Courtesy of Dry Creek Vineyards

Dry Creek Vineyard’s wines are easy to find because they make 100,000+ cases per year. When a family-run winery gets this big, important decisions have to be made…many wineries end up being sold to large corporations (Beringer and Mondavi for example).  At Dry Creek, 2nd generation owners, Don & Kim Wallace made the significant decision to not only retain their winery but to make changes that will set their wines apart.  They are now focusing on Fume Blanc and Zinfandels; they’re sourcing 100% of their Bourdeaux grapes from the Dry Creek Valley to show off the AVA’s characteristics; making small lot vineyard designated wines (an exciting trend that I’m seeing everywhere) and sourcing their Chardonnay from the Russian River AVA (which gives it a specific profile).

Dry Creek’s white wines are especially wonderful for people who want to get to know what a complex wine is all about.  My favorites for this exercise are the dry Chenin Blanc ($12), dry Fume Blanc ($14.50 and which is the same grape as Sauvignon Blanc); and a dry Russian River Valley Chardonnay with smooth creamy oak tones ($20).

The family’s other passion is showing off the Dry Creek terroir’s affinity for growing great Zinfandal. (There is a vineyard with some gnarly old vines just a few steps away from the tasting room.) The Heritage Zin ($17) has a little Petite Sirah in it which gives it a beautiful inky purple-red color. My favorite is the 2006 Old Vine Zin ($28), I’m looking forward to pairing it with food. Speaking of pairing, I bought a dry dessert/aperitif wine, Soleil, ($25) that reminds me of cheesecake. (Dessert wines are not available every year.)

You’ll find a lot of wines to chose from when you visit the tasting room and you might find crowds on a Saturday in the summer.  But if you visit off-season or mid-week you’ll be able to taste in relatively peacefulness.  (If Matthew is there, ask for him, he’s an amazing host and wine educator.)

Another plus is the picnic grounds.  You can buy a bottle or glass of wine and enjoy it under the trees.  Bring your own food!

Tags: Wineries & Wine Bars