Bakersfield Life

Worth the drive

larger view

      July is the time when many residents seek a break from the heat and visit the Central Coast.  This is also a good opportunity to visit some coastal wineries. Starting with those of the Edna Valley in San Luis Obispo are a good starting point.  I suggest you start with Chamisal Vineyards.

      This vineyard was the first one planted in the Edna Valley in 1973, known as Domaine Alfred.  The winery has been recently purchased and renamed by the group that owns Pine Ridge Vineyards in Napa, another personal favorite.  Chamisal produces pinot noir, chardonnay, and rhone style wines. 
       The chardonnay is made in several different styles.  Their Stainless Chardonnay is made with no contact with oak at any time.  It’s acidic, refreshing, and a good choice for a light summer meal.   The Califa wines, translated as the “prettiest one,” are most familiar to the public.  They showcase the expression of the Edna Valley terrior.  The Califa pinot noir is one of my favorite wines from any Central Coast producer.  The winery also has some small lot, limited production wines that are very interesting and only available at the winery.  I have also started to appreciate the Rhone varietals lately, syrah and grenache.  A visit to the Chamisal tasting room gives you a chance to try all of these wines and decide on your own favorite.    
      Santa Maria is another area that produces some fabulous wine, primarily chardonnay and pinot noir.  One of my favorite stops is Laetitia Winery, which is actually in the Arroyo Grande Valley AVA, just north of Santa Maria.  This property was originally developed as a sparkling wine facility by Maison Deutz.  A private owner, Selim Zilkha, has since acquired it. 
       Laetitia has something for everyone, sparkling wines to still wines.  Their Barnwood and Nadia wines are grown in the Santa Barbara Highlands, off State Highway 33 near Cuyama.  This group of wines consists of rhoner style blends, cabernet blends, and petite sirah.  The Nadia White is my top choice of the wines from this group.   Of their sparkling wines, I prefer the Brut Rose.  To me, the real stars of this winery are the pinot noirs.  The Estate Pinot is widely available in Bakersfield and reasonably priced.  Laetitia also produces a Reserve Pinot Noir, as well as single vineyard Pinot bottlings.  I absolutely enjoy every one of the single vineyard wines, especially Les Galets and La Montee. 
       It is interesting that there can be such a difference in wines that are grown in the same area, but with different soil types and different microclimates.  The single vineyard wines are a good example of this.  It is also nice to have the opportunity to taste wines like this at the same time to appreciate their differences and similarities.  The only down side to the single vineyard wines is that they are made in small quantities and sell out quickly.  The winery is located along Highway 101, just south of Arroyo Grande.  The knowledgeable staff is very friendly and will help guide you through the fine wines that they produce.  I think you will find a perfect wine to fit your tastes at Laetitia.