May 17, 2023: Heringer Estates

 

Clarksburg, Ca has been the Heringer family home since 1868 when John Heringer immigrated from Holland to California. John came to the Sacramento River Delta with his family to farm and build his legacy. Through seven generations the family has farmed various row crops, such as alfalfa, corn, sugar beets, and tomatoes. In the 1970s the Heringer family planted their first vineyard. That first planting of wine grapes was the beginning of a changing agriculture market in California and the start of the Clarksburg Wine Country that we love today. 

 

Today the family shows the same boot strapping determination and love for their land and community at Heringer Estates by producing over 30 certified sustainable wines, offering a customizable wine club, hosting private events and weddings, and opening up their home estate as a tasting room for daily wine tasting experiences.

 

See the wine lines for location change for this meeting.

 

The wines poured were:

  • NV Blanc De Blanc
  • 2021 Chenin Blanc
  • 2020 Chardonnay
  • 2022 Generations Blended Red
  • 2018 Malbec 
  • 2018 Insieme Super Tuscan
  • 2017 Tannat
  • 2018 Purple Thread Library Reserve 

April 19, 2023: Sculpterra Winery

 

Dr. Warren Frankel, his wife Kathy and their three children moved to Paso Robles from the San Fernando Valley in 1979 with a vision for a simpler life. The Frankel family first planted 20 acres of pistachios on the ranch, followed by 20 acres of Cabernet Sauvignon grapes. After initial success with both plantings, Dr. Frankel expanded the vineyard operation in 1997 with more Cabernet Sauvignon, 10 acres of Zinfandel and 10 acres of Merlot. Cabernet Franc, Mouvedre, Petite Sirah and Viognier are the most recent additions to the vineyard. 

 

With the potential for a tasting room and winery that could showcase the estate vineyard fruit and become a destination for wine and art aficionados, Dr. Frankel broke ground on the winery in 2006 and opened for business in October 2007. Sculpterra now features a fine portfolio of ultra-premium wines, fine art and a multimillion-dollar sculpture garden that greets our guests and makes for a memorable wine tasting experience. 

 

See the wine lines for location change for this meeting.

 

The wines poured were:

  • 2021 Grenache 
  • 2021 Mourvedre 
  • 2019 Primitivo Reserve 
  • 2019 Figurine 
  • 2020 Bentley Ironworks Cabernet Sauvignon 
  • 2022 Sauvignon Blanc 
  • 2022 Viognier 
  • 2021 Paso Pink Rose

 

March 8, 2023: Sartori di Verona

 

Andrea Sartori is President of Italian wine producer Sartori di Verona founded in 1898 by his great-Grandfather Pietro Sartori. Pietro founded his winery following development of his popular tavern-hotel in Verona. The business grew both commercially as well as culturally. “I knew my great grandfather, but not my grandfather, because fate decreed that that the father outlive his son”, says Andrea Sartori. “Despite a rather grumpy character, he had a certain affection for my brother and me”. The entrepreneurial spirit was thus engrained in Andrea.

 

Andrea became President in 2000. He focused on improving the quality of the wines as well as modernizing packaging and extending the export business. Soon after assuming the reins at Sartori di Verona, Andrea embarked upon an ambitious range of initiatives designed to help Sartori stay ahead of the global competition. 

 

The primary wines that are produced are Pinot Grigio, Pinot Noir, Amarone, Ripasso, and Valpolicella. The grape varieties grown include Pinot Grigio, Pinot Noir, Corvina Veronese, Corvinone, Rondinella, Oseleta, Croatina, and Cabernet. Many of the reds are produced using the Appassimento method, involving drying the harvested grapes on racks or mats for months after harvest to reduce the moisture content by about 30% prior to fermentation. This is all governed by the Wine Board of Valpolicella.

 

Wines we poured:

  • Sartori Family Pinot Grigio
  • 2Sartori Family Pinot Noir
  • Sartori Marani
  • Sartori Valpolicella Montegradello
  • Sartori Valpolicella Regolo
  • Sartori Reius Amarone
  • Sartori Corte Bra Amarone Riserva

 

 

February 15, 2023: Terlato Wines International

 

The Terlato’s built their success over 90 years. In 1935 Salvatore Terlato opened a retail wine and spirits store in Chicago. His son Anthony became very involved with the business in 1956. When Anthony married Tony Paterno’s daughter Josephine, they became partners in Pacific Wine Company. In 1968 Robert Mondavi Joined Pacific Wine Group, and by now the portfolio included Mondavi, Champagne Roederer, and Beaulieu Vineyards.

 

The Pacific Wine group became the Terlato Wine Group in the 1980s. Rochioli joined the Terlato portfolio in 1986, then Chapoutier in1987. In 1996 Terlato purchased Rutherford Hill Winery, and in 2000 Chimney Rock was purchased. In the 1990s they expanded the portfolio to include premium wines from France, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Argentina, Chile Greece, Oregon, and California.

 

In 2003 Tony Terlato was named “Man of the Year” by Wine Enthusiast. In 2007 they changed the name to Terlato Wines International.

 

From starting as a retail store in 1935 to evolving into a leading Importer of luxury brands, Terlato has worked to achieve success in every aspect of the industry. Their portfolio consists of 85 fine wines and artisanal spirit brands.

 

Wines we poured:

  • Champagne Lanson Brut –50% Pinot Noir, 35% Chardonnay, 15% Pinot Meunier.
  • Terlato Vineyards –2020 Pinot Grigio from Friuli Vineyards, Italy
  • Hanna Winery – 2021 Chardonnay from Hanna Winery, Estate Grown RRV
  • Cutizzi Vineyards – 2021 Greco di Tufo DOCG Campania, Italy
  • Sanford Winery -- 2020 Pinot Noir, Santa Rita Hills, 100% Pinot Noir, 93 Points Wine Spectator
  • Cusumano -- 2017 NOA, 40% Nero d’Avola, 30% Merlot,30% Cabernet Sauvignon
  • IL Poggione – 2019 Rosso di Montalcino 100% Sangiovese, Italy
  • Chimney Rock – 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon, Stags Leap district, 84% Cab, 13% Merlot2% PS, 1% CF

January 18, 2023: Carter Estate Winery and Resort

 

In 2015 Jim decided to create another Southern California Wine Country destination with the passion project which would become known as Carter Estate Winery and Resort. Situated on 109 areas of pristine California Certified Sustainable Vineyards, Carter Estate Winery and Resort is an ideal setting for your relaxing stay in wine country. Carter Estate features 60 guest.

 

Jim analyzed the water, soil, and climate. Finding the conditions ideal, he started digging in the earth once more. He planted and nurtured the finest grapes with his own hands and the help of a hardworking team. Expert winemakers joined the team to create the wines that would establish the Temecula winery's reputation. Becoming a vintner inspired another chapter in Jim's story: building South Coast Winery Resort & Spa. Complete with villas, a restaurant and a spa situated in the middle of 63 acres, his story continues to grow, much like the vines he first planted.

 

Wines we poured:

  • 2016 Carter Estate Blanc de Blanc
  • 2016 Carter Estate Blanc de Noir
  • 2015 Carter Estate Prestige
  • 2016 Carter Estate Brut
  • 2018 Carter Estate Brut (disgorged that evening)
  • 2022 Carter Estate Les Nobles (barrel sample)
  • 2020 Carter Estate Viognier
  • 2016 Carter Estate Cabernet Sauvignon
  • 2015 Carter Estate Syrah
  • Carter Estate Daybreak (solera library)