Truchard Vineyards

Throughout my years of following the wine industry, I have enjoyed veering away from the corporate giants and seeking more family owned and exclusive wineries. Available by appointment only, away from the main highways, Truchard Vineyards is precisely my kind of winery.

During my visit to Napa in July, I made sure to plan ahead and visit some of these wineries. Although Truchard is mostly available for appointments during the week, I was very excited that they were able to squeeze us in on a Saturday.

The property is located in the Carneros region of Napa Valley, along Old Sonoma Road. The driveway to the winery is a bit tricky to find and we had to turn around a couple of times and drive past again. Upon finding the property, we pulled up the driveway toward the tasting room and were greeted by a friendly little goat.

Our tour and tasting was guided by none other than the gracious Jo Ann Truchard, co-founder of Truchard Vineyards. She began our tour by pouring us a glass of wine and taking us out into the vineyard. The property is quite stunning with a small pond sitting at the bottom of the vine covered hills. We walked through the cabernet-filled slopes and the chardonnay flat lands. Jo Ann gave us each a bottle label to show us this exact scene where the inspiration for the label design came from.

She then took us into the intricate wine cave. Shaped with tunnels in all directions, we walked through and acknowledged the different brands and oaks of the barrels the wines are aged in. Wandering through the cave tunnels not only gave us some insight to their wine process, but also provided a nice cool break from the summer heat of Napa Valley.

We followed the path back to the antique barn-styled tasting room where Jo Ann poured us several of their estate wines. While we tasted, she enlightened us on how her husband Tony and herself bought and converted the Carneros property into a vineyard during the 70's and began making wine in the late 80's. And only those who have tried wine from Truchard would know exactly how well that has worked out.

Now on to the wines! Truchard is one of the few wineries where you can literally go down the list and fall in love with each one of their wines that you taste. Here are some of my favorites...

• Truchard Vineyards, 2007 Pinot Noir- This particular one has to have the most elegant and fresh strawberry aroma of any pinot noir I have tasted. I found myself taking extra time to just inhale the amazing scent before tasting. The wine has a great oak flavor with creamy bold berries. This wine has a notable amount of substance for being a pinot noir.

• Truchard Vineyards, 2006 Tempranillo- This wine has to be my favorite at Truchard. Being a fan of oak, this wine has an utterly powerful oak flavor to it that lingers. The deep colored wine provides the palate with a spicy, citrus, and peppery taste; followed by a bold bitter ending that is perfect to finish off each sip.

• Truchard Vineyards, 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon- Anyone who knows anything about the Cabernet Sauvignon grape would not expect this type of wine to be successful in a cooler climate area like Carneros. Truchard proves again that it knows no limits. This wine starts with an enticing aroma of sweet plum and dark berries. The bold taste consists of fresh oak, fruits, nuts, with a creamy gentle aftertaste.

• Truchard Vineyards, 2006 Roussanne- This wine is absolutely perfect for those looking to find a dessert wine that doesn't remind them of sugar syrup. Truchard's Roussanne has an impeccably natural honey taste that is dry and crisp, yet creamy. With its hints of citrus, this wine reminds me of sipping a cup of herbal tea with honey and lemon in it.

For anyone visiting Napa Valley's beautiful wine country, Truchard Vineyards is definitely a stop you'll want to make. With a gorgeous property, wonderful host, and incredible wine, you cannot go wrong.

http://www.truchardvineyards.com/

Closer to Home

When people think of California wine, one area typically comes to mind. Although Napa Valley has earned every right to its popularity and fame, other parts of California are not to be left unnoticed.

About two hours north of Los Angeles is the Santa Ynez Wine Country. From Los Angeles, it is a beautiful coastal drive up Highway 101. It is usually sunny with mild temperatures, making it perfect for any time of the year.

On a usual weekend visit, our first stop in the area always consists of breakfast in Solvang. For those who may not have heard of it, the Danish-styled city of Solvang is known for its Danish architecture, food, and overall atmosphere.

In the center of the Solvang, the Red Viking offers an amazing smorgasbord of meatballs, mashed potatoes, curry cauliflower, pickled herring, amongst other Danish food. It is definitely a meal for those who can eat an extremely heavy brunch. For the amazing food and price (about $12 per person), the smorgasbord is definitely worth the experience.

Just a few minutes north east of Solvang is where you will find yourself in wine country. This region has loads of wineries and tasting rooms to choose from. You can select wineries that have been recommended to you, or you may discover some amazing ones just by stopping by at random.

One winery that attracts a lot of attention by passing drivers is Lincourt Vineyards. This is one of the many vineyards that are located along Alamo Pintado Road. The long driveway passes a great field of grape vines and ends at the tasting room, which is a beautiful bright yellow country style building. Just outside the tasting room is a stunning white wooden patio that is perfect for an afternoon glass of Lincourt wine with friends.

Driving further north on Alamo Pintado Road, you’ll pass by several wineries, Shetland pony farms, and tranquil farmland. Just before you meet Highway 154, you suddenly arrive in the town of Los Olivos. This quant and peaceful town is full of wine tasting rooms in every direction. You can taste wines from ten different wineries without having to walk more than a block. Consider it, “power tasting.”

For those who have time to venture even further north, you will find gorgeous wineries and vineyards layering the landscape. Amongst these sporadic properties are Firestone Vineyards, Koehler Winery, and Fess Parker Winery. Each of these is well worth the slightly extended drive into the rolling hills.

For anyone in the Southern California area, no need for the long drive to Napa. Good wine is never far from home.