Chateau Adore

I was very excited to visit this winery, as it just opened. This winery is surrounded by their vineyards that rise along the glorious Fountaingrove hills in Russian River Valley. The varietals grown are Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Merlot, and Chardonnay.

For many years Kendall Jackson Winery  sourced their grapes from this vineyard.  when KJ changed sources (to obtain larger lots, no doubt) the growers decide to produce there own award-winning wines. 

The tasting staff who poured for me and my wife was great and very personable.   We tasted a Pinot Noir, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon all were amazing. But my favorite was the 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon. It had a taste of mocha and dark berries with some baking spice.

A side note: This one of the very few wineries in Sonoma County that is Asian-owned. 

Check it out

Copain Wines

You will find this winery on a hilltop with a view that overlooks the Russian River Valley. Tastings are by appointment only and is $20 per person. So be sure to call and set up a time to taste some exquisite wines. Copain produces some knocking Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Syrah. The grapes are sourced from mostly Anderson Valley AVA, Yorkville Highlands AVA and Chalone AVA. Though the wines were great as well as the experience helped made by the wine guide who poured for me. I was a little disappointed not to have tasted any wines from there Russian River Valley vineyard that virtually surrounds the winery and tasting room. When I asked the only staff person available what varietal(s) are grown on the property I could not get back a clear answer. Besides that snafu the gentleman that poured for me was very knowledgeable and knew his wines.