W(h)ine Country

One day last week, I went wine tasting with my friend who writes Golly Blog Howdy.

We had such a good time. I saw all the sights (Denny's, Long's Drugs, Wamu, Vons). And we got in a nice long visit while tempting our taste buds with all the lovely drops of grape.

Here are the highlights of our day:

Inn at Churon Winery
I recommend the 2006 White Merlot (trust me on this one), 2002 Carignane, 2005 Merlot, 2003 Petite Sirah and 2005 Zinfandel Port.

I could take or leave the 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon.

I did not like the 2005 Savignon Blanc or the 2003 Cabernet Sauvignon.

I joined the wine club (reds only) and came home with half a case of their wines. I plan to stop here on my next trip also. The port alone is worth the trip!

Wilson Creek Winery
I recommend the 2004 Mourvedre, 2005 Petite Sirah, 2004 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, Almond Champagne (again - you have to try this one) and Angelica Cream Sherry.

I could take or leave the 2005 Riesling and Decadencia Chocolate Port. The Port in a chocolate cup was nicer. I also liked the blend of almond champagne and sherry.

I did not like the Quartet Blanc (smelled like green peppers) or the Grand Cuvee Champagne.

I didn't join their wine club as their wines are available out in the world. I did bring home two bottles of Almond Champagne.

Keyways
They had the nicest tasting room. It was like you were in an upscale bar or someone's home and not like you were in a shop.

This was the only place where I enjoyed the whites.

I recommend the 2005 Sauvignon Blanc, 2005 Riesling, 2005 Amore Rosa, 2005 Muscat Canelli, 2004 Merlot, 2004 Syrah, 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon, 2005 Krystal Ice Wine and 2003 Port.

I could take or leave the 2003 Syrah and 2003 Frolich.

I didn't try the 2005 Chardonnay so I can't say if I liked that or not. I don't normally like Chardonnay, but I will definitely try it next time.

I joined their wine club too (whites & reds) and came home with two bottles of Ice Wine and a bottle of Muscat as I thought those were the most unusual of all of the choices.

We followed our day of drink with a lovely Italian meal at Presto's. I think I had the best tri-tip of my entire life and followed it up with the best Creme Brulee.

We were having such a good time that we left too late for me to make the train in Riverside so my hostess drove me to the Corona station which I made in plenty of time. She discovered that it is actually closer to her home than the Riverside station so that was something.

The adventure of the day was me changing trains at Union Station with my case of wine and bag of glasses. I think my arms have finally recovered.

All in all, it was a lovely day. And if my hostess is reading this, she should know that I passed along all of her Easter greetings and everyone wished her and her family a "Happy Easter" right back.

Salut!