It's a tough job, but somebody has to do it!

Everyone should have someone special in their lives who uplifts them, prays for them, and provides a never ending opportunity to share their wine with. I am blessed to have such a person as this in my life. Meet Bill,  Christian Wino Extraordinaire!

A few weeks ago, Bill, myself and another Wino named Theresa had the pleasure of joining a few UC Davis alumni winemakers at the anniversary party for the alumni center on campus. Had we known what we were about to indulge in, we may have brought along some ziplock bags and a few "to go" cups.

Entering the reception area, we were immediately pounced upon by some very eager to please servers. Empty glasses and plates were not allowed! A huge spread of artisan breads, spreads and cheeses awaited us as we swooned to each beckoning winemaker. "Come hither could be read from their lips. Never one to be rude, I followed the bread crumb trail to every table and accepted the more than four ounce taste with abandon. 

   

One particular winemaker cast his bait directly in front of my nose. His name, Adam Comartin. His game, a stellar Grenache and a huge beefy blend called appropriately, "The Porterhouse."

Adam was a gem! His humility was infectious, and his passion for winemaking was refreshing. Contact him at (408) 267-6735.

Another equally infectious team of wine experts came from a little known gem in Winters California. Permit to digress for a moment..."Dang these wines are the bomb!" As I was saying, greeted by Megan Foley who happens to be a Sac State alumni like myself recently...Go Hornets!, we were treated to some exceptional Petite Syrah.

Da Bomb!

"I must say, this wine was awesome! Inky dark, silky smooth with just the right balance of fruit and spice! Unlike many Petite Syrah wines, there was very little smokey character. This allowed the taster to really get the familiar with the flavor of the grape. A real rare gem of a Petite Syrah!"

                                                                     Mike

I had to agree. As a Petite Syrah lover who is accustomed
to the smokiness that is often a characteristic of this wine, it
was a welcome change to try something different. I became
intrigued and was forced to make a visit to the winery.

When I think of Winters, California, I see a small town on the back road leading to Lake Berryessa. My only attachment to this out of the way hovel is a few small stores and a gas station that has some of the best coffee a weary fisherwoman could ask for. Having traveled this road many times, it never occurred to me that lurking nearby was a wine lovers paradise!

The tasting room was undergoing a renovation. The owners have put a substantial amount of thought into designing a warm and inviting atmosphere. It almost feels as if you are in your own living room. The staff (I hate that word) was more than attentive...just like your family (I hope) would be! On this visit, I sampled their Tempranillo, (Yum) Grenache, (YUMMY) Barbera, (Yum Yum) and the Coup de Gras...Durif, (AWW LAWD!!!!, take me now Jesus!) Yes, it was "that" good!

Prying myself away from the tasting counter, my friend Mr. Tobey entered the tasting room and liberated me from making promises I could not keep just to get some of this wine! Give them a call (530) 795-3201

  

Never underestimate small towns like Winters. There are at least five more tasting rooms within feet of one another. Now that I have finished school...for now, (Grad school is still a reality), I plan to visit again and share more of my research with all of you! Until then...Salute'.

Karen