Coastal
Food & Wine
Wine Experiences
CONVERSATIONS WITH WINEMAKERS Tobin James Cellars falls into the latter category. The winery makes 10 different Zinfandel blends, an impressive number considering how many other varietals and blends are produced by Tobin James. Wilson Creek Winery has grown from a small mom and pop business into a large mom and pop business—because mom and pop are still running the show. Gerry Wilson and his wife Rosie started selling their bottled elixir on October 14, 2000, out of a small building on their property at the far end of Temecula Valley. Little did they know that, five years later, their winery would be one of the largest facilities in Temecula, growing from a few thousand bottles a year to an annual production that now hovers at 60,000 cases.
Lance Silver of Tobin James Winery
Zinfandel may not be California’s official state wine (a bill that would have elevated Zinfandel to that lofty status was recently vetoed), but it is a grape that is distinctly Californian. Despite its popularity, Zinfandel represents only 10 percent of grapes crushed in the state, although 600 of California’s 800 commercial wineries bottle Zinfandel either exclusively (like Zin Alley in Paso Robles) or as part of their wine portfolio.
Read our interview with Lance Silver of Tobin James and learn more about their over-the-top Zins.
WILSON CREEK WINERY: A Sip of Success
Their wine club, which numbers more than 7,000 wine fans, is the fastest growing club around. The secret, said Gerry over a glass of Merlot at his winery, is good wine, good people, and a healthy dose of good luck.
Read our interview with Gerry Wilson.
