Show 543, September 16, 2023: Native9 Wines with Brand Ambassador Wes Hagen Part One

Estate Host Wes Hagen

“Nine generations after the Ontiveros Family’s arrival in California, on the same land that their family once called home, James Ontiveros is proud to grow and make wines with Winemaker Paul Wilkins that are complex as the story of how they came to be.”

“Ranchos de Ontiveros is a culmination of wines (Native9 and Rancho Vinedo) expressing the unique climate, soil, and capability of the Santa Maria Valley. It’s not always pretty, and it’s seldom romantic. But it is, first and foremost, real.”

Native9 wines are sourced from all 8 clones of Pinot Noir at Rancho Ontiveros Vineyard, planted by James in 1997. The grapes are hand-harvested with whole cluster fermentation. Nothing is left out. The Native9 selections are unique, stand-out wines, produced with the land, conditions, and resources James Ontiveros has available to him.”

Rancho Vinedo wines are sourced from the Wente Clone Chardonnay and Martini Clone Pinot Noir from Rancho Vinedo Vineyard, a parcel of the original Rancho Tepusquet Land Grant. The Dona Maria Chardonnay is fresh, vibrant, and mineral driven. She’s lean and impressive. Own-rooted and old vine, this vineyard was planted in 1973 and farmed by the same family until 2012. The first vintage was 2014.”

Wes Hagen, Estate Host and Brand Ambassador joins us to uncork all that is Ranchos De Ontiveros Estate Vineyards.

Wes Hagen personally conducts (by appointment only) Native9 Estate Tours and Tastings on Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday at 11:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. The fee is $50, If you e-mail Wes and mention the “SoCal Restaurant Show” Wes will generously personally host your tasting of up to 4 adults at no charge.

Show 543, September 16, 2023: Native9 Wines with Brand Ambassador Wes Hagen Part Two

Estate Host Wes Hagen

“Nine generations after the Ontiveros Family’s arrival in California, on the same land that their family once called home, James Ontiveros is proud to grow and make wines with Winemaker Paul Wilkins that are complex as the story of how they came to be.”

“Ranchos de Ontiveros is a culmination of wines (Native9 and Rancho Vinedo) expressing the unique climate, soil, and capability of the Santa Maria Valley. It’s not always pretty, and it’s seldom romantic. But it is, first and foremost, real.”

Native9 wines are sourced from all 8 clones of Pinot Noir at Rancho Ontiveros Vineyard, planted by James in 1997. The grapes are hand-harvested with whole cluster fermentation. Nothing is left out. The Native9 selections are unique, stand-out wines, produced with the land, conditions, and resources James Ontiveros has available to him.”

Rancho Vinedo wines are sourced from the Wente Clone Chardonnay and Martini Clone Pinot Noir from Rancho Vinedo Vineyard, a parcel of the original Rancho Tepusquet Land Grant. The Dona Maria Chardonnay is fresh, vibrant, and mineral driven. She’s lean and impressive. Own-rooted and old vine, this vineyard was planted in 1973 and farmed by the same family until 2012. The first vintage was 2014.”

Wes Hagen, Estate Host and Brand Ambassador continues with us to uncork all that is Ranchos De Ontiveros Estate Vineyards.

Wes Hagen personally conducts (by appointment only) Native9 Estate Tours and Tastings on Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday at 11:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. The fee is $50, If you e-mail Wes and mention the “SoCal Restaurant Show” Wes will generously personally host your tasting of up to 4 adults at no charge.

Show 538, August 12, 2023: Presqu’ile Winery, Santa Maria with Tim Wanner, Director of Hospitality and Sales Part One

Tim Wanner of Presqu'ile

This year the Murphy family is celebrating the 10-year anniversary of the handsome Presqu’ile Tasting Room in Santa Maria Valley “where for a decade they’ve been sharing their estate Pinot Noir, Chardonnay Syrah, Sauvignon Blanc, Aligoté, Gamay, Nebbiolo and méthode champenoise sparkling wines.”

“The winery began in 2007, but the opening of the architecturally significant modern-meets-rustic hospitality center marked a new chapter in the Murphy’s unwavering dedication to growing, producing and sharing premium cool-climate estate wines in the heart of the Santa Maria Valley.”

“Located less than two miles from Highway 101 in Northern Santa Barbara County, the hilltop Tasting Room and encompassing ranch are designed to complement the sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean and Presqu’ile’s organic vineyards, while delivering a respite for guests and wine club members. From the arrival down the private mile-long drive, to the fireside alfresco lounge spaces, every detail is designed to create lasting memories for guests.”

“Wine should be inspiring, joyous and relaxed, so we share our wines with enthusiasm but without pretense,” says Matt Murphy, Presqu’ile’s president. “We like to think of it as an elevated wine experience steeped in our family’s tradition of laidback Southern hospitality.”

Since opening, the estate’s guest experiences have evolved and expanded. Presqu’ile now offers five different guest experiences open to the public. The Wine & Food Experience, for example, features a curated tasting flight paired with Chef Julie Simon’s Mezze Picnic. “Chef Julie’s menus are crafted from the winery’s organic one-acre vegetable and herb garden and feature the seasonal bounties of the Santa Maria Valley’s top purveyors.”

Another standout experience is the “Wine & Food Tour which includes a private walking tour through Presqu’ile’s wine caves, the winery and up to their estate hilltop pond. Guests then settle into a private, 5th floor lookout terrace for a sumptuous food and wine pairing while taking in the unobstructed views of the vineyard, the San Rafael Mountains, Solomon Hills, and Pacific Ocean.”

Tim Wanner, Presqu’ile’s Director of Hospitality and Sales, joins us to gently pull the cork on all that is Presqu’ile.

Show 538, August 12, 2023: Presqu’ile Winery, Santa Maria with Tim Wanner, Director of Hospitality and Sales Part Two

Tim Wanner of Presqu'ile

This year the Murphy family is celebrating the 10-year anniversary of the handsome Presqu’ile Tasting Room in Santa Maria Valley “where for a decade they’ve been sharing their estate Pinot Noir, Chardonnay Syrah, Sauvignon Blanc, Aligoté, Gamay, Nebbiolo and méthode champenoise sparkling wines.”

“The winery began in 2007, but the opening of the architecturally significant modern-meets-rustic hospitality center marked a new chapter in the Murphy’s unwavering dedication to growing, producing and sharing premium cool-climate estate wines in the heart of the Santa Maria Valley.”

“Located less than two miles from Highway 101 in Northern Santa Barbara County, the hilltop Tasting Room and encompassing ranch are designed to complement the sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean and Presqu’ile’s organic vineyards, while delivering a respite for guests and wine club members. From the arrival down the private mile-long drive, to the fireside alfresco lounge spaces, every detail is designed to create lasting memories for guests.”

“Wine should be inspiring, joyous and relaxed, so we share our wines with enthusiasm but without pretense,” says Matt Murphy, Presqu’ile’s president. “We like to think of it as an elevated wine experience steeped in our family’s tradition of laidback Southern hospitality.”

Since opening, the estate’s guest experiences have evolved and expanded. Presqu’ile now offers five different guest experiences open to the public. The Wine & Food Experience, for example, features a curated tasting flight paired with Chef Julie Simon’s Mezze Picnic. “Chef Julie’s menus are crafted from the winery’s organic one-acre vegetable and herb garden and feature the seasonal bounties of the Santa Maria Valley’s top purveyors.”

Another standout experience is the “Wine & Food Tour which includes a private walking tour through Presqu’ile’s wine caves, the winery and up to their estate hilltop pond. Guests then settle into a private, 5th floor lookout terrace for a sumptuous food and wine pairing while taking in the unobstructed views of the vineyard, the San Rafael Mountains, Solomon Hills, and Pacific Ocean.”

Tim Wanner, Presqu’ile’s Director of Hospitality and Sales, continues with us gently pulling the cork on all that is Presqu’ile.

Show 525, May 13, 2023: Larry Schaffer, Winemaker and Proprietor, tercero wines, Los Olivos, CA Part One

Larry Schaffer of Tercero Wines

Larry Schaffer the founder and winemaker of tercero wines went back to school later in life to pursue his passion, taking classes at community colleges with kids who literally could have been his kids, and then received his MS in Viticulture and Enology from UC Davis. He moved to the Santa Barbara County wine region, and that is where he has remained since 2005, starting on the winemaking team at Fess Parker Winery and then eventually branching off to start and run tercero wines.”

“Larry is especially adept not only at winemaking but at explaining the process in a very user-friendly manner. He’s also a serious and accomplished home bread baker. Visit his tasting room in Los Olivos or follow him on social media to see for yourself.”

“tercero wines concentrates on small lot, hand crafted wines using grapes exclusively from leading Santa Barbara County vineyards and works with grapes from nearly every AVA within the county. Though his main concentration is working with Rhone varieties, Larry remains curious and therefore also works with Pinot Noir, Gewurztraminer, Cabernet Franc, and a few other fun and interesting grapes. And therein lies the beauty (and diversity) of Santa Barbara County.”

“Larry’s winemaking philosophy is still evolving, and the more vintages under his belt, the more he understands the variables at play. He also understands that a pragmatic approach is necessary to work with the unique dynamics of each and every vintage.”

“When you become a member of the tercero wines wine club, you ‘join the journey’ that Larry has been undertaking for nearly two decades. He continues to be more curious than ever, and the variety of wines produced and offered is greater than ever as well! Larry values his wine club members and treats them as his ‘best’ customers – because they are!”

Winemaker Larry Schaffer joins us to gently pull the cork on all that is tercero wines.

Show 525, May 13, 2023: Larry Schaffer, Winemaker and Proprietor, tercero wines, Los Olivos, CA Part Two

Larry Schaffer of Tercero Wines

Larry Schaffer the founder and winemaker of tercero wines went back to school later in life to pursue his passion, taking classes at community colleges with kids who literally could have been his kids, and then received his MS in Viticulture and Enology from UC Davis. He moved to the Santa Barbara County wine region, and that is where he has remained since 2005, starting on the winemaking team at Fess Parker Winery and then eventually branching off to start and run tercero wines.”

“Larry is especially adept not only at winemaking but at explaining the process in a very user-friendly manner. He’s also a serious and accomplished home bread baker. Visit his tasting room in Los Olivos or follow him on social media to see for yourself.”

“tercero wines concentrates on small lot, hand crafted wines using grapes exclusively from leading Santa Barbara County vineyards and works with grapes from nearly every AVA within the county. Though his main concentration is working with Rhone varieties, Larry remains curious and therefore also works with Pinot Noir, Gewurztraminer, Cabernet Franc, and a few other fun and interesting grapes. And therein lies the beauty (and diversity) of Santa Barbara County.”

Winemaker Larry Schaffer continues with us to further gently pull the cork on all that is tercero wines.

Show 484, July 23, 2022: Owner / Winemaker Bill Scanlin of Deer Hill Vineyards, Layfayette, CA Part One

Bill Scanlin of Deer Hill Vineyards

“Bill Scanlin’s Deer Hill Vineyards is a small, family-owned vineyard using sustainable processes and 20 plus years of experience to produce truly unique craft wines that are award-winning.”

“The Deer Hill vineyard and tasting room is located in the East Bay area of Northern California, in the beautiful suburb of Lafayette, CA. From San Francisco it is a 40-minute drive. Schedule a tasting to try some of the Deer Hill Vineyards wine and experience the ambiance their property has to offer. The elegant tasting room itself is quite spectacular.”

“The Deer Hill Vineyards estate grown Cabernet Sauvignon is their specialty but they also produce several other varietals, from Sangiovese, to Chardonnay, or Pinot. Deer Hill strives to offer different wines for any mood or occasion. Deer Hill Vineyards wines have even won awards in the San Francisco Chronicle wine competition in 2020 and 2021.”

Owner / Winemaker Bill Scanlin joins us with a glass of award-winning 2017 Sangiovese Lamorinda in hand to pull the cork on all that is Deer Hill Vineyards.

Show 484, July 23, 2022: Owner / Winemaker Bill Scanlin of Deer Hill Vineyards, Layfayette, CA Part Two

Bill Scanlin of Deer Hill Vineyards

“Bill Scanlin’s Deer Hill Vineyards is a small, family-owned vineyard using sustainable processes and 20 plus years of experience to produce truly unique craft wines that are award-winning.”

“The Deer Hill vineyard and tasting room is located in the East Bay area of Northern California, in the beautiful suburb of Lafayette, CA. From San Francisco it is a 40-minute drive. Schedule a tasting to try some of the Deer Hill Vineyards wine and experience the ambiance their property has to offer. The elegant tasting room itself is quite spectacular.”

“The Deer Hill Vineyards estate grown Cabernet Sauvignon is their specialty but they also produce several other varietals, from Sangiovese, to Chardonnay, or Pinot. Deer Hill strives to offer different wines for any mood or occasion. Deer Hill Vineyards wines have even won awards in the San Francisco Chronicle wine competition in 2020 and 2021.”

Owner / Winemaker Bill Scanlin continues with us with a glass of award-winning 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Lamorinda from Deer Hill Vineyards in hand.

Show 474, May 14, 2022: Center of Effort Wines, Edna Valley AVA, CA Part One

Nathan Carlson of Center of Effort

“The rising star of California’s central coast AVA is the Edna Valley, and in these foothills lies a landmark estate vineyard, its roots spanning four decades. Center of Effort is a crown jewel of this trending wine region, famed for its Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Edna Valley is notable for the state’s coolest wine conditions and long growing season, brought about by the breezes and morning fog from the Pacific Ocean. Center of Effort harnesses the area’s unique and valuable properties to produce wines that are well balanced and complex.”

“Center of Effort’s respect for the vineyard and its unique environment is reflected with emphasis on sustainable viticulture, natural fermentation and other non-invasive, progressive winemaking practices. The opening of their beautiful, state of the art hospitality center has enabled them to share the vineyard experience with style and comfort both indoors and out. Center of Effort’s estate wines represent the intersection of care taking, skill and commitment, and according to Forbes, “the results are pure and elegant expressions of Edna Valley terroir.””

“The winemaking operations at Center of Effort are led by Nathan Carlson, a veteran Edna Valley winemaker, who has worked with Center of Effort estate vineyards since 2008. His experience over this time with the soil, climate, and character of each parcel of the vines has led to a quiet confidence in the ultimate results of their winemaking actions or restraint.”

The striking and elegant Center of Effort Hospitality Center (with an exhibition kitchen) is available for a variety of tastings, tours and culinary experiences.

Winemaker & General Manager Nathan Carlson and Culinary Manager Lindsey Morin join us to pull the cork on all that is Center of Effort.

Show 474, May 14, 2022: Center of Effort Wines, Edna Valley AVA, CA Part Two

Lindsey Morin of Center of Effort

“The rising star of California’s central coast AVA is the Edna Valley, and in these foothills lies a landmark estate vineyard, its roots spanning four decades. Center of Effort is a crown jewel of this trending wine region, famed for its Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Edna Valley is notable for the state’s coolest wine conditions and long growing season, brought about by the breezes and morning fog from the Pacific Ocean. Center of Effort harnesses the area’s unique and valuable properties to produce wines that are well balanced and complex.”

“Center of Effort’s respect for the vineyard and its unique environment is reflected with emphasis on sustainable viticulture, natural fermentation and other non-invasive, progressive winemaking practices. The opening of their beautiful, state of the art hospitality center has enabled them to share the vineyard experience with style and comfort both indoors and out. Center of Effort’s estate wines represent the intersection of care taking, skill and commitment, and according to Forbes, “the results are pure and elegant expressions of Edna Valley terroir.””

“The winemaking operations at Center of Effort are led by Nathan Carlson, a veteran Edna Valley winemaker, who has worked with Center of Effort estate vineyards since 2008. His experience over this time with the soil, climate, and character of each parcel of the vines has led to a quiet confidence in the ultimate results of their winemaking actions or restraint.”

The striking and tastefully elegant Center of Effort Hospitality Center (with an exhibition kitchen) is available for a variety of tastings, tours and culinary experiences.

Winemaker & General Manager Nathan Carlson and Culinary Manager Lindsey Morin continue with us pulling the cork on all that is Center of Effort.