Our first stop was the Wilson Winery (DCV):
To our surprise and delight, Wilson is the site of fruition for our until-then-theoretical concept of the legs-wine-pourer (see Blog Glossary).
Legs was pretty and young and totally new at this - but she was also the sweetest tasting room volunteer we'd ever encountered. Devoting her Saturday to helping her mom (the actual, official, presumably knowledgeable pourer) work the tasting room for the day, she was enthusiastic and diligent about getting the answers to our questions (see Quote of the Week). Mom was super busy with a party of 18 (Robin counted 36 knee-high boots) but was available for our edification when we came up with our challenging questions, like "who is Carl" (of the "2007 Zinfandel from Carl's Vineyard"). Carl, we learn, is the father of the winery owner. In fact, all of their vineyards are named after Wilson family members. We like this! The scenery from the tasting room at Wilson was beautiful, the people were kind and the Zins were good*. We have vowed to get back to Wilson after we are a little more seasoned so we can make smart remarks regarding their wines.
*it is important to note here that Marissa doesn't think she likes Zinfandel wine, therefore, this is intended to be a compliment to Wilson.
Next stop: Amista Vineyards (DCV). Amista means "making friends" in Latin. The folks there lived up to the name. After the overipe bachelorette party moved to a special table in the back, we had the tasting bar and Ross to ourselves. Ross is delightful, knowledgeable and could make a 2-buck-chuck sound irresistible. Fortunately for Amista, the latter talent is not necessary at all. Since Ross passes on his enthusiasm for wine, and Amista in particular, to all who come by for a taste, we did learn that having a committed host with history at the winery makes for a more interactive and, therefore, rich experience.
A former chemist and home-chef, Mike (owner) pairs each wine with a suggested dish on the tasting sheet. Seeing as how we were getting hungry, Robin asked if there was any lamb in the back for us to enjoy with our Syrah. Ross did the next best thing and brought us special brownies from the kitchen - NO, not that kind of special - made with the Ilusión dessert wine. Marissa joined the wine club and Denise drank her whole taste of the port-style Ilusión** - all in all, a great 1.5 hrs spent there. The Amista 2004 Syrah was hands-down the winning wine of the day.
**it is important to note here that Denise doesn't think she likes Port and that Denise's Chef (DC) should be credited with teaching us that there is a difference between a Port and a port-style wine.
The afternoon concluded with yummy sandwiches and a review of our first day on the job.
2 wineries/26 tastes/1 new friend
Fantastic overview of the first day. I anticipate the next adventure review. I also look forward to increasing the taste-o-meter!
ReplyDeleteI'll have to join and show you my tasting "moves".
ReplyDeleteAnd yes. You will be embarrassed.
REQUEST: Any way to list/rank the wines as you go?
BTW - this was something like my 5th thought on your blog, but here goes anyway. . .
ReplyDelete"This sounds like a very expensive adventure"
6th thought: "And dangerous. Brother does not approve. Would you like to borrow my Breathalyzer?"
7th thought: "I hope you guys don't turn into too big a Tooth-stainers".
8th thought: heh heh heh. I thought that actually said Tooth-stRainers at first.
Ok, that's it! Have fun, and bring me. Oooo! Did I mention the sweet-ass wine bar that just went in in the Glen Park Canyon region?
Marissa & Denise, we are honored you visited Amista on one of your first adventures, thrilled you had a good experience (we love Ross, too) and happy you enjoyed the wines....and the special brownies!
ReplyDeleteWe are especially pleased to have you as part of the Amista family and hope you will come "home" to visit often.
Luckily my husband Mike and our winemaker, is a home chef, so I am not a kitchen widow. I do have to do the clean up...but then, I get to drink the wine.
A toast to your journey of discovery! Vicky
Cook Mike of Amista points out the arrival of the soon to be finished wood burning pizza oven to be used to hone his pizza:wine pairing efforts. Instead of tasting menu pairing, we may arrange a few real life pizza: wine pairings. He also notes being a chemist is lifetime penalty, like being in the Mafia.
ReplyDeleteMike and Vicky, thank you for posting. We will definitely come visit often and can't wait for that wood burning pizza oven! (p.s. I'm familiar with the clean-up role - I've found the trade-off to be more than fair :). - Marissa
ReplyDelete