Cellar Room - Photo Courtesy of Wiens Family Winery
I admit I am a bit of a “Janie-Come-Lately” to the wonders of Wiens Family Cellars. They have been producing and pouring wines in the Temecula Valley since 2005, but I did not wander by until the 2010 Wild Women of Wine Country 5K wound through their beautiful property. It was 9 am and I was in full running gear at the time, so my first real visit was not for at least another month. But, oh! What a visit! With a palate-pleasing line up from top to bottom, Wiens quickly became one of my favorites in the valley. The Amore De L’Orange Sparkling, Tempranillo-Petit Syrah and Primativo vied for first on my tongue and first in my heart. Until now, that is.
When Debbie Wiens graciously invited a group of wine-loving women to visit Wiens’ newly opened Cellar Room, I could not RSVP a resounding “yes!” fast enough. If the wines they pour in the main tasting room are so exceptional, what wonders would the Winemaker’s Select vintages hold?
A functioning production area during the week, the Cellar Room is transformed into an exclusive tasting room Friday through Sunday. Tastings are offered by appointment only at 10:30 am, 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM.
Estate Grown Olives in Wine & Rosemary
Served with nibbles: estate grown olives brined in wine and rosemary and other such delights, the Winemaker’s Select Tasting Menu is a special line up in an elegant setting.
Our tastes included:
2009 Reserve Chardonnay – I am quite a bit more selective about my whites than reds and this Chardonnay toed the line quite nicely. Golden color, ripe pear on the nose, flavors of apple and butter with a slight carmel finish.
2008 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon – Produced from grapes grown in Wiens La Cresta Vineyards, this full bodied red wowed me as much as any Napa Cab ever could. With dark fruit, spice and tobacco flavors, I would serve it with grilled meat topped with gorgonzola . . . mmm; now I’m hungry.
2007 Reserve Cabernet Franc – I loved the coffee notes in this wine. With slightly mineral nose and a smooth mouthfeel enhanced by rich plum flavors, the Cab Franc would be a sure crowd pleaser. Produced from Sage Vineyard grapes, Riverside County.
2007 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon – We return to the La Cresta Vineyards with an equally impressive result. At first sip, the word “juicy” popped into my head. With lush blackberry and currant flavors, tempered by hints of coffee, this Cab is a true Big Boy Red and not to be missed.
Women's Wine Council - Judee Smith, Carmen Micheli, Linda Kissam, Debbie Wiens, Ginger Giordano, Corie Maue, & (traveling - not present) Laura Plant
Wiens Family Cellars offers an exclusive Winemaker’s Select Club. Included in membership are six or twelve bottles shipped (or available for pick up) twice each year in April and October. In addition, members are entitled to complimentary Cellar Room tastings for 4 people, up to four times a year and complimentary tasting for 2 anytime in the main tasting room, along with other standard wine club benefits. For all others, the Cellar Room private tasting is offered at $30. This exclusive experience is a must for premium red wine enthusiasts looking to take their tasting enjoyment to a whole new level.
Photo Courtesy of Wiens Family Cellars
For more information, please visit www.wienscellars.com