAX.com/Cellgevity
– Alcoholgsh.com
– Ideal 55 Wine Lockers

Tickets —> https://www.eventbrite.com/e/stars-of-california-2015-tickets-13859625513