Past Meeting Notes

November 26, 2023: J. Lohr Vineyard & Wines

Founded five decades ago and still family-owned and operated today, J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines has established itself as one of the industry’s most respected wine brands. Jerry Lohr’s remarkable career continues in close, hands-on partnership with his children and co-owners Steve, Cynthia, and Lawrence. One of America’s favorite wineries is poised for its next exciting, pioneering chapter.

J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines now includes more than 1,400 acres of cool-climate estate vineyards in the Arroyo Seco and Santa Lucia Highlands regions of Monterey County, with an emphasis on Chardonnay, Riesling, Valdiguié, and Pinot Noir. J. Lohr farms over 2,700 acres of vineyards in Paso Robles, now recognized as one of the world’s best spots for Cabernet Sauvignon and other Bordeaux and Rhone varietals. Nearly all the red wines in the J. Lohr portfolio come from here, affirming the foresight of Jerry’s original vision.

The winery also owns 30+ acres in Napa Valley at our spectacular Carol’s Vineyard, planted to Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot.

From this rich and diverse palette of sustainably farmed estate fruit, J. Lohr crafts wines showcasing bold, concentrated flavors and a vibrant sense of place.

Wines Poured:

2022 Flume Crossing Sauvignon Blanc
2022 F&G Vineyard Pinot Blanc
2022 October Night Chardonnay
2021 Arroyo Vista Chardonnay
2021 Fog’s Reach Pinot Noir
2019 Cuvee POM
2021 Hilltop Cabernet Sauvignon
2019 Signature Cabernet Sauvignon

October 18, 2023: A Tasting of Two Terroirs

Burgundy and Willamette Valley

The French have evolved the concept of terroir as a way of describing the unique aspects of a place that influence and shape the wine made from it. Maison Joseph Drouhin farms and produces wines from the distinctive terroirs of French Burgundy and the Willamette Valley.

The program will include an overview of Burgundy geography and wine label information, and of the Willamette Valley and associated AVA’s.

For the tasting, two wines will be poured at a time, a wine from Oregon, and a wine from Burgundy. It is suggested that the wines be sniffed alternately, and sips taken alternately. The fun and learning are from the comparisons.

Wines Poured:

Chardonnay:

Joseph Drouhin St. Veran 2020
Domaine Drouhin Dundee Hills Oregon Arthur Chardonnay 2021
Domaine Drouhin Eola-Amity Hills Oregon Roserock Chardonnay 2021
Joseph Drouhin Pouilly-Vinzelles 2020

Pinot Noir:

Joseph Drouhin Bourgogne Rouge 2020
Domaine Drouhin Eola-Amity Hills Oregon Roserock Pinot Noir 2021
Domaine Drouhin Dundee Hills Oregon Pinot Noir 2021
Joseph Drouhin Chorey-Les-Beaune 2020

September 20, 2023: Hearst Ranch Winery

The hand-crafted offerings of Hearst Ranch Winery have been brought to life by the collaboration of sound agricultural practices, impeccable winemaking and the philanthropic involvement of Steve Hearst and Jim Saunders. The fruit from California’s Central Coast vineyards is among the finest in the world. Blend in the talent of our winemaker and you get Hearst Ranch Wines, exhibiting the excellence that is a testimony to the “Legacy of Quality™”—synonymous with the Hearst tradition.

Founded in 2010 by friends, Jim Saunders and Steve Hearst, Hearst Ranch Winery is a premium producer of wines from their estate Paso Robles vineyard. Winemaker Soren Christensen has been making wines from the Saunders Vineyard since 2005 when he first met Jim Saunders. Their relationship flourished even more when Soren became official Winemaker for Hearst Ranch Winery in 2014. Along with Soren, his wine brand Anonimo was embraced with open arms as he produces Italian inspired wines. Jim Saunders's son, Scott, has been full-time with Hearst since 2011, and he also started the brand Arbuckle Ridge, which focuses on making deeply extracted red wines with unique blends. We look forward to sharing a taste of all three brands with you at the SDWG event.

Wines Poured:

2022 Rose
2022 Three sisters White Cuvee
2022 Glacier Chardonnay
2020 Randolph Red Blend
2019 Anonimo Red Blend
2021 Babicora Malbec
2021 Bunkhouse Cabernet
2020 Arbuckle 57 Octaves

August 26, 2023: SDWG Summer Party

Wine Tasting & Great Food

Food provided by Yanni’s Bar & Grill

In addition to 80 plus wines from wineries such as Carol Shelton, Oak Farm, Heringer, Michael David, Sculpterra, Carter Estate, Sartori di Verona, J Lohr, Fallbrook Winery, Austin Hope, and more we also had a few surprises.

Euan Parker, winemaker and past presenter from Fallbrook Winery brought some wine from his own winery. We also had a special table with wines from Baja

July 19, 2023: Hope Family Wines

Hope Family Wines is proudly family-owned and operated by Austin Hope

The Hope family has been farming in Paso Robles for more than 30 years. When they arrived in this barely discovered region, they planted apples and grapes. Little did they know that the rolling, oak-studded terrain of Paso Robles would one day become a viticultural terroir of significance and one of the top wine growing regions for quality red wine within the Central Coast.

Gone are the apple orchards. Today, the Hopes cultivate mature vineyards of the varieties best suited to their area including Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Merlot, Mourvedre and Grenache. Vine density has increased, and each vine is asked to produce very little fruit. The terroir of this domain expresses itself in its unique regional character. Regardless of the varieties planted, the expression of Paso Robles is displayed in the glass with spice, licorice and berry in the nose, soft textures, and silky tannins on the palate.

Hope Family Wines consists of five individual brands: Liberty School, Treana, Quest, Austin Hope, Troublemaker.

The wines poured were:

2022 Treana Sauvignon Blanc
2022 Austin Hope Rose
2021 Austin Hope Grenache
2021 Austin Hope Pinot Noir
NV Austin Hope Robles Cabernet Sauvignon
2020 Austin Hope Cabernet Sauvignon
NV Troublemaker Syrah blend
2020 Treana Blanc (Viognier, Marsanne, Roussanne)

June 21, 2023: Oak Farm Vineyards

Oak Farm Vineyards is a family owned and operated estate winery located in Lodi California.

The Panella family arrived in the region in 1936 and began an agricultural journey that ultimately culminated with the purchase of Oak Farm in 2004. As a third generation California Farmer, Dan reveled in undertaking the task of replanting the property’s 60 acres of vineyards in 2012 to fulfill the vast potential of Lodi. Dan leads a talented team to build a diverse portfolio of wines made from estate fruit, made up of 14 different grape varieties as well as selectively sourced grapes.

Today, Oak Farm Vineyards offers a wine tasting experience that is without equal in the Lodi appellation. Our tasting room sits amid a 70-acre oasis of lush vines and majestic century old oaks. The property also hosts out of town travelers at Annadan suites, our beautiful vacation rental located within walking distance of the tasting room. The tasting room is open 7-days a week by reservation.

The wines poured:

2022 Sauvignon Blanc
2022 Albarino
2022 Fiano
2018 Raffaele
NV Mohr Fry Old Vine Zinfandel
2019 Genevieve
2019 Cabernet Sauvignon
2019 Cabernet Franc

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)