It’s early. 9am on a Monday. Driving up from Napa to Russian River Valley it occurs to me how much I love coming to this part of Wine Country. The weather is a little overcast and the drive beyond smooth. The trip from Napa to DeLoach Vineyards is just over an hour.
The Russian River begins at the northernmost point near Willits in Northern California (2.5 hours north of San Francisco)It flows parallel to Hwy 101. It then takes a sharp turn to the coast near Healdsburg and empties in the ocean at Jenner.
De Loach is in the Russian River AVA. Founded in 1983, the Russian River Valley AVA today holds over 15,000 acres of vineyard. The climate of the region is particularly cool. This effect comes from the coast in the way of fog and wind. Known for growing great wine from Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Zinfandel grapes. They thrive in places with Diurnal shifts. These shifts are significant temperature fluctuations. While it can be hot during the day, the shifts can take the temperatures down and keep them there longer. Part of the beauty of being so close to the Sonoma Coast.
DeLoach Vineyards has a signigicant place in California wine history. It was one of the first wineries in the Russian River Valley. Started in 1975 by Cecil and Christine DeLoach. They were the first to plant Pinot Noir on Olivet Road. Also first to use the RRV designation on their winery labels.
In 2003 French Vintners of the Boisset Family Estates purchased the property. It was then the work for the Boisset’s began in Northern California. With a focus on biodynamic and organic farming practices, Boisset honored the DeLoach tradition. They also took it a step further. See other properties owned by the Boisset’s.
Imagine a French Country Home tucked away and surrounded by vineyards of the most meticulous nature. Organic, and biodynamic producer DeLoach Vineyards has taken style and taste and combined it into one remarkable example in Sonoma County’s Russian River Valley. There are goats and chickens, a stunning garden of extraordinary flowers. And of course the vineyards. It’s a quiet and picturesque destination, sure to take the edge off the day and give you a relaxing, memorable experience.
I’m sitting down with assistant winemaker Katie Cochrane and talking about her experience at DeLoach. She’s been here since 2006 and was born and raised in Sonoma County’s Russian River Valley. (See Video). They’re famous for their organic and biodynamic approach to winegrowing.
It’s a quiet getaway from the masses and a stunning exploration of Sonoma County wine. This beautiful tasting room has luxurious outdoor seating under umbrellas so you can sip your afternoon away. Breathtaking vistas and views of mountains and hilltops dot the horizon. All this in the Russian River Valley.
Contact Wine Paths Travel to make this your next wine country destination.
Bouchaine Winery is the spot to discover great Burgundian varieties made in Napa Valley’s Carneros region. Modern winery meets social hour. Bouchaine Vineyards tasting room
Somm Foundation Receives $25,000 in Support Pouring of Chateau Montelena’s stunning 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Over 200 people descended on Napa Valley’s Meritage Resort & Spa
Sojourn to the apex of Napa Valley with Theorem Vineyards. Adventuring up to Calistoga offers a wide array of wine riches including some boutique & family-owned small lot wineries.
I have a distinct weakness for outstanding Rosé Champagne.
The introduction to this beauty was worth every penny. Every sip. Every moment.
I drank. Yes drank. Not sipped, not tasted, drank in the ethereal elements of this mesmerizing Champagne. Made from 100% Meunier (50% of reserve wine), the Rosé de Meunier Extra Brut took my breathe away. It comes from Vallée de la Marne, in Chavot where the soils are predominately clay.
A luminous example of depth, rich taste and pointed effort. The result is magnificent. There is so much going on in this glass! Voluptuous berries, understated citrus, a bit of mint and minerality. The mousse is elegant and mouthwatering.
The perfect pairing? Duck fat fries.
The vines are approximately 30 years old. Made from 100% Pinot Meunier with 30% maceration, 10% red wine, 60% of reserved wine aged in barrel. Hand picked and fermented in vats, foudres with partial Malolactic, aging on fine lees.
Seven generations have tilled this soil and worked this land. The quest? For the perfect alchemy. It was visionary Jean-Baptiste Lahore who established the estate in the village of Chavost. Later this village would be called Chavot.
Over the years more land was acquired and today two generations are working together to create soulful wine. The latest generation is led by Aurélien Laherte.
#TheWineSiren #KellyMitchell #wine
Ready to cruise unchartered waters? The gods have graced Napa Valley with a worldclass Tiki bar. Here on the roof top deck checking out the views.
There are so many surprises inside. Coming to you the end of October! Get ready for some wicked good fun.
For you Mai Tai connoisseurs, these drinks are legend. The food promises to be compelling. I’m all in. Join me!
#TheWineSiren #NapaValley #KellyMitchell
Savoring every ounce of Porto & Gaia.
These captivating towns! This area is where savvy Europeans chill during holiday. It’s relaxed pace, good natured locals and delicious food and wine grace this region . Their beauty is remarkable. It’s history rich.
This day I ran first to the sea. Yet in the wrong direction. So I never made it there. But I discovered new things. Relived past visits and learned from those I spoke to.
The charm here will draw you in. Hold your heart captive.
Don’t look for crowded streets in the mornings.Life begins in the afternoon here. And then it knows no bounds.
A wedding. An hourly trolly. Buildings that have seen more history than we will ever know.
Dinner. A perfectly cooked tentacle of octopus, beyond generous in portion. Paired with a delectable #Alvarinho. An accommodating chef, and attentive service.
This was a day I’ll remember always.
Do you have a destination that you treasure?
Food by @restaurantebacalhoeiro
Wine by #quintadecidro
Vibe by #Portugal
When jet lag hits Porto and collides with a dirty Grey Goose tini up with Nicoise olive and a twist.
Good night.
Self Portrait: Finally changed my profile pic. Removed the one of me at the Eiffel Tower taken on March 12th just before the borders closed in France and the US.
I think the time after the old pic was taken has truly been a time of self reflection.
Each and everyone of us has been through such a crazy year and a half.
I'm grateful for this time since it's given me time to appreciate and spend more time with my family first. And to focus on the friends who truly are part of my life in ways that matter.
It gave me the opportunity to get in the best shape if my life and focus on the things that really matter in this life.
I hope your journey too has been productive, meaningful and takes you where you want to go.
Wishing you a fabulous weekend in moderation, healthy food and great exercise!
To whatever is in your glass! May it be the most delicious sip ever.
Peace✌️And have a fantastic weekend with your loves.
Melka Estates
Precision is the name of the game. And you’ll certainly find the art of it at Melka.
A venture with two incredibly talented and diverse individuals, husband and wife team, Phillipe and Cherie Melka have created an enviable venture at the top of St. Helena’s Silverado Trail.
Precision’s opportunity presents itself in many venues of winemaking and the one wine creators agree upon is what happens in the vineyard is paramount to creating powerful and diverse taste in the glass.
To capitalize on this during harvest, the Melka’s make not one or two passes in the vineyard but several. To capture the spirit of vibrancy, the depth of flavor, the uniqueness of terroir.
It is a tasting that takes every sense and envelopes it completely. The heights of which taste continually excels the more in-depth one gets into the wine. It brings emotion to the forefront. Part of why I got involved in wine in the first place. Those taste that change one’s perception forever. That open the door to possibility and never let it go.
In the wine space it is not difficult to get jaded on occasion my the dearth of decent wine on the market today. There is not shortage of overpriced above average wine.
Here, the senses are in tune with what nature presents, while taking it a step beyond. The memories of this tasting will long be with me. It gave new life to my interest in wine. It gave meaning and dimension to the thought of truly exceptional wine.
This is a start of the story on the Melka’s and what they are doing for their family brand. Can't wait to delve in deeper!
Pictured: The bottle that brought happy tears to my eyes. 2017 Metisse Martinez Vineyards 70% Cabernet Sauvignon 20% Cabernet Franc 10% Petit Verdot
Great time tasting with dear friend @vinifera_collection. Thanks for capturing the puppy pic!
#TheWineSiren
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