Monte De Oro Winery & Vineyards
by
Kathy Sullivan
Summary: Monte De Oro Winery & Vineyards, one of Temecula’s newest wineries, is delightful to experience. One will discover a sophisticated tasting room that provides a sense of elegance with friendliness. Views from the tasting room include acres of vineyards, mountain ranges and a birds-eye view of the barrel cellar.
Monte De Oro Winery and Vineyards stands high on a hill with a watchful eye overlooking vineyards and Rancho California Road. The two-story facility opened in January and is an example of what can happen when numerous people with similar goals invest in an idea and develop it.
The 67 family owners who own Monte De Oro Winery are from the United States, South Africa and the United Kingdom. The owners in the United States represent locations in 19 states. All of the owners are interested in wine. Ground for the winery was broken in October 2007. An area off the barrel cellar has the shovels that were used by the owners for the ground breaking. The shovels spray painted gold have the owner’s name on the shovel. The shareholders have a yearly meeting at the winery planned for each November with the first one in November 2009 when the facility was completed.
The winery officially opened in January 2010.
During a tour Ken Zignorski, Managing Partner, pointed out the strength of the building, the views from the tasting room and the glass floor area in the tasting room providing a look into the barrel cellar.
Tasting Room
The tasting room is elegant with an uncluttered look. Cocktail tables are conveniently located in the tasting room to allow space for visitors to step aside from the tasting counter and enjoy a glass of wine. Note the chandeliers in the tasting room made of alabaster. Midway in the tasting room the floor has been inserted with a large glass floor overlooking the barrel cellar. Occasionally visitors are hesitant to walk-on the glass. Centered directly below the floor is a large table setting available for some wine events.
Outside of the tasting room a large patio provides a delightful spot to enjoy a glass of wine and vineyard country. Wrought iron tables with umbrellas and chairs encourage one to step outside.
Vineyards
The vineyards were planted in 2002 and 2003. More grape varieties were added in 2008 to complement the first varieties planted. Today the vineyards consist of 72 acres. Red varieties include Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Zinfandel, Tempranillo, Petite Sirah, Petite Verdot, Malbec, Mourvedre, Grenache and Cinsault. White varieties in the vineyards are Viognier, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, Muscat Canelli and Chardonnay.
Wines
The winery produces 9,000 cases of wine and expects that number to grow to 16,000 cases. The owners of Monte De Oro Winery want to produce the best wine from the best southern California grapes. They also want customers to experience a great wine tasting and to learn more about wine.
White Wines
Sauvignon Blanc 2009 was clear with a yellow hue. The aroma offered citrus notes. The taste was smooth with citrus and tropical nuances with a hint of pineapple. The finish was crisp and fruity. Pinot Gris 2009 was produced in 100 percent stainless steel. The wine was crisp with apple and pear notes. The finish was dry and lingered. Viognier 2009 offered a very fruity and honeysuckle aroma. The taste had notes of grapefruit and peach. The wine was crisp and lingered. Muscat Canelli 2009 had a residual sugar of 4.5 percent. The wine offered grapefruit and peach nuances. The taste was smooth, sweet and crisp. The wine dried and lingered on the finish.
Red Wines
Merlot 2006 was a blend of 90 percent Merlot and 10 percent Cabernet Sauvignon. The wine offered nuances of cherry. The mouth feel was smooth. There were mild tannins with fruit notes on the finish. Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 was a ruby color. This was a 100 percent estate wine. There was an aroma of blackberries and tobacco. The fruity finish had mild tannins. Syrah 2006 was ruby with an aroma that offered plum notes. The taste had plum and blackberry nuances. The finish was crisp with mild tannins. Synergy 2005, named for the owners, was a blend of Syrah, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Zinfandel. The result was a ruby wine with an aroma and taste of black fruit. The finish had tannins and dark fruit that lingered.
Events
Many events both public and private will take place at Monte De Oro Winery. Examples include Temecula wine and culinary showcases, wine tasting events, concerts, Halloween bash, weddings and corporate events.
Enjoy a visit to Monte De Oro Winery to taste their wines. Plan to take a tour to discover all there is to know about the winery.
Monte de Oro Winery
35820 Rancho California Rd.
Temecula, California 92591
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