| We jumped back in the van and headed to the | | | | the second wine tasting room. |
| next winery. We took a left on Highway 46E and | | | | Our favorites of the day that went home with us |
| passed a few other wineries including Meridian. Not | | | | were. |
| much further down the road was Branch road, | | | | *Bianchi Signature Selection- Barbera '06- Cost |
| we turned right, traveled a little further and | | | | $28.00 |
| turned left into the Bianchi Winery. My first | | | | *Bianchi Heritage Selection- Zinfandel '06- Cost |
| impression was what a great lay out. The two | | | | $26.00 |
| buildings on the property were both so nice, that | | | | From Bianchi- |
| if we had not had a tour guide we might have | | | | "Starting with the foundation of premium fruit, |
| went to the wrong building. This was evident by 6 | | | | winemaker Tom Lane adds high-quality French |
| young ladies who got there at the same time as | | | | and American oak and meticulous wine making to |
| us. It seems they were already pretty happy | | | | create two exceptional collections of Bianchi wine. |
| with how their wine tasting was going that day | | | | Heritage Selection |
| and headed to the winery building. Our tour guide | | | | Heritage Collection wines each bear the |
| headed us in the right direction.....towards the | | | | characteristics of the terroir of Bianchi's ranches. |
| tasting room. | | | | These estate-grown wines include Cabernet |
| As we crossed the parking lot and began getting | | | | Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, and Zinfandel. Each wine |
| closer to the front door of the tasting room we | | | | reveals layers of flavors and subtleties that come |
| noticed a very nice Koi pond with an outdoor | | | | only with skilled wine making and attention to |
| patio area leading into a side entrance of the | | | | detail. Heritage Collection wines may be enjoyed |
| tasting room. There were tables and chairs on the | | | | upon release or cellared and aged. Elegantly |
| patio by the water for one to enjoy a bottle of | | | | balanced, the wines are easily paired with a |
| wine with a lunch you had brought with you. | | | | variety of cuisines. |
| Perfect for someone wanting a casual wine | | | | Signature Selection |
| tasting experience full of ambiance. The building | | | | The Bianchi Signature Collection is inspired by the |
| that housed their tasting room was beautiful. | | | | unique complexities that come from an array of |
| We entered the tasting room and were greeted | | | | renowned vineyards throughout California's Central |
| by a friendly staff member. Our pourer started | | | | Coast. Special lots are carefully blended to create |
| us on our tasting and some information on the | | | | the ultimate flavor experience in keeping with the |
| winery. When we had entered the tasting room | | | | Bianchi mission to produce the finest wines |
| we were the only couple in the room. Within | | | | possible. The Signature Selection is also home to |
| minutes that went from us to about 10 people | | | | many special, small lots, often using unusual |
| including the 6 snookered girls who had found | | | | varietals. The varietals in the Bianchi Signature |
| there way to the right place. The tasting room | | | | Collection include Petite Sirah and Cabernet Franc |
| came alive with laughter and loud stories as the | | | | from Paso Robles, Pinot Noir from York Mountain |
| room became more crowded. Our pourer was | | | | and Santa Maria Valley, Chardonnay from Edna |
| courteous, friendly, knowledgeable and attentive. | | | | Valley, and Pinot Grigio from Arroyo Grande." |
| He began running back and forth attempting to | | | | We will describe the wines wine more in depth as |
| serve everyone, he was soon given some help | | | | we pair them with an entrée in the future. |
| by another staff member (Diane). | | | | I have added a link |
| Diane took over pouring the rest of our tastings | | | | We rate the Wine (Good) |
| and explaining the different wines. Diane like the | | | | We rated our experience............ (Good) |
| first gentleman was friendly, attentive and | | | | Here are our Ratings: / Pass / Fair / OK / Good / |
| professional she listened to everything we had to | | | | Great / Fantastic |
| say or answered any questions we had. The staff | | | | Disclaimer: Just because we like or dislike a wine |
| had many wines for us to sample, I think about | | | | does not mean that you will have the same |
| eleven or twelve. KD and I would each try a | | | | experience. Of course it's always worth a try....tell |
| different wine and then switch that way we did | | | | us what you think...........in other words post a |
| not get to snookered, before we had even left | | | | comment!! |