Guide to Sierra Nevada AVA Barberas

Known, as one of the Tuscan wines, the Barberas of the Sierra Nevada and Central Valley are created in landscapes is reminiscent of Italian Piedmont region. The red wine is well-paired with many food types. Travel to these varied wineries for a taste of some of the best Barberas in California.

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Lodi's Lucious Zins

Both wine connoisseurs and budding enthusiasts appreciate how Lodi’s Zins are full of robust berry
and black cherry tastes accented by high notes like vanilla.

Zins are well paired with grilled meats to seasoned pasta dishes and dark chocolate. Many wineries offer Old Vine Zinfandel. These grapes are harvested from vines planted at least 50 years ago.

Attending the annual Zin Fest in May is a must as is following well-placed signs to individual winery tasting rooms.

Here is a top list of where to enjoy Lodi’s Zins.

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Vineyard Ownership Reality

Imagine mist clinging to hillsides crisscrossed with trellised vines while Disney-like animals frolic harmlessly nearby. Day’s end is a glorious sunset reflected in raised glasses as the adorable animals serenade the sun good night.

To some that is the romantic version of vineyard owning.

Meet Phil Maddux as he struggles to rack barrels and the reality of vineyard ownership is evident by his grape stained T-shirt and a frayed baseball cap sitting atop matted hair. Being a vintner is undeniably hard work, but to him, and his clients, the efforts are rewarded with the superior wines produced by his small boutique Lone Buffalo Vineyards in Auburn.

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Vino in Vallecito

The search for golden riches brought miners to Calaveras County back in the mid nineteenth century. Some meander around still hoping to strike it big by finding the malleable mineral. Oenophiles know the on-going wealth is now discovered at area wineries.

The town of Vallecito is our focus where the Irish family, and their same named vineyard, believe wine, family and a renegade spirit are the essential ingredients to the good life.

As the award winning vintner Russell Irish started making wine before he was actually old enough to drink it. Years later both estate grown grapes and those grown to Irish’s specifications create mouth welcoming joys. 

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