My husband and I just returned from a short, but relaxing trip to wine country. Our first stop was to our favorite winery which happens to be in Sonoma! B Wise Vineyards is located near the top of Moon Mountain.
If you don’t have time to visit the winery, you can sample a wide variety of B Wise wines at their tasting room in Kenwood. Several years ago at this modernly furnished tasting room we were first introduced to these
spectacular wines by Anne, an equally spectacular representative from their winery. It was our first and last stop on our last day of that trip to wine country. After falling in love with their B Wise Petite Syrah, we were distressed that we didn’t have time to actually visit and tour the vineyards…but what a great reason to schedule another trip back, right?
Last fall was our first tour of the B Wise Vineyards which is owned by Brion and Ronda Wise.
There are many amazing winery tours in Sonoma and Napa counties. But this cave experience is by far and away our favorite. And on our second tour this month, we found even more ways to love this winery.
We were so glad to get to see Anne again and listen to her gorgeous lilt. She introduced us to Kurt who would be our guide for the morning. We began our tour with a glass of Brion Chardonnay while Kurt updated us on the various blocks of grapes planted on the side of Moon Mountain. The Wise’s own 100 acres on Moon Mountain, 20 of which are planted in vines with 6 different root stocks and 17 clones. Kurt’s explanation of clones is so detailed and educational that I won’t even attempt to describe it here. You’ll understand it much better coming from an expert! Kurt also pointed out a nearby Cabernet vine that had both green and purple grapes. This is called veraison. Veraison is the transition from berry growth to ripening. This is the point where the grape’s acidity levels decrease and the sugar concentration increases. Kurt also reminded us why there are often rose bushes planted at the end of each row of vines: roses are not as hearty as the vines, so anything that might threaten the vines will first harm the roses thus allowing the vineyard managers to protect the grapes.
After enjoying our glass of wine and the spectacular view from the vineyards, Kurt escorted us inside the extensive caves. This is the only cave we have seen that has two bedrooms, a full bath, and heated floors throughout! (While the Wise’s were having their home built, they actually lived in the caves!) We sat down at a long table and started our tasting. Kurt asked us several questions about our taste preferences and then graciously gave us a vertical tasting. If you have never done this, find somewhere that will give your palate this education. Kurt explained that
there is a bell- shaped curve that represents the different taste levels while a wine ages. It is very helpful to find where on that curve your palate lies so that you know how long to hold your favorites before drinking them. We tried a 2013 of the Brion Cabernet. It was good. We then sampled a 2012 of the same wine. It was not noticeably different to us. Then we sampled the 2009…aah better! And then Kurt gave us a real treat, a 2005 of the same wine. We thought it was amazing and purchased a bottle for dinner.
Everything about B Wise from its wines to its employees makes this an outstanding winery. The selfish part of me wants to keep this to myself since B Wise is sold out of some of our favorites and may even start to limit its wine club memberships. But I would be remiss not to let you know what an outstanding winery B Wise is!
B Wise Tasting Room
9077 Sonoma Highway
Kenwood, California
707-282-9169
Bwisevineyards.com