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WiNE CouNTRY THiS WEEK52CHRISTOPHER CREEK WINERYOpen daily 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and by appointment641 Limerick Lane, Healdsburg CA 95448(707) 433-2001 | www.christophercreek.comTASTiNg RooM oF THE WEEKCHRiSToPHER CREEK WiNERYBY ALEXANDRA CHARSLEYWhenever I have friends visiting wine country, they always want to know the bestwineries to visit and as any local will tell you, we all have our favorites. Exploring theHealdsburg area is off the main tourist path and you will be delighted to findChristopher Creek Winery set in the rolling hills of the Northern part of the RussianRiver appellation. This boutique winery, owned by the Wasserman family, has ahistory of producing award-winning, estate-bottled and handcrafted wines. They offerguests a charming country haven for wine tastings and picnics.I knew Christopher Creek Winery was a small working winery and as I drove in,that small town feel came through as I was greeted by their staff before being showninto their tasting room. The tasting room is intimate and cozy and the smell of wine isoverwhelming as you view the fermentation tanks from the bar area. Award-winningribbons are displayed on the wall just in case you had any doubts about theirwinemaking capabilities. Their staff was knowledgeable about the wine and history ofthe winery. For a small fee you can taste their extensive wine portfolio. These winesare dynamic and express themselves beautifully, showing unexpected brightcharacteristics. Guests can also bring a picnic to enjoy at one of their tables justoutside the tasting room. Dine al fresco overlooking the vineyard while enjoying yourfavorite bottle of Christopher Creek wine. So, sit back and relax as they are sure tobecome your new favorite winery!Christopher Creek Winery is best known for producing small lots of Rhônevarietals. They produce Syrah, Petite Sirah, Chardonnay, Zinfandel, Viognier, Port andCabernet. Their estate vineyard includes Syrah and Petite Sirah grapevines. All othergrapes are purchased from the same vineyards year after year to maintain the integrityof their wines that they have become known for. Here, at Christopher Creek Winery,they have chosen to keep their venture small. For this reason, their total annualproduction is around 4,000 cases. The day I was there, their winemaker and a smallstaff had just finished applying hand-dipped wax seals and labels for a new vintage.Their new winemaker, Mike Brunson, is a third-generation Sonoma Countyresident. While he is still new to Christopher Creek Winery, he is a veteran winemakerhaving been the Winemaker and Vineyard Manager at Michel-Schlumberger for 16years. He has lived next to Fred Wasserman’s Finlay’s Vineyard in Dry Creek Valley forthe past 12 years so it only makes sense that these two have joined forces. Not onlydoes Mike have the graduate degree, but he worked alongside his father in thevineyards and that knowledge has created a passion for the land, soil and grapes thatonly comes through life experiences. His hands-on winemaking approach allows himtotal control over the grapes and winemaking process. He is able to pick grapes at theheight of maturity to produce exceptional wine that shows through in the finishedbottle.If you are unable to make it out to Christopher Creek Winery, joining their CellarClub is a great way to sample their wine. Members receive three shipments per year ofhandcrafted, limited-production wines from Dry Creek Valley or the Russian RiverValley. Because they are a small winery their wines do tend to sell out but on theirwebsite they offer barrel futures of 2012 wines. Futures are wines that are offered beforetheir scheduled release date. Many of these wines are sold out before they are evenbottled due to high demand, expectations and limited quantities. By purchasing aChristopher Creek Barrel Future, you are guaranteed access to the wines upon release.Follow us on Twitter @WineCountryTW