Best Kept Secret

A few weeks ago we awoke to a  spectacular sunny day to take a road trip, but where to go?  Kirsten and I sat at the
kitchen table with maps spread out and
the decision was made to head north in search of new wineries!  We often will take friends who come to visit Wild Creek Ranch on local excursions to give them a feel for the Alexander Valley and neighboring towns such as Geyserville and Healdsburg.  We have taken them to wineries such as Quivira or Preston which are among our favorite picnic spots.  Sometimes we will take them for a boat ride on Lake Sonoma or tour the wineries up and down the Dry Creek Valley.  But all of these destinations are to the south, we were looking for a new adventure and decided to head north on the 101 to the quaint little town of Hopland.  As we entered town I noticed a sign posted that there are currently 817 residents and the town's name comes from the 1870's when much of its economy was based on the growing and drying of bitter hops, a key element in beer making.  The town itself was bustling with activity with about a half dozen or so wineries, a few Inns and B & B's, small town cafes and lunch joints, and, of course, the Hopland Brewery.  We pushed through the town heading for the Saracina Vineyards as we were somewhat familiar with their wines because they are poured at the Locals Tasting Room in Geyserville.  Our jaws dropped as we entered the property,  this 600 acre bio-diverse ranch was absolutely beautiful with sheep and goats roaming the hillsides and groves of 100 year old olive trees.  Better yet, we were the only ones there!  We walked in to the new tasting room which was very welcoming and open.  There on the bar was a line up of about eight or so red and white wines.  We were greeted by host Janae who was very knowledgeable about the surroundings, history and the wines.  She informed us that the winery was named after a centuries-old farmhouse in Tuscany where Owners John Fetzer, the oldest of Barney and Kathleen Fetzer's 11 children, and his wife spent their honeymoon.  When the Fetzer family sold their business  all of the children signed a non-compete agreement, so it is only recently that John has been able to present his wines in a winery setting to the public.  Next came the pours of wine...I must say that winemaker Alex Mac Gregor has crafted some fine wines with a focus on Sauvignon Blanc, Petite Sirah, Pinot Noir, Syran and red blends.  There was a pamphlet on the bar counter that told of an upcoming event that combines wine lovers and their dogs for a hike through the vineyard...this really got Kirsten's attention!  John Fetzer wandered in the tasting room in search of a can of paint for work he was doing on the winery and we engaged in a nice conversation with him and complimented him on his wine and surroundings.  So now it was lunch time and Janae recommended that we walk up a dirt road which wound up to a beautiful picnic spot with a 360 view of the valley floor.  We grabbed our lunch, a bottle of 'Skid Rose', two glasses and hiked up the hill.  All I can say is breathtaking!  It is clear that John is dedicated to preserving the natural surroundings while farming as a California Certified Organic winery!  Here is the view.

Now, more about the wines:

Atrea Skid Rose' 2011
This second vintage of Skid Rose' pops with vibrant strawberry and pink grapefruit flavors...refreshing on a summer day!

Saracina Sauvignon Blanc 2011
This Sauv exhibits classic aromas of peach and citrus... a vibrant palate with mineral finish.

Saracina Unoaked Chardonnay 2011
There is a hint of vioginier ads vibrancy and orange blossom to the nose...a medium weigh palate with no oak influence.

Saracina Pinot Noir 2009
Notes of sweet Bing cherry and raspberry...the palate shows modesty and balance and smooth finish.