Agrarian.

Vindemia Winery is rustic, hands on, back to basics wine making. They bring passion for winemaking to Temecula, patiently crafting. The tasting room is entirely outdoors with great patio seating and exemplary views. Dave Bradley is the winemaker and our server today, Art, was incredibly knowledgeable. He called himself the “cork dork.” Their estate syrah was “John Wayne style,” meatier, and dirty rustic in a good way. Hold onto your hat, I learned a lot today.

Things I learned at this winery:

Syrah doesn’t last as long as cabernets in the bottle, due to the difference in structure.

A syrah grown in a cooler temperature will be more peppery. In a warmer climate, jammier. 

Warm climate merlots are not like cool climate merlots. The cooler climate merlots are “easier” with food.

Adding viognier to a white wine enhances the perfume-y aroma. 

Adding a dash of cab franc increases the aroma

A bold cab can be like a sleeping giant.

Russian oak barrels add a layer of aroma.

Hart Winery is the 3rd oldest in Temecula. They are just that bit further west. They catch the marine layer. Because of the slightly cooler temperatures, grapes grow differently there, then just around the corner.