Fort Ross Vineyard

I found out about Fort Ross winery through a recommendation. I don’t know if it was the super friendly front desk host at AutoCamp Sonoma or Stacey at Moshin Winery. But, the enthusiastic recommendation made its way to my calendar. So, after a comfortable and cozy morning tasting at Korbel California Champagne Cellars and grabbing a sandwich at Korbel Delicatessen & Market, I made my way up the California Coast.

The best part about Fort Ross Vineyard is the drive to get there.

I have no idea what made me stroll in without a reservation. But, I did and was given a seat. With someone else’s personalized tasting card.

2021 MOTHER OF PEARL CHARDONNAY
Notes of baked lemons, white peaches, flower honey and white flowers on the nose. Medium-bodied with moderate acidity. Flavorful and well-composed, with energy and control.

2021 BICENTENNIAL PINOT NOIR 
This Pinot Noir begins with an alluring blend of wild mixed bernes, currants and English Breakfast tea aromatics. This medium bodied selection offers luscious layers of dark plum, raspberry and black cherry, complimented by round, supple tannins and completed with a lively, bright finish.

2023 STAGECOACH ROAD PINOT NOIR
Aromas of mountain blackberry, violets, and graphite unfold with air, while the palate reveals an interplay of pomegranate, black cherry skin, and exotic spices. Earthy undertones of forest floor and dried mushroom give dimension, yet it is the wine’s linear drive and brightness that command attention.

2021 PINOTAGE
The wine displays aromas of black cherry, wild blueberry, plum, sage and Asian spices. These notes are followed on the palate with dense tannins, sweet tobacco and a hint of coastal bay that brings freshness. Subtle undertones of French oak round the finish and provide great depth to this singular expression of Pinotage.

Now, I will say that this tasting was decidedly – average.

Because I’m more a Soho House member than an old school Florida country club member  – I don’t think I got the same taste profile as other people.

I mean, one couple had their two dogs with them on the patio. Which, at first – seems cute. But then, one of the dogs got loose and wandered into the main tasting room, becoming a rather loud mess. Another dining couple from Florida waxed poetic about how they’d had the wines at their country club and found them such high regard.

And then, there was me – Kimberly – someone who was promised that the view would be sweeping and I would fall in love with the wines.

Eh… maybe 10 years ago. Before the beautiful trees had taken over and reduced the once sweeping view to a sliver.

So much in wine tasting is about the energy and the vibe of the relationship between your glass, your palette and the tasting host. Maybe he was having an off day. But, my primarily tasting host just wasn’t in it to win it.

I ended up taking my last tasting inside because I felt the timing was off in my tasting experience. There, things picked up. I got into conversation with a former Los Angeles guy, who used to work in entertainment. This is where the vibes clicked and I actually got into a solid convo. He noticed my The Colours of London tote bag from the Tate Modern in London and we got into a fast paced conversation about life, where the majority of people who work at the winery actually live for a decent commute and style. It’s just unfortunate that all this came at the end of my experience,

Overall, Fort Ross Vineyard is fine. Not the most outstanding winery I’ve been to. But, perfectly decent for a lovely drive up the coast.

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