Look inside the book!
Sample Chapter: Zichichi Vineyards
Wineries Beyond Napa Valley:
Dry Creek and Alexander Valley,
An Insider's Tasting Guide to the Hidden Gems of the Region
Zichichi
Location 8626 West Dry Creek Rd., Healdsburg, CA
Phone (707) 433-4410
Hours of Operation: Daily approx. 11:00–5:00
Tasting Fee: None
It’s quite easy to find Zichichi Vineyards but a bit more troublesome to pronounce. Zichichi (Zee-Kee-Kee) Vineyards was founded by former Louisiana doctor, Steve Zichichi. And while his roots in winemaking are not even a decade old, he did pick some of the more wiser vines in the valley. If you are going on the old adage that with age, comes wisdom, then his grapes are some of the wisest at nearly eighty years old.
Following the aftermath of hurricane Katrina, Steve Zichichi decided to move west and establish himself in the wine world. He couldn’t have chosen a more picturesque location in Dry Creek. Sitting about a hundred feet off of the valley floor, his tasting room has unparalleled views of the valley, both north and south. The tasting room smells fresh, with light hints of pine and cedar dancing around. It’s quite apparent the room is only a few years old; the “new tasting room” smell is still lingering.
On the patio, a few chairs and tables are arranged to maximize the beautiful views. A few ceiling fans hang from the tops of the wood slats that provide a bit of shade to relaxing patrons. The tasting room and outside deck felt very homely. I stood out there for a few minutes, breathing in the crisp air that was quickly warming from the sun’s rays. The valley was quiet and the only sound I heard was Jimmy Buffett coming from the two speakers overhead. I gave a quick chuckle realizing that I was sitting at a winery all the while listening to a man who has done more to boost the tequila industry than probably any other person out there (for the record, I’m a parrot head). The music further added to the homely feel that this winery brought.
The stone fireplace, the smaller square footage and the fresh flowers (I think they were a type of gardenia) all make you feel as though you are stepping into somebody’s home rather than a business. With Steve conducting the pouring, that just sealed the deal. The tasting room is intimate. Different apparel items dot the wood tables and other trinkets and treasures can be found around the room.
At the time I was there, only one wine was currently bottled but you were able to taste three wines. That’s because he does something that usually is reserved for once a year festivities—barrel tasting. While most wineries hold exclusive parties and charge fair prices to get a small glimpse, or rather taste, of the in-process wine, Steve opens his barrels year-round for anyone who walks in the door.
The tasting begins at the well-manicured tasting bar with the solo old-vine Zinfandel. Following that, you’re walked into the cellar and given the chance to barrel taste. Now, tasting wine before it has been properly barrel-aged is kind of like predicting the college major of a 15-year-old. Looking at family history, interests and activities, you have a pretty good idea of where he or she is going, but there is still a chance that he or she could still run off and join the circus. With barrel tasting, it’s the same thing. And Steve is a good shepherd, instructing patrons on what to look for in the wine. Younger wines pre-bottled have smells and tastes that are subdued, so spend a bit more time swirling, swishing and smelling (note, no spit bucket present so no spitting unless you’re willing to use the drain on the floor).
Steve is very receptive to any questions you might have about buying before bottling. And besides, tasting straight from the barrel is quite fun. Where else can you easily use the word bung hole and not offend anyone?
Zichichi vineyards will leave you with a smile on your face, and possibly some remnants of the Petite Syrah on your teeth. When you get there, slow down. Take some time to enjoy the views, let your eyes flow over the merchandise and let your palate spend some time on some long length wines.