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Kevin is Heringer’s April Wine Associate of Month!

Meet Kevin, our April Wine Associate of the Month!  April is Kevin’s 1 year anniversary as a Wine Associate at Heringer Estates!  If you have not met Kevin yet, he will make you double over with laughter the next time you visit our tasting room.  

We interviewed Kevin to hear what he had to say about Heringer Estates:

What is your favorite part about working at Heringer Estates?

I love meeting new people, hearing their stories, and sharing in their celebrations. I’ve met people from all over the world at Heringer Estates, and been a part of everything from bridal showers to retirement celebrations.

Do you have a favorite wine?
 
My all time favorite is the Row Series Late Harvest Petit Sirah. It has a divine blend of dark chocolate and raspberry as its tasting notes and makes me feel all sorts of warm and fuzzy. It is just the right dessert wine, not to sweet, not to acidic, a perfect balance.
 
When I’m not in the mood for dessert my other favorite is the Teroldego. Whenever a guest asks me to “surprise them” I’ll inevitably gravitate towards this bottle. It’s bold, smooth, and full of flavor. For those looking to try something new this is the place to start!
Do have a favorite food pairing with your favorite wine?
I’m unfortunately not much of a cook. My recent pairing obsession is with the Row Series Late Harvest Petit Sirah and Girl Scout Cookies, Tag-a-longs (Or peanut butter patties).
 
I like pairing wines with events. The Sparkling Chardonnay is great for opening night toasts at the theater I volunteer at. The Petit Sirah is a must for sharing around the table during a game of Dungeons & Dragons. Cabernet Franc for when I want to feel like part of the conspiracy during a Netflix binge of House of Cards or Game of Thrones. And Moscato in a can for a chill video game night with friends!
 
 
What has been your most memorable moment at Heringer Estates?
Working my first owl release party. There’s something magical about the moment when the lively party atmosphere falls absolutely silent as the owls are released. Absolutely stunning.
 
 

Next time you visit say “hi” to Kevin!

Vineyard Animal Life Makes a Happy Vineyard

A natural habitat for vineyard animals at Heringer Estates

As a certified sustainable vineyard and winery we take great care to build natural habitat for our vineyard animals.  The natural habitat helps the vines and the vines provide food and shelter for delta animals.  Keeping a well maintained vineyard, growing seasonal cover crop, regulating drip irrigation, and minimizing spray and the use of additives in the soil all all things that make our vineyard sustainable and improve the animal habitat.  We even build owl boxes and partner with the Wildlife Care Associate to release re-rehabilitated owls into the vineyard at our annual Owl Release events every summer.  (To learn more about our Owl Release Events check our events calendar.)  

In 2019 we moved our tasting room to the vineyard estate on Netherlands Road and as spring blossoms you will be able to see many different types of wild vineyard animals during your tasting experience.  

It is not uncommon to see turkeys in the vines as you drive onto the estate.

Vineyard animals living on the ground

Rabbits and Hares

When you first drive onto our vineyard road you might see jack rabbits or brush bunnies running across the rode.  Some are cute and fluffy while others have huge ears and strong hind legs!!!  Several different varieties of rabbits and hares live in the California Delta.

Wild Turkey

Another animal you can not miss is the wild turkey.  The turkey is a rather new addition and very prevalent to the vineyard and river habitat.  These land birds have exploded in population in California and live in large gaggles.  You may see a bunch of hens surrounded by one puffed up tom anywhere on your way into the vineyard and through the rows of vines. 

Coyote

If you are at our tasting room in the evening there is a chance you could spot a coyote.  These small predators usually stay away from humans and look like small wild dogs.  Most of the time is just the flick of a tail that you see out of the corner of your eye, but every once in a while we get a good view of them hunting in the vines.  

These are just some of the animals you will see on the ground,  Expect to also see moles, voles, and quail.

Owl Release Event 2017

Vineyard animals in the sky

Farmers are always worried about birds right?!  That’s why we have scarecrows!  In a vineyard, birds can be both harmful and helpful for the vines.  Birds we like in our vineyards are predator birds like owls and hawks.  These birds help to keep the insects, rodents, and all the wine grape eating animals at bay so we can harvest in late September with grapes at their peak.

Owls and Hawks

Owls and hawks are vital pest managers in the vineyard and we depend on their daily and evening patrols.  During the day you can regualarly see the hawks hunting the grounds.  If you are visiting us in the evening and you take a minute to listen, there is a good chance you will be able to hear the “hoot, hoot” of Little Hoot in our old oaks. 

Every summer we partner with the Wildlife Care Association to release rehabilitated owls into the vineyard.  Owls really are amazing creatures.  Along the circumference of the vineyard you can find constructed owl boxes.  These boxes make wonderful homes for owls and in the spring we usually have babies hatching!

Owl boxes you will see around the vineyard. These boxes provide homes for rehabilitated owls.

Life at the Tasting Room

Dogs on leashes and wine lovers, are our most recent additions to our vineyard animal life as of 2019.  At the tasting room you will see these guys and gals on a daily basis, tasting wine, laughing, and having a great time.  You may also bring your own wine lovers and dogs when you come?  It is the contribution of all of these animals and friends that make our vineyards and winery truly beautiful and sustainable for generations to come.  

Visit us for wine tasting and events!  We are open daily from 10 am to 5 pm.
More Information about Heringer Tasting Experience
Written by Cara Gregor

Chenin Blanc for a Refreshing Spring!

The flowers are blooming and Chenin Blanc is chilling.  As we embrace this new spring season, Chenin Blanc will tickle your taste buds and put your tulips together in a smile.

A Little History of Chenin Blanc

Chenin Blanc is not a wine you will find on a typical white wine list and is only grown in a few regions in the world.  The most famous Chenin Blancs traditionally originated from the Loire Valley of Northern France.  Wines from this region have high acidity with fruit and mineral flavors, and you will find that the Chenin Blancs are not any different.  The Chenin Blancs from France are vibrant, crisp, and made in varying degrees of natural  sweetness.  With these wines you will enjoy beautiful aromas and flavors of pear, citrus, and apple.

Chenin Blanc is grown in France, South Africa, Argentina, and the United States, particularly California.

In the 1970s Chenin Blanc was the most widely planted white wine grape varietal in California, however it quickly lost it’s place in the spotlight to the more popular Chardonnay.  Now Chenin Blanc is only found in special corners of the world.  Clarksburg, Ca AVA is still a main producer of Chenin Blanc.  With very similar temperatures and climate to the Loire Valley of Fance, Clarksburg Chenin Blancs also have high acidity and mineral flavors.  They also have beautiful shimmering aromas and flavors of pineapple, citrus, and honey.

Heringer Estates Chenin Blanc Story

The Heringer family graphed their first Chenin Blanc vines in 2014 and have grown their production from 4 to 15 acres in the last two years.  Looking for a wine grape varietal that can help to promote Clarksburg as a flourishing wine growing region, Steve and his son Mike Heringer branched out from the saturated Chardonnay market and got back to their roots.  Since then they have produced 4 unique vintages, experimenting with oak and stainless aging with a 100% stainless 2018 vintage just being released this March.

The 2018 Chenin Blanc is a refreshing treat!

The 2018 Chenin Blanc brings the words to mind, “adult lemonade” as a burst of bright grapefruit and lemon lime. With a swirl you will also experience flavors of white peach, and pineapple. In the finish there is just a hint of honey and vanilla sweetness. Enjoy this wine with any light summertime salad or lemon cake.

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Written and Illustrated by Cara Gregor

Stefani is Heringer Estates March Wine Associate of the Month!

Stefani has been a wine associate on our team for just 6 months and has already become a member of the family.  You can find Stefani at the tasting room during the week and on weekends.

What is your favorite part about working at Heringer Estates?
The team I work with and meeting new people and telling them about all the wonderful wines Heringer has to offer. Love being at our location, in the middle of the vines at the estate. It’s the peace and beauty that elevates the wine tasting experience.

Do you have a favorite wine?
Several, but currently our Malbec. I love the medium body with the slight bit of edge to it.  Pairs well with a rack of lamb.  But the reason I joined the wine club 5 years ago, is the Purple Thread. I love the, story behind it, and particularly love that it gives back with every bottle purchased. Michael always gets the blend just right.
 
Do have a favorite food pairing with your favorite wine?
Definitely the Malbec with herb crusted rack of lamb.  But I also love our Cab Franc paired with some jalapeno and cheese stuffed portobello  mushrooms.
 
What has been your most memorable moment at Heringer Estates?
I’ve enjoyed every moment in my short time with Heringer, but joining a team that is more like family has been the best part by far! We also have the best customers. When you come to work and get to chat with them, spend time with them, hear their stories, and see their love for our wine, it’s time well spent.
 

Next time you visit say hi to Stefani!

2019 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition Results are in!

Results are in!

We are so excited to announce the results from the 2019 San Francisco Wine Competition. Every year thousands of wines are submitted and judged and these are the wines that stood out from the crowd. We are super excited and honored to have received these awards for our 2019 wine portfolio. Make sure to try these while they last. With our small production, award winners do not last long.

2014 Malbec takes home the Double Gold!

Malbec has truly made a home in Clarksburg. The 2014 is the third vintage of 100% estate grown Malbec grapes and the delta vineyards have flourished. When you enjoy this wine you will experience beautiful aromas of wild blackberries and chocolate as well as many of the traditional Bordeaux characteristics found in Malbecs around the world. However, unlike his brothers on different continents, this California Malbec has a velvety finish that softens instead of bites.

Gold Medal for the 2015 Pinot

Who does not love a sustainably grown Pinot Noir? With the cool evenings from the delta breeze and warm days, Clarksburg can nurture a Pinot Noir vineyard to perfection. The 2015 Pinot Noir is a favorite for its fascinating complexities and smooth texture. This irresistible varietal wine has beautiful aromas of cherry, raspberry, vanilla spice, and violet.  Each sip rounds out over the tongue and finishes soft as silk. 

The Insieme wins a Gold

Insieme means “together” in Italian and as a family Heringer Estates has created a wonderful union of traditional Italian varieties that will take your palette on an adventure to an Italian countryside filled with the richness of the northeastern hills and valleys and the warmth and spices of the southwestern heel. The 2013 is a blend of Teroldego, Barbera, and Primitivo. boasting flavors of dark berry, cherry, caramel and a hint of chocolaty tobacco.

Silver Medal Winners

2016 Cabernet Sauvignon

The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon is a recent classic of Heringer Estates. When you sip this wine it first dances on the tip of your tongue with majestic cherry, blueberry, and cranberry flavors. Then, with a lovely balance, the wine coats your tongue like warm chocolate and finishes with a medium, dry finish that leaves you dreaming of a French veranda on a spring day.

2018 Moscato

Moscato is always a party favorite and one of Heringer Estates most popular wines. This wonderfully sweet wine has delightful aromas of lychee fruit, honeysuckle, and spring blossom. It has gone through cold arrested fermentation and pressured bottled to give it a light, crisp effervescence. The 2018 Moscato is a perfect wine for all meals between brunch and dessert.

2015 Tannat

The 2015 Heringer Estates Tannat is a perfect example of why California and Clarksburg are falling in love. With a gripping tannin you will enjoy beautiful flavors of blackberry, dried fruit, black plum, dark chocolate, and cardamom. The strong structure of Tannat will pair well with high protein and rich fatty foods. Perfect for holiday parties and hearty meals.

Taste these for yourself. Try one or all of our 2019 San Francisco Chronicle Medal Winners!

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Cherryberry Port Brownies

Holiday sweets please!

The holidays are such a wonderful time of friends, families, holiday cheer, and of course don’t forget the sweets!  This year we have combined our two holiday loves of wine and chocolate in the Cherryberry Port Brownie recipe!  To find this delightfully rich chocolaty recipe we teamed up with Vicki at CC Celebration Cakes in Clarksburg, Ca.  Using the flavors of the Heringer Estates 2015 Red Dessert (port) wine Vicki was able to create an easy to use dry goods brownies in a jar mix.  Add this mix with the added recipe ingredients and the 2015 Red Dessert wine and you have a perfect combination of sweet wine and chocolate!

Ingredients

  1. Brownie in a Jar dry good mix
  2. 3 eggs at room temprature
  3. 1/4 cup melted unsalted butter
  4. 1/3 cup plus 1/4 cup Heirnger Estates Red Dessert Wine
Preparation: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 40 minutes
Makes: 16 brownies

Making the Cherryberries

  1. Remove the cherryberries from the jar and place into small saucepan along the 1/3 cup of port.
  2. Bring to a boil for one minute then remove from heat to cool.

Making the Brownies

  1. Preheat oven to 350
  2. Prepare 8″ square pan by spraying non-stick baking spray and place a square of parchment in the pan bottom
  3. Lightly whisk eggs and set aside.
  4. Pour remaining jar mix ingredients into a large bowl, stir to combine.
  5. Add cooled cherryberries and stir.
  6. Add eggs, butter and additional port and stir just until combined; do not over mix.
  7. Spread batter into prepared pan.  Bake until toothpick comes and clean, about 35 – 40 minutes.

Holiday Gift Boxes

Treat yourself and your friends and family to the Cherryberry Port Brownie Gift Box!  The box includes everything you need to make the Cherryberry Port Brownie recipe and make your holiday season extra chocolaty special.

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Written by Creative Specialist Cara Gregor

Holiday Drinky Drinks

It’s the holidays!  Time to warm up with some holiday drinky drinks.

Heringer Mulled Wine

It’s getting chilly out there and mulled wine will warm you up with the winter spices that you love.  We chose the 2014 Primitivo this year for it’s balance between sweet and spice and everything nice.

  1. Combine mulled wine spices, ½ cup sugar, and 2 cups water, in a large pot.
  2. Slowly bring to a boil, reduce the heat, and simmer for 15 minutes.
  3. Reduce the heat, add Primitivo, and slowly reheat but do not boil.
  4. Add honey to taste.
  5. Serve warm in mugs.

Serves 8

Heringer Apricot Hot Toddy

Try the Heringer twist on a hot toddy!  This recipe is a little softer with Late Harvest Chardonnay instead of the traditional whiskey or brandy, but will warm your up and make you smile just the same.

  1. Boil water to make a half mug of apricot fruit tea.
  2. Add 2.5 oz Late Harvest Chardonnay to the warm mug.
  3. Stir in a spoonful of honey until dissolved.

Serves 8

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Holiday Gift Boxes

Give a fun Heringer Gift Box this year!  Both the Mulled Wine Holiday Time and the Heringer Hot Toddy Gift Boxes are both carefully constructed to include all the special ingredients you need to make your wine into a delicious wintry wonderland drinky drink.  Cheers!  Be merry!  Have a wonderfully warm and toasting holiday season!

Written by Creative Specialist Cara Gregor