Stephen Cerruti
Google
From the moment you step onto the WillaKenzie Estate, there's an immediate sense of something truly exceptional. It's more than just a winery; it's a place of profound beauty and genuine warmth, the kind of setting that makes you contemplate a permanent relocation.
The tasting room's elevated position offers an unparalleled vantage point. You're immersed in a living diagram of viticulture, with sweeping views of the meticulously managed vines cascading into the surrounding forest. Here, you can truly observe the intricate interplay of sun exposure, natural shade, and the subtle contours of the slopes. It's a masterclass in site selection, where the very ground tells a story – you can discern how the ancient fault line traversing the property precisely delineates distinct soil compositions, each contributing to the unique character of the grapes.
The service was nothing short of remarkable. Our wine educator possessed an intuitive understanding, quickly discerning our preferences and curating a tasting journey that felt uniquely tailored to our palates. It was a guided exploration, not just a pour.
This deep understanding of the land translates directly into the glass. We embarked on a fascinating comparative study, sampling a range of Pinot Noirs, each a distinct expression of its specific parcel on the estate. From the vibrant 'party girl' Kiana, reflecting its full sun exposure and brash, tart character, to the more nuanced and balanced Aliette from its sheltered position, the earthy, peppery Triple Black Slope, and the fruitier, super balanced Terres Basses with its herbal and lavender aromatics – each wine presented a unique personality, a direct consequence of its precise origin within the property's complex geological and climatic matrix.
Beyond the exquisite wines, the estate's commitment to its environment is evident. Their dedication to sustainable practices is not just a philosophy; it's visibly integrated into their operations, a testament to long-term stewardship. Even their majestic Longhorn cattle contribute to the holistic ecosystem, adding to the authentic, living landscape.
It's this seamless integration – the exceptional, personalized service, the thoughtfully designed environment that reveals the very science of winemaking, and the profound quality of wines that are true reflections of their unique origins – that coalesces into a truly unforgettable tasting experience.
If you possess a genuine appreciation for wine, not just as a beverage but as a complex system of art and science, and could only choose one winery to visit in your lifetime to truly understand its depth, WillaKenzie Estate would be my unequivocal recommendation.