Sommelier Journal hosts an annual Terroir Experience tour of a wine region. Currently a few of us are deep in the Santa Cruz Mountains on their 2013 trip. Following are photos of Day 1, touring the Santa Cruz Mountain AVA. The appellation is defined by its presence above the fog line (all above 800 ft), and its mountain topography. At its inception in 1981, it was one of the first US appellations to be defined by mountain geography. It is also known for being sparsely populated. We toured Monday in full fog, it lifting a couple times for partial view.
Visiting Mt Eden Vineyard and Winery with Jeffrey Patterson
Jeffrey Patterson, winemaker Mt Eden
looking into the chardonnay and fog, Mt Eden
the group gathering on the edge of the vineyards
on the deck listening to Jeffrey Patterson discuss the AVA and vineyard
getting ready to taste
Mt Eden wines
Visiting Ridge Monte Bello with Eric Baugher
arriving at the Ridge Monte Bello Winery with winemaker Eric Baugher
barrel tasting the 2012 Ridge Monte Bello
barrel tasting the 2012 Ridge Geyserville
Lunch at House Family Vineyards, and tasting with other wineries
entering House Family Vineyards
looking through the Cabernet vines, House Family Vineyards
House Family VIneyards
sitting with Michael Martella of Fogarty Vineyards
sitting with Eric Baugher, Ridge Vineyards
Kathryn Kennedy 1997 Cabernet
Jerold O’Brien with his 2010 Silver Mountain Chardonnay
Visiting Thomas Fogarty Winery & Vineyards
Tommie Fogarty, proprieter, and Nathan Kendler, winemaker, Thomas Fogarty
clone 4 Chardonnay, Thomas Fogarty Vineyards
listening to Nathan Kandler describe the Thomas Fogarty terroir
looking up at the Thomas Fogarty winery buildings
looking through the Damiana Vineyard Chardonnay, Thomas Fogarty
Marshall opening the Portola Springs Vineyard Chardonnay
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Thank you to the Santa Cruz Winemaker Association.
Thank you to David Vogels, Phil Vogels and Randy Caparoso.
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