The 2022 Nolan Zinfandel is jammy and approachable. It’s earthy with dark berries and soft tannins. Like most Wilson zins, this one contains a small percentage of petite sirah, which boosts structure and enhances the deep color and aromas. The pace is casual; we’re given plenty of alone time to sip and discuss the wines as they’re poured. Our host checks in and offers information without overstepping, providing particulars about the wines but also the Wilson family history and the evolution of Dry Creek as a destination. The personal touch Many Wilson estate vineyards are named after family members (and one beloved pet), and multiple generations are now involved in the business. Midway through our visit, we’re greeted by winemaker Wilson and her four-legged companion, Ben (the winery is dog-friendly if your dog is friendly). The 2022 Molly Reserve Zinfandel, aged 40% in new French oak (18-20 months), is “brambly,” I write in my notes. It’s aromatic and spicy, with blue fruit and well-balanced tannins. As we converse, we’re regaled with a rundown of Dry Creek properties and their history—who owned them back in the day and how they’ve changed hands over the years. A question about zinfandel versus primitivo elicits a lengthy discussion among those around the table (consensus: they’re closely related but not the same). We finish with a 2021 Dorothy’s Syrah that’s bold, structured and meaty, with elements of ripe red fruit. This would stand up well to a hearty winter dish. Talk swerves to favorite recipes; ideas are exchanged and appetites are whetted. With that, we conclude the visit and set off in search of lunch. a Did You Know? Wilson Artisan Wineries group includes Coyote Sonoma, deLormier Winery, Kenneth Carl Vineyards, Greenwood Ridge Vineyards, Jaxon Keys Winery & Distillery, Matrix Winery, Mazzocco Sonoma, Pezzi King Vineyards, Rockpile Vineyards, Soda Rock Winery, St. Anne’s Crossing and, of course, Wilson Winery.
Wilson Winery 1960 Dry Creek Road Healdsburg, CA 95448 707-433-4355 Wilsonwinery.com
Tasting room is open daily from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
H ealdsburg's Dry Creek Road is home to an Family-owned and -operated since 1993, the 11 labels included under the Wilson banner (with one more coming soon) share a wine club and tasting room benefits, as well as special rates at a handful of Wilson properties, including boutique inns, suites and vineyard guest houses across Sonoma Wine Country. At the winery, we’re seated on the open deck, overlooking a grand vineyard view. “Postcard worthy,” says Paul, our host, who then shares that it’s owned by a neighboring winery: Doesn’t matter. It’s a serene setting for tasting stellar wines. abundance of fine wineries, each with its own story to tell. On this trip, we stopped at Wilson Winery, flagship for Wilson Artisan Wines. A day for red wine We start with 2023 Summertime White, a refreshing, off-dry blend of 60% sauvignon blanc, 30% chardonnay and 10% viognier. As the name implies, this one’s perfect for a warm day and a good picnic. Wilson produces more than a dozen zinfandels, both estate-grown and single-vineyard from local growers, as well as petite sirah, malbec, syrah and primitivo (there’s also beautifully creamy chardonnay and a rosé of zinfandel, but this January day’s a bit chilly, so we quickly move on to reds). Award-winning winemaker Diane Wilson, who founded the winery with her husband, Ken, crafts unique flavor profiles from vineyards across northern Sonoma County. She currently helms winemaking for several of the Wilson properties, both solo and in collaboration with winemakers Antoine Favero, Chris Barrett and Victoria Wilson, who round out the team.
Signature Deck Tasting Served up to 8 guests
Sit, relax and take in panoramic vineyard views while enjoying a seasonal four-wine flight of single- vineyard designate wines. Includes tableside service at a private, outdoor table with views of Dry Creek Valley. $25 per person, waived with one bottle purchase.
February 2025
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