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

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.

You Want My Opinion?

I had a fantastic time chatting with a young wine blogger in the tasting room the other day.  Megan Bauer, wineallday.tumblr.com, has recently started a wine blog and was out to review the wineries on the Pacific Coast Wine Trail.  I believe Stolo Family Winery was her 3^rd(ish) stop along the trail.  Megan is a shade of my younger self; loves wine, food, and was ready to tell me just what she thought about it all.  She loved to talk foodie and we spoke at length about wine styles and food pairing.  She was unabashedly upfront with her opinions…I loved it.

I was ultimately envious of her new adventure in wine reviewing and tried to squeeze every bit of information out of her about what it was like to wander from tasting room to tasting room critiquing wine as she went.  This is something that I have always secretly wanted to do (in my spare time of course).  But, I have no spare time.  And, I am not as gutsy as she is…anymore.  I think my wine review blog would ultimately turn into a lukewarm dissertation of why I “kind-off” liked the wine.  I can usually find the good in a glass, even if it’s not my style.  I always try to appreciate what the winemaker is aiming for and based on price, production size, etc. I tend to judge accordingly.  I am the type of person though, that if I don’t like a glass, I don’t say anything.  My response, now, mirrors the age old saying, “If you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything at all”.

Who am I to deem whether the Chardonnay has too much oak?  It may for me, but for someone else, it may be right on the mark.  You will hear me say time and time again in the tasting room, “It’s o.k. to not like a particular wine.  Tasting all wines is part of the journey to discovering what it is you do like”.  I do believe strongly in that.  But, naturally we are all inclined to have opinions and would like others to agree with us. 

I have to hand it to those out there laying down their personal opinions like a new law.  It appeals to the “scrappy” part of me that has softened over the years when it comes to giving my private opinion in a public setting.  Really, only my husband is privy to my actually opinion when it comes to wine, and I think he’s had an earful!

At the time of this post, Megan had not yet published her review of Stolo Family Winery and Vineyards.  I look forward to reading exactly what she thinks about us!

Our Doors Are Open




It’s been 2 months since we opened our tasting room doors and I am completely overwhelmed with the response we have received.  We truely had no idea what to expect.  Would people show up?  A scarey question to ask.  Luckily they did, and have been ever since.  We've had the pleasure of hosting locals and tourist.  All curious about our wines and our story.  All more than happy to leasurely sip wine and enjoying their surroundings.  I think the goats have gotten as much attention as the wine.  But, that's what the goal has always been.  To be able to invite our guests to come out and see where the wines are grown and experience first-hand the beauty and uniqueness of this location. 


It has been a lot of fun as well.  Meeting so many new people and watching them experience our wine for the first time, hearing their stories, and finding out how they wandered our way.   We could not have asked for a better first few months and look forward to a successful first year (fingers crossed).  It has been a very long road to get the doors open, and yet we are now only at the beginning of our journey.

*Photo by Brandon Follett of Bridge Street Inn, Cambria: www.bsicambria.com

Favorite Cambria Spot: Red Moose Cookie Company

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“Oh my Gosh!!!” exclaimed my five year old when he saw the Pumpkin Moose Pie being removed from the package.  That sentiment pretty much sums it up.  Red Moose Cookie Company does indeed make some seriously fantastic, unique cookies.

With names like Cinnful, Nutless Wonder, and Root Beer Float, it’s hard to pick your poison.  Not to worry, they are all simply delicious.  I’ve tried a few and plan to go back for the Root Beer Float cookies.  Customers are taking two  of these cookies, made with a root beer float reduction, and sticking a scoop of vanilla ice cream in the middle to get the full root beer float effect…yum!  A must try.

Here’s the low down on the three I have tried:

Peanut Butter Dream: Made with extra crunchy peanut butter and Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, a peanut butter lover’s dream.  The cookies are BIG and full of yummy peanut butter goodness.   Soft and fresh baked.

Cinnful: The cookie that started it all.  An oatmeal cookie with cinnamon chips, toffee chips, and walnuts.  I thought it would be too sticky sweet, but the balance of the hearty oatmeal and the walnuts with the sweet chips is a genius concoction.

Pumpkin Moose Pie (this is a seasonal treat)- take two soft pumpkin spice cookies and smoosh them together with a decadent brown butter and vanilla bean cream.  Again, upon looking at, I thought it would be super rich and sweet.  But the creamy rich filling is perfectly off set by the spicy, doughy cookies.  A perfect match.

Getting your hands on these treats is not easy.  There is no website, but they do ship.  You can go to their Yelp page for phone number and information.  If you happen to be in Cambria, keep your eye out for their sandwich board signs around town.  The shop is located in the “Tin City” district, which is a bit removed from the main street area.   Red Moose does a great job leading you from Main Street to their little bakery via sign.  It’s reminiscent of a treasure hunt.  But, if you don’t see signs, you may be out of luck.  According to co-owner and baker, Roger Wall, they’ve had to take signs down several times this year due to sell out.

Get hold of these cookies and try for yourself! They will not disappoint.

The Simple Fun

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Over Labor Day weekend we took our boys to the annual Pinedorado celebration in Cambria.  The festival is a fundraising event put on by the Lions Club and has been going strong for 63 years.  It is a weekend full of small town fun: parade, vintage car show, food booths, games, and even two small rides for the tots.  We didn’t make it to the parade but wandered around the grounds on Saturday afternoon.  Our five year old tried his luck at a few games (my husband did as well) and our three year old had a blast riding the train and ringing the bell.  We had snow cones, walked around the vintage car show, and soaked up the celebratory vibe.

These yearly local events are one of the things I love so much about living on the Central Coast.  The simple fun.  It makes me feel like a kid again.

Good-Bye and Welcome

On Tuesday I headed over to the vineyard to take some photos of the property before the construction begins next week. As I walked around the property, I felt a bit of a bitter sweet sadness come over me. The sun was shinning but the air was cool and breezy. It was silent and I was alone, except for Chet and Betty, our two goats, who watched me through the fence. I had the distinct feeling that things were going be very different, very soon . Don't get me wrong, I am beyond excited that we are finally beginning the next stage of this project. It has been so long in the making that I still have to remind myself that we really are breaking ground next week.

But along with the evolution of our winery and vineyard, we, as a family, have to say good-bye to something very special. This property has been a haven for us all over the past years. We come here to escape the craziness of our lives and enjoy the company of those close to us. We come here to unplug and reflect on the simple things. We come here to feel the earth, feel the history that surrounds us. It truly is an indescribably special place.

Now, as read over this, I realize we don't have to say good-bye at all, but rather, welcome. It is time to share our special place with you. Time to create new memories that build on the old ones. Time to make some history of our own.

Pairing with a Top Chef

This past Sunday was a special evening for Stolo Family Winery.

A few months ago, I received a phone call from Charmaine Coimbra, the event coordinator for Friends of the Elephant Seals. She was putting together an auction item for their annual Grand Ole Soupabration Fundraiser and wanted to know if we were interested. The item consisted of a private dinner for 12 hosted at a Cambria beachfront manse. The private dinner included a 4 course meal prepared by Top Chef Texas contestant, Dakota Weiss. Would we be interested in pairing our wines with Executive Chef Weiss' creations? Heck Ya!!!

I arrived on Sunday evening to an unbelievable home located on the bluff of Cambria with stunning views of the ocean. I proceeded to get myself set up. Bringing in wine, chilling the Chardonnay, opening the reds, etc. All the while keeping one eye on Dakota working seamlessly in the kitchen doing her prep work. It took me approximately 10 minutes before I geeked out and told her how much of a huge fan I was of Top Chef. She was extremely gracious and we began talking about her experience on the show.

Quickly guest began to arrive to enjoy the sunset with a glass of bubbly and our little tete-a-tete ended. The guests were seated for dinner service after the sunset and the meal started off with a deconstructed plate of sweet potato blini, smoked salmon, deviled quail egg, and horseradish cream. It was like a build your own appetizer. We paired it with Stolo Family Vineyards 2009 Chardonnay. Fabulous match! The evening was off to a great start.

The second course came quickly. I barely had enough time to get the red wine glasses on the table. But when Dakota says it's go time, we go. The next dish was a tomato and white bean bisque topped with creme fraiche and little cheddar cheese madeleines. I poured the 2009 Stolo Family Vineyards Pinot Noir. Again, a really good fit. The tangy tomato and cheddar corn bread really brought out the subtle sweetness of the wine.

Third course, and I am already full, but looking forward to the beef tournedos atop a lobster and potato hash drizzled with black truffle jus. Good Lord! I poured the Stolo Family Vineyards 2009 Syrah. The guests really seemed to love this match up. I went through an extra bottle on this course.

Room for dessert? Always. The dessert was a version of a dish that Dakota prepared on Top Chef; a caramelized banana bread pudding topped with a bourbon hard sauce (think bourbon butter) and drizzled with brown sugar caramel. I was skeptical that our 2009 TreViti Zinfandel would work with this dish, but I was proven wrong. The sweetness of the dish was contrasted by the medium bodied red, giving balance and harmony.

What a fabulous evening. I felt a little guilty that I was "working" and really just enjoying talking about our wines and eating a 5 star meal while my husband was at home eating mac n' cheese with the boys. But Dakota packed up a little something for me to take home so the guilt quickly vanished.

Thanks to Charmaine, Dakota, Mark and Chris Landgreen, and Friends of the Elephant Seals for putting together such a wonderful evening. In advance, Yes, I would love to do another one!!

2012 So Far

2012 has started off with a bang, we've been busy! Treviti Wines poured at Red Wine and Gold again this January. The event is held by Rosary High School in Fullerton to raise funds to provide financial assistance to students. This year my sister, Breanna, and I poured at the event, both of us Rosary alumni. It's always a treat to return to your alma mater for a good cause!

Also in January, TreViti Wines took part in the Cambria Art and Wine Festival. This year, our 2008 Chardonnay was chosen to be paired with a dish for the sold out friday night kick-off dinner. Five local restaurants are chosen to create one course and choose one wine that will pair well with their dish. We were chosen by Robin's Restaurant in Cambria for the first course pairing, a fantastic crispy pancetta wrapped radicchio with pickled root vegetables and warm balsamic vinegar reduction. The Chardonnay complimented the dish beautifully.

Along with each pairing, the chef and winery are asked to speak about their dish/wine. Although public speaking is not my strong point, I think it went pretty well. I got a few laughs in the right places and applause at the end. Thank God. I keep telling myself, the more I do it, the easier it will become. Still waiting for the "easier" part.

The following day TreViti Wines poured its 2008 line up at the The Cambria Art and Wine Festival grand tasting along side 50 or so other wineries. We had many people stopping by the table to "retry" our Chardonnay from the kick-off dinner the night before and lots of fabulous comments on the wine. It is always a really fun local event.

Next Up: February we will be pouring our wine at a private dinner for 12 that was auctioned off by A Friends of the Elephant Seals Fundraiser Event this past winter. Chef Dakota Weiss from Top Chef Texas will be preparing the 5 course meal to pair with TreViti Wines. Another speaking engagement for me, but 12 people should be manageable. Looking forward to seeing how it comes together.

Playing Catch Up

My New Year's resolution to blog at least once a month quickly disintegrated. I am ashamed, because there is so much to talk about. But I will try, try again. I may be preoccupied by other things, but I am not going to quit that easily.

What's been going on:

1. We finally put a sign up at the vineyard- it looks awesome!

2. This season of wine competitions brought many awards our way. Here's the final tally:

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2008 TreViti Wines Chardonnay, Stolo Family Vineyard

Silver Medal: 2011 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition
Platinum Medal: 2011 Monterey Wine Competition (nominated for Best of Show White Wine Category)Silver Medal: 2011 Orange County Fair Wine Competition
Bronze Medal: 2011 Long Beach Grand Cru Wine Competition

2008 TreViti Wines Pinot Noir, Stolo Family Vineyard

Silver Medal: 2011 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition

Silver Medal: 2011 Monterey Wine Competition

Silver Medal: 2011 San Francisco International Wine Competition

Silver Medal: 2011 Los Angeles International Wine Competition

Silver Medal: 2011 Orange County Fair Wine Competition

Silver Medal: 2011 Long Beach Grand Cru Wine Competition

2007 TreViti Wines Syrah, Stolo Family Vineyard

Silver Medal: 2011 San Francisco International Wine Competition
Bronze Medal: 2011 Los Angeles International Wine CompetitionBronze Medal: 2011 Orange County Fair Wine Competition

3. My parents, Luke Pope, and I did a radio interview with Lyn Diehl for The Krush 92.5. It was unbelievably fun and nerve-racking at the same time. I think it turned out great! Listen to it here:

http://radio.securenetsystems.net/radio_player_large.cfm?stationCallSign=KKAL-OD

4. It looks like harvest is going be a fantastic one this year. We are scheduled to pick both blocks of Pinot Noir October 14 and the Chardonnay will probably come off the following week. Our Syrah did not make it again this year, due to the cold year, but we look forward to it returning next year. The early winter storm at the beginning of October concerned us a bit, but Luke assured us that warm weather was waiting behind it and he was right. We will be able to get our brix right where we want them due to waiting out the rain and giving the grapes a bit more sunshine.

We are so close to breaking ground on our winery and tasting room. It's looking like Novemberish. I will keep you posted, I promise :)