CIGAR CIGAR - FINE Magazine

Spark of Terroir Luxury Lifestyle LivingWILSON CREEK WINERY AND VINEYARDTHORNTON WINERYWILSON CREEK ALMOND CHAMPAGNEWilson Creek Winery’s cellars are stocked with Orange Mimosa Sparkling Wine, PeachBellini Sparkling Wine, Grand Cuvee Champagne and Cuvee Rouge, which won a goldmedal this year at the Los Angeles International Wine and Spirits Competition.desire, then you may want to explore the Wiens Family Cellars(wienscellars.com). Although it is “famous for big reds,” itsAmour de L’Orange sparkling wine is quite refreshing. Thewinemaker began with the finest chardonnay cuvee—loadedwith fruity aromas including pear, coconut and pineapple—then added just a hint of natural orange flavoring, intentionallykeeping the residual sugar down to please the more seriousaficionado. The subtleness of orange and sugar creates awonderful blend of Old World Champagne with New Worldfreshness. It’s a perfect sparkling wine to introduce to yourSaturday morning mimosas. And if you don’t have the timeto travel to Temecula, this tasty bottle can be purchased atThe Wine Loft in the Forum shopping center of Carlsbad.Bill Boyer, the proprietor, says they gained a following for thisspecific sparkling wine—and you can definitely taste why.Another discovery in Temecula Valley is the RaspberrySparkling Wine at Oak Mountain Winery (oakmountainwinery.com). Although some of the first champagne-producinggrapes came from pinot noir, pinot meunier and chardonnay,its chardonnay and chenin blanc grapes provide a crisp andrefreshing experience with a hint of vine-ripened raspberries.This Silver Medal winner at the Orange County Fair isenjoyable for all occasions.And let’s not forget about Wilson Creek Winery andVineyards (wilsoncreekwinery.com). Its very popular AlmondChampagne, a gold medal winner at the Riverside InternationalWine Competition and the California State Fair—has quite alocal following that’s quickly becoming a national one.But did you know that Wilson Creek also produces othersparkling wines? Its cellars are stocked with Orange MimosaSparkling Wine, Peach Bellini Sparkling Wine, Grand CuveeChampagne and Cuvee Rouge, which won a gold medalthis year at the Los Angeles International Wine and SpiritsCompetition.With so many choices so nearby, you’re sure to garner cheerswith a little local bubbly to toast in the New Year.64 FINEsd.com | facebook.com/FINEmagazines