Calm before the storm

This is a perfect time to visit the vineyards and taste the difference made by vintage, varietal and terroir. Since the County has fewer guests than in July and August, there is a short window to relax and enjoy our wines in a more intimate setting. Within two to four weeks, all the wineries will be working full tilt: bringing in this year’s crop, while simultaneously processing the fruit in the first step toward this year’s vintage.

Right now is the calm before the storm, and a wonderful opportunity to enjoy a relaxed tasting experience. Tasting room staff have more time to share their intimate knowledge of their wines. It is also perhaps one of the last opportunities to be taken through a winery, before all the staff—with the exception of the tasting room—are committed to the crushing of grapes. (Depending on the winery, you might even be invited to the barrel room.)

I totally recommend organizing a trip through a wine tour company. Staffed with extremely knowledgeable personnel, these professionals customize tours to the needs of their clients. Length and duration are determined by one’s budget. Lunches can be arranged on request. An added bonus in using a wine tour company is that every participant can freely enjoy the wines and tour experience, since no one need be the designated driver. This type of event is gaining popularity with corporate groups, and with friends wanting a special weekend getaway.

THIS WEEK’S PICK
Last Sunday, I finally had time to make a long overdue visit to The Devils Wishbone, one of the more charming wineries in the County. The beautiful drive alone makes the trip worthwhile, as it takes you around Lake on the Mountain, continuing southeast on County Road 7. The winding road follows the shoreline… and suddenly you are there.

A beautifully restored barn invites you to explore the experience. On the ground floor there are two tasting bars; the upper floors have been tastefully partitioned into intimate group tasting areas, one of which overlooks the impeccably groomed vineyards.

This winery truly demonstrates the impact of terroir on vines, especially in their 2012 Riesling ($22). It is so distinctive—in the very best sense—with notes of tangerine and peach in abundance. It is hard to believe that the vines are only six years old.

If you take a trip to the winery, located at 1014 County Road 7, you can sample its range of handcrafted, small-batch wines. Be prepared, however, for your own “Road to Damascus” moment, as you appreciate the passion of our winemakers and the potential of our County Wines.