Columnist: Central Valley wineries need us to stay afloat during pandemic closures
The stay-at-home order in response to the Coronavirus outbreak has been tough, especially on small businesses. Family owned wineries in the Central Valley have really been hit hard. Most don’t have the production numbers or the clout to be on the supermarket shelves. They rely on tasting room fees and sales and active wine clubs to stay in business. Now, most are giving huge discounts with roadside pickups or local delivery or they are offering free shipping. Now is the time to help support the small family wineries that are right in our backyard.
North Valley wineries
If you live in or around Sacramento, check out the websites of the 13 wineries in the Clarksburg Appellation. You can find all the websites and great discounts offered by going to clarksburgwinecountry.com. Many of the wineries are located in the Old Sugar Mill which is just 15 minutes from downtown and a beautiful ride.
All the websites of the 85 wineries in the Lodi Wine Region can be found by going to lodiwines.com/wineries. You’ll be surprised at the deals being offered, the ease of ordering online and the low or no-cost shipping options.
South Valley wineries
Modesto and Turlock residents won’t have very far to drive in supporting their local wineries. Check out the websites of these wineries to order sale-priced wines and get directions. Located between Turlock and Ceres is Berryhill Family Vineyards. Just north of Ripon is Lucca Winery and the new kid on the block, Dutchman Vineyards. Silkwood Fine Wines is located in downtown Modesto. Vista Ranch Winery on Highway 140 and CRU Winery south on Highway 99, are easy drives for Merced residents. Fresno and Madera wine lovers can check all nine local wineries by visiting maderawinetrails.com.
As I write this, valley family wineries have been closed for almost three months. Please order some wine and remember, we’re all in this together.
What’s on our table
The Steal: The 2016 H3 Les Chevaux Red Wine from Columbia Crest. The SRP is $15 and it is sale priced around $10. I found it at Costco for just $6.99. Yep, that’s a steal.
The Deal: The 2013 Cougar Crest Estate Tempranillo from Washington’s Walla Walla Valley. The SRP is $32 and it is sale priced at $20. I took a chance and paid $9.95 at the Grocery Outlet (Merced). Of course, I went back.
The Splurge: The 2017 Reserve Malbec from Justin Winery is a big black beauty with dark cherry, currants and spice. It cries out for grilled lamb. The SRP is $45 and for members it is $36. Cheers!
Questions? Comments? Find me on Facebook or at rgwinton@yahoo.com.