Tag Archives: California

Paso Robles 7: Lone Madrone

Posted on February 29, 2016 by waywardwine

Last Monday’s post visited Firestone Walker Brewery. Also found twenty years ago in 1996, our stop today is Lone Madrone Winery. The nineties clearly provided busy times for Paso.

Our pickup heads west from Paso Robles on Adelaida Road. The world turns a sandy sable and olive shrub. Hills mount each other, as we climb and wheel round them. Soon, orderly vines draped in mesh add militant structure to this wild place. Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged cab, California, drink, Lone Madrone, nebbiolo, Paso Robles, Paso Robles California, Syrah, wine, Winery | Leave a comment

Paso Robles 5: Austin Hope Treana Tasting Cellars

Posted on February 15, 2016 by waywardwine

Wayward Wine continues its exploration of Paso Robles wineries. One day starts in search of wine for a wedding. An up-scaled, wood-planked warehouse sits between biotech buildings and similar sheds. Inside, large indigo walls fly up two stories, splattered with animal heads and art. Lipstick red metal chairs frame the reclaimed wood bar and tables. House-sized curved wood panels mimic sliced barrels dividing the space. This is not a winery, it is a tasting lounge for the hip. Welcome to Austin Hope’s Treana Tasting Cellars. Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged Austin Hope, cab, California, drink, Food, Grenache, Paso Robles, Paso Robles California, Syrah, travel, Treana, Viognier, wine | Leave a comment

Jack Creek Cellars, Estate, Pinot Noir Reserve, Central Coast, California, 2006

Posted on December 22, 2014 by waywardwine

Let’s break from our EU Austerity Drinking Tour for something more to home. This Thanksgiving our family took a turkey break and visited Pinot Noir country in the Willamette Valley of Oregon. Stops at Archery Summit, Angela, Lange, and Troon all highlighted the many forms and clones that Oregon Pinot could take on. Continue reading →

Posted in Pinot Noir, Uncategorized | Tagged 2006, and Troon, Angela, Archery Summit, California, Central Coast, Estate, Jack Creek Cellars, Lange, Oregon, pinot noir, Pinot Noir Reserve, Willamette Valley, yamhill carlton | 3 Comments

Thirsty Thursday: Arneis, Seghesio, Russian River Valley, CA 2012

Posted on March 13, 2014 by waywardwine

Spring has sprung, at least where I live. Time for an odd, snappy white.

The grape in question is Arneis: roughly translated, it means “little ass”. Either the vine is a pain to manage, or the resultant wines tastes just as prickly. Etymology aside, the grape comes from NW Italy’s Piedmont.

Folklore claims Arneis drew birds away from the prestigious Nebbiolo vines of Barolo and Barbaresco. It made for a decent white. But once wines became 100% Nebbiolo, Arneis disappeared.

While Arneis declined in Italy, the Seghesio family left the Piedmont and started making Californian wine in 1895. By 1992, Pete decided to plant Arneis. He had already upped their game with hand-harvesting and small lot batches. Seghesio’s Zin and Sangiovese were garnering respect. But Arneis was a risky throwback. 26 vines remained more than any in the US for years.

Today, 8 acres of Russian River Valley, Sonoma County real estate fill our glasses. Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized, White | Tagged Arneis, barbaresco, Barolo, California, Piedmonte, Russian River, Russian River Valley, Seghesio, Sonoma, White wine | 1 Comment

A Study of Scarlet: A Red Wine “Conundrum” #MWWC6

Posted on January 2, 2014 by waywardwine

Of all our adventures together, I hesitated to publish this for fear of disclosing information dire to national security and international trade. However, upon hearing that the serial publication, Monthly Wine Writing Challenge (#MWWC6), had chosen “Mystery” for its 6th topic, I could not resist. The following is an account of one of Sherlock Holmes’ greatest discoveries.

We arrived at the crime scene before Scotland Yard.

My associate opened the door and we walked into a cavernous space. It was brightly lit, like a stage at London’s Palace Theater. But instead of costumed-actors, brightly colored isles spanned for a seeming eternity. Innumerable produce and products of manufacture filled its shelves. It reminded me of a Sunday market or bazaar but entirely under one roof.

I expected him to jump into action, as was his habit. Instead, arms folded, only his eyes studied the room as we walked.

“The telegram explicitly stated it would be here”, he murmured impatiently.

“What would be here?” Continue reading →