Tasting and Touring at Sterling Vineyards

A visit to Sterling Vineyards was a recommendation from a marketing acquaintance. In addition to seeking new material for various articles, this trip was also a fact finding mission for a trip with a group of consumers being planned for this spring.

Sterling Vineyards is a larger operation making numerous styles of wine. They are set up to move large groups of people through the winery with a bit of a Wine 101 self-guided tasting tour. There is the sense of being at an amusement park when you arrive and get your ticket for the gondola ride up to the winery. You get to enjoy expansive views of the surrounding area during your ride to the top.

Guests are greeted and tagged in the portico after their ascension. We were treated to the "Silver Experience" which means that after the self guided walking tour, we would enjoy a seated tasting of some limited releases in the terrace tasting room. We received our first glass of wine and were directed to the next tasting area. Along the way, guests enjoy educational media, stunning views and an overview of the wine making process. Sauvignon Blanc grapes were waiting to become wine on the day that we visited. Following the winery tour, there is an art collection on display as you meander through to the tasting room.

The Tour Way featured wines:
2012 Winery Lake Chardonnay (SRP $30)- Served upon entry; soft, round, floral aromas, tropical flavors, creamy.
2012 Napa Pinot Noir (SRP $30)- Served on the Diamond Mountain Ranch Plaza; wild berries, forest floor, caramel finish.

2012 Napa Merlot (SRP $26)- Served at the fermentation overlook; cherry/berry, spicy oak finish.
2014 Malvasia Bianca (SRP $30)- Served at the south view terrace; pronounced sweet orange and ginger aromas and flavors.

In the Tasting Room:
2013 Cellar Club Viognier (SRP $30)- light peach, melon, citrus
2012 Cellar Club Sangiovese (SRP $35)- earthy, cranberry, forest floor
2011 Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon (SRP $55)- blackberry cobbler, graphite, dusty tannins.

A great place to tour and taste for couples on up to large groups. This tour is particularly recommended for anyone wanting to learn more about how wine is made. General admission with current release tasting is $29, the Silver Experience is $39. Cheese, charcuterie and wines by the glass are all available for an additional fee in the tasting room.

An Immersive Introduction into the World of Asolo Prosecco

Dinner Views at Osteria Alla Baracca. I was very excited to visit the Asolo DOCG Prosecco region at the end of May on a press trip as it is an Italian area that I have not previously traveled through. Asolo is located in the Province of Treviso at the foot of Monte Grappa in the high hills to the west of the Piave River with views of the Dolomites. The grapes are grown in 17 communes surrounding the town of Asolo. The days were very warm while I was there but I needed a sweater or light jacket on most evenings due to the diurnal swing that makes it a great area for grape growing. Wines from the Master Class Tasting. Asolo was elevated to the DOCG level in 2009. The majority of the Prosecco that I have found in Houston is Prosecco DOC which is mostly from very large producers. Asolo was separated from this category and the region was given this higher status because there are terroir elements that make it distinctive in the world of Prosecco. The Sant'Anna Vineyard. Many of the vin

Lust Zinfandel 2007

My husband loves this wine so he purchased quite a few bottles at a recent Michael~David dinner that we had attended. Last night, I decided to open a bottle to serve with dinner. I was making a roasted southwestern pork tenderloin, sweet potato fries (w/ chipolte ketchup) and a salad consisting of baby lettuce (fresh from my garden) with strawberries, red bell peppers, red onions and walnuts tossed with a white balsamic-raspberry vinaigrette. This turned out to be a great pairing. It is a bold wine that really stood up to the strong chipolte seasoning while complementing the fruit flavors. I opened the bottle a 1/2 hour before I served it as I have found this wine to be more enjoyable when I do so. The Lust Zinfandel by Michael~David 2007 was a dark purple color with a ruby rim. It has intense aromas of very ripe mixed berries and baking spices-both allspice and ginger with hints of cedar. It has flavors of creme de cassis, milk chocolate and also more of the baking

Effervescent Elegance

In the December 2023 issue of Galveston Monthly , I explore the world of classic method sparkling wine. The holiday season is always an excellent time to enjoy some effervescent elegance in your glass!

Wine Life - Houston

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