Rancho Sisquoc Winery is owned by the Flood Ranch Company. James Flood purchased the cattle ranch in 1952, planted grapes in 1968, started pressing grapes in 1972, and opened to the public in 1977. Of the 37,000-acres, 310 are dedicated to the vines which overlook the Sisquoc River.
Driving Foxen Canyon Road has to be one of my very favorite things to do. It's the Wine Trail that runs from Santa Maria down to Los Olivos. A two-lane road that winds its way through hills, trees, farms, ranches, and vineyards. It gives me something that I just can't adequately describe other than...pure joy.
Rancho Sisquoc Winery is on Foxen Canyon Road. You have to pay close attention because you can drive right by it simply because you are too busy taking in the view around you. A little tip, look for the historic San Ramon Chapel that overlooks the entrance to the ranch. The cutest little white church that sits on top of the hill.
The drive way to the winery is 2-miles long, just wide enough for two mid-size vehicles to pass each other...slowly. Lined with trees, brush, a farm, and the cattle ranch. As I drove into the parking area there was a large picnic area to the left and the cattle ranch to the right. The winery is housed in a cabin like structure surrounded by trees that completely shade the parking and entrance to the tasting room.
The tasting room is adorned with rich dark wood. Wine bottles and numerous award ribbons are displayed from counter to ceiling behind the bar. Alice was pouring and she suggested the following:
2009 Sylvaner - 17% Riesling. Unique to Rancho Sisquoc as the only producers of this varietal in California. Won Gold at the Long Beach Grand Cru! Citrus blooms, ripe apricot and hints of perfume. Great as a 1st course wine, pair with spicy foods, or even brunch.
2008 Tre Vini - 52% Sangiovese, 26% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Syrah. Bright red with violet hues in color. Black licorice yields to cherry, plum and light caramel. Pair with red pasta dishes.
2007 Merlot - 13% Cabernet Sauvignon. Won Gold at the San Diego International, Chairman's Award Riverside International, Best Merlot Central Coast Wine Competition. Dense ruby red. Sweet currant, pomegranate and earthy cherry. Flavors of coffee and oak. A well rounded mid palate of cherry-espresso, chocolate and hints of anise. Pair with steak!
2007 Cabernet Franc - 20% Petite Verdot. It opens big with sarsaparilla, dusty earth and sweet cola. Flavors of wild read berries, thyme, redwood smoke and rich vanilla oak. Pair with roast or stew.
2007 Malbec - 100% Malbec. Rated 91 in Wine Enthusiast, Gold at the San Francisco Chronicle Tasting. The bouquet opens with vanilla bean and honey and then gives way to strawberry pie filling, black jam and chocolate. The robust middle shows plum, blackberry, and floral notes. A toasty vanilla oak and dried black fruit finish. Pair with Filet Mignon, or char-Brazilian style meats.
2007 Cellar Select Meritage - 29% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Cabernet Franc, 16% Petite Verdot, 13% Malbec. Gold at the San Francisco International Wine Competition, Chairman's Award "Best of Class" at the Long Beach Grand Cru. Flavors of black cherry, bramble berry, blueberry with vanilla and toffee. Pair with Prime Rib.
Alice has been working at Rancho Sisquoc Winery for 4-plus years and it's evident that she likes it there. I learned that Alice's husband is in a Blues band called Pryor Baird & the Deacons, and were playing with Cole Fonseca in New York at the Annual Freedom Ride Festival. I happen to love the Blues and I could tell Alice was very excited and proud of her husband.
I want to thank Alice for her time and hospitality and wish her and her family all the best!
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