Cocktail Corner: Holman Ranch Vineyards, Winery and Wine Caves

Courtesy Holman Ranch

Courtesy Holman Ranch

A spirited toast to all things alcoholic! By Leslie Dinaberg

Looking for a fun getaway this springtime season? Why not check out the historic Holman Ranch, a historic ranch (and now a winery with 21 acres of vineyards) tucked in the rolling hills of Carmel Valley.

It’s a private estate with a fully restored stone hacienda, overnight guest rooms, vineyards, olive grove, horse stables and more. Not only that, the wines are really good—and no chemical herbicides or pesticides are used on the fruit and they have received their sustainable and organic certification.  We recently had the opportunity to try some of the wines. Among my favorites:

2010 Pinot Noir Hunter’s Cuvée, a bold yet smooth red, aged in 50% new French oak barrels and 50% neutral French oak barrels. This is a great pairing for just about about any occasion.

Courtesy Holman Ranch

Courtesy Holman Ranch

2010 Pinot Noir, also aged in French oak, this pinot is a bit lighter and quite delicious.

2011 Pinot Noir Heather’s Hill has an intense berry smell and lovely echoes of  boysenberry, marionberry and black cherry.

2012 Rosé of Pinot Noir Blushing Bride, as regular readers know, I’ve got a weakness for Rosés and this summery bottle has a fruity nose with a dry, crisp finish that I really enjoyed. Not that I’m a wine critic, by any means, but I know what I like and like these a lot.

Courtesy Holman Ranch

Courtesy Holman Ranch

The estate winery at Holman Ranch is located in The Caves and housed completely underground in order to take advantage of the natural cooling and humidity held below. The 3,000-square-foot area maintains a constant temperature of 58°F and during harvest, 6 to 8 tons of grapes a day are processed. This may seem low but it is due to the fact that harvesting hours are between 7 a.m. and noon on any given day. 

For more information click here.

Cheers!

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Originally published in Santa Barbara SEASONS on April 18, 2014.

Leslie Dinaberg

Leslie Dinaberg

When she’s not busy working as the editor of Santa Barbara SEASONS, Cocktail Corner author Leslie Dinaberg writes magazine articles, newspaper columns and grocery lists. When it comes to cocktails, Leslie considers herself a “goal-oriented drinker.”