2007-11-09
Tasting Room of the Week:
WILSON WINERY
by Michelle J. Baker
What are the odds that one winery, and one winemaker, can make the best red wine in Sonoma County two years in a row? Long, unless it’s Dry Creek Valley’s Wilson Winery and winemaker Diane Wilson, who pulled off that astonishing feat with two different single-vineyard Zinfandels in 2005 and 2006, respectively.
What greater reason to visit Wilson than they have consistently been piling up the top awards for their Zinfandels from Dry Creek Valley, where Zinfandel is king?
For one, the Wilson’s are making thrilling wines in other varietals in addition to their Zinfandels, evidenced by their recent gold medal for their 2004 Dorothy’s Vineyard Syrah and double gold their 2004 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Sydney Vineyard at the Sonoma County Harvest Fair. New vintages of Wilson’s most prized Zinfandels, the Sawyer and Tori Vineyard bottlings (now both retired from competition) are currently on the list as well, but hurry – they sell out fast.
There’s always a festive atmosphere at Wilson, housed in an old tin barn on Dry Creek Road where the Wilson’s started making wine in 1993 and opened their tasting room in 2001. Now as in the past, owners Diane and Ken Wilson do it all with the help of a few friends, with Ken shuttling between the vineyards and the tasting room, and Diane between the cellar and tasting room.
These days you’ll know that the Wilson’s are around if you’re greeted in the parking lot by their friendly border collie, Molly, who will escort you into the tasting room if she’s not busy with other customers. Wilson is one of the most dog-friendly wineries in Sonoma County, as your well-behaved pooch is welcome to accompany you here.
For as unassuming as the front of Wilson is, in the back you’ll find a treasure: a veranda with a dramatic view over Dry Creek Valley. There’s plenty of table seating to plan an afternoon picnic with a bottle of one of Wilson’s award winners. During the summer months, Wilson takes advantage of its “backyard” with a summer concert series on Friday evenings featuring local bands. But you can enjoy the veranda year-round, as much of the seating is under an awning that will protect you from the elements.
Inside, the tasting room at Wilson is warm and quaint, with a team of friendly faces to greet you. With an expanding portfolio of single-vineyard wines, Wilson has added a second, reserve tasting list to its regular tasting lineup. Between the two lists you’ll taste through single-vineyard Zinfandels as well as Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon and the newest release, the 2003 Roger’s Fault, a Bordeaux-style blend. For dessert wine fans, the Wilson’s also offer a late harvest Zinfandel to finish your tasting on a sweet note.
With a total production around 5,000 cases, Wilson’s wines are available only at the winery and through its wine clubs. Wilson Winery is located at 1960 Dry Creek Road in Healdsburg and is open from 11 a.m. till 5 p.m. daily. For more information, call 1-800-433-6402 or visit www.wilsonwinery.com.
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