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| Campo Di Bocce- Livermore, CA Review By Nick Roberson  
OK, I have truly found a treasure in the vineyards. I remember as a kid going downtown in Kansas City to the market where fresh fruit, vegetables, bread, meat, and fish were traded on a daily basis. My Grandfather had a group of friends that played Bocce Ball in a space sandwiched between two old brick buildings. They drank their coffee, told their stories, smoked their cigars, and of course badgered each other as they played. I would sit there for hours perched up on a brick ledge watching them play. I had almost forgotten those days...until I walked through the doors of Campo Di Bocce nestled in the vineyards of Livermore, CA. Once you step through the doors a rush of old school Italy with a modern twist hits you right between the eyes. This is truly an amazing restaurant. With large full size Bocce Ball courts immediately visible as you walk through the door. I found the employees to be very friendly and helpful. The restaurant itself is absolutely beautiful and very romantic with inside and outside seating. The outside patio seating features wood burning stone fireplaces to set the perfect tone. The Bar Area is warm and inviting as well, with the perfect touch of old world charm and modern comfort. I think I could spend all day here. The menu is priced reasonably, and the wine list is extensive. We found the food to be exceptional. I started off with the Caprese for $11.00 which consisted of fresh Imported buffalo mozzarella with an array of vine ripened roma tomatoes and fresh basil. Then I moved on to the Seafood Cioppino a bargain priced at $25.00. This was the most amazing dish of Cioppino I ever had (sorry grandma) according to the menu description this dish has ONE AND A HALF POUNDS of jumbo prawns, steamed clams, mussels, shrimp, calamari, garlic and fresh fish all stewed together in their house made red seafood sauce. Oh MAMA! give me more, give me more.....Great just writing about it has made me hungry. This place could be dangerous to the waist line for sure. The staff was amazing and attentive, the courts can be rented by the hour. Make sure to tell Ben, the general manager, you loved the place. A great place to spend the afternoon, a romantic evening, or a night out with friends. They have Bocce Leagues, or the courts can be rented by the hour. I suggest calling ahead for court availability. This is a must stop on your Livermore Valley Wine Tour!! Check their website www.campodibocce.com for hours of operation, location, and other details. Make sure to tell them the Winemafia sent you.  Picazo Vineyards - Livermore, CA When I left my home this morning to meet with Pam Picazo regarding a Wine Map project I was working on, I truly had no idea just how enlightened my day would be. After receiving my careful directions to their wine tasting room, I set out on my quest. I followed the winding roads that skirted the Livermore Valley Wine Country, and drove up the private road to their beautiful Mediterranean style villa, and wine tasting room. If one were to somehow wake up here and look around they would think they were deep in the heart of Italy. The rolling hills are lined with row after row of grape vines, and with the occasional villa dotting the landscape.
Upon my arrival I was graciously greeted by the amiable Winemaker, Mark Clarin. Whom, over the course of my visit I determined is a true artist. Mark escorted me to the wine tasting room where I met with Pam Picazo. The details of the meeting are insignificant, but I found the two of them to be very passionate about the wine they were creating. Their pride and confidence in their wine was similar to a proud parent speaking of the exploits of their accomplished student. Both Mark and Pam were patient and kind, offering up answers to my every question. The pride of Picazo Vineyards is their 2004 Merlot. Picazo Vineyard only produced 64 cases of the Merlot, and very few bottles remain.
Once our business was completed, Pam and Mark offered me a pouring of their 2004 Merlot. Now for the record, I visit many wineries on a daily basis, and this is the absolute first time I have ever accepted a glass of wine during the day. I typically prefer to do my tasting on the weekends with friends and family. But with only a few cases of this wine available, I figured I might not get another opportunity. So I graciously accepted their offer. Mark brought in the dark elegant bottle and uncorked it. We waited a while for it to breath a little, and then a hefty glass was poured (it was a very good day). Now I am not a by the book wine taster, but when I lifted that glass to my nose I knew I was in for something special. As I closed my eyes and breathed it in, my senses were filled with a deep earthy scent full of berries and pepper with a strong rich oakiness. I slowly sipped the wine and my palate was engulfed in the smoothest and richest Merlot I have ever had the pleasure of tasting. I felt truly blessed to be standing there with these two amazing Winemakers while tasting this world class wine. At roughly $80 per bottle it is obviously not for everyone. But I would rather spend $80 on a single bottle of this wine, than receive a free case of any other Merlot. I know, I know that is just crazy talk, but it is true. This was truly a remarkable wine produced by friendly remarkable people. My only regret was I was not able to met Pam's husband Jose. Do yourself a favor and hunt down a bottle of this wine. You may have to fight someone for the last bottle on the shelf, but I assure you it is well worth the tussle.
Note they are available for tasting by appointment only. Visit Picazo Vineyards website www.picazovineyards.com or you can contact them at:
PICAZO Vineyards
P.O. Box 3186
Livermore, CA 94551-3186
Telephone: (925) 454-0291
Fax: (925) 606-0358
info@picazovineyards.com Van der Vijver Estate, El Dorado Review By Jeani Hunt-Gibbon  Whatever you do, do not let the wooden shoes filled with brightly colored tulips lining the road to Van der Vijver Estate Winery send you speeding in the other direction. Yes, we were tempted to turn away, but something, perhaps the unabashed kitsch of it all, drew us in.
Van der Vijver is one of several wineries located in the up-and-coming El Dorado County wine region. El Dorado is quickly gaining notice from wine appreciators, and we saw many a gold and silver medal at the wineries we visited that day. However, none left an impression quite like that of Van Der Vijver.
Robert Van der Vijver is a portly Dutch man with long dark hair, and when he pops out from behind the counter you will notice he is wearing his signature symbol on his feet: wooden shoes. He claims they are the most comfortable shoes he owns.
The tasting room itself is a nicely kept one-room shack with a bar and a tasting menu scrawled out in chalk on the wall. Ladies, take caution to go to the restroom at another winery, because their facilities are less than desirable. When you enter you are greeted by Van der Vijver’s Australian Shepherd, Bella, and Van der Vijver himself, who plays the roles of owner, wine maker, and tasting room manager.
Van der Vijver told us that he didn’t serve a wine he wasn’t proud of, and it showed. Every wine we tasted was balanced and delicious. He took us through a flight of three different Zinfandels created to match the styles of particular appellations; one in the style of a California Zin, one made like a Croatian Zin, and one created in the Spanish Rioja style. Each was surprisingly true to the country that inspired it.
As we tasted, Van der Vijver entertained us with anecdotes about wine making and dirty jokes, some of which the other people in the room did not seem to appreciate. To us, it was the perfect peppering of character to add to this unique and quirky experience.
The wines, though, are the biggest reason to visit. You can’t find any of Van der Vijver’s distinctive, bold luscious reds at your local wine shop. The wines come first for Van der Vijver, and he will throw out anything that doesn’t meet his high standards. So go for the dirty jokes and stay to find a bottle of inexpensive impressive red wine with a name your friends can’t pronounce.
Van der Vijver estate is located at 7451 Fair Play Road in Fair Play, California. Call 530-620-9424 for more info. Becker Vineyards, Texas Hill Country Review By Kelly Mercer   Becker Vineyards is located in the beautiful Texas hill country just outside of Fredericksburg, a quaint little town known for being the Napa of Texas. With a
decent amount of wineries in the area it is hard to stand out and yet Becker
accomplishes this feat with ease.
When driving up the narrow one mile road, be sure to roll down your window and breathe in the Lavender that is growing in the fields on your way to the Vineyard. Whatever stress or troubles are on your mind will immediately be swept away from the sweet, calming smell. As you approach the tasting room the vineyard off to the right has ample grape bunches of deep purple colored grapes that make you forget you are in Texas. Find a spot on the gravel parking lot (which normally seems to be quite full regardless of the time of day you go) and enter into the pale stone building in front of you.
Once inside the tasting room, the iron chandeliers, fireplace, and the wooden beams will immediately make you feel at home. Behind the bar is an impressive
collection of wine bottles proudly showing off the medals that hang from their
necks. The first six wines you want to try are free with a few reserves being a
1.00 to taste. Be sure to try the Viognier which is fruity and goes down with
ease. It also just so happens to be served at the White House (yes, THE White
House). The Prairie Rotie is also an interesting choice to try if you are
looking for something a little different.
The tasting sheet's comments nail the description to a tee with such tastes and aromas as "forest floor." Do not let the description deter you however, because the wine is quite good. There was only one employee working the day we went, however he handled the crowd easily and even had time to stop and tell a few jokes and stories. If you get the opportunity to visit the Texas Hill Country, be sure to stop and check out Becker Vineyards as I guarantee you will not be disappointed with either their wines or the experience. 830-644-2681 www.beckervineyards.com
Physical Address:
464 Becker Farms Road
Stonewall, Texas 78671
Castle Vineyards, Sonoma Review By Kim Haynes As you approach the tasting room for Castle Vineyard and Winery, you might think you’re walking up to somebody’s house. Located on West Spain Street in Sonoma, the unassuming – though cute – building gives no hint of the great tasting available within.
If you’re lucky enough to visit when there aren’t many other people, you can enjoy the attractive tasting room decorated with paintings of the vineyards. If the tasting bar is too crowded (which often happens, according to the staff), you can savor your tastings at the small tables in the room and on the patio outside.
Tastings are $5 per person, but the charge is waived with each bottle purchased. On their website (http://www.castlevineyards.com/) you can also download a two-for-one tasting coupon good for groups of up to six people.
The staff was very knowledgeable and guided us through the large selection of wines (nine choices on the day we were there). They even provided a map of the Sonoma Valley, identifying the sections from which each wine took its grapes. The day we visited the staff was offering an alternate tasting that paired specific Castle wines with selected varieties of cheese. Highlights of the traditional (non-paired) tasting included the 2005 Viognier and the 2003 Syrah Port, served with chocolate. The 2006 Rhone varietal Rosé was a refreshing summer option as well, but all of their wines were enjoyable choices.
When you’re traveling between the large estates of some of the Sonoma Vineyards, make time to stop at Castle Vineyard and Winery for good wine and good conversation, right on the historic Sonoma Plaza. Please check their website - http://www.castlevineyards.com/- for more information
Elliston Vineyards - Sunol, CA Review By Nick Roberson  There are not many drives more romantic or full of adventure as a drive to Elliston Vineyards in Sunol, CA. Elliston Vineyards is a lovely little vineyard tucked into the hillside in the small village of Sunol, CA. There are easier ways to get there but I would highly suggest the scenic back roads, which take you back to another time and place when the world seemed much simpler. Elliston itself is a little romantic getaway, which seems far more detached from the nearby suburban environment than it really is. The main structure is a beautiful 115 year old castle-esque stone mansion. The scenery and countryside are just as beautiful with rolling hills, vineyards, and surrounding forest. Elliston offers complimentary wine tasting in the first floor of the mansion. We found our hostess to be very pleasant and knowledgeable. The wines themselves are world class and it was hard to decide which to take home. My personal favorites are the Captain's Claret (1999) and the Merlot (1998), but truly you can't go wrong with any of their wines. So visit this lovely winery for a memorable romantic step back in time. Please check their website www.elliston.com for their hours and events information. Concannon Vineyards - Livermore, CA Review by Nick Roberson  No trip to the Livermore Valley Wine Region would be complete without a visit to this historic winery. Concannon is one of California's oldest wineries, and was established in 1883. Visiting this winery is a history lesson in itself. You really can't help getting sucked back in time to when James Concannon first worked the rocky soil of the Livermore Valley, and started his families tradition of making world class wine. The winery sits just outside of historic downtown Livermore. The approach to the winery itself is beautiful with stone walls and iron gates. Seemingly endless rows of grapes frame the property. The original Concannon home has been beautifully restored, and it and the winery are historic landmarks. The tasting room is elegant and roomy. I left with almost as many food items from the gift shop as I did bottles of wine. We found the tasting room personnel to be friendly and informative. Wine tasting of the current releases is complimentary. Just for the record, their Reserve Petite Sirah is well...to die for. Just walk in the door...throw your credit card or a hand full of cash on the counter and ask for a case of it. You might as well just get that out of the way, so you can enjoy the rest of your visit. Wine tours are available if arranged in advance. The tasting room is open daily from 11:00am to 4:30pm. Picnic grounds are available and make a great setting for a romantic picnic. This page is still underconstruction. We are actively searching for quality wine, wineries, restaurants, and B&B reviewers. If you are interested in sharing your experience with others. Please feel free to submit your reviews to nick@winemafia.net Please check back for the quality reviews which will be posted here. | |
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