At this family-owned micro-winery, proprietor Cecilia Enriquez celebrates her Mexican heritage year-round. With the upcoming Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15 through October 15), there’s even more reason for the first-generation Mexican-American to honor her roots, and this year she’s using the estate’s famed Brunch in the Vineyard event to further her impact.
“Mexico’s Independence Day is September 16, and seeing how Sonoma County has taken to supporting their Hispanic community, we joined in on the fun,” shared Enriquez, adding that they usually partner with a non-profit for added impact. “Last year, we were able to partner with Nuestra Comunidad…We love to help our community when we can.”
On Sunday, September 17, Enriquez Estate Winery teams up with Chef Robert of SoCo Paella for a menu of paella mixta – Spanish short grain rice with shrimp, fish, chicken, pork and seasonal vegetables, and patatas bravas. The brunch marks the return of one of the winery’s most popular and now the most exclusive events, as the series is limited to only one spring and one fall event annually.
“The brunch came about in 2019 when brainstorming what type of events we could do that would attract both locals and tourists,” explained Enriquez. “Wine dinners are fairly common, and I noticed there was a lack of low-key authentic Sunday morning events in the area. I thought, ‘What better way than to start the day with a delicious brunch, wine, live music, and family and friends in the vineyard?’”
The brunches continue to attract a new customer base and are an opportunity for Enriquez to mingle with guests. “We keep them small enough where I get a chance to talk to everyone who attends. This allows me to answer any farming and winemaking questions they have as they walk around the vineyard tasting our wines.”
Of course, Enriquez Estate is buzzing throughout the year, still hosting intimate, personal tasting experiences. Wine club members even get a complimentary tasting in their home once a year, no matter where they live in the United States – of their small-batch Pinot Noir, Tempranillo, and unique white varietals from Northern California, like dry Muscat and their Brisa blend of Sauvignon Blanc, Muscat, and Chardonnay. If out-of-towners hope for a more immersive stay, Enriquez Estate Winery offers a two-bedroom, one-bathroom accommodation deemed the Milkbarn Cottage at their estate vineyard. “I also love creating itineraries for guests staying in the Milkbarn cottage or wine club members visiting from out of town. I always include another Mexican-American winery for them to visit during their trip.”
Pinot Noir is their estate grown varietal, which is ironic since the first time the Enriquez family went wine tasting in Sonoma was with a small Pinot producer. After a fateful turn of events, a spoiled family ski trip to Lake Tahoe turned into a Sonoma wine tasting. “I remember looking over at my dad and saying this is what we should be drinking,” recalled Enriquez.
Now, the Estate is adding Tannat and Cabernet Franc to its portfolio – the latter was just released. “As I’ve learned about wine in my personal wine journey, I’ve discovered a bunch of amazing varietals that are underrepresented,” said Enriquez on the reason for expanding. “We as humans are such creatures of habit that if I can get you outside your comfort zone by exposing you to a varietal besides the main Pinot Noir, Cab Sauv, Chardonnay, etc., then I feel like I’m serving the purpose I was meant to do in wine.”
