Roaming the Barnyard

     While this was the 20^th Annual Winemakers’ Celebration on August 11, 2012, it was only our second.  Monterey County Wine Country is the host for this event held at the Barnyard in Carmel. Festive music coming from the band Red Beans and Rice, a carpet of lawn and white tents helped to create a pleasing and enjoyable outdoor environment. 

     Participating wineries were listed alphabetically so it was easy to use the handy guide (which included winery information and spaces for notes), and find just the right wine to taste.  Also, the event is a good place to buy wines that you like as many wineries have special sales for the day. 

Mk and friend CB were set to find wines that they had not tried in Carmel Valley but were still from Monterey County.  It was an easy task, and we clearly found three wines that we would seek out again.

     First and favorite was Pelerin.  We started with their Roussane Voigner blend.  It was delicious—so many different flavors for a white wine and the balance was just right.  We tried the Chardonnay which was interesting and almost sparkling, very festive.  We tried the Syrah and Pinot and found them to be smooth, full bodied and quite wonderful.  Lastly, we tried the RTW Zinfandel and YUMO!  MK is always trying to find a Zin she likes and now, one has been found.   Needless to say, Pelerin was a big hit.

     After running into friends in the wine growing business we took their tip and went to Mercy.  Mk was delighted with the Sauvignon Blanc and CB thought both Pinots were smooth, rich and well balanced. Turns out the wines we liked were from the Griva and Zabala vineyards.  The winemakers invite you to “Have Mercy” and we agree! 

     Lastly, we came upon Sequana.  According to their website, “Sequana Single vineyard Pinot Noir wines from Green Valley of Russian River Valley and Santa Lucia Highlands are named in honor of Sequana, the Franco-Roman goddess of the River Seine, which flows through the ancestral birthplace of Pinot Noir.”  Ok, it’s hard to say, but good to drink.

      If you belong to a participating wine club and get a ticket before the event the cost is $30.  A bargain we believe.

      While we have yet to get to a shop called Trio Carmel, which purportedly sells many of the artisan wines that were represented at the festival.  Sounds like yet another pilgrimage may be in order!