Great visit, made even more special that this was in an American Viticultural Area (AVA) that I was otherwise unimpressed with. Excellent service too!

This was a random spot on my wine map…until I turned into a picturesque road to a winery that was surrounded by vines. I was the first customer of the day so my server Maria gave me extra attention.

Whitebarrel makes about 4500 cases/year and has 12.5 acres of grapes. Most of their product is estate, although they bring in Merlot and a little Chardonnay.

3 x wine flights of $5 each were available; the “Traditional” (single varietals), the “Blends”, and the “Fusions” (this being a fusion of wine with fruit). I tried the first two.

They also have tapas-style food servings. I later had an excellent goat cheese & cherries bowl and grilled cheese sandwich. I’m glad I came hungry because this is a great pit stop for lunch.

My wine notes are weaker than they should be, but this is a portion of what I tried:

Chardonnay (don’t know what vintage): Very nice, with apple notes and pale gold color. Despite typically not being a white drinker this was my favorite of the lineup.

Vidal: Very clean & crisp.

13 Cabernet Franc: Mellow, earthy. I wouldn’t have placed this as a Cab Franc.

Cabernet Sauvignon: Blackberry notes.

Chambourcin: Long finish, although this isn’t my favorite grape

Chardonnay/Vidal/Reisling blend: Another very nice white wine.