Credit: Dan Gustafson
Above the Fog
Gustafson Family Vineyards
TRAVEL - November 10, 2009
The Sonoma Coast can be a great adventure, whether standing on cliffs above crashing surf or sipping its wine at home by a crackling fire. Twisting mountain roads, breathtaking vistas, and hillside vineyards intoxicate pathfinders along the roads from Healdsburg to Stewarts Point. Since April there's a new lookout above the fog line. Stop and sample mountain top wines at Gustafson Family Vineyards.
We grabbed some friends and a few Applewood smoked ham and brie sandwiches and headed out to Gustafson's picnic area 1800 feet above sea level. It's an idyllic spot to eat, inhale the view and enjoy a 2006 Mountain Cuvče, a blend of Zinfandel, Petite Sirah and Syrah.
These vines, planted in the depleted volcanic soil of an old sheep ranch, recently started producing distinctive estate wines. Plantings of Riesling, Cabernet Sauvignon and Sauvignon Blanc are also underway. Winemaker Emmett Reed observed: "We grow our wines in the vineyard. The long, cool, morning sun above the fog line allows our grapes to develop good acidity and balance, naturally."
Photos: (left) View from picnic grounds;
(right) Winemaker and Vineyard Manager, Emmett Reed
On that sunny October day the 2008 Rosé of Syrah would have worked well too, but wine club members bought out the entire vintage. We've marked our calendars for next year. Owner Dan Gustafson aims to make fine, reasonably priced wines at Sonoma's highest winery.
Images of ancient German vintners scaling the steep hillsides of the Rheingau come to mind. We hope Dan and Emmett are just as daring and successful. They're off to a good start.
Gustafson Family Vineyards
9100 Stewarts Point Skaggs Springs Road
Geyserville, CA 95441
Phone: 707 433-2371 (Call for Hours or Appointment)
www.GFVineyard.com
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