One
of the leaders of modern wine-making in the Carneros in the late
1970s, Acacia manages to produce Pinots that are darker, richer
and more fragrant than those typically associated with this cool
appellation.
Some of their full-bodied Chardonnays have been described as tasting of fig,
butter, apple and hazelnut. The picnic lawn under olive trees at Acacia offers
big views of the district, south to the top of the bay.
Nearby, the design of a renowned architect, William Turnbull, distinguishes Bouchaine Vineyards, which is the oldest continually operating winery in the Carneros. The property was planted in vines and fruit trees in the mid-1800s by a man named Boon Fly and later by the Garetto brothers who made Grappa, whiskey and sacramental wines. Reclaimed redwood wine tanks were used for siding of the Bouchaine winery, wherein a cozy reception area welcomes visitors to linger by the fireplace and look out into the rolling hills.
Fleecy willow trees and Chardonnay and Pinot Noir vineyards surround the grand double staircase leading to the Louis XV-style salon at Domaine Carneros, where a portrait of Madame de Pompadour awaits the arrival of guests. Built by the French house of Taittinger, this majestic winery was modeled after the 18th century chateau owned by the Taittinger family in Champagne, France. The terrace is a pleasant perch from which to overlook the hills and vineyards of Carneros while sipping sparkling wines redolent of citrus, melon, even roses and nutty spice. The winery also produces classic Carneros Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays.
Continue
the Carneros Winery Tour with Stops at
Artesa Vineyards and Carneros Creek Winery
The article on this page is adapted from the book, Backroads of the California Wine Country by Karen Misuraca (www.karenmisuraca.com), published by Voyageur Press.
Photo Credit: The pictures on this page are by Lisa Moore. www.studioponderosa.com