We were very blessed to be able to travel to California recently for a wine trip with great friends. We had planned the trip in 2020, but we had to postpone for a year due to most of the world shutting down from the Covid pandemic. We decided that we would take this trip in 2021, come hell or high water.
Our "Winos" group as we jokingly and affectionately call ourselves, spent a few evenings and many text messages back and forth to discuss the "must visit" wineries as well as those that had been on various wish lists throughout the years. After much discussion and many emails back and forth to the wineries on our radar, we finally decided on nine wineries that would complete our adventure. And, so we begun with Day #1...... Repris Wines.
We love Southwest Airlines! However, a non-stop flight from IND to OAK would be ideal.
There were three couples who took part in our journey and each one flew into a different airport. Kris & Scott flew into Sacramento. Richard and Sarah flew into San Francisco and we flew into Oakland. Previously we had flown into San Francisco but next time would try Sacramento as we heard that the drive is very easy and the traffic isn't as heavy.
Share a car - save some money! And take a lunch break when YOU want!
Our tour guide/driver was Napa Scott. Sorry, he's not for rent. Well, I guess everyone has their price. Contact us and I'll put you in touch with him! One great benefit to having your own transportation is you can make changes on the fly, move at your own pace and grab a bite whenever you want to.
Become a member at Repris Wines and ask for the ATV tour!
Both of the other couples in our group are members at Repris so they specifically asked for something special for our group. We took an ATV tour of the property, a tour of the cave and...... well, I'm not going to spoil it yet. We started to get excited when we saw the ATVs waiting for us. What a great way to start a few days in wine country! Now if I could just get them to trade these units for John Deere Gators.....
Everywhere we went on the property was meticulously maintained. The grapes were about 2-3 weeks away from harvest and the deep purple/blue-ish colors were so inviting.
These vineyards are 45 years old and producing delicious Zinfandel.
Drinking wines is always the highlight of visiting any winery, but learning about the property and the history is a close second. These Zinfandel vines were planted by horse and plow and have been here for the better of 50 years. The root stock is said to be as deep as 75 feet below ground.
The view from the top of Moon Mountain Road? Priceless.
Despite some smoky haze in the area from various California fires, we were completely in awe of the view from the top of Moon Mountain Road. This is a view that we could get used to every day. By the way, if you haven't been to Repris Wines in Sonoma, the drive up to the property isn't for the faint of heart. You're completely safe, but the roads would not be forgiving if you don't pay attention.
Say "cheese" and act like a tourist...
No tour to the top of the mountain would be complete without a "touristy" picture. I wish I had a dollar for everyone who has taken this exact same photo on their visit to Repris.
The entrance to the cave at Repris is breath taking. Candles lined he main entrance that fed into one of the barrel storage rooms. If you've never had a cave tasting experience, you need to add it to your list. It's such an intimate surrounding and (in our opinion) the best way to taste wine. For those of you who are cold blooded, there are very cozy and warm blankets at the table to keep you comfy.
Do you think they would miss just ONE barrel?
Throughout our trip we had discussed (like literally EVERY OTHER visitor) the idea of "Oh, they surely won't miss just one barrel" and we thought we were clever. Our winery host chuckled, although he was probably rolling his eyes when we weren't looking. He finally told us that if we could lift the barrel, we could take it. No dice.
Let me first say that there was absolutely NOTHING disappointing about this winery visit. We would definitely go back again. One thing we personally would have love to experience was a barrel tasting (and we would have gladly paid for that). Barrel tasting really gives you a finer appreciation of how different a wine tastes pre vs post bottling.
Our wine tasting setting, complete with candles, charcuterie and blankets.
We loved how not only was the wine featured (duh!) but that Repris also went above and beyond to explain what was offered with the charcuterie. The L'amuse 'Signature Gouda' was one of our favorite cheese of the entire trip and now we are on a hunt to find it. Take a look at these amazing wines that we sampled at Repris:
- 2019 Sauvignon Blanc
- 2016 Texture Lancel Creek Chardonnay
- 2018 Syrah
- 2018 Left Bank
- 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon, Moon Mountain Vineyard
Each wine was uniquely delicious. The Sauvignon Blanc was offered when we first arrived while we were waiting to board our ATV for the property tour. The remaining wines were tasted in the cave setting.
Get in my belly!
We really appreciate a winery that serves food with their wines. Whether it is charcuterie, a light meal or snacks, a little food is always welcome. Yes, it is great to add a few solids to the belly, but more than that, we appreciate the confidence that a winery has in pairing their wines with food. We typically are not "wine/food" people because it can actually distract from the beauty and wonderful flavors of the wine. However, this charcuterie was expertly paired and made us think about trying the same going forward.
Gorgeous colors and amazing aromas..
A fun winery host helps build lasting memories.
The staff members at Repris were not pretentious at all. And believe me, they have every right to be. Their wines are really top notch and we appreciated them more with every pour. It's one thing to have a host who is knowledgeable about the winery and the wines. But to have a host who is not only a great ambassador of the brand but ALSO funny, welcoming and makes you feel like a friend? You just can't beat that type of experience.
"Forever"memories were made at Repris!
We don't rate wineries or our experiences. Nearly every one that we visited during our trip was amazing in their own way. The one that disappointed us won't be written about. But Repris absolutely exceeded our expectations! Admittedly, when our friends originally told us that we had to visit Repris, We thought they were a little crazy because they had all been there on prior trips. "Why would someone want to go back to a winery they have visited before?" Now we understand. Repris is without a doubt on our "must see" list of wineries for our next trip. It was incredible!
Please visit Repris Wines for more information about their wines and membership opportunities.
