2008-09-12
VJB
VINEYARDS & CELLAR
by Charles Neave
Half Italian varietals and half what are now considered to be American, that is what you will find at this unique Sonoma County gem of a winery and tasting room. I have heard the tasting room at VJB Vineyards & Cellar in Kenwood described that way many times. And know what? It fits, on many levels.
Without doubt it is worth a drive, always worth a detour to spend some time here. The beauty of it is, though, that this tasting room is anything but out of the way. It is on the main road from Sonoma to Santa Rosa and all points north, so it couldn’t be more convenient. And if you want an espresso, a coffee or a pastry very early in the morning? Stop by, they’re open. You most certainly do not find that in very many tasting rooms, in Sonoma or anywhere else for that matter. It is simply another part of what makes VJB one-of-a-kind.
According to owner Henry Belmonte, “One thing my family has always done is create a place of business that fits in with the community. Highway 12 in Sonoma Valley is a destination for people. We don’t see ourselves as competitors to our neighbors, but as friends who all share the same passion.”
Of course ambience – and a sturdy well-made espresso aside – there are the wines of course. With an annual production of about 4,000 cases they still manage to field a number of different possibilities in the tasting room. All of them are poured by friendly and knowledgeable individuals.
“Quality above all else, tradition and family will always prevail,” is a motto of Victor Joseph Belmonte (the VJB in the winery’s name). “ I have always been proud of our heritage, so when I planted our ten-acre vineyard I put in a small block of Montepulciano, from which I make some wine in the Italian tradition. We also planted Cabernet Sauvignon, Sangiovese and Syrah.”
Among the wines you could find being poured in this tasteful but eclectic space might be a Chardonnay from exceptional vineyards, a traditional Zinfandel, a palate-filling Barbera or a rich, fruity Syrah. Or try the Cabernet Sauvignon or that wonderful symbol of traditional Italian winemaking at its’ best: their Sonoma Valley Sangiovese. There is even a Chardonnay Port and a Tocai Friulano to round out an exciting list. And by the way, with their small production, the wines are sold only at the tasting room or through their wine club, Club Enoteca.
They also import a Prosecco from Italy that is produced in the Valdobbiadene district near Veneto. A refreshing sparkling wine, it is made using the Charmat method, whereby the wine undergoes a secondary fermentation in stainless steel tanks before being filtered and bottled at 26 degrees (F). The result is a dry, light-bodied, sparkling wine with the refreshing aroma of apples, citrus and flowers, and well-balanced acidity. Serve this wine chilled as an aperitif, or as an invigorating compliment to fish and vegetarian dishes.
In addition to the wines there are also the authentic Italian sauces from winery executive chef Maria Gabriella Belmonte. A native of Italy, she creates such sauces as a Pesto alla Genovese (Genovese Style Pesto Sauce), an ethereal Pesto dei Carciofi (Artichoke Pesto Sauce), an eggplant and almond dip and many more. She has also published a popular cookbook titled, quite naturally, “Cucinare Con Amore” (Cook with Love). All in all, it is the perfect meeting of the oft-referenced food and wine pairing, all under one roof.
As they say, “Our wines express the unique qualities of our land – the beautiful blend of soil, exposure, weather and family tradition that unite and create exceptional wines to be enjoyed with family and friends.” Every moment of your visit to VJB will only reinforce that feeling, from the moment you walk into the door until you finally, sadly, you must depart.
VJB Vineyards & Cellars tasting room is at 9077 Sonoma Highway in Kenwood. They are open from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. every day of the week (they open for coffee, espresso and pastries at 6 a.m.). For additional information look them up on the Internet at www.vjbcellars.com or give them a call at (707) 833-2300.
September 13th & 14th, Spotlight on Zinfandel
Join VJB at the 5th annual Spotlight on Zinfandel! Taste and explore one of California’s most notorious wines while mingling with fellow wine lovers and sampling dozens of Zinfandels. Enjoy wine tastings, verticals, barrel sampling and more! This event will showcase wines while educating guests on the vineyards, the winemaking process and the fundamentals of what makes these wines unique though barrel sampling, wine blending, etc. For ticket information, go to www.heartofsonomavalley.com.
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