South African Wine Tour Conclusion

Dornier Barrel Room
Dornier Estate, Stellenbosch, ZA
February 23, 2025

 The final day of the wine tour was highlighted by a visit to the Dornier Wine Estate and a wine lunch at Waterford Estate. The real highlight, however, was the goodbye dinner at Steenberg Estate.

Looking into the Vat
Dornier Estate, Stellenbosch, ZA
February 23, 2024

Dornier Wine Estate provided us with a tour of the barrel room and then a tasting of seven wines. The barrel room tour highlighted yet another approach to producing wines. The three story, largely underground facility is suited for the production at Dornier. 

We were able to see red grapes fermenting in large stainless vats and both enjoy the odors of fermentation and the view hanging over the top of the vat looking at the berries. It was quite a sight looking into the vats from the top as they were filled and then looking at an empty vat for perspective. 

While at Dornier we tasted seven distinctive wines. The wines were 2024 Pinot Grigio, 2022 Chenin Blanc, 2022 Semillon, 2021 Tinta Barocca which was a new grape variety for me. It is a red varietal from Portugal originally. 2020 Equanimity Cabernet Sauvignon, 2019 Donatus Bordeaux Blend, and a 2016 CMD which was the former owner's favorite wine blend consisting of Petit Verdot, Malbec, and Cabernet Franc. 

It was a very enjoyable tasting. 

Lunch
Waterford Estate, Stellenbosch, ZA
February 23, 2025

From there we bussed around the corner for lunch at Waterford Estate. Chris and I had a tasting at Waterford before the wine tour began and we were familiar with their wines. We enjoyed a Chenin Blanc, a Grenache, and a Shiraz with lunch. They all paired very well with the charcuterie platters we enjoyed.  

Sunset at Steenberg
Steenberg Estate, Constantia, ZA
February 23, 2025

After our enjoyable lunch it was back on the bus for the ride to Steenberg Estate on the Constantia region. It was a longer ride, but worth it. We enjoyed luxury accommodations and another gourmet meal to celebrate our last night together. 

We enjoyed some sparkling wine outside mingling and talking about the experiences we had enjoyed during our time together and then it was inside for a scrumptious dinner. 

Our Traveling Companions and Tour Directors
Steenberg Estate, Constantia, ZA
February 23, 2025

It was hard to say goodbye, but we had a 3:15 AM wakeup to get to the airport for our jet to Johannesburg and then onto our safari.

We did subsequently make it to our lodge for the safari and are heading out on our first ride in about two hours. As it was a travel day, the blog is a bit later than expected. Highlight of the flight and drive? We saw three elephants in the wild during our three-hour ride from the airport to the game reserve.

-- Bob Doan, Pilanesberg Game Reserve, South Africa

Next to Last Day

 

We had a slower paced day for our next to last, penultimate, day of the wine tour. It was nice to get back to the hotel about 3:30 for a nap or shopping, or even writing this blog. 

Punching Down the Berries
Starke-Condé, Stellenbosch, ZA
February 22, 2025

After breakfast, we loaded the bus and headed off to Stark-Condé for a tour and wine tasting with the owners. Again, it is harvest season and this wine cellar was definitely in full working mode.

The cellar tour was comprehensive and informative. We sampled juice in different stages of fermentation and watched the winemaker demonstrate how to punch down the berries. 

Stark-Condé Barrel Room
Stellenbosch, ZA
February 

After the tour, we headed off to the island tasting room. Yes, it is on an island in the middle of a bucolic lake. It truly was a different take on a tasting room and provided good separation from the Post-Card Restaurant which adjoins the winery. 

The tasting room sits on an island protected by a large willow tree. Once on the island, the tasting room is a beautifully arranged place to enjoy wine while communing with nature as I watched innumerable birds fly past and into the nearby trees. 

Headed to the Island Tarting Room
Stark-Condé, Stellenbosch, ZA
February 22, 2025

While we were there, we enjoyed tasting five wines, two whites, the 2023 Round Mountain Sauvignon Blanc and the 2023 Field Blend which is made from Roussanne, Chenin Blanc, Verdelho, and Viognier. Following these two nice whites, we tasted their three flagship Cabernet Sauvignon wines. The wines were the 2020 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon (which is called the Stellenbosch Cab Sauv on the price list), The 2019 Three Pines Cabernet Sauvignon, and the 2018 Oude Nectar Cabernet Sauvignon. All three contain some portions and combinations of Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec. All of the wines had a very nice price point and are available in the United States--which is awesome.

Lievland Rose
Lievland Wine Estate
February 22, 2025

Next up was lunch at Lievland Cafe next to the Lievland Wine Estate. We began our visit with a very nice Lievland Rose which was made from Syrah, Mourvèdre, and Cinsaut. We learned a bit about the winery, including the symbol of cupid riding a springbok. Apparently, the springbok which is a type of antelope was given to the previous owners and they placed it in a pen with horses. The horses adopted the springbok and it began thinking it was a horse. So there was love between the horses and the springbok. 

Lievland Barrel Room
February 22, 2025

After the telling of the story, Tom Lennon, the winemaker came out and chatted with us about the winery and we got a short tour of the cellar. I was impressed with the apparent age of some of the barrels. Following the discussion in the barrel room we went into the restaurant for another gourmet lunch. While there we enjoyed two more wines, 2024 Chenin Blanc and 2023 Pinotage. Both were sourced from grapes in the Paarl Region. The winery is actively planting vines and expects to begin producing more estate wines in the near future. 

Wow! What a great day it was. We hopped into the bus and made our way to the hotel in Stellenbosch for a relaxing afternoon. 

Today is the final day of our wine expedition and we are looking forward to a winery in the morning, lunch and a probable tearful good-bye dinner. It truly has been an experience not to be forgotten.

Picture of the Day
The Mountains from the Tasting Room
Stark-Condé Winery
February 22, 2025

-- Bob Doan, Stellenbosch, South Africa

Making our way to Stellenbosch

The Working Barrel Room
Kaapzicht Wine Estate, Stellenbosch, ZA
February 21, 2025

 Another beautiful day dawned in the Western Cape, South Africa. Yesterday, we enjoyed a great breakfast on the veranda of the Royal Hotel to start the day. Fortunately the day was cooler than the over 100-degree day we suffered through the day before. 

We had a relatively early bus time and were on the road to our first vineyard by about 8:30 AM. As an amazing statistic, since arriving in South Africa we have sampled over 100 different wines! We are a bit ahead of the tour because we arrived three days early and visited three wineries even before the formal program began. 

The day began at Kaapzicht Wine Estate in the Stellenbosch region of South Africa. We were treated to a tour of the working cellar where juice was being piped into the tanks straight from the press or the being stirred in the tanks. While in the cellar we sampled freshly pressed juice, juice which had been fermenting for 5 days, and some that had been fermenting longer to gain an understanding of how the process happens. 

After the Tasting
Kaapzicht Wine Estate
February 21, 2025

After touring the barrel room, we transitioned to an extensive wine tasting. All told, we tasted and enjoyed 11 wines, with one of them being a sparkling wine to begin the visit. During the wine tasting we enjoyed 3 Chenin Blanc offerings, a Pinotage Rose, 3 different Pinotage wines, a Cinsaut, a Bordeaux blend and a Cape blend. Wow. And that was all before noon! Each of the wines provided insight into the mind of the winemaker and how grapes become wine. Additionally, each offering was targeted to a market segment and appropriately priced.

Lunch Under the Trees
The Table at De Meye, Muldersvlei, ZA
February, 21, 2025

Being lunch time, we bussed to The Table at De Meye restaurant for our luncheon appointment where we enjoyed another gourmet lunch under some large trees. The restaurant is a farm-to-table type restaurant and also serve the food family style. As the day was cooler, it was very enjoyable and the food and wines paired perfectly.

After lunch it was off to Kanonkop Wine Estate in Stellenbosch. This is a wine that can readily be purchased in the U.S. and it was great to visit and enjoy additional tastings. This was a Pinotage tasting, as Kanonkop thinks if itself as the big dog of Pinotage wines. We tasted 6 wines, a Pinotage Dry Rose, a Cape blend which has more Pinotage than another wine in the blend, and 4 other Pinotage wines with varying price points. By the time we departed, I had to agree that they do great Pinotages, but they are not the only winery doing Pinotage--as we have seen during this wine trip. 

The Wines of Kanonkop
February 21, 2025

After the tasting, we had some time to enjoy the winery and Chris found dogs in need. Two Irish Setters were happy for her to pet their heads and rub their bellies. She is missing her dog Finnegan a lot! 

Chris and the Irish Setter
Kanonkop Wine Estate
February 21, 2025

The day ended as we checked into a very nice hotel in Stellenbosch. We headed out a bit later to secure dinner and enjoy the very busy college town on a Friday night.

-- Bob Doan, Stellenbosch, South Africa

The Road Less Traveled

Sorting and Destemming
Kleine Vine, Tulbagh, ZA
February 20, 2025

 After boarding our tour bus yesterday, we proceeded to a winery along a long unpaved and rough road. It was the road less traveled. The climb up the mountain to the vineyard was interesting and long. Along the way we passed a massive ostrich farm.  

2016 Semillon
February 20, 2025

It was a fantastic visit to a winery where we were met by the winemaker Wynand Grobler. We enjoyed a short few hours with him and the staff as we toured the winery and discovered how a gravity feed system works. We witnessed sorting and destemming and getting the grapes into the fermentation vessels. It was quite a process.

During the visit we enjoyed four excellent wines, a 2024 Grenacle Blanc, a 2023 

The Scenery I Enjoyed During Lunch
Rijk's Wine Estate, Tulbagh, ZA
Febraury 20, 2025

Semillon, a 2022 Cisaut, and a 2022 GSM names TMV. All exhibited excellent balance and complexity in accordance with the grape varieties. As a bonus, we tasted a 2016 Semillon from 120 year old vines. It was superior in all respects.

From there we headed off to Rijk's Wine Estate in Tulbagh for another great lunch. It was a two course lunch with wine. The wines were the Private Cellar C Henin Blanc 2023 and the Private Cellar Pilotage 2021. Both wines were perfect matches for the courses and highlighted the continuation of excellent wines we have been sampling from South Africa.

The final stop of the day was at Saronsberg Wine Cellar. It became a very hot 102 degree day, but we survived and enjoyed wines at a table under some large oak trees. A light breeze kept us from expiring for heat exhaustion as we sampled some very nice wines beginning with a 2024 Brut, followed by 2024 Sauvignon Blanc, a 2022 Viognier, a 2022 Seismic which is a blend of the big 5 Bordeaux grapes, a 2022 Shiraz, a 2021 Shiraz and finally the Full Circle 2022 which is a great Rhone style wine. All of these wines offered something special and were very enjoyable., The price points were superior and I bought some of the Viognier and 2022 Shiraz. 

All-in-all it was another great wine tasting day in South Africa. I continues to be exposed to creative winemaking and of course an organic and biodiverse approach. 

We returned to the Royal Hotel in Riebeek Kasteel for the evening. Today we depart for the Stellenbosch wine region! More fine wine awaits!

Today is forecast to be cooler than yesterday! That is a plus. 

-- Bob Doan, Riebeek Kasteel, South Africa 

But Wait, there is more

Stian Willernse
Wildeberg Winery, Franschhoek, ZA
February 19, 2025

 Grapes, apples, and olives are  the principle crops grown in the region of South Africa we traveled through and visited yesterday. Both the grapes and apples are being harvested.

Wildebery Winery Offerings
Franschhoek, ZA
February 19, 2025

We began the day in a very scenic valley of the Franschhoek appellation at the Wildeberg Winery. We enjoyed tasting seven of their wines. Stian Willernse guided us through the tasting which included Semillon, Shiraz, Chenin Blanc, a Chenin and Grenache blend, a Cabernet Franc and Malbec blend, a Grenache and Syrah blend and finally a Cinsault. Each of the wines provided us with insight into the mind of the winemaker. Stian advised that the Coterie Cabernet Franc (67%)/Malbec (33%) blend was their number one seller at the winery and I have to agree that of the seven wines we tasted, it was my favorite. The wine had cherries and black currant on the nose, mild tannins, and a very enjoyable balance and structure.

Overall, I felt that all of the wines exhibited a good balance and provided an excellent representation of the winery. 

Avondale Oak Barrel Room
Paarl, South Africa
February 19, 2025

We boarded our bus and headed off to Avondale Wines in Paarl, South Africa. 

Nelson Mandela Statue
February 19, 2025

Along the way to Avondale, we passed a prison from which Nelson Mandela negotiated the terms of his release and the end of apartheid. A statue of Mandela was erected at the entrance to the prison shortly after his death on 2014. I was barely able to snap an image of the statue as the bus sped by. 

Arriving at Avondale we were treated to a behind the scenes tour of the barrel room during harvest. It was abuzz with activity, but we were able to view the extensive network of steel tanks, uncountable numbers of oak barrels and some unique wine making vessels including underground vessels pioneered in the country of Georgia and other vessels created both in Italy and South Africa. 

I had heard about the Georgian underground method of fermenting wine and as it was explained, there is little intervention from the winemaker. The grapes go into the tanks and ferment for a year and then are drained and the wine is made with an ABV of about 12 percent.

Lunch Menu
February 19, 2025

Following the tour, we were treated to a gourmet two course wine lunch which featured four wines. I have added a copy of the menu to highlight the quality and complexity of the food and wines we have been enjoying at our wine lunches. They are truly extraordinary and esoteric. 

The Tour Group on the Veranda
Royal Hotel, Riebeek Kasteel, ZA
February 19, 2025

As for the four wines, they were expertly paired with the courses. Of the four wines presented, my favorite was the Druk-my-Niet Cabernet Franc 2019. It was a solid Cabernet Franc which expressed the character of the grape with a good nose and Excellent color. It paired well with the meat and did not show either the green pepper or black pepper which is present in so many Cab Francs. 

Climbing back onto the bus, we headed off to our hotel for the night, the Royal Hotel in Riebeek Kasteel. Along the way we marveled at the stunning scenery and were concerned about fires raging on the mountains and near the road we traversed. Upon arriving at the hotel, we processed in and almost as a complete group enjoyed gin and tonic on the veranda. It is said that two prime ministers of South Africa have enjoyed the veranda of the hotel. The hotel is decorated in an authentic style, but offers modern conveniences. The town is small, but provides essential places to eat for the hotel. 

Today, more wine! More travel, but we return to Royal Hotel for the evening!

-- Bob Doan, Riebeek Kasteel, South Africa

Into the Wine Region

Stepping off the Bus
Glenwood Vineyards, Franschhoek, ZA
February 18, 2025

 Yesterday was highlighted by visits to two wine estates in the Franschhoek region. We spent one night at a hotel in Francschhoek, which was nice because after spending almost 3 hours on the bus to start the day, we only had a short ride to the Protea Hotel near the center of the thriving village of Franschhoek. Along the way we encountered stunning scenery and, of course good wines. 

Entering the Barrel Room
Glenwood Vinyards, Franschhoek, ZA
February 18, 2025

Glenwood Vineyards was our first stop. The bus ride up the narrow valley and across a very narrow bridge was something to remember. The vineyards sits off the beaten path, but is worth the time to find. We enjoyed a tour of the barrel room complete with a barrel tasting of Chardonnay which had been in the barrel 12 months and had about another 12 months to go. Glenwood calls themselves the Home of Chardonnay--and that seemed true. Following that, we sampled five wines including two Chardonnays. Both were solid Chardonnays. In addition, we tasted a Cabernet Sauvignon, a merlot, and a Shiraz.

View from the Veranda
Holden Manz Wine Estate
Franschhoek, ZA
February 18, 2025

Our next stop was at Holden Manz Wine Estate in Franschhoek. Here we enjoyed a three course wine lunch. We sat on a veranda with a magnificent view and a cooling breeze. It was a near perfect environment to enjoy fine wine and gourmet dining. During our time we were guided through the lunch and wine tasting by one of the owners, Big G, and enjoyed six wines including the 2023 Chenin Blanc, 2024 Rosè, 2021 Semillon, 2022 Chardonnay, 2018 Visionaire, and the 2020 Big G. The Rosé is a blend of Grenache, Syrah, and Cinsault. 

Pavlova
Holden 

The food was also something very special and I would be remiss for not mentioning something about the food. Well, the dessert, Pavlova. I had not had this dessert before and it was totally enjoyable.

Aside from the wineries, Chris and I have been enjoying the stunning mountains and valleys of the countryside. As we are bussed across the southwestern portion of South Africa, it seems that there is so much stunning landscape to enjoy that we just would like the opportunity to stop and spend time just looking at the scenery and enjoying a nice glass of wine. 

Today, we leave Franschhoek and head off for two wineries today and transitioning to a hotel in Reebeck Kasteel. Another fun day ahead!

-- Bob Doan, Franschhoek, South Africa

A Day at Sprintfontein Wine Estate

 I have never had a a wine experience like yesterday. 

African Queen
Stanford, South Africa
February 17, 2025

Chris and I spent the day totally involved with one wine estate from about 10 AM until 5 PM. Wow! What a day! We walked the vineyards, we tasted the wines, and we enjoyed a fully narrated four-hour wine lunch which included tasting 11 wines! Coupled with the wine we enjoyed on the boat, we sampled 12 South African wines yesterday.

Snake in the River
Sanford, South Africa
February 17, 2025

The day began with a boat and wine experience on the Klein River near Sanford, ZA. The boat ride was coupled with an introduction to the Springfontein Wine Estate. The trip down the river was enjoyable, I always enjoy being on a boat. The excitement was when a yellow and black snake swam across in front of the boat. No one knows what kind it was, but some speculated it was a spitting Cobra. The skipper of the boat reversed the engines to allow it a wide berth as it swam from one side of the river to the other. 

Johst and the Argon Pressurized Tank
Springfontein Estate, Sanford, ZA
February 17, 2025

After the journey to the winery along the river, where we saw a lot of wildlife including Egyptian Geese, ducks, and many other birds we arrived at the winery and began a day of wine education and tasting. 

The Spring
Springfontein Estate, Sanford, ZA
February 17, 2025

I cannot begin to say enough about Springfontein Wine Estate. They are an organic wine producer committed to biodiversity. The owner is working to expand knowledge of and interest in South African wines with the two principal varieties being the red Pinotage and the white Chanel.

Chris and I had the opportunity to learn about how the wines are produced, including a new pressurized intracellular fermentation process using tanks and argon gas. We also had the opportunity to walk the vineyards and see the spring which provides the estate with both water its name.  Sadly, we also viewed first hand the damage birds caused to the crop where about 40 percent of the potential harvest was lost. 

A Bunch of Chanel Grapes
Springfontein Estate, Sanford, ZA
February 17. 2025

After the orientation to the estate, we proceeded to a wine lunch, which lasted almost 4 hours and provided 11 selected wines paired with food. There were six courses and I sampled for the first time kudu (a type of antelope) along with gourmet prepared dishes that paired fantastically with the estate's wines.

While the food was gourmet, the wines were the stars of the afternoon. We enjoyed a selection of Chenin Blanc, Chanel, Pinotage, and blends which all were well crafted and paired perfectly. 

Wine Lunch
Springfontein Estate, Sanford, ZA
February 17, 2025

Through it all, the founder and owner of the estate provided the narrative of the wines and his vision for the future of not only his wines, but South African wines in general. 

When we were finally ready to depart, some almost seven hours after starting the day, I was excited about the future of South African wines and especially the varietal Chanel. 

What a great day of wine and education and gastronomic delight. Wow!

And to think, Chris and I are on this wine tour for another week!

-- Bob Doan, Hermanus, South Africa

Cape Town to Hermanus

 

Wines at Gabriëlskloof Wine Estate
Bot River, South Africa
February 16, 2025

We departed Cape Town yesterday morning to move out into the South African countryside and begin enjoying the wine focused portion of our trip.

Table Cloth on Table Mountain
Cape Town, South Africa
February 16, 2025

As we boarded the bus in Cape Town, we could see the table cloth was coming down Table Mountain creating a stunning scene as the cloud poured over the top of the mountain and descended until it evaporated. 

We bussed through the countryside traveling east into the wide-open spaces of South Africa and into the wine country. 

Our first stop of the day was Gabriëlskloof Wine Estate in Bot River. We enjoyed a selection of Cabernet Franc, Sauvignon Blanc, and Shiraz wines for the tasting. We also enjoyed a lunch from the adjacent Farro Restaurant whilst sitting on the veranda out of the bright sun. We spent time with the owner and winemaker learning his particular thoughts about wines and winemaking while also gaining an understanding of South African wines. We enjoyed the wines and their interpretation as explained by the winemaker. 

Me and Chris Overlooking the Vineyards
Creation Wines, Hermanus, South Africa
February 16, 2025

Our second, and final, wine stop of the day was Creation Wines in Hermanus. They are not actually in the village of Hermanus, where our lodging is, but outside the town a short drive away. We met the owners and enjoyed learning their history and vision for the winery. We enjoyed a tasting in a very elegant tasting room where we enjoyed six wines: three Chardonnay and three Pinot Noir. The Reserve Pinot Noir was tasting very nicely. It being Sunday afternoon, the tasting room was very busy, but we were afforded a personalized experience. The wines were all tasting very nice and with a good price point. 

View from Hotel Pool
Hermanus, South Africa
February 16, 2025

From Creation, we bussed to our lodging at the Harbor House Hotel situated on the Atlantic Ocean waterfront in Hermanus. After accessing our room we headed out into the town to find dinner which we thoroughly enjoyed.  

Today, we will enjoy another wine estate and a boating expedition. Today also marks the one week point in our trip. It is hard to believe that we have been in South Africa almost a week. 

Programming Note: As I am traveling, I will not be publishing Monday Musings this week or next. I expect to resume Monday Musings on March 3rd. 

-- Bob Doan, Hermanus, South Africa

On the MD Wine Trail - Catoctin Breeze Vineyard

Catoctin Breeze Vineyard
Thurmont, MD
August 29, 2024

 Chris and I , along with two friends, headed out on the Maryland Wine Trail to visit wineries that we had never visited. There are many more wineries in Maryland than most realize and there is always the opportunity to discover a hidden gem. 

We found one yesterday in Catoctin Breeze Vineyard. The winery is nestled at the foot of a hill in Thurmont, Maryland. The tasting room is a very inviting facility and provides a great vantage point of the vineyards. There is ample outdoor seating for picnicking. 

Catoctin Breeze Merlot
Thurmont, MD
August 29, 2024

The visit was a success. We found great wines, with white, rose, and red. The price point is a bit high, but the wines are definitely well made and come with layers and long finishes.

We were especially impressed with the Merlot ($30) and the Cabernet Franc ($55). Both, while medium body presented with layers and flavors of well blended wines. I bought some of the Merlot, but felt the price point of the Cabernet Franc was a bit high. 

Be aware, the price of a tasting is $24, but comes with 6 wines and if you are really nice, maybe a 7th. In addition to the two wines already mentioned, the Adagio 2022 ($40) was tasting very nicely. It is a blend of 50% Merlot, 25% Cab Franc, and 25% Teroldego. In addition to the red wines mentioned, there are white wines and a rose. The listing from yesterday showed 18 offerings call ranging from $30-$55. 

I recommend a visit to enjoy some great wines and scenery. 

-- Bob Doan, Odenton, MD

Chasing the Moon

Moon over Magnus Ridge
Rock Stream, NY
August 25, 2024

 It seems that lately I have been noticing the moon more during the day. Perhaps it is because the daylight is longer and I do not go out much after dark to avoid the mosquitoes. 

Sunday, Chris and I stopped off a Magnus Ridge Winery, just north of Watkins Glen, to experience some Finger Lakes Wine. Magnus Ridge is one of my favorites because they make a variety of wines with good balance. And some nice medium body reds. I especially like the Cabernet Franc.

As we stepped out of the truck, I spied the moon over the winery. I guess I am not good at moonshots, but if you look real hard you can see it. I was amazed at the crystal blue sky as well. It was a beautiful image, in my head at least. 

-- Bob Doan, Odenton, MD

Wine Event - Doris Market

 I love Wine events!

A Table at the Wine Event
Doris Market, North Palm Beach, FL
October 21, 2023

Last evening, beginning at 8:30 PM, we attended a wine and food event sponsored by Doris Market in North Palm Beach. It was not far, fortunately. 

The event was held in the supermarket and there were well over 100 wines, probably closer to 200, available for tasting. The majority seemed to be from Italy, but I did find, and buy, a good Australian wine. There was enough wine that most vendors had wines available at the end of the event. Some of the most popular, and expensive, wines did run out a bit earlier.

The food portion of the evening was well done, buffet style. The event lasted two hours, which seemed like a short time, but at the end of an hour I had circulated through all of the wine tables selecting and tasting specific wines and eaten my fill of food. The next hour was spent revisiting tables to re-taste wines I was unsure of or to taste wines that friends or other wine event patrons recommended. 

It was a great evening and the event efficiently processed purchases and believe it or not, we were actually out of the venue before the two hours were complete. And we had a great time. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Chateau Ste Michelle

Chris and I 
Chateau Ste Michelle, WA
August 27, 2023

 One of the really fun things we did while on our trip to the PNW and Alaska was to visit a winery. Yup. Wine!

We visited Chateau Ste Michelle right outside of Seattle on a glorious Sunday afternoon. It was the last day of nice weather for the entire trip. 

The Tasting Area with Fran and Chris
Chateau Ste Michelle
August 27, 2023

We thoroughly enjoyed the visit to the winery and decided on a high end tasting served outdoors in the bright sunshine and heat of the day. The wines were tasting great and the tasting came with a small charcuterie tray to help understand the nature of the wines better. 

I remain, however, convinced that handing wines and munchies to visitors and allowing them to do their own thing is not the best way to tell the story of the winery. But, Chateau Ste Michelle is HUGE! It may be the largest winery operation that we have visited. 

once we were finished with the tasting, which was $50 per person, and we decided to join one of the top end wine clubs we were invited to the members only lounge for more tastings and some relaxation. I had forgotten how expensive West coast Wine Tastings are. 

Our first wine club shipment should arrive next week and I am excited. The wines we tasted were very good with a nice price point. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Escape to the Wineries

 

Wine Tasting
Sheldrake Point Winery, Ovid, NY
August 15, 2023

We did it!

Yesterday, Chris, Nicole, and I managed to escape for a few hours and visit the three closest wineries. It was a grand afternoon.

One of the wineries, the closest, we had never visited and we had a very good time. It was fun to talk with the owner, founder, and winemaker all in the form of the same person. She has established a well designed small farm winery. The winery, Bet the Farm Winery, is a fun and enjoyable place to visit. The wines are solid offerings and the 2021 Lemburger stood out as a solid New York red wine. 

As it turned out, the other two wineries we visited are both for sale. They are also repeat favorites and we have been members of both at some point in the past. 

Sheldrake Point Winery and Americana Winery are both for sale, but their wines were tasting very well. I had the Riesling flight at Sheldrake Point and they were all very nice. The tasting was fun and enjoyable. It is always better to visit mid-week.

Americana was tasting well also. Their wines continue to run the gamut including a number of blueberry wines, but the redesigned tasting allows for sampling the wines paired with munchies and fudge. 

The wine tasting success of the day, however, goes to Bet the Farm. It was a traditional wine tasting at the bar and I thoroughly enjoyed talking to the owner/winemaker about the wines and her interpretation of the grapes. I had fun.

I still do not appreciate tasting wines in flights alone at a small table with no interaction with the staff.

OK, do not fret. I am not considering buying a winery. A wise person once noted, How do you make a small fortune? Start with a large one and open a winery.

-- Bob Doan, Ithaca, NY

Virginia Wineries

King Family Vineyards
Crozet, VA
May 25, 2023

 During the past two days, Chris and I have managed to visit 8 Virginia Wineries in the Charlottesville region. 

We have been treated to stunning vistas, varied wines, and great conversations with the friends who are accompanying us on our trek. 

One thing we are definitely enjoying are the varied wines. It is surprising that we have not purchased more than we have, but I think the idea of transporting them to Florida and hoping they arrive in good condition is a bit off-putting. 

View at Mount Ida Farm and Vineyard
Charlottesville, VA
May 24, 2023

We especially enjoyed returning to King Family Vineyards, where we are members. I believe the consensus of the group was that the wines were tasting best at King. I also purchased the most wine at that vineyards.

We enjoyed the stunning views from Mount Ida Farm and Vineyard and also from Hazy Mountain Vineyards and Brewery. These vineyards are designed for stunning views and hosting weddings. Their wines are coming along. But, I will say that the pizza at Hazy Mountain is excellent!

We have had some great fun and great food. 

I highly recommend Duner's out outside of Charlottesville for dinner! Excellent service, great menu, and a just a really nice place to enjoy conversation and dinner. 

And our visit is not yet over. 

-- Bob Doan, Earlysville, VA