by Millie Howie
When a really pleasant place to relax, taste some nice wines and learn more about this magical beverage seems even nicer on your next visit, it’s possible your destination is the Simi Winery Visitor Center, and the center’s manager Damy Tamburrino is proud and happy to explain some of the delightful touches that have recently been added to the tasting room. “To start, we applied a soft, cream-colored Venetian finish to the walls that is almost like extra sunlight filling the room. The new pressed beechwood floors gleam and reflect that golden glow and even the tasting bar has been enhanced. Touch it,” he suggests. “The cement acrylic not only shines with shadings of grey, but it is actually warm to the touch, unlike marble or metal.”
Even more attention-grabbing than the sunny surroundings are the wines on the daily tasting list. There are two choices for tasting: four of the Classic (current release) wines may be sampled for $5 and the outstanding Reserve wines may be sipped for moderate per taste fees. In looking over the tasting list, the hosts behind the counter will also explain that many of the wines – Pinot Gris, Shiraz, and Zinfandel are available for sampling and sale only in the tasting room.
Because of the winery’s historical significance two tours are scheduled each day, at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Each tour starts with the fascinating story of Giuseppe and Pietro Simi who released their first wines, in 1876 and, in 1890, constructed their own cellars for wine production. The story salutes Isabelle Simi who, at age 14 took over management of the winery when her father and her uncle died within weeks of each other. The group then walks through the old stone building, and through the modern production area, returning to the tasting room to sample the wines.
With the understanding that no one can ever learn all there is to know about wine, Simi presents a number of educational seminars during the year. The subjects touch on viticultural practices, identifying Sonoma County’s various appellations that define individual growing areas, and the influence of oak on developing wines. Small groups of 12 or fewer may also investigate individual seminars called “The Simi Experience.”
Also of increasing interest to wine consumers are wine and food pairings, and Simi’s chef Eric Lee, conducts a monthly series of hands on events called “From Our Kitchen to Yours.” To make reservations for events, inquire about private tastings or tours call (707) 473-3213. The Simi website, www.simiwinery.com is also filled with information about the wines, the winery and its people.
There are also seven wine clubs, so Simi wine drinkers can pick and choose how many, how often and what kinds of wine they will receive.
Open hours at the Simi Winery Visitor Center at 16275 Healdsburg Avenue, at the north end of the City of Healdsburg, are from 10 a.m. till 5 p.m. daily. For directions or answers to your questions, call (707) 473-3232.

Related Information

• Simi Winery