The Thoughts of a Wine Room Attendant

It's been a few months since the last post.  Indicative of how busy we have been this summer.  In order to stick to my pledge to post at least once a month, I asked our new tasting room associate, Lakin, if she'd like to write a post for the blog.  Lakin came to work for us about a month ago and I immediately took a curious liking to her.  She is an old soul and quite interesting to talk to.  I am always impressed with her insight.  She agreed to write something and emailed the post below to me a few days ago.  I've just now had the time to sit down and read it.  I had to read it twice to fully appreciate what she has observed during her little time here.  Sometimes it takes fresh eyes to reopen your own.  It's easy to get distracted by the minutia of "work" and overlook what is really priceless .  Thank you Lakin.

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The Sun drenched it's light, slightly refracted, into the windshield. The tree branches covering the road tickled the light, producing it in flashes and portions throughout the long curves in old Santa Rosa Creek Road. The sounds of the wind vibrated in through the partly cracked passenger window. Bach's cello quartet sending it's milky sounds throughout the vehicle. With each bend a new view unfolded. The hills rolled on like the curves of some ancient creature full of beauty and agelessness. Soon the vibrant green braids of vineyards rise into view and not long after the well polished, new looking, sign "Stolo Family Winery" at the base, like a well placed door knocker inviting it's guests to enter. I pulled into the graveled pathway as the red pointed arrows asked, and parked. The silent sounds of the countryside almost shocked me due to the peace found in-between these rolling hills. As I made my way up the smoothly paved walkway I once again stopped and stood taking in the shear beauty and calmness that make up the estate. 

Being new to the wine industry, my knowledge was minimal. I had no idea what to expect at my new job, the place I would come to call my "vacation" work. I took a deep breath of the fresh coastal air, reached out to turn the handle to the front door and was greeted by a friendly smile stretched across the friendly face of my new Tasting Room Manager, "Hi, nice to see you again", said Lisa. 

The flight of wines were all in a row ready for us to run through a tasting, I was instructed to do so due to the pristine quality the family upholds in the flavor of their wines. I informed Lisa that I have never really been privy to white wine. She gave me a look, I'll not soon forget, followed by, " Well, you haven't even tasted these yet!" she laughed. She was right about that. First we started off with the 2013 Sauvignon Blanc. 

"Wow, I cannot believe it, I am truly taken aback." I said. 

"This wine sells itself, really" Lisa chuckled.

From there on out I have been a whites fan! Boy was she right about the wine selling itself. As soon as we restock our tasting room bottles we are back at it again complying with the popularity of our wines.

The people I've come to meet here at the winery are varied and usually wonderful to get to know. I have shared stories and emotional conversations with folks that have really changed my life. Hearing people rave about how relaxing and wonderful their experience was truly makes me proud to call myself part of the Stolo extended family.

Learning and growing are part of the job here. They have us so well informed and I'm always learning something new each bright new day I pop in for my shift. Right now as I write this I can hear the goats bahh-ing away near the rich dark brown barn…. I recall a time, during one of my shifts, upon my arrival to start the day I could hear singing coming from the hill tops where our Reds are blanketing the hillside. When I looked I saw the workers out pruning and low and behold they were singing! It was magical! Their voices echoed through the valley, ridding on the winds back down to my ears. I realized in that moment that we all have our place to fill here on the estate. Not as coworkers, not as laborors, but as equals in the fact that we are happy here. We are happy to work for such passionate people. We are happy if just for the few moments in this little slice of heaven. There is not much more you could ask for in what most of us are forced to do, which is "work". 

In conclusion to this little insight into the thoughts of a humble wine room attendant, I now understand why the flavor and textures in our wines are so sought after. I know now it takes the love and dedication of a family, as well as the beauty of life itself, and a unison of happy equals working together with nature to represent sunlight captured in water. Fruit's metamorphosis into the beverage of the Gods, tendered by happy people. ~By Lakin Hamilton

Gewurztra-what?

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The tasting room has been aflutter since the release of our first vintage of Estate Gewürztraminer (sounds like girls are meaner).  Although guests have been shy to call it by name, the wine has been flying out the door.  Some guests have resorted to renaming it “The G Wine”.  Some simply point at the tasting menu and say, “I want that one”.  The somewhat awkwardness of this grape's name is slowing down no one

We planted a one acre test plot of Gewürztraminer in 2008, harvested our first vintage in 2013, and recently released this vintage to the public a few weeks ago.   It was planted along with our Estate Sauvignon Blanc to determine whether Stolo Family Vineyards was indeed the proper climate for these lively whites to grow.  Gweurztraminer thrives in cool climate regions. Based on the feedback we’ve been receiving, we’re pretty sure our vineyard site is optimal.

Gewurztraminer is an interesting grape.  It hails from Alsace and can produce wines varying in sweetness.  German versions tend to be on the dry side, whereas French styles tend to hold onto the high natural sugars this grape produces.  We’ve opted to create an off-dry version of this wine, leaning towards dry but retaining a touch of sweet.

All that being said, it is a fun wine.  It’s approachable yet classic.  It pairs well with spicy food or a warm summer day.   We are one of very few, if not the only, estate grown & bottled Gewürztraminer in San Luis Obispo County.   So far “The G Wine” has been a huge crowd pleaser….we may have to plant more.

Drink What You Like

I get a lot of self-imposed neophytes in the tasting room.  Most are very shy about telling me “they know nothing about wine.”  I’ll ask them if they prefer white wine, red wine, or like both.  They’ll pick one and I’ll reciprocate with, “See, you already know something about wine, what YOU like.”  This is, quite frankly, the most important thing you’ll ever need to know about wine.

Wine has been celebrated for thousands of years.  It holds agricultural, religious, and historical significance. For centuries, wine has been woven through the facets of the everyday life of the common man.  Not until the 20th century was wine perceived as a luxury good surrounded by this notion that you had to be in the know to partake.  Ratings, medals, websites, classes, flashy label designs, and marketing schemes all developed to tell you what wine is hot and what you are supposed to be drinking right now.  Most people feel lost and are afraid to admit it.

You don’t need any of that. You need your mouth and your nose.  It’s mindblowingly simple.

If you are truly interested in wine, into finding the one that makes your mouth sing, then get out and try as much of it as you can.  You are the only critic of your taste buds.  Have fun with it.  Pick up a $6 bottle of wine and give it a try.  Like it?  Great!  Pick up a different bottle next time, go wine tasting, or grab a glass of wine at a restaurant.  Don’t be afraid to try different types, it’s only wine.  If you like it, fantastic!  Put it in the “like” column.  If you don’t, there’s always next time.  But, at least you know. You are beginning to form your own opinions about what YOU like and more importantly, what you don’t like.  

So, next time you wander into a tasting room, don’t be shy.  Boldly tell the person behind the bar you are on a quest for the perfect wine for you.

Harmony Cafe:A Little Bit of Italy on The Central Coast

Being part of a business that is not on the beaten path, I find myself seeking out other establishments that have chosen that course as well.  More often than not, finding an out of the way place, is usually well worth it.  For months, I have heard a growing buzz about Harmony Cafe and finally got the chance to visit today for lunch.  This truly hidden gem is located in the old Harmony Creamery building.  Upon entering, you are immediately transported to a small cafe along the Amalfi Coast of Italy.  Loud scratchy records from a tiny old-fashioned record player greet you.  The smell of something wonderful cooking in the back fills the air and you immediately want one of everything on the short but concise menu.  

I had been hearing rumors of the eggplant burger and that was what I had my sights set on.  I was tempted by a few other choices on the list, but decided to stick to my guns.  I ordered up and also grabbed 3 small cranberry pistachio biscotti to snack on as I waited.  I was immediately envious of the biscotti.  I have tried several times to make the exact same recipe, but mine were dense and not as nearly as light and crumbly as the cafe’s.  I watched Giovanni, the owner and chef, pop in and out from the back grabbing spices and such.  He was busy preparing for one of the few dinners they host being held that evening.  

Looking around, I wished I could stay and eat lunch, but knew I had to head off to the winery.  The cafe is so quaint, so relaxing, and really cute.  As I was handed my burger, I immediately knew I would be back again.  I could smell the burger and could not wait to get to work to try it.  As I expected, Harmony Cafe’s food lived up to the rave reviews I had been hearing.  Simple and yummy.  Also, not over priced.  I will undoubtedly be back and will hopefully make it to one of the dinners.  I hear it’s a tough ticket to get.

Year in Review

2013 was an amazingly busy year for our little winery.  As the final blog post for 2013, I thought I’d recap a few highlights as we put this year to rest:  

Pacific Coast Wine Trail is launched in January- Working together with the six other tasting rooms along the Coast from San Simeon to Cayucos, we successfully launched the first coastal wine trail in California.  The trail meanders down HWY 1 and boasts multiple activities to enjoy along with first class wine tasting.  The Pacific Coast Wine Trail was highlighted in several publications this year and organized its first charitable fundraiser for Project Surf Camp.  We have big expectations for next year and are already planning our events (which I am super excited about!)  If you want to check out our first event for 2014, join us for dinner on January 26, 2014 as we attempt to do the impossible; pair 2 wines with each of 4 courses!  The Winemaker Dinner is part of the ever popular Cambria Art & Wine Festival weekend.  

Sunset Magazine visits Stolo Family Winery- September 2013 was a memorable month.  We were  tapped to host an Adventure Tour for Sunset Savor the Central Coast 2013.  A huge honor for a boutique winery.  Guests were invited out to the vineyard and winery to learn all about growing coastal.  They toured the vineyard and property, planted their own vines, tasted through two flights of estate grown Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, had lunch, and enjoyed the day.  We hosted guests from all over the country as well as staff from Sunset Magazine, Food Channel, and  lifestyle blogs.  What an amazing day!

First Crush at Stolo Family Winery-  2013 harvest brought with it the long anticipated first crush at our own facility.  The opportunity to realize the completion of our plan set out in 2004 had finally arrived.  We harvested a remarkable crop both in quantity and quality.  The press, destemmer, tanks, and barrels were all put to the test and performed without a hitch.  The family is grateful for all the hard work our winemaker, vineyard consultant, staff and crew put into making our first crush so successful.

Wine Enthusiast Magazine pick for Editor’s Choice-  Being the little guy is great, but we’re not always easily recognized in the wine world.  Which is why we were so pleased to learn our 2011 Stolo Family Vineyards Chardonnay was chosen as Editor’s Choice among the 100’s of other submissions to Wine Enthusiast Magazine.  Our boutique size bars us from many competitions and reviewers.  It was refreshing to see a national magazine shine its light on a small producer.

Inclusion in The New California Wine by Jon Bonne-  I got a call from Jon Fall of 2012.  He said he had finished writing a book and that he was doing some fact checking.  He asked me a few questions about the vineyard and our family.  I asked him what the book was about and he said it was about the the winemakers and vineyards on the forefront of the revolution in winemaking.  Speechless.  I managed to thank him for including us and hung up.  Us?  On the forefront of the revolution in winemaking?  WOW.  We were forced to wait until November 2013 to actually read his newly released book.  Again, I was immediately touched to be included along side many prestigious labels.  It has been wonderful to watch the publication gain such momentum since its release a month ago.

Above all, a fantastic year.  Many thanks to all who helped make it so.  The bar is set high for 2014.  I’m ready...

-Cent'Anni!

Double Digits

First Harvest: 2004

This past Saturday brought the last day of 2013 harvest for us as we picked our cool climate syrah from the vine.  Last Saturday also marked the end of our 10th harvest here at Stolo Family Vineyards. As I sit here and reflect, I am struck with how much we have accomplished as a small winery and how much our family has changed.  We’ve had many new additions to the family; births and weddings.  We’ve also had many, many losses; most recently, my Grandpa Stolo.  His passing affects me most definitely as a granddaughter, but curiously as a businesswoman as well.  

Dominick Stolo at work circa 1957

My grandfather, Dominick Stolo, started Stolo Cabinets out of his garage in Orange County in 1953.  It slowly grew into a thriving business my father, Don, eventually began running.  My dad has since taken Stolo Cabinets to a new level of success  I know my grandfather was pleased to see.  I watched my grandfather and father work closely through my childhood and adult years.  I saw what it took, and sometimes, how difficult it was, to run a family business.  It isn’t easy to build a business around a family, but it can be done.

Stolo Cabinets: Late 1950's

Family is one of the cornerstones of this winery and I hold it dear to my heart.  We are dedicated to producing a hand-crafted, quality wine we are proud to put our name on.  My grandfather did get to see the first 10 years of this winery take shape.  He got to see his son venture down the same entrepreneurial road he did and his grandchildren join in the journey.  

I plan to continue down the path.  I plan to follow in his footsteps, adding my touches along the way.  They are large shoes to fill.  But, hey, I’m a Stolo.

First Day: Stolo Family Tasting Room, November 2012

Inheriting Trouble

There is a lot of history behind the property where Stolo family Vineyards now sits.  Probably the most noted was

Dairy Barn

that of owners Salvadore and Katherine Berri back in the early 1900’s.  Salvadore (Sam) was an Italian-Swiss immigrant who landed on the Central Coast of California and became a dairy farmer.  Sam and Katherine built the beautiful barn that still sits on the property today to house their dairy cows.  The farm was very lucrative selling their dairy products to the nearby Creamery in Harmony.  But, Sam was also an Italian, and wine was in his blood.  In his native land, he learned the basics of wine making.  After settling here, Sam began purchasing grapes from the York and Pesenti Families in Templeton, the oldest grape growers in the area.  He started making wine and grappa (a grape based brandy consisting of alcohol contents of anywhere between 35-60%) on site for self-consumption and for his neighbors.

Cammozi's Saloon

Prohibition hit and Sam was barred from making wine and grappa further.  Sam decided to dig an underground cellar under the barn where he placed his still and barrels and secretly continued to make his wine and fiery grappa, although it was illegal to do so.  Word got around that he was still producing alcohol and he began quietly selling the grappa to local saloon owners Rosa Camozzi and Joseph Reali.  Rosa and Joseph would then sell Sam’s “grape juice” at their saloon, Camozzi’s, in Cambria (now named Mozzi’s).  

"Prohibition Bust"- stock photo

Sam did get busted and sent to jail a few times for producing alcohol, but he continued to produce through Prohibition and afterwards.  The location of the underground cellar housing the still is still a mystery.  Sam and Katherine passed away in the 1960’s along with the information regarding where the secret cellar was.  The Stolo family has poked around in several locations searching for where it might be, but have yet to uncover it…..