Villa Creek - West Paso Robles Winery
Villa Creek Cellars was founded in 2001 by Cris and JoAnn Cherry. The Cherry's goal was to harness the extreme terroirs of the west side of Paso Robles, to engage the palates of wine aficionados and novice consumers alike.
Winemaker, Cris Cherry's passion for wine stems from the world of fine cuisine. As owner and wine director of Villa Creek Restaurant, Cris created a diverse list featuring fine boutique producers from around the globe. This global influence has helped to shape wines he creates at. JoAnn's experience as a designer and her passion for old world wines that are rich yet complex and terrior driven have further influenced the wines at Villa Creek. Cris crafts wines that show their sense of place. JoAnn designs the labels that characterize what goes into the bottle.
The wines of Villa Creek are hands on in every sense. 3,000 case production ensures that Cris can not only over see, but be hands on in every step of production. The 3,000 square foot winery boasts state of the art equipment that allows for the best of old and new world techniques. The grapes are sourced from the finest organically or sustainable farmed vineyards in the appellation including James Berry Vineyard, Denner Vineyard and Luna Matta Vineyard which recently received it's Demeter Biodynamic certification.
The 22nd Casa Pacifica Angels Wine, Food & Brew Festival
** READ THE BLOG POST @ tinyurl.com/TnT-CP15 **
The California State University Channel Islands in Camarillo was a comfortable venue to sample wine & food & beer last Sunday. The assortment of California wineries, gourmet food and craft beer made this festival a great value and it all went to benefit a very good cause--the Casa Pacifica Centers For Children & Families.
Wine
In between a few craft beers and lots of tasty food I managed to sample these very nice wines. Devon tasted many of the white wines.
Calcareous Vineyard
2013 Chardonnay, Carver Vineyard, York Mountain
2012 Trés Violet, Paso Robles (45% Mourvèdre, 37% Grenache, 18% Syrah)
2011 Lloyd of Calcareous, Paso Robles (37% Merlot, 28% Cab Franc, 23% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Malbec, 5% Petit Verdot)
Clos Des Amis
2011 Pinot Noir - Bryman Vineyard, Ventura County (Camarillo)
Concannon Vineyard
2013 Founder’s Chardonnay, Monterey County Cottonwood Canyon Winery
2012 Bistro Red, Sta Maria Valley, Pinot Noir-Syrah blend
Ferrari-Carano
2012 Siena, Sonoma County Red Wine (Sangiovese, Malbec, Petite Sirah, Cabernet Sauvignon)
Magnavino Cellars
2011 Tre Gemmé (Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre)
Molly Dooker
2011 Enchanted Path, McLaren Vale (71% Shiraz, 29% Cabernet Sauvignon)
Pomar Junction Vineyard & Winery
2014 Syrah Rosé 2012 GSM - The Crossing (Grenache 42%, Syrah 32%, Mourvedre 26%)
Sunstone Vineyards & Winery
2013 Chardonnay, SBC (84% Chardonnay, Goodchild Vineyard, Santa Maria Valley, 12% Grenache Blanc, El Camino Real Vineyard, Santa Ynez Valley, 2% Viognier, Verna's Vineyard, Los Alamos, 2% Marsanne, Buttonwood Vineyard, Santa Ynez Valley)
2014 Viognier, Linda's Vineyard (100% Viognier from Sunstone’s Estate Vineyard, Linda’s Block)
2014 Rosé (61% Syrah/Merlot, Sunstone Estate, Santa Ynez Valley, 21% Pinot Noir, Goodchild Vineyard, Santa Maria Valley, 14% Grenache Noir, El Camino Real Vineyard, Santa Ynez Valley, 4% Sauvignon Blanc, El Camino Real Vineyard, Santa Ynez Valley)
2013 Rapsodie Bordeaux Blend (50% Grenache, Bella Cavalli, 30% Syrah, Los Alamos Vineyard, 13% Syrah, Sunstone Estate, 7% Mourvèdre, El Camino Real Vineyard, SYV)
The Yummies Culinary Competition included celebrity Chef Duff Goldman, who along with Charm City Cakes, created a huge cake version of Casa Pacifica’s therapy dog, Archie.
Oded Fahr presented Yummie Awards to top 3 in Savory & Sweet categories.
Savory Winners
1st - Cafe Firenze - House Cured Pancetta
2nd - Tierra Sur - Ancho Braised Beef Cheek Nugget with Jalapeño Jam, Pickled Onion & Corn Mash
3rd - The Cave - Bacon Jam Crostini
Sweet Winners
1st - Scoops Creamery - Mojito Infused Sorbet
2nd - The Cave - Butterscotch Anti Griddle (flash freezing technique) with Ice Cream
3rd - I Would Rather Be Baking - Chambord Raspberry Cupcake
Curtis Taylor presented The Best in Fest Beer Competition to The LAB Brewing Company with their winning entry of “Boris,” a barrel-aged Oatmeal Stout (9.6% ABV and 49 IBUs).
Second place went to Pure Order Brewing Company’s Santa Barbara Pale Ale.
And Institution Ale Company’s Delusions of Grandeur American Barleywine (12% ABV and 100+ IBUs) took third place, beating out the remaining five beers.
Visit for the TnT Blog Post about the 2015 Best in Fest Brew Competition.
The live music featured in this video includes:
Roni Benise and Band on the main stage.
Sound Effect Band in the VIP Lounge.
Wes Quave Live--Featuring Ariel Moore, Wes Quave and Noemi Del Rio performing on the main stage.
See you at the next festival!
- Gary Coon
Email: TasteNTrip@gmail.com
Facebook: facebook.com/TasteNTrip
Twitter: @TasteNTrip
Kevin Sass of Halter Ranch Vineyard in Paso Robles, CA on the WineGuyMike Radio Show 08_19_2012
Kevin Sass winemaker for Halter Ranch Vineyard in Paso Robles, California joins WineGuyMike on this week's WineGuyMike Radio Show. Kevin takes a little time out this Sunday at 10:00 AM MST to talk about the Halter Ranch wines, vines, sustainabilty, terroir, and Founder Hansjörg Wyss vision and mission for this state-of-the-art vineyard and winery. Listen live on the Trail 1033 & U 104.5FM, or stream live online; I'll see you on the radio Sunday morning.
On the Road with Jo: Ruddell's Smokehouse and Cayucos Cellars
For more information go to:
Or email us at:
contact@ontheroadwithjo.net
Cayucos Beach - Food and Wine
Who knew this sleepy little beach town would have such delightfully distinct food and wine?
In this piece, I interview Jim Ruddell of Ruddell's Smokehouse. He's making some of the most unique fish tacos I've ever had. He shares his secret recipe, and talks about the source of his inspiration.
Then we go around the corner to visit with Cayucos Cellars wine maker and owner, Stuart Selkirk.This is part of the Pacific Coast Wine Trail that you won't want to miss. His wines are wonderfully balanced, and easy to drink. Plus the vibe in his tasting room is just cool - filled with art and personality.
Whether you're a local, or just visiting, these Cayucos destinations will round out your day of fun in the sun.
Martin Weyrich 2006 Edna Valley Chardonnay
Martin Weyrich's 2006 Edna Valley Chardonnay was produced from grapes in the famed Edna Valley appellation in southern San Luis Obispo County. As one of the pioneering wineries to work with Edna Valley fruit, Martin & Weyrich produced one of the area's first Gold Medal winning Chardonnays in 1981. This Burgundian-styled 2006 Chardonnay was hand harvested and aged in oak to display much of the same characteristic tropical fruit and toasted oak flavors that have made this wine a medal-winning selection from vintage to vintage. Awarded 95 Points and a Gold Medal at the California State Fair Wine Competition, this Chardonnay is filled with bright flavors of pear, lemon meringue and key lime pie, with a sweet and spicy oak framework. The Edna Valley Chardonnay also received a Gold Medal at the Orange County Wine Competition and a Gold Medal at the Central Coast Wine Competition, making it a popular choice among a multitude of wine judges. Try pairing the Martin & Weyrich 2006 Edna Valley Chardonnay with braised chicken, Alaskan King Crab, and lobster bisque. Aged 15 months in oak. 100% Chardonnay. Enjoy now until 2012.