This video is too cool not to share. Another reason to visit the Central Coast.

Share this:

Standing in the private tasting room with expansive views of the surrounding vineyard popping with fall colors (yeah, I know it’s December) while bottles of Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon line the tasting table begging to be tasted at this special event.

Where am I?

Ok, one hint…I’m in California. With Cabs abound, one might think I’m in Napa and because ya’ll know I’m a Central Coast girl, you might guess that I’m in Paso Robles. WRONG! I’m drinking Cabernet at Talley Vineyards in Arroyo Grande. Cabs at Talley? Slightly odd for a winery/vineyard found in such a cool locale.  Here’s the scoop:

Talley Vineyards, although known for their estate grown pinot noir and chardonnay produces a diverse portfolio (if you will) of varietals under their Bishop’s Peak label. Bishop’s Peak pulls from vineyards all over the Central Coast which allows them to produce the “warmer graped” Cabernet Sauvignon down south.

Here’s what we tasted:

2005 Bishop’s Peak Cabernet Franc

2006 Bishop’s Peak Cabernet Franc

2000 Bishop’s Peak Cabernet Franc

2007 Bishop’s Peak Cabernet Savingnon

2007 Bishop’s Peak Cabernet Savingnon, Ranchita Canyon

2009 Bishop’s Peak Cabernet Savingnon, Ranchita Canyon (Barrel Sample)

2007 Bishop’s Peak Cabernet Savingnon, Monterey County, San Ardo Vineyard

2009 Bishop’s Peak Cabernet Savingnon, Monterey County, San Ardo Vineyard (Barrel Sample)

Margo’s fav – 2007 Bishop’s Peak Cabernet Savingnon, Ranchita Canyon – cherry aromas, a red fruit taste and balanced tannins.  This is not the big, new oaky, Napa Cab that you might be used to. These Cabs are different, pinot-like and frankly, awesome.

Share this:

Tis the season my friends, for empty bank accounts and aching livers, er, I mean… It’s that special time of year to get together with friends, family and fine wine. There is a lot of wine drinking happening on the Central Coast this week. If you want to drink with Margo, here’s where you’ll find me:

December 15, 2010 – Solvang Wine Walk
Solvang’s 3rd Wednesday Wine Walk. For one Jackson (um…What is 20 dollars, Alex?) you get a glass and 5 tastings at participating tasting rooms. While you are sipping the evening away you might also check out the Solvang Farmer’s Market. For more information visit the Solvang Chamber of Commerce website. $20, 3pm – 7pm, Downtown Solvang (New drinking game – drink for every time I wrote Solvang in this blurb).

December 16, 2010 – An Evening with Lady Gouda
Margo’s favorite time of the month (uh…?), cheese and wine pairings with Ortman Family Wines and Lady Gouda of DiRaimondo’s Italian Market & Cheese Shop. December’s pairings focus on local-made cheeses paired with an appropriate and awesome Ortman wine. $10, 6pm -7:30pm, Ortman Family Wines 1317 Park Street, Paso Robles, RSVP at 805.237.9009. Tell’m Margo sent ya.

December 18, 2010 – Sparkle & Shine
Margo loves anything that sparkles, especially wine. Drink with me this weekend at Wandering Dog Wine Bar in Lompoc for their “Sparkle & Shine” event. This soiree will feature tastes of 5 sparkling beauties paired with cheese. This is the perfect chance to prepare NYE. $25, Wandering Dog Wine Bar
1539 C Mission Dr., 
Solvang, CA 93463

December 20, 2010 – Cookie Exchange at Gather Wine Bar
Bake some cookies and get your rear over to Gather Wine Bar (Margo’s favorite wine bar and also the best wine bar on the Central Coast…just saying) in the Arroyo Grande Village. There will be wine. There will be cookies. There will be Margo. Nuff said. $15, 122 E Branch Street, Arroyo Grande, CA 93420. To get more info and RVSP check out the Gather Facebook page.

Remember party people; drinking is fun but spending the night in jail isn’t (well, uh…that’s what I’ve heard). Drink Responsibly! Check out my policies page for more info on taxi and charter services in the area.

Share this:

there was wine!
Let’s get this blog started. Look out tomorrow for my first official post.

Share this: