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Wine Awards from Orange County Wine Society Competition

Orange County Wine Society Wine awards for 2019

Wine Awards are Here!

Award winning wines have that special something about them don’t they?  The gold and silver medals just make you smile a bit more and this year Heringer has some exciting award winners from The Orange County Wine Society annual competition.  The Orange County Wine Soiciety is an industry driven competition focusing on California wines for quality and true varietal character.  Heringer Estates has submitted our wines to this competition for the past several years and our winemaker, Mike Heringer, is even a judge!

This year we are honored to announce our 2014 Tempranillo as a
GOLD MEDAL WINNER!

90 Point Gold Wine Award!

The 2015 Tempranillo is Winemaker, Mike Heringer’s favorite Clarksburg varietal and with a 90 point gold wine award you can see why!  Originally from Spain, and at home in Clarksburg, Ca, the Tempranillo has spicy and fun elements that pair well on their own or with a variety of foods.  Aged in neutral French and American oak for three years, the award winning wine expresses aromas of fresh cranberry and a hint of leather.  As you enjoy a glass, flavors of dried currants and cardamom lead up to a nice medium tannin on the finish.  This gold medal winner does not disappoint with a balanced body and a little Spanish spice. 

Try this wine with Spicy Italian lasagna with sausage and zucchini.

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Below are more wine awards from this year’s Orange County Wine Society Wine Competition

84 Points, Silver Medal – 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon

83 Points, Silver Medal – 2018 Moscato

89 Points, Silver Medal – 2014 Nebbiolo

86 Points, Silver Medal – 2014 Petite Sirah

83 Points, Silver Medal –  Ecocask Red Blend in a Can

85 Points, Silver Medal – 2016 Hope’s Thread Rosé

85 Points, Silver Medal – 2014 Teroldego

85 Points, Silver Medal – 2017 Viognier

 

See all of Heringer Estates Wine Awards 

Heringer Wine Awards

Heringer Brings Home a Gold at the California State Fair Wine Competition

California State Fair Wine Competition Results for 2019

Wine Competition Results are in!

California State Fair Wine Competition results are in!  Each year Heringer Estates submits wines to one of the largest and most respected state wide wine competitions, the California State Fair Wine Competition.  In the competition, appointed judges sample wines looking for pristine varietal characteristics, balance, and regional characteristics.  This year, Heringer Estates is proud to announce our medal winners!

2014 Petite Sirah wins 94 points at the CA State Fair

Heringer Estates 2014 Petite Sirah wins the gold! 

Awarded 94 points and Best of Class of Appellation.

The Heringer Estates 2014 Petite Sirah has stood above the rest in the Clarksburg region for several years and is the flagship wine varietal of Heringer Estatse.  In the 2014 vintage enjoy amazing flavor characteristics of plum preserves, ripe blackberry, toasted brown sugar, caramel, and spice. You might also notice some characters of tobacco, dark ripe berry, and chocolate in this “not quite jammy” wine as it rolls over your tongue in perfect balance.

Pair the 2014 Petite Sirah with roasted pork or BBQ this summer!

91 points for the Ecocask Red and White Blends in a can!

Just released this year the Ecocask in a can is showing to be a winner with 91 points awarded from the California State Fair judges.  These fun wines in a 375ml can, can go with you anywhere on your summer adventures.  In the red blend enjoy easy smooth flavors of boysenberry, leather, and chocolate.  In the white blend sip on a burst of refreshing citrus and vanilla.  These wines will not disappoint in a can.

Each can is equal to 2 glasses for easy travel!

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We are very grateful and excited to share our award winning wines with you!

Here are more winners from the California State Fair Wine Competition, 2019

91 points, Silver Medal – 2016 Mourvedre 

90 points, Silver Medal – 2014 Teroldego

88 points, Silver Medal – 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon

See all of Heringer Estates Awards

Bob and Tammy at Heringer Estates

Meet Bob and Tammy, Wine Associates for May!  Bob and Tammy are a dynamic duo that have worked as wine associates at Heringer Estates for more than 8 years and are an integral part of the tasting room team.  Next time you are in the tasting room say “hi” and here is a little bit about why they love wine and Heringer Estates.

What is your favorite part about working at Heringer Estates?

Tammy

I love the family; I love the wine! I feel a sense of belonging and pride in being able to serve and sell such a wonderful product, made by such an awesome family. I love the ranch and enjoy its beauty and history so much! It’s a pleasure to be there.

 
Bob
My favorite part about working at Heringer Estates is the fantastic wine, the great environment, the Heringer family, and our associates. The ranch is the perfect and natural place for serving Heringer wines, surrounded by two hundred acres of vineyards. What could be better? All of our estate wines are custom crushes, using superior wine making techniques. I have worked at Heringer for so long because I feel our wine is the best, and because it is a great place to work. I look forward to many more years!
 

Do you have a favorite wine?
Tammy
My favorites always change as the wines change. Right now I’m in love with the Purple Thread. I tagged it as a winner long before we got the double gold for it! It’s a perfect blend of depth, fruit and just enough tannin. I always feel special when I open a bottle of it, because I only do so on special occasions!
 
Bob
My favorite wine is the Cabernet Franc. I appreciate its fruit forward nose, its cherry characteristics, and its dry finish. There are so many great wines it’s hard to choose just one. There are favorites for everyone.
 
Do have a favorite food pairing with your favorite wine?
Tammy
My other longstanding wine loves are the Pinot Noir and the Primitivo. I love both of those wines for their versatility. They’re light enough to pair with a summer Chicken Chinese salad yet robust enough to stand up to a delicious, spicy dish like tacos or lasagna.
 
Bob
One combination of food and wine that I really enjoy is Braised Lamb with Norton. Brown the lamb and add your favorite stew ingredients, pour in the Norton, and braise on low for six hours. You’ll get a succulent, lip-smacking tasty dish. On the side serve soft polenta, jasmine rice, or garlic mash potatoes. The coups de grace is a glass of Norton with your meal.
 
What has been your most memorable moment at Heringer Estates?
Tammy
I’ve loved every staff Christmas party. I truly appreciate the fun, the food and the camaraderie! There’s nothing like the Season of Giving and the Heringer Family and staff is a very loving, giving bunch!
 
Bob
Over the years there have been many great moments, but I think my favorite memories are of when I talked to Mike Heringer about wine. Usually our discussions were in the moment and on the fly, but all were always epiphanies on wine making.
 

Next time you visit say “hi” to Bob and Tammy!

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!