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WINE COUNTRY NEWS | WINE COUNTRY THIS WEEKExplore the Famous Vineyards of Schug Estate Wineryby Abigail P. ZimmermanFor 30 years, Schug Carneros EstateWinery has showcased the passion of one ofCalifornia’s most celebrated winemakers andviticultural pioneers, Walter Schug.Founded in 1980, Schug Winery remainsa steadfast benchmark of fine Pinot Noir andChardonnay, two Burgundian varietalsproduced in old-world understanding andwinemaking traditions with today’s cuttingedgetechnologies.Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grow exceedinglywell in this cool, marine climate ofSonoma Carneros. Unique soils and strongcoastal influence provide an ideal growingmicroclimate for Schug’s favorite varietals. Inthe afternoons, strong blustery breezes canpositively stress the vines, resulting in fruitswith thicker skins that translate later intostronger, richer, more complex wines.It is no wonder Schug Carneros Estatewines are perhaps some of the most consistentlypreferred and sought after wines in allwine country.Lace-Up your Sneakers & ExploreThese Vineyards On Foot!Working with the Sonoma County GrapeCommission, Schug Carneros Estate is proudto offer a self-guided tour of their awardwinningPinot Noir and Chardonnay vineyards.This is the only self-guided vineyardtour in Carneros and an excellent opportunityto learn the nuts and bolts of this region,28its microclimates, and Schug’s world-famousgrape varietals.About a half-mile round trip, the VineyardAdventure is an excellent (and free!) opportunityto expand your wine knowledge andget your sneakers (slightly) dusty. Visit theSchug Tasting Room for your informationalmap. Start at the bluff behind the awineryand walk down through the rows of leafy,green vines learning about Carneros AVA,Schug’s sustainable farming practices and owlhouses, and the varietal origins and characteristicsof Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.End at the Schug Tasting Room andsample a flight of exquisite Chardonnay andPinot Noir releases sure to change your life.(Tasting fees apply.)Two delightful wines specifically await you:• 2009 Schug Sonoma Coast Chardonnay:Truly one of the more delicious, 90% steelfermentedChardonnays in all of Californiaand a deep, personal favorite, this lively andcrisp wine emphasizes the varietal characterwithout the use of new oak. A spicy citrusbouquet leads to juicy flavors of white peachand nectarine, followed by a sleek finish;($24).• And Schug’s brand new 2009 SonomaCoast Pinot Noir: Wine lovers and industryinsiders eagerly await this new Pinot! A blendof grapes from Carneros and the PetalumaGap, this pure Pinot is a fabulous wine withripe flavors, silky texture and crisp acidity.Aged primarily in large oak casks and neutralbarrels, the 2009 Schug Pinot Noir exhibitsflavors of cherries, strawberries and spice;($24).Walter Schug, Visionary WinemakerDrawing on his long experience in theproduction of fine wines in both Europe andCalifornia, Walter Schug established hisnamesake winery 30 years ago with his wifeGertrud. In the early years the Schugs leasedfacilities in Napa before purchasing a 50-acreparcel in 1989 in the cool, temperate regionof Carneros AVA where the winery iscurrently situated. Here, he could focus onPinot Noir and Chardonnay, two varietalsthat have always been close to his heart.Walter Schug established his reputation asWalter Schugone of the premier winemakers in all of California– in fact one could say his reputationis set in platinum plated concrete. Schug setthe bar for generations of winemaking as theFounding Winemaker for Joseph PhelpsVineyards in the 1970s where he made California’sfirst proprietary Bordeaux-style blend(Insignia) and legendary vineyard designatedCabernets (Backus and Eisele Vineyards.)In 1995, Sonoma-born WinemakerMichael Cox came on board and within ayear, was in charge of day-to-day winemakingduties. Today, Schug Carneros EstateWinery produces fine wines from the bestgrapes available by maintaining the bestwinemaking values and gaining acceptanceworldwide as true contemporary classics.Taste at SchugTaste daily at the Winery from 10 a.m. to5 p.m. only 10 minutes from SonomaSquare. Drive up Bonneau Road, past Schugvineyards and rose borders to the Germanstyle post-and-beam building. Taste adelightful, changing menu of freshly openedwines for a $5 tasting fee and reserve winesfor $10. Groups of six or more must make areservation.Private tours and tastings are available byappointment. Picnic tables are also availablefor use by guests and the vista point 360°view of the surrounding area and the opportunityto see as far as Mount Diablo on a clearday. Delightful!Follow us on Twitter @WineCountryTW