Teresa L.
Yelp
Ironstone Vineyards is definitely an 'Iron chef' serving 'liquid gold' in the Sierra Foothills of California.
If educated and retained correctly on an impromptu wine tasting on a rainy day in the Murphy, CA area, I happened to stroll into the 18th largest vinyard & distributor of wines nationwide. Not to mention having some bragging rights on shipping internationally to fine dining locals that perfectly pair their labels.
Alright, so it's no accident that a foodie like myself strolled into a location like this. I did goal myself to do some wine tasting here on my first trip to CA, and of course booked a resort location accordingly. In addition to then realizing on my drive in, that I was going to have many to choose from. It's like driving out east on Long Island, NY to go vineyard hopping to wine taste!
So, I did the smart thing and tried to get the advice on which one(s) were the best from the locals. Of course the first response was, "their all great", but I know better and needed more than that to go on. I finally got an honest lead to Ironstone Vineyards, did a touch of research and agreed this would be a great place to start. Very happy I followed my gut and gave them a try, as my tastebuds were dancing with each sip.
Walked into a practically empty serving area, that was very warm, cozy and inviting. Glanced at the tasting menu, reading all about the reds and whites they had to offer.
Initially was going to do a mix, as it suggested to choose 5 selections for $5 (per person), but then decided that they had more interesting options in both sections worthy of trying. So like any good foodie that loves to pair a good wine with any meal, I doubled down in the hopes that I could personally debunk a few of my mouth myths.
It was my lucky day as the kind fella named Buck, behind the bar was willing to give me the new education I was seeking. He really did listen to my stated likes and dislikes, and gave genuine feedback on what the Lodi Grape Growers had to offer across their White and Black labels.
Needless to say there were many that I surprised myself in truly liking.
So do what every foodie that enjoys a good wine does best...buy some and have it shipped directly to the home, well if you need to fly back like me. Otherwise, snatched a few bottles to bring home locally.
I encourage everyone to seek out this location whether it be for a quality glass/bottle of wine, a concert in their amphitheatre, or host an event on their beautifully maintained grounds.
Can't wait to get back home and share my 'gold' findings from this first CA trip with family and friends. My dinner club members are in for a treat this holiday season!
Note: As a Yelper know that this location does offer 10% off Tasting Room Purchases.
For any/all others 20% off case purchases (25% if you become a wine club member).