Mist covered the nearby hills, and raindrops fell, as we toured Bonterrra Vineyard last November. Memories of that rainy day visit to Bonterra are planted in my memory forever. I was indeed most fortunate to be part of an excursion to Bonterra's Organic Vineyards at McNab Ranch, Ukiah, California. 7:30am that morning I boarded the Fetzer-Bonterra bus with fellow wine bloggers. Then, as we ate a boxed breakfast on the bus, we were driven to McNab Ranch. We were warned that it would be a rainy day and it was.
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| Bonterrra Vineyards, McNab Ranch © Spaswinefood |
We knew that we were in for a special day at Bonterra, given our earlier Fetzer-Bonterra outing to Fetzer Vineyards, Hopland. The Fetzer-Bonterrra story begins with the founding of Fetzer Vineyards in 1968. By the 1980's Fetzer became a leader in establishing sustainable farming in Mendocino County. They are considered as pioneers in California's sustainability movement. With the establishment of Bonterra Vineyards in 1990's, Fetzer-Bonterra soon became one of the top US certified organic wine brands. Today 25% of Mendocino County's wine production is organic, making the county the largest producer of organic wine in California. Fetzer, now celebrating its 50th, was sold to the Chilean owned Concha y Torro in 2011.
Perhaps, it is time to check out those rainy day memories.
Rainy Day Bonterra Memories
Yes, we were warned in an email.
We encourage you to wear warm clothes and waterproof, closed-toed shoes Thursday as we will be kicking off the day with a Biodynamic® vineyard tour. You’ll certainly not want to forget your umbrella Thursday, as the vineyard tour will go on, rain or shine (we promise: the site looks incredible in the rain)!
When we arrived at the Bonterra Barn, George Rose, well known for his wine country photography, was there to greet us. George is always so busy taking photos at wine events; so I could not resist taking his photo.
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| George Rose, McNab Ranch © Spaswinefood |
We gathered briefly inside Bonterra Barn for introductions, and of course, to escape the big downpour.
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| Rainy Day, McNab Ranch © Spaswinefood |
Touring Bonterra Vineyard
The first item on our agenda was a Biodynamic Vineyard Tour with Joseph Brinkley, Vineyards Director.
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| Joseph Brinkley,Vineyards Director McNab Ranch © Spaswinefood |
As soon as there was a slight break in the rain we were off to the vineyards.
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| Touring the Vineyards, McNab Ranch © Spaswinefood |
We made stops along the way. One of those was at a water fountain.
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| Fountain, McNab Ranch © Spaswinefood |
Bonterra's Organic Vineyard did indeed look great as promised. Here in the rolling hills of Northern California McNab Farm is a very special place for growing certified organic grapes. This is not only because they are engaged in biodynamic farming, but also because they have been utilizing green power since 1999. Moreover, they are a carbon neutral site.
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| Bonterra Vineyard, McNab Ranch © Spaswinefood |
I even convinced my friends from Tasting Table Budapest to pose in the vineyards.
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| Tasting Table Budapest, McNab Ranch © Spaswinefood |
We did have a welcoming wine in the vineyard.
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| Vineyard Talk, McNab Ranch © Spaswinefood |
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| Wine in the Vineyard, McNab Ranch © Spaswinefood |
This Bonterrra Chardonnay wine did indeed capture the vineyard spirit quite well.
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| A Bonterra Moment, McNab Ranch © Spaswinefood |
I found myself searching for a better way to capture those moments.
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| Wine Portrait, McNab Ranch © Spaswinefood |
All too soon we were heading back to the barn.
At the end of the tour it was time for the Biodynamic Prep Workshop. Due to the likelihood of rain, our host had adjusted the plans to for the remainder of their activities indoors.
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| Biodynamic Prep Workshop, McNab Ranch © Spaswinefood |
Wine Tasting and Lunch
Next, it was time for a wine tasting with the Inner Mendocino Winemaker Panel, featuring Bonterra winemaker Sebastian Donoso and special guests.
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| Inner Mendocino Winemaker Panel, Bonterrra Barn © Spaswinefood |
We spent a most delightful morning with Inner Mendocino winemakers.
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| Wine Bloggers, Bonterrra Barn © Spaswinefood |
After the winemaker panel shared their wines there was a Wine Tasting of Bonterra's wines led by head winemaker Jeff Cichocki.
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| Wine Tasting, Bonterrra Barn © Spaswinefood |
It is not surprising that Wine Enthusiast named Bonterra the 2016 American Winery of the Year. It was the first award to a vintner engaged in organic farming.
Our final activity at Bonterra was a seated lunch prepared by Chef Olan Cox.
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| Chef Olan Cox, McNab Ranch © Spaswinefood |
Lunch featured local fare and organically farmed wine. It is hard to capture the flavors from lunch that day. Hopefully, these photos help.
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| Lunch is a Local Affair, McNab Ranch © Spaswinefood |
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| Lunch, McNab Ranch © Spaswinefood |
Over lunch speakers from Visit Mendocino, and Mendocino Winegrowers, Inc. shared insights into Mendocino County's recovery from wildfires. We were happy to hear that they were already welcoming tourists back to the region.
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| Lunch, McNab Ranch © Spaswinefood |
After lunch we returned to Santa Rosa Hyatt on Fetzer-Bonterra Bus where the 2017 Wine Bloggers Conference was about to start. I was delighted to attend this #WBC17 pre-conference excursion to Bonterra Vineyards. I must admit that it is hard to beat spending a rainy, fall day at Bonterra's McNab Ranch.
I invite you to join me in my California wine country explorations in search of the best in Spaswinefood.
© Spaswinefood
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| Welcome to Bonterra, McNab Ranch © Spaswinefood |
Note: I would like to note that part of the expenses for this #wbc17 excursion was covered by our host.
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