Up high in the eastern Vaca Mountains, the dedicated team at Somerston Estate Winery & Vineyard can attest to the fact that wine appreciation is a lifelong pursuit. Frankly, there are few pursuits more enjoyable. Best of all, the estate team is happy to share their knowledge with exclusive, intimate groups of visitors over delightful curated luncheons at the winery.
Focus on Education
Guests are invited to soak it all in. Take a walk in the vineyard, taste the fruit, tour the barrel room, smell the aromas, observe the process, and converse with a winemaker or a vineyard manager over lunch. Gain insights into the passion and the vision that drive the team at Somerston Estate. Importantly, continue on the learning curve that leads to discovering more about personal likes and dislikes.
By appreciating the reasons for specific preferences in varietals and styles, every individual further defines one’s palate. Hosted in the estate’s tasting room, barrel room, or outdoor patio, guests become immersed in the essence of winemaking on a deeper level that avoids jargon and breaks down the barriers that can impede a relaxed learning journey.
At Somerston Estate, the goal is for guests to leave the property a bit more savvy about the industry and surrounding language than when they arrived. By sharing knowledge of the land, vines, production, and wines, the door is open for everyone—from casual consumers to collectors—to better understand personal preferences and, therefore, have more fulfilling wine experiences in the future. DTC Sales Manager Annamarie Ciotta said, “This is something our late co-founder and GM, Craig Becker, really believed in. It’s a part of his legacy that I feel so fortunate to pass on to guests and friends. What fun is having all of this cool knowledge and keeping it all to yourself?”
Beyond the Basics
Somerston Estate wine luncheons provide a unique opportunity many brands cannot offer due to their space limitations. Over a beautifully staged luncheon in a private setting, hear from a winemaker or vineyard manager with unique perspectives that make all the difference in wine appreciation. Highlighting the fundamentals from ground to glass, the conversation buzzes around how they make critical decisions year-in and year-out about farming, harvesting, crushing, pressing, fermentation, clarification, aging, and bottling.
Small Brand, Large Property
Amongst the vast expanse of 1,682 acres, the highest quality single-block wines are selected and produced from 242 acres of vineyards thriving in distinct microclimates and soil types. Book ahead for a small group or join a scheduled one. Situated just 10 miles off the Silverado Trail, hosted experiences at the stunning Somerston Estate are open to visitors by appointment.
