Santa Barbara's Riverbench, a long time fav of ours

Sitting on the island in our kitchen are some wines from Santa Barbara's Riverbench. Riverbench Vineyard and Winery is well known for its Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. The Riverbench Vineyard and Winery, a boutique-producer estate winery, founded in 1973, produces small lot Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Sparkling wines. In 2004 a group of local families purchased the vineyard and established a winery, and started to produce wine under the Riverbench label. Over the years Riverbench has become a longtime favorite of ours.

Riverbench, Santa Maria Valley © Spaswinefood

It is always special to return here. Each time we pull into the winery my thoughts go back Spaswinefood's first visit to the winery in August 2011. Since then we have returned many times.

Riverbench, Foxen Canyon Wine Trail © Spaswinefood

Riverbench is one of our favorite Santa Barbara County wineries on the Foxen Canyon Wine Trail. Spaswinefood always loves to make wine stops along the Foxen Canyon Wine Trail in Santa Barbara Wine Country. If you drive the wine trail from north to south you will find an amazing diversity of wines being produced. Riverbench is located in Santa Maria Valley, at the north end's cooler climate, with its maritime influences, which tends to favor Burgundy style wines. 

Welcome to Santa Barbara Wine Country 

Santa Barbara Wine Country has micro-climates and terrains, allowing for a diverse grape growing. It is home to seven American Viticultural Areas (AVAs) with distinct climate and soil: Santa Maria Valley, California’s second oldest AVA is the most northerly. Santa Ynez Valley AVA has four sub-AVAs (West to East): Sta. Rita Hills, Ballard Canyon, Los Olivos District, and Happy Canyon of Santa Barbara. Alisos Canyon is the youngest AVA. The Burgundian grapes, pinot noir and chardonnay, thrive in the Sta. Rita Hills and Santa Maria Valley; Rhone grapes like syrah and grenache in Ballard Canyon; and Bordeaux's cabernet sauvignon and merlot in Happy Canyon. You will also find Italian and Spanish varieties, and late harvest and bubbly wines too. 

The diversity and uniqueness of Santa Barbara's AVAs results in great variation in growing conditions. Riverbench is in the Santa Maria Valley, the northern most AVA in Santa Barbara Wine Country. The Burgundian grapes, pinot noir and chardonnay, thrive in the Santa Maria Valley; hence it is not surprising that Riverbench is know for its Chardonnay and Pinot Noir wines. In this post I will share some of the wines we enjoyed recently.

Riverbench Wines: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Sparkling Wine and Rosé

During our last visit we tasted their Bedrock, Chapel View, and Reserve Chardonnays.

1.  Riverbench, Bedrock Chardonnay, Santa Maria Valley

Riverbench, Bedrock Chardonnay, Santa Maria Valley © Spaswinefood

 

Riverbench, Chapel View Chardonnay, Santa Maria Valley

Riverbench, Chapel View Chardonnay, Santa Maria Valley © Spaswinefood

Chardonnay Reserve,  Santa Maria Valley (left)

Chardonnay Reserve (left) & One Palm Pinot Noir, Santa Maria Valley (right) © Spaswinefood

All of these expressive Chardonnays are extra special.

2. Riverbench Pinot Noirs

The Santa Maria Valley not only produced great Chardonnay wines but also, Pinot Noir as well. During our last visit we also tasted their One Palm, Clone 115, Mount Eden Clone, and Estate Grown Pinot Noirs.

Mount Eden Clone Pinot Noir, Santa Maria Valley 2018 (right side)

 Mount Eden Clone Pinot Noir, Santa Maria Valley 2018 (right side) © Spaswinefood

One Palm Pinot Noir, Santa Maria Valley 2019 (right side)

One Palm Pinot Noir, Santa Maria Valley 2019 (right side) © Spaswinefood

One Palm Pinot Noir, Santa Maria Valley 2019 (right side)

Chardonnay Reserve (left) & One Palm Pinot Noir, Santa Maria Valley (right) © Spaswinefood

Riverbench, Clone 115 Pinot Noir, Santa Maria Valley

Riverbench, Clone 115 Pinot Noir, Santa Maria Valley © Spaswinefood

Riverbench, Estate Grown  Pinot Noir, Santa Maria Valley

Riverbench, Estate Grown  Pinot Noir, Santa Maria Valley © Spaswinefood

Besides the Chardonnay and Pinot Noir wines we sure enjoy their Sparkling wines. There is always a need for a special celebration with Riverbench's Sparkling, Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir wines.

Riverbench, Sparkling Wine, Santa Maria Valley © Spaswinefood

See these wines brought back memories of a picnic lunch at Riverbench.

3. A Rosé Picnic at Riverbench
It was a busy May weekend and the tasting room was busy so we decided on a picnic lunch. For our picnic we decided on a Riverbench Rosé. Since attending a session on rosé wines given by Elizabeth Gabay MW I bring a more insightful approach to understanding this style of wine. Gabay's book Rose, understanding the pink wine revolution offers an in-depth analysis to understanding rosé wines.

Springtime Picnic, Riverbench © Spaswinefood

This time I took the time to admire and analyze the rosé wine in my glass.

Riverbench Rosé in the Glass © Spaswinefood

Let's take even a closer look. There is a history of making good Pinot Noir rosé wines at Riverbench.

Riverbench, Rosé of Pinot Noir Time © Spaswinefood

Riverbench, Rosé of Pinot Noir 2017 © Spaswinefood

Glancing from the picnic table out over the vineyard sitting on the Santa Maria Bench is springtime at its best. Indeed a Riverbench Rosé paired well with the view.

Riverbench Rosé in the Springtime © Spaswinefood

Today Riverbench wines are produced under the capable direction of the winery's team. Riverbench now produces Chardonnay (15 acres under vine), Pinot Noir and Rosé of Pinot Noir (115 acres of Pinot Noir under vine). Since 2008 they have used their Pinot and Chardonnay to produce Sparkling Wines. In 2015 they added Pinot Meunier, a third grape varietal, to their production of Sparkling Wines. These days they now produce a sparkling Pinot Meunier. While they are best known for their Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Rosé of Pinot Noir, Sparkling Wines, they also produce a late harvest Riesling.

Travelers along the Foxen Canyon Wine Trail will find it hard to miss Riverbench's sustainably farmed vineyard on the bank of the Sisquoc River, on the Santa Maria Bench.

Riverbench Vineyard © Spaswinefood

Riverbench Winery is a most wonderful setting for a spring picnic. Before leaving Riverbench I took a close peek at the vineyard.

Spring Vineyard, Riverbench © Spaswinefood

Spring Vines, Riverbench Vineyard © Spaswinefood

I do remember Riverbench as being one of the earliest SIP Certified wineries in Santa Barbara County. A California winery, which uses sustainable agriculture must meet certain requirements to be Sustainability in Practice Certified (SIP Certified).

Riverbench Vineyard and Winery, 2019 © Spaswinefood

Riverbench, A SIP Certified Winery © Spaswinefood

Whenever I have visited Riverbench the tasting room staff are most helpful. It is always great to get such a warm welcome. This Santa Barbara County winery is well worth a visit. Given there are over 100 wineries in Santa Barbara County if you are interested in the greener wineries with great wines then put Riverbench Vineyard & Winery on your list. I invite you to join me in my travels in California and elsewhere at Spaswinefood.

Sharon

Time for Riverbench Wines

Santa Barbara County, California
© Spaswinefood

History of Riverbench Vineyard © Spaswinefood

Riverbench, 6020 Foxen Canyon Road © Spaswinefood

Foxen Canyon Wine Trail © Spaswinefood

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Try wine tasting at Château Tanunda Cellar Door, Sydney

Leaving Sydney's harbor that April day was beyond  amazing. A beautiful day and one of the most beautiful harbors in the world demands attention. Returning to Australian wine country for the third time called for celebration. After arriving in Sydney, New South Wales we made a quick trip to the Hunter Valley, followed by some time in Sydney. Long before arriving in Australia we had booked a wine tasting at Château Tanunda, at the Rocks in Sydney. Château Tanunda is a Barossa Valley winery with a cellar door in Sydney. Actually, given our limited time schedule in Sydney this time we booked the Château Tanunda wine tasting before arrival.

Leaving Sydney, Australia © Spaswinefood

As we left Sydney I could see the rocks area where we tasted Château Tanunda wines in the distance. Visiting this Barossa Valley winery reminded of earlier wine travels in South Australia. We first visited the Barossa Valley Wine Region South Australia in 2015. As we traveled throughout the region’s towns, villages and hamlets we were introduced to its wines, which we have grown to love over the years. This region is not only home to over 80 cellar doors and 150 wineries but also it offers so many culinary delights, ranging from farmers markets to fine dining. Similarly, you will find accommodations for every budget from student hostels and caravan parks to romantic country cottages, boutique hotels, and more. 

Barossa Valley, 2015 © Spaswinefood

The area rivals any top wine region in the world. It is easily accessible by car, bus and train from Adelaide. Adelaide is served by domestic and international flights. Barossa Valley also makes a perfect base for exploring the nearby wine regions: Adelaide Hills, Clare Valley and Murray River. Amongst its historic wineries is Château Tanunda, one of Barossa Valley’s iconic wineries, which was founded in 1890. It is the site of some of the oldest vines in the Barossa Valley. During our recent tasting at their cellar door in Sydney we tasted wines from some of these old vines. One of the historically significant wineries, this Barossa wine estate is one of the most celebrated in Australia.

Château Tanunda Cellar Door, Sydney

Château Tanunda Sydney Cellar Door is located in 1860 cottage in the Rocks. It was a pleasant walk, about 30 minutes, from our hotel in the Central Business District.

Off to Château Tanunda Cellar Door © Spaswinefood

ChâteauTanunda Cellar Door © Spaswinefood

Château Tanunda Cellar Door © Spaswinefood

We had come to taste wine from the oldest vineyards in the world.

Château Tanunda Cellar Door © Spaswinefood

Our wine tasting included fine wines for their collection. We tasted Semillon from 100 year old vines, Shiraz from 50, 100 and 150 year old vines,150 Year Old Vines, their iconic Everst Shiraz, and 150 Year Old Vines 1858 Field Blend was a special pour.

Château Tanunda, 100 Year Old Vines Semillon, Barossa Valley 2022

Château Tanunda, 100 Year Old Vines Semillon, Barossa Valley 2022 © Spaswinefood

These Château Tanunda 100 Year Old Vines Semillon wines are very special. While Hunter Valley lays claim to being Australia’s Semillon heartland, and YES, I have tasted excellent Hunter Valley Semillon, this South Australian, Château Tanunda Semillon is amazing.

Château Tanunda, 100 Year Old Vines Shiraz, Barossa Valley 2019 

Château Tanunda, 100 Year Old Vines Shiraz, Barossa Valley 2019 © Spaswinefood

Château Tanunda, 100 Year Old Vines Shiraz 2019 is worthy of high praise, and with a drinking window of 2023-2043 it was well worth buying.

Château Tanunda, The Everest Shiraz, Barossa Valley 2019

Château Tanunda, The Everest Shiraz, Barossa Valley 2019 © Spaswinefood

The Everest is the pinnacle of Barossa Shiraz. This is a wine where you treat yourself, or buy for a special occasion. The drinking window is 2023-2045. While there were only 785 bottles produced we decided this was well worth a splurge.

Château Tanunda, 150 Year Old Vines 1858 Field Blend, Barossa Valley 2018

Château Tanunda, 150 Year Old Vines 1858 Field Blend, Barossa Valley 2018 © Spaswinefood

This field blend of Grenache, Mourvèdre and Malbec is a fascinating wine. The vineyard where the grapes were grown, was originally planted in 1858; so it is actually older than 150 years.  Field blends are made from different grapes grown together in the same vineyard. In this case the grapes are from a small block in a Springton, Eden Valley vineyard. The grapes were picked and co-fermented at the same time. 

Château Tanunda's rare Old Vine Expressions and The Everest Wines are recognized as some of the world’s best wines, and are popular with collectors. In particular their 100 Year Old Vine Shiraz and The Everest Wines are highly prized by many. We could not resist the opportunity to get some of these limited edition wines, and their 100 Year Old Vines Semillon; so we arranged to have them shipped home.

Château Tanunda Wines © Spaswinefood

Goodbye for Now, Sydney, Australia © Spaswinefood

Try Wine Tasting at Château Tanunda Cellar Door, Sydney

If your travels take you to Australia then try wine tasting at Château Tanunda Cellar Door, Sydney. We so enjoyed wine tasting at Château Tanunda Sydney Cellar Door during our recent travels to Australia. It was a delightful way to experience wines from the Barossa Valley, South Australia, an area that rivals any top wine region in the world. I invite you to join me in my travels in Australia and elsewhere at  Wine Travels with Dr. Sharon, and at Spaswinefood on Twitter and Facebook. I so lookforward to sharing more on my vine-filled explorations in Australia. 

CHEERS!

Sharon

March 2024

Sydney, Australia

© Spaswinefood

Spaswinefood, Sydney, Australia © Spaswinefood

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Okanagan Valley's winery restaurants are inspiring places to sip and dine

Each year the Okanagan Valley, British Columbia gets thousands of visitors seeking the best in cuisine and wine.  They will not be disappointed because there are so many award winning winery restaurants in the scenic Okanagan Valley. Our wine travels last June took us to a variety of wineries, ranging from boutique to large scale producers. In addition, foodie adventures were part our explorations. Dining at Okanagan Valley's winery restaurants is a must do. Winery restaurants are redefining gastronomy in wine regions around the world. In fact, no visit to the Okanagan Valley is complete, without dining at a winery restaurant. You will experience excellent cuisine with a regional flavor. 

Welcome to Hester Creek Estate © Spaswinefood

Let's discover why the Okanagan Valley's winery restaurants are inspiring places to sip and dine.

Hester Creek Winery's TerraFina Restaurant

One of our first stops was Hester Creek Winery located on the Golden Mile Bench. Hester Creek was named British Columbia Winery of the Year for 2023. TerraFina Restaurant is also a very popular place to dine.

Hester Creek Estate Winery © Spaswinefood

This winery a very welcoming place and because of that we visited twice. The first time we did a wine tasting.

Wine Tasting, Hester Creek © Spaswinefood

When we returned the second time we enjoyed a bottle of Sémillon on the patio. We also picked up wine for our travels.

Wine Time, Hester Creek © Spaswinefood

Hester Creek, Sémillon, Golden Mile Bench, Okanagan Valley VQA  2022 

Hester Creek, Sémillon, Golden Mile Bench, Okanagan Valley VQA  2022 © Spaswinefood

Later, we would return to dine at their TerraFina Restaurant, which was listed as #1 on TripAdvisor.

Terrafina Restaurant, Hester Creek © Spaswinefood

Wine Time, Terrafina Restaurant © Spaswinefood

 We had a most delightful dining experience at Terrafina. It is the perfect place to sip and dine.

Burrowing Owl Estate Winery

The Burrowing Owl Winery, Black Sage Road  is a beautiful 130 acre winery. It is located on the top of a hill overlooking the valley. It is a full service winery with a hotel (The Guest House) and restaurant (Sonora Room). The Burrowing Owl Winery is located in a most beautiful setting.

Burrowing Owl Estate Winery © Spaswinefood

Sonora Room, Burrowing Owl Estate Winery © Spaswinefood

We had visited this winery on an earlier wine trip, and it was such a delight to return. Since 2011, each time we return to the Okanagan Valley we delight in exploring its winery restaurants, which are some of the best in the world.

Burrowing Owl Estate Wine Flights © Spaswinefood

The restaurant has a very relaxed atmosphere.

Mushrooms with Polenta (Vegetarian) © Spaswinefood

Steak with Mushrooms & Onion Rings © Spaswinefood

 The deck views from the restaurant are amazing. We so enjoyed our wine flights while dining here.

Taking in the Views, Burrowing Owl Estate © Spaswinefood

Sonora Room Restaurant was just as fabulous this time, as it was on our earlier visit here. The Burrowing Owl Winery has the most beautiful setting. It is the perfect place to sip and dine.

Wine Tasting, Black Hills Estate Winery © Spaswinefood

The vinous magic of the scenic Okanagan Valley is compelling. Spaswinefood visits to the Okanagan have given me the opportunity to check out some of British Columbia's best wineries. The Okanagan Valley vineyards: (1) lie within the same latitude, as some of the greatest European vineyards, and (2) has attracted winemakers from great wine regions of the world.  The result is these winemakers have put their talents and passion into making today's Okanagan wines great. Moreover, we were not disappointed in the culinary offerings because there are so many award winning winery restaurants in the Okanagan Valley.  The Okanagan Valley has attracted some of the best Canadian chefs. If you are interested in “a wine and food adventure” then put the Okanagan Valley, British Columbia at the top of your list. For us, last June's visit was so much fun, to explore the wine scene at the south end of the Okanagan Valley. Many of the Kelowna wineries also have vineyards in the Southern Okanagan. The temperature at the south end of the valley is reported to be up to four degrees warmer. This makes it so perfect for grape growing. In fact Oliver, the town at the south end of the Okanagan Valley, calls itself Wine Capital of Canada. 

View from Tinhorn Cellars, 2013 © Spaswinefood

Here is some useful travel information to help you plan your wine country getaway to Okanagan wineries. Kelowna, the largest city in the Okanagan Valley is within driving distance from Vancouver (237 miles).  Kelowna’s international airport has direct flights from Vancouver, Victoria, Calgary, Edmonton, Toronto and Seattle. 

Dining at the Okanagan Valley's winery restaurants is an absolute must do. No visit to the Okanagan Valley is complete without dining at a winery restaurant.  Without a doubt, the vinous magic of the Okanagan Valley was an highlight of our Summer 2023 wine travels in British Columbia. If you are looking for an outstanding culinary adventure check out the Okanagan Valley's winery restaurants. I invite you to join me in my wine travels in Okanagan Valley and elsewhere at Wine Travels with Dr. Sharon, and at Spaswinefood on Twitter and Facebook. I am so looking forward to sharing more on my vine-filled explorations in the Okanagan Valley. 

CHEERS!

Sharon 

Remembering June 2023

Okanagan Valley, British Columbia 

© Spaswinefood

Quails' Gate Vineyard © Spaswinefood

Other Okanagan winery restaurants that we enjoyed dining at on prior visits include: Old Vines Restaurant(Quails' Gate Estate Winery), Patio Restaurant, (Lake Breeze Vineyard), Sunset Organic Bistro and Veranda Restaurant (Summerhill Pyramid Winery), Terrace Restaurant (Mission Hill Family Estates), and Grapevine Restaurant ( Gray Monk Estate Winery). Last summer we visited Phantom Creek Estates for a wine tasting however, regrettably due to scheduling problems we did not dine there.  Their restaurant is at the top of my list for our next visit.

Phantom Creek Estates, June 2023 © Spaswinefood

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