THE ROAD TO ROSÉ

Written by Kim Hashemi Photographed by Silas Fallstich

A socially distanced activity that involves wine? On a Wednesday? Yes please. I receive a call from Gabi, one of the owners of Villa Wine Tours, who cheerfully says, “We’re here!” My friend and I walk outside to our luxury private SUV ready to take us on a tasteful journey through the alluring Santa Ynez Valley. On the way, Gabi and Shawn (co-owner and husband) share some history of the region which further enlivens us for our mid-week adventure. We arrive at our first destination, ultra boutique winery, McKinney Family Vineyards, where owner and winemaker Matt greets us with a humble smile. We start with a pour of Rosé of Grenache/Mourvèdre which boasts rousing aromas of citrus and tangerine blossom as we amble through the vineyards, which are ready for harvest...tomorrow.

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Grassini Vineyards

McKinney Family Vineyards all began after Matt made a deal with his father to plant an acre of grapes on their family property if he won the pro volleyball championship in Puerto Rico in 2010. His deep appreciation for viticulture began while wine tasting with his best friends in Santa Ynez while in college, and living abroad in Greece and Italy.

Matt suggests we pick a few grapes from the vines; each comes with bold and succulent flavors—it’s incredible what a difference in taste organic grown grapes have. The quality comes to fruition again in the next pour, a 2018 Inspirado Syrah.

We peruse the grounds as Matt shares his deep understanding around winemaking, history, viticulture, and geology. I’m as giddy as a kid in a candy store, asking all of the questions that come to mind about wine, and Matt has an answer to each. We sip through a few reds—a 2018 Duvarita Pinot Noir with notes of vanilla, cardamom, and pomegranate; 2017 ‘The Baron’ which boasts aromas of plum, boysenberry, and black olive; 2017 ‘Blood of Jove’ which features noteworthy velvet tannins and a dry Chianti finish; and my personal favorite, ‘Napoleon’s Secret’ a blend of five red varietals aged 25 months in 100% French oak. Matt discusses the McKinney Wine Club, where members are able to personalize each of their shipments, and he follows it up with, “You can choose six rosés, if you want.” Can he read minds too? As we sip on our final pour, we admire the milieu of scenic vineyards and rolling hills which melt away any worries from the week.

We hop back into the SUV and take a quick drink of the refreshing cooled water provided as Gabi and Shawn give us some background on our next stop, Grassini.

On the eastern edge of the Santa Ynez Valley, with one of the warmest microclimates, lies Happy Canyon AVA, home to Grassini Family Vineyards. We cruise through horse farms and cattle ranches before reaching our destination. We are greeted by captivating oak trees, a fishable lake, and panoramic views lush with acres of vineyards. In awe of our surroundings, we saunter through the grounds and arrive at our destination—rosé. A splash of Afriora rosé with flavors of kaffir lime leaves, strawberry, and flint fills our glasses and we take our seats at the handcrafted wood tables which Gabi and Shawn have adorned with a refreshing fruit and vegetable platter. We nosh away as Megan takes us through the tasting—a 2019 Happy Canyon, a 2017 Reserve Sauvignon Blanc, a 2017 Articondo Proprietary Red with noteworthy flavors of sweet red cherry and spices, and an invigorating 2016 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon with bright fruit notes and subtle hints of desert sage.

Our palates are singing and stomachs are ready to feast. Of course, lunch is waiting for us as our tasting comes to a close. Laid out against the breathtaking natural backdrop is a refreshing quinoa salad, steamed vegetables, and grilled chicken for a lake-side lunch to remember.

With a slew of new wine knowledge, inspired palates, and a few wine purchases, Villa Wine Tours safely steers us back into town and I think to myself, wine tasting has never felt so luxurious and effortlessly planned. The private nature of each tasting recommended by Gabi and Shawn brought a personal touch unmatched by any experience I have had wine tasting. Combined with their wealth of wine knowledge, insight on the most noteworthy private tasting experiences, and the exceptionally detail-oriented service of Villa Wine Tours, enjoying the beauty and flavors of the Santa Ynez Valley has never been so seamlessly elegant. *