Spring has arrived, and with it comes a visible spurt of growth across the acres of grape vines that thrive in Santa Barbara County. Fresh green leaves unfurl and tiny clusters of blossoms begin to open, signaling the birth of a brand new vintage.
As growers welcome the young crop, winery workers drain barrels, create blends, and cold stabilize wines in preparation for a frenzied spate of bottling. Over the next few months, they’ll move case goods into storage and release a slew of new wines in order to make room in the cellar, because from now until fall, most of what happens in the winery involves preparation for the mad activity of harvest.
Anyone who has ever driven the byways of the region’s wine country has surely been tempted to pull over, jump out, and explore the rows of a flourishing vineyard or the cool interior of a beckoning cellar. Just to hear the grape leaves rustle, catch the scent of the soil between the rows, or witness the views from a rural barrel room gives evidence of the power of terroir and the sense of place inherent in every glass of finished wine.
On the heels of a successful program in 2009, the folks at Santa Maria Valley Wine Country Association (SMVWINES) have launched a series of informal winery tours and vineyard walks, slated for the second Saturday of each month. Thanks to SMVWINES (an association charged with promoting the local wine growing region), wine lovers can take a vineyard jaunt and learn the finer points of what goes into making a bottle of wine.
These excursions—which begin at noon and are offered free of charge—delve into the world of winemaking like you’ve never seen it before. Each month, one of Santa Maria Valley’s leading winemakers or vineyard managers leads a tour of his or her domain, giving guests an intimate look of the way grapes grow and the magic that turns their juice into wine.
From May through October, locals and visitors alike can take advantage of this special opportunity to meet the scientists, vinicultural artists, and creative farmers who bring us such an enchanting beverage. While viewing vineyards and sampling wine with the people who tend the vines and manage the cellars, guests can feel free to ask any and all questions about the hows and whys of winemaking.
Learn about vinicultural techniques and the varied activities that take place in the lab and cellar throughout the year. Find out how wine is grown in the vineyard, the distinguishing qualities of the different varietals, and, finally, why it takes so much cold beer to make good wine.
The upcoming winery walk, led by second-generation winemaker Luke Lindquist, takes place on June 12 at Tres Hermanas Vineyard, which still serves as the headquarters for the Teixeira family’s longstanding cattle operation. Visitors will learn the secrets of Lindquist’s craft, while admiring the vineyard that produces Cuvée Sadie and gazing at contented cattle grazing nearby.
There aren’t many wine caves in the area, so don’t miss the July 10 trip to Cottonwood Canyon Vineyard, home to 6,000 square feet of underground tunnels that boast a steady temperature of 62 degrees F. The winery specializes in estate grown Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, offers incredible vineyard views and tasting opportunities, and promises to be a memorable spot for a personalized tour.
On Aug. 14, join Gary Burk, farmer/owner/winemaker at Costa de Oro, for a tour of his winemaking facility, located at Central Coast Wine Services. Always an affable host, Burk shares his enthusiasm for wine with energy and good humor, and can clearly explain even the most arcane vinification processes.
There will be a tour on Sept. 11, during the heart of harvest, but Santa Maria Valley Wine Country has yet to announce the location. No doubt, the day will include plenty of cascading grape juice, manic forklift driving, and general crush pad action.
Rounding out the winery and vineyard walk series, Denise Shurtleff, winemaker at Cambria Winery, shares her expertise in all things related to Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Syrah. Join her on the beautiful Santa Maria Valley benchland for an interactive ramble through the winery and among some of the property’s legendary vines.
Reservations are required for the tours, so call ahead to secure your spot and take advantage of this fine opportunity to see wine country from an insider’s perspective. Take a break from the work-a-day world, bask in unparalleled rural scenery, and get to know the people and places of Santa Maria Valley wine country.
K. Reka Badger is always good for an insider’s perspective on wine country. You can reach her at rekabadger@hotmail.com.
This article appears in May 20-27, 2010.
