Foxen Vineyard and Rancho Sisquoc Wine Tasting

We took a short drive this afternoon down Foxen Canyon Road to do some tasting at a couple wineries which we've been neglecting for awhile.

First stop was the The Foxen Vineyard tasting room. This rustic roadside tasting room exhibits the rural flavor of the Central Coast which we've come to appreciate over the years. Ten dollars per glass provided tasting of 6 varietals and 2 reserves ranging from whites to reds to a reserve desert wine. Our favorites were the 2003 Cabernet Sauvignon (Vogelzang Vineyard) and the desert wine. We went home with the Cabernet and made a note that the desert wine will someday go along well with a fine cigar and/or some great dark chocolate.

Another mile or so north on Foxen Canyon Road took us to the long "driveway" into the Rancho Sisquoc Winery. It had been way too long since we'd visited and today's outing was yet another reminder that we need to come here much more often. The tasting room is situated next to a beautiful lawn with picnic tables and umbrellas..eagerly awaiting our picnic lunch which we had brought along. Today, Rancho Sisquoc charged six dollars for a tasting of their 11 varietals: quite a bargain. The sampling began with their 2005 Chardonnay and continued with: 2006 Sauvignon Blanc, 2006 Sylvaner, 2006 Riesling, 2005 Pinot Noir, 2005 Sisqouc River Red (Cab Sauvignon, Merlot, Sangiovese, Syrah & Malbec blend), 2004 Tre Vini (Sangiovesse, Cab Sauvigon, Merlot), 2004 Reserve Merlot, 2004 Cabernet sauvigon Sauvignon, 2004 Syrah and 2004 Cellar Select Meritage (Cab Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec, Pt. Verdot and Cab Franc). Wow! We picked up some Sauvignon Blanc, some Sylvaner and some Cellar Select Meritage. We also joined the wine club. I guess we were impressed.

The Sylvaner was a perfect match for Ann's homemade chunky chicken/pineapple-on-pita bread sandwiches with apples and cheese: enjoyed on the lawn with a magnificent view of the Sisquoc river valley and vineyards in the distance.

I couldn't help but think about how blessed and lucky we are to be able to live in this beautiful little corner of the world!