By Julia
Today I had a golden experience as I was able to bask in the glorious sights, sounds, and tastes of Livermore's own Las Positas Vineyards, which is located at 1828 Wetmore Road, here, in the heart of the Livermore Valley wine country.
This winery offers a spectacular view of our gorgeous land and is a must stop for those who love wine, are just getting to know this wine region, have lived here forever and are in love with all things Livermore, or all of the above and then some. The view alone is worth the stop.
I immediately became relaxed as I arrived. This picturesque location offers lavish views of vineyards and boasts a facility that reminds me of a Tuscan villa. Not only is the location spectacular, so are the people inside. If you are looking for a winery that is friendly, unpretentious, and welcoming then Las Positas is your place.
There are many options when it comes to the wine-tasting experience, whether you want to stand at the bar, sit in the private tasting room, or enjoy the many outdoor seating choices. The winery was hopping on this particular Sunday afternoon, so my friends and I were whisked into the gorgeous private tasting room with its majestic table. As we sat, we breathed in the unmatched views.
We were promptly served the first of our flight, which consisted of the 2007 Chardonnay, 2009 Chardonnay, 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon, 2007 Petite Sirah, 2008 Barbera, and the 2010 Orange Muscat. We were also offered a 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon. I enjoyed this flight very much and of course doubly enjoyed my favorite current menu selection, the 2008 Barbera, which I have already gone on and on about.
What really knocked my socks off was that halfway through the tasting, we were invited into the barrel room by Charlie Kidd, the winemaker himself, to try out his upcoming wines. As you may or may not know, Charlie Kidd began making wine for Las Positas this past summer and he is really on to something.
It may sound like I am exaggerating when I say this, but each and every wine that I tasted in the barrel room got the WOW factor from me. We began with his 2011 Pinot Grigio, which was crisp and fruity with hints of melon. This will be a perfect wine for a hot summer day sitting out on the deck looking off into the sunset...
Next, we tasted the Rose. I have never tasted such a delicious Rose. Watermelon, strawberry, and a hint of cranberry were the tasting notes. It was almost like a Jolly Rancher, yet drier and with some floral qualities. This is a gorgeous wine, but please note, only a small quantity was made so this special wine will only be available to wine club members.
After the Rose we were onto a Cabernet Sauvignon from the Casa de Viñas Covarrubias vineyard. This cab was fabulous from the barrel, but will be even more spectacular when it is released next year. With big tannins, this fruit forward, buttery Cab was already smooth enough for me. I would have loved to take home a bottle right then and there!
The next tasting was the Tempranillo. Great on the palette, crisp, with cherry and berry qualities. This one will be released in early summer and will be a delightful addition to my wine library. Can't wait!
Last, but certainly not least, we were able taste Charlie's dessert wine. With 2-3 more years before it is available, this one already is a grand slam. Incredible!
I am excited about Las Positas Vineyards. This winery is one to watch both now and in the future. Charlie Kidd is a very talented winemaker and I am looking forward to many more days relaxing with a glass of Las Positas wine at this Tuscan home away from home.
If you want to learn about more ways you can experience all that the Livermore wine country has to offer visit us at bryersantis.com.
