San Diego Wine Country Festival II

More of San Diego Wine Country Festival! (If you missed the beginning, start here!)

More more more!

Hacienda de Las Rosas

Family owned Hacienda de Las Rosas is based in Ramona, with a tasting room in Historic Old Town. On top of the vineyard, they also own the Peruvian Paso Horse Ranch. Their motto "Drink Fine Wine ... Ride Fine Horses" reflects their love for both wine and horses. 

Primera Rosa

Hacienda de Las Rosas Primera Rosa Blend $20 (NV?)

Made from mainly Cabernet Sauvignon and some Petite Sirah, this was an interesting wine. First thing i notice was how it smells like a port! True to the smell, it was sweet! Also simple and acidic.  Oo

Witch Creek

Founded in 1993, Witch Creek Winery is based in Carlsbad, with another tasting room in Julian, East of San Diego. They outsource their grapes from three vineyards- Camillo Magoni in Valle de Guadalupe, Baja California, Heringer Family Estates, Clarksburg, CA and Penman Springs Vineyard, Paso Robles, CA- specializing in italian varietals like Nebbiolo and Montepulciano.

Witch Creek Grenache

Witch creek Grenache 2010 $20 

This Grenache was light and simple, sweet with much residual sugar. It was not at all spiced and was flat with no acid. Wiggly face.  O

Happy faces!

Cool Cat Sparkling Wine

Witch Creek Cool Cat Sparkling Wine $10

This dry sparkler had good notes of peach although the bubbles were rough. It was refreshing though.  OO

I remember having their Barbera at SD County fair so I am glad I got to taste what else they have to offer. 

Agrifolia

Wyatt Oaks Agrifolia Blend 2009 $22 

First release from newly founded Wyatt Oaks Winery! Owner/winermaker Gavin was there to pour. He was very friendly and eager to engage in a conversation about wine. He explained that the grapes were sourced from vineyards in Campo (Gloriosa Vineyard)!  

Agrifolia is a unfiltered blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 40% Merlot/Primitovo/Carignane. Not much tannin structure. It was a little on the sweet side with residual sugar. OO

Honestly, this was pretty decent for it being the first release! Keep it up Gavin! I am excited for your future releases! 

Summer Vine Habanero

San Pasqual Summer Vine Habanero Passion Fruit Wine $15 NV

Alcoholic passion fruit juice with a good kick! This is great for summer! This was one I actually thought about buying, especially with the good price point. OOO

San Pasqual Winery is located in Pacific Beach, San Diego, near Rose Canyon with a tasting room in La Mesa, east county. They outsource their grapes from Guadalupe Valley, Baja California and local San Diego vineyards. Looking forward to more from this winery!  

Rock Canyon Vineyards Zin

Rock Canyon Zinfandel 2010 $17

This was given a slanted faced. Sad Day O

Located in Alpine, Rock Canyon began in 2000. They had their Cabernet Sauvignon at the SD county fair. I am still not impressed although it is still early to tell. I was excited to see their Cabernet being offered at B's Keg Beer and Wine, East County. Cool! 

I did not venture to La Serenissima after SD county fair! Interesting enough, Alex McGeary, owner of Shadow Mountain Vineyards and Winery and president of San Diego Vintners Association, is the one who is managing the La Serenissima vineyards! 

Shadow Mountain

Shadow Mountain Vineyards and Winery is located in Warner Springs, CA 

Shadow Mountain Syrah

Shadow mountain Syrah 2008 $28

This had a great nose of peppery spice and fruit. This was well balanced with good tannin structure and notes of berries! OOO

Good wine to end with! *Sigh of relief* Now I want to get more of Shadow Mountain to compare so as to know that I was not biased because of the rest of the offerings at this festival. 

Another winery to note: Vinavanti, which I was sad I did not get to try, is based near me in Sorrento Valley! They outsource from Temecula, Santa Barbara and Paso Robles and believes in Wine made for Food. Love it!  

Yeay! Happy faces!

I had a great time tasting all the wines and getting a feel of the different wineries. I love it that the winemakers themselves are there to talk about what they have to offer. It is very exciting to have local wines! There is work to be done but I do believe that San Diego Vintners will have more to offer in the future! 

Very excited about tasting at the Winery locations!  

Time for dessert!