Jonathan (my fiancé) and I traveled to California to visit Jonathan’s parents this past September. We decided to take a nice side-trip to San Francisco, from LA and make our way up the coast and through some wine country. We started our trip in Santa Barbara where we had a delicious brunch with Jonathan’s Uncle Steven and Aunt Phyllis, who gave us a few different pamphlets on wineries in Paso Robles and Santa Ynez Valley.
We traveled through the Santa Ynez Valley and stopped at some beautiful view points, but we decided that the wines in Pasa Robles were the wines we wanted to taste. We got a recommendation from one of Jonathan’s friends to visit
Fratelli Perata, a boutique family-owned winery. We fell in love with their wines and atmosphere. The family grew up around vineyards in Italy and wanted to recreate their wine in California. I highly recommend visiting their winery if you are passing through Paso Robles! The wife gave us a tasting of all their wines but by far our favorite was the Mafalda. Words can not explain the deliciousness, fruity flavors and aromas that are in this wine. It is perfect!
Dinner at Sycamor Springs, enjoying our bottle of Fratelli Perata
The next winery we visited was
Castoro Cellars, which was a larger winery with a bigger selection. The woman that did the tasting for us was very knowledgeable and sweet. We bought a bottle of their 2006 Cabernet Franc, which was enjoyed at a dinner with friends in Israel to celebrate our return.
Unfortunately we did not have an opportunity to go to other wineries, but the next time we are in California, we will be sure to visit many more.
Hearst Wine collection
If you are ever traveling up the Coastal Road in California, you must stop at the Hearst Castel and take one of their many guided tours! We enjoyed the garden tour which took us into Hearst Wine Cellar. Some of the wine and alcohol were from the 1800's!
On Wednesday, September 1st Adrian, Shimon and I enjoyed a day touring 4 wineries in the Jerusalem Hills region. We started our day at
Ella Valley Winery where we saw a movie about the region and their philosophy of wine making. We then tasted their 2009 Chardonnay, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and RR (Red Reserve).
The second winery we enjoyed an intimate tour with Shuki, the owner of
Agur Winery. We tasted the juice of Viognier from the vats, heard the delicate fermentation in the barrels of his Rose, and then got to see Shuki in action entertaining his guests. We all loved his wine, especially his serious Rose! That wine will be drank nice and chilled for Rosh Hashanna!
The third winery we visited was
Tzora Winery where Shula met us with her smile and friendliness. She gave us a tasting of their Chardonnay, Syrah, Shoresh and Judeaen Hills wine. We stummbled out of Tzora feeling really good but hungry!
We made our way to
Tzuba winery, but first stopped to get a bite to eat at Moshiko in Mivaserette. At Tzuba Winery we received another intimate tasting with the winemaker, Paul from South Africa. Paul started working at Tzura winery planting their vineyards 10 years ago, and now he is able to see and enjoy his creation in a bottle. Paul explained the detailed process on how he creates his blends and the creativity that goes into the art of wine making.
We ended the day with a Le'Chaim with Tzuba's Chardonnay Dessert Wine and Port, which was delicious.
Fun was had by all and now maybe we will see more Israeli wines available to Canadians! Let's hope!
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