Day 125 - Taste Wine!!

This is a follow up to my posting on Friday.  On Friday, I told you about my wonderful experience at Villa Fiorente Tasting room at 10555 Harris Rd. in Auburn.  I promised to share a bit our afternoon there with you.
First we visited the tasting bar of Ciotti Cellars.  Joe was our host and wine maker. I think my favorite wine here was the 2009 Old Vine Zinfandel.  In asking where there were "old vines" in Placer County, he said, to my surprise, Roseville!  These come from vines that are 40 years old! This wine is a silver metal winner.

Next we moved on to Popie Wines.  The wine maker was pouring at another event that day, but our host was delightful, non the less.  My favorite here was the 2010 Bianca Di Barbera.  A nice light Blush wine.  This would be a great summer wine. And this info just in:  Michael just informed me that his 2007

Barbera Reserve and my soon to be released (this coming weekend) 2008
Barbera both won Silver Medals at the 2011 California State Fair Wine
Competition! Congratulations, Michael!

Next was Cristaldi Vineyards.  The wine maker, David Brockman, was on hand as host.  Many of his wines are unfiltered.  I don't know if it has anything to do with being unfiltered, but his wines SMELLED heavenly!  Tasted great, too. David is a cardiologist by trade. And since we know that wine is good for the heart, it's a perfect combination.  David told us to be sure and come back for Italian Days July 9th and 10th. That there would be food, music and Ferraris!  When asked if he owned a Ferrari, he proudly told us about his red Ferrari tractor that he uses in his vineyard.

Lastly we stopped to chat with Lisa Mann at Fortezza Winery.  Her vineyard covers the hills behind the tasting room.  Lisa is originally from Florida, and does not miss the humidity and hurricanes!  She and her wine making skills are more than welcomed in California!  She had a nice variety of tasty wines.  She saved a "surprise" wine for us until the end.  It is not on the tasting list, so you may have to ask for it.  It is a Syrah.  One of the most delicious wines I've had.  We took some to a dinner party later that night, and it was enjoyed by all, with rave reviews!

So go check this place out. You'll have a great time, with nice folks and get to taste some yummy wines.  Take your visiting guests, or gather up some friends. You won't be disappointed.  

Day 123 - Wine Tasting in Auburn - Awesome!

Two weekends ago we happened into Villa Fiorente.  A wine tasting room located at 10555 Harris Rd in Auburn. That is at the corner of Mt. Vernon and Harris. It is a small tasting room housing four separate wineries.
Ciotti Cellers, Fortezza Winery, Cristaldi Vineyards and Popie Wines.  Each has a small tasting bar which is hosted by the wine makers themselves.

I have been to many wineries in California and have to say that this was the most pleasurable tasting experience that I have ever had.  In Napa Valley, I usually feel that the host is in a rush and a bit condescending to questions.  Quite the contrary at Villa Fiorente!  Each of the hosts/winemakers were delightful!  They were of course enthusiastic about their wines and just bubbling to tell you all about them.

If you go, be sure to get on their email list, so you are notified of any special upcoming events!

Check back on Sunday for our experience with each of the wineries.
By the way, they do charge for their tastings.  The day we were there it was raining, so we got the impromptu "rainy day discount".  But after knowing what fun I will have, I would not hesitate to pay the tasting fee!
This would be a wonderful place to take your visiting guests! They are open on Sat. & Sun. 12pm to 5pm

Day 90 - Visit Lone Buffalo Vineyards

Launched in 2007, Lone Buffalo Vineyards offers premium Placer County wines crafted by a seasoned winemaker in the ambiance and with the down-to-earth attitude of a small boutique winery.

Family owned and operated by Phil, Jill and Jocelyn Maddux, LBV is doing its part to return Placer County to its post Gold Rush roots as a premium wine-producing region.

We emphasize food-friendly, Rhône-style wines with a twist of cowboy and old west philosophy. Try our 2006 Where the Buffalo Roam red blend and the 2007 Bison Blanc Viognier and 2007 Buffalo Rose Sangiovese rosé just in time for summer.

Our wines are available for private tasting and purchase by appointment at the winery and for purchase at many Placer County and Lake Tahoe retail outlets and restaurants.

Directions:

Exit I-80 Freeway at Newcastle

Take Indian Hill Rd. east (away from town of Newcastle) to Auburn Folsom Rd.

Turn right and follow Auburn Folsom Rd. to Shirland Tract

Turn left onto Shirland Tract

Go 1/2 mile to first right turn at Burgard Lane

Go 1/2 mile to END of Burgard Lane and turn right over Pond, then right to house and vineyard.

Tasting Room Open for tasting Friday, Saturday and Sunday by appointment. Call (916) 663-4486

Website: http://www.lonebuffalovineyards.com/

Day 29 - Make plans to attend the "2011 Foothills Celebration"

Saturday - March 5th, 1pm - 4pm


"2011 Foothills Celebration"

Historic Downtown Grass Valley, CA. Price $30 in advance $40 day of the event. For tickets call 530-272-8315 or visit www.nswinecountry.com . Naggiar Winery will be pouring our wines at The Union Building on 141 Mill Street, come visit us.