Just the other day somebody made that comment “ABC”. I haven’t heard that expression in quite a while. If you haven’t heard of before it stands for “anything but Chardonnay”. Traditionally I am one of those people who don’t really enjoy Chardonnay, but I absolutely adore our 2015 Amber Chardonnay. This is a white wine made for red wine drinkers. I am a red wine drinker. I enjoy red by far more than whites even though I do love having a glass…
For anyone who knows me, you know I love M&M’s and thought was my grandma’s fault. Every time, I go shopping at Target, I HAVE to peek at the seasonal flavors. I love to pair the flavors with notes from the wines. For instance, our 2009 Merlot paired well with the mint, the 2010 Merlot with the pumpkin pie and the 2011 Merlot with the coffee nut.
Reyes 2010 Merlot…
This week, I had a customer ask is there a difference between a cooking a wine and wine that is called for in a recipe. The answer is yes and no. It depends upon the wine that is part of the recipe. But for the most part, the main difference is the quality of wine. Drinking wine is a much better quality. Cooking with a drinking wine will give you a better dish because…
This coming Saturday, October 13th, Reyes Winery is hosting a Merlot Vertical. You will get to pair our award-winning Merlot with a tasty treat along with education about Merlot and our wines. I will be pouring from the 2009 vintage through the 2012, plus the newly released 2013, the unreleased 2015 and finishing with the 2015 Rose of Merlot.
The 2009 vintage has sold out of the tasting room, but I saved 2 cases for this special day. It has won a gold medal at the 2011 Long Beach Grand Cru Wine…
I had gone to a wine and spirit tasting and they had a cinnamon vodka. So…me and my inquisitive nature asks, what kind of cinnamon did they use? I did ask before I tried it. The response I got was, uh…there are different types? Yes, there are many different types of cinnamon. Not all cinnamon is the same, just like grapes. There are so many varietals of grapes.
True cinnamon comes from India, Bangladesh, Myanmar and Sri…
Every weekend in the tasting room, we have guests from all over and I am asked an array of questions. This past weekend someone asked me what makes red wine…red? They asked if all wine starts out white and we add food coloring. No, we don’t add anything. The coloring comes from the skin of the grape, well that is a red grape; like Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon or Grenache. Each variety of grapes has a different shade of red. Cabernet Sauvignon is ruby, Merlot has…
This past weekend, we hosted our quarterly member ship pick up party. Many of our guests have requested some of my recipes that have not yet been added to my blog, including my strawberry black peppercorn Cabernet cobbler. Instead of having ice cream, It tastes amazing if you eat it with a little bit of brie or chèvre. I pair this with our 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon. Today I’m starting with dessert versus the salad or lunch course. The first…
There are different types of tannins; skin, seeds and from the barrels. They all have a different complexity. It is a naturally occurring polyphenol which is found in plants, seeds, wood and skins of a fruit like grapes. Tannins are usually from red wines unless the white wine was aged in a barrel or was a skin-contact white wine, like our 2015 Amber Chardonnay.
Skin tannins make you feel like you just had a bite of…
About 20 years ago, I remember being in the tasting room of Wente Winery during my internship and the tasting room manager was doing a wine pairing with me. He made beef jerky and paired it with their Cabernet Sauvignon. He also showed me a brownie mix they sold, that you add eggs, oil and Cabernet Sauvignon. I was sold! I have adapted this concept and made my own brownie recipe. Reyes Winery 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon has a sweet aroma gives this fruity wine its huge popularity. Raspberries, Cocoa and Blackberries…
Come celebrate National Wine and Cheese Day at Reyes Winery…We will be serving our Muscats from 2011-2016 and Sweet Serenity, a dessert wine made from our 2009 Muscat. Sweet Serenity has won Gold & Best in Class in the 2014 Long Beach Grand Cru and a bronze in the 2014 Los Angeles International Wine…
By Beth P. Heiserman
My mother and grandmother always made casserole when I was growing up. Brunch at grandma’s was always fun. I always looked forwarded to spending time with my grandparents. This is one of my favorites that I love to share when I cater the monthly hike and brunch at Reyes Winery. Sometimes I add hatch chiles when they are in season or even sometimes red pepper pesto which I did for this past hike. Many people adored…
This past Saturday, April 21, Reyes Winery held the sixth annual Sierra Pelona Vintners Wine Festival which benefited the Zonta club of Santa Clarita Valley. We had over 700 people in attendance that came from All over Southern California.
“Bud break”…what is that?It is the initiation of growth from the bud. It is the first stage of the growth of a vine. When it starts, dormancy is over. Then Flowering starts approximately 60 days later, and then the fruit will set, fourth is veraison and finally harvest.
Every year after harvest all the plants go dormant. We generally need at least 45 days of 54° weather every year to have a good harvest the following year. Generally,…
Cork Taint, one of the “Wine Faults”
By Beth Heiserman
Have you ever opened a bottle of wine and as you are opening the bottle, get a whiff of something you aren’t sure what it is? Last week, I was opening a bottle of wine and as I removed the cork, an odor like no other was coming from the bottle. It smelled like a wet dog! I took a small sip to make sure, and then I knew the bottle had “Cork Taint”. I put the…
by Beth Heiserman
Viognier is white wine varietal from the Rhône Valley in France. Officially, it is the only white grape allowed in the region. It is also grown around the world, such as Australia, North and South America. We brought in our 2016 Viognier from Lake LA. That is approximately 50 miles north east of Santa Clarita. It is my favorite white varietal.
Viognier is a full bodied white wine that is full of aromatics like peaches, tangerines, violets and minerality. Generally, it is not aged in oak because the exposure to…
Over 2000 years ago, a Greek historian, documented that wood barrels were used for wine in ancient Mesopotamia. I have mentioned before, in my article about “Orange Wines” that approximately 6000 years ago, wine was aged and stored in clay pots called Qvevri. Then eventually besides the clay, people started to use wood. Wood was lighter than clay when traveling. As the Romans were expanding their empire, they brought wine with them.
by Beth Heiserman
Many people think that there are certain descriptive words that people look for on a winery’s label, like reserve, estate grown, single vineyard, old vine, et
c. This past week, I had someone ask what our “reserve wines” were.
In the U.S., “reserve” doesn’t theoretically mean anything. When applying for label approval from the TTB (Tax and Trade Bureau) in our country, reserve is nothing more than a brand…
any years ago, I went to Concannon Winery in Livermore, CA. They are known for their Petite Sirah. My father knew Jim Concannon. I stayed up there for two weeks to learn more about wine. He taught me from Wine Tasting Etiquette to wine pairing. I enjoyed my trip so much; it is something I will never forget. I remember walking through a courtyard with him, asking him what do Petite Sirah grapes taste like compared to the actual wine. He reached up above up on an…
Did you know Santa Clarita has Hard Cider?
And its right here at Reyes Winery!
By Beth Heiserman
For many years apple juice was considered apple cider which is unfiltered and unsweetened non alcoholic beverage. There was no difference in the name, some states call it differently and to differentiate from processed apple juice and cider. Some people call it soft or sweet cider. Then we have hard cider, which is fermented. Fresh cider is not filtered. Juice is filtered and pasteurized.
Cider will begin to become somewhat carbonated shortly after pressing and eventually become hard cider…
Last week, was the second leg of a 6 six-city tour for the “Double Gold” medal tour with the San Francisco International Wine & Spirits Competition. Last Tuesday, I went to Manhattan to Quality Italian Steakhouse on 57th street to the “Double Gold” Tasting event. I am excited to meet the media from New York. I love to share that we are the only winery here from Los Angeles County especially because we…
by Beth Heiserman
Last week, was the first leg of a 6 six-city tour for the “Double Gold” medal tour with the San Francisco International Wine & Spirits Competition. I will be traveling to New York, Las Vegas and Los Angeles in the next few weeks. Plus the wine will travel on to Portland and Chicago without me. I was in San Francisco pouring our 2012 Syrah. This was our second Double Gold Medal. The 2011 Syrah won two years ago…
Table Grapes vs Wine Grapes
Is there a difference?
By Beth Heiserman
Many people have asked me in the tasting room or during a tour the difference between wine grapes and table grapes…Is there a difference? I have even heard is there a chemical reaction that converts grapes into a varietal of wine. At first I didn’t understand the question. I actually had that question twice in one day. I asked them to elaborate; they thought all grapes were the same and that we add some chemicals to crate the varietal of wine. No, we don’t….
Last week, I attended a wine education class at the LA County Fair in Pomona for Award Winning Wines of Southern California. They presented our 2013 Syrah which won a silver award. I was so excited to be there and experience a class which I attend every year that had one of our wines. This was the first time we were included in this class or for that matter any class. As I waited in line, people kept…
By Beth P. HeisermanTempranillo ripens earlier than other varietals. It grows around the world, but is mainly grown in the Rioja region of Spain. This varietal has been growing since Phoenicians settled in the Iberian Peninsula somewhere around 1000 BC when the wine trade was flourishing. The Phoenicians had created a widespread wine trading network around the Mediterranean Sea ports. It is possible that they started trading around 800 BC when they founded Carthage in 814 BC. They also founded Málaga,…
This past Sunday August 27, 2017, I buried my friend, Oso. It was a very, very sad day for me and all of us who loved him. He was the gentle giant German Shepherd at the winery where he grew up and spent his life in the freedom of the vineyard.
I was on a hike with both Oso and Dante and stopped to meet someone. Oso was injured and we took him to the hospital in Newhall, where the vet informed me he was paralyzed and would not survive an operation,…
Grenache is one of the most widely planted red wine varietal in the world. It grows well in hot, dry and windy climates like Agua Dulce. It ripens much later than most varietals. There are different types of Grenache; Noir, Blanc, Gris and Rose. It is mainly grown in France, Australia, Sardinia/Italy and the Central Valley of California. Most likely the grape originated from Spain during the period when the Aragon Crown ruled according to ampelographical evidence.The study of ampelography helps identify and classifies…
By Beth P. Heiserman
When I first started at Reyes Winery in Agua Dulce, I remember trying the 2009 Syrah. It became my favorite instantly. It has such a great smokiness and is so fruit forward that I knew it would be perfect to pair with bison or lamb. I have paired this wine with everything from Sloppy Joes to a leg of lamb. Syrah is sometimes known as Shiraz. It is grown all over the world. Its dark skin…
Malbec is considered to be a thin-skinned purple grape that tends to be a full-bodied wine. Black cherry, plum, berries, mocha, molasses, leather and black pepper are some of the notes you will recognize. The aromas will vary based upon climate where it is grown. It has many names, but In Bordeaux, it’s known as Malbec. It is one of the six red Bordeaux grapes (Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Petit Verdot and Carménère). When growing, it requires higher temperatures and elevations than Cabernet Sauvignon. Plus it doesn’t have a long…
Have you ever had an Irish wine? Many people are familiar with Irish whisky, beer and even Irish liqueurs. Who doesn’t love Irish crème liqueur and coffee? However, the Irish do make wine, too!
They grow varietals like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc, Gewürztraminer, and many others. They also produce apple and pear hard cider, and even mead (honey wine). The European Commission has now officially listed Ireland as a wine producing country. We know from history that in the 5th…
From pink to fuchsia…and all the shades in between like blush, crepe, rouge,salmon or coral.
Rose wines, often called blush wines are wines normally made with red grapes but that have a much lighter color than red wine based upon the way the wine is created. It can be created a number of ways. There are three ways to make a rose; skin-contact, Saignée or blending.Read More
Did you ever wonder about the history of a corkscrew?by Beth P. Heiserman
Did you ever wonder what did people do to open a bottle of wine before cork screws? Since wine making has been around for 8000 years, you would think that efficient wine storage would have had more progression. But then again most wine is still made the same way in some parts of the world. For many centuries, the winery would sell barrels to stores and the stores would bottle as they sold it.
Kenelm Digby…
Ever wondered what should you serve with turkey? Here are some ideas for your Thanksgiving dinner this year. There are plenty of white and red choices for everyone to love. Every dish can pair with a different wine. Here are some choices to choose from, from a dry Sauvignon Blanc to a sweet dessert wine…
Merlot is one of the primary grapes used in Bordeaux wine. The word Merlot has said to be a derivative of the word merle. In French, it means blackbird. History tells us that one of the first wine labels with Merlot on it was in 1784 in Bordeaux, France. It is a very popular red grape that is generally planted around the world for blending. Merlot adds…
by Beth P. Heiserman
What do you know about your wine? Is it vegan? How can you find out?
The grape cycle begins with bud break, generally in March or April. Flowering, and fruit set happens shortly after. Then followed in the summer by veraison which leads into harvesting. By Thanksgiving, we have the beautiful colors of fall. The leaves start to fall, which leads into dormancy in the month of December and January. We then prune in January.
Currently, we are in the veraison stage. This is the stage before harvest. After “fruit set”, the red grapes varietals…
Annually we have Paella Day at Reyes Winery. This year we are celebrating Father’s Day with Paella. We do a mixed version with chicken, pork, fish and vegetables. Robert started making paella in the 1980’s with his childhood friend in Miami. He has created this recipe we feature this coming Sunday June 19, 2016 by choosing things he likes.
Did you know that May 6 is International Sauvignon Blanc Day.
It started in New Zealand to help promote the wine. They produce over 70% of the worlds Sauvignon Blanc production.
The celebrations will kick off on May 6th this year in New Zealand, a country that owes much of its reputation to Sauvignon Blanc, and will continue across the globe following the sun with tastings planned around the world and eventually finishing 43 hours later at the organization’s headquarters in San Francisco. Celebrate by enjoying a glass of Sauvignon…
Robert Reyes promotes 3rd Annual Sierra Pelona Wine Festival to benefit American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life of the Santa Clarita Valley on SCVtv on February 18, 2015 with Stacy Kupfer.
March 21, 2015, 8am-12pm
Reyes Winery Charity Hike and Saturday Brunch $75
Robert Reyes, wine-maker and general manager, will guide you on a beginner, medium or advance level hike through the Sierra Pelona Mountains. You will have…
Each year the Los Angeles Business Journal recognizes prominent Latino-owned businesses and individuals based on their merits, success, and contributions to their communities.
The LA Journal gives out 5 business awards based on the size of the businesses, from small private to Large Public, plus an award for a Community Charitable Organization and finally their highest recognition, the Lifetime Achievement Award. Robert Reyes was nominated this year as a candidate to receive an award. Altogether, there were 45 nominees this year including all categories. We are happy to report Robert Reyes…
Evaluating Wine by Sight
I previously discussed wine tasting surroundings and avoiding unwanted smells. Your next step is to visually examine the wine; your glass should be about one-quarter full.
Look straight down into the glass, then hold the glass to the light, and finally, tilt the glass so the wine rolls toward the edge. This will allow you to see the wine’s complete color range. I recommend you do this by placing your glass in front of a piece of white paper so you can see it more clearly, this will…
This is the first in a series of short informative articles about wine tasting and wine evaluation. I will be offering some simple suggestions to help you enjoy and evaluate wine. These are suggestions you can immediately use in your wine tasting journey. I want to simplify the process and make it a fun learning experience rather than giving you a rigid set of rules to abide by. After all, wine is to be enjoyed…
I’m always amused when I go to events or to someone’s house and
they have a cheese course. I often see cheeses that don’t pair really well with certain wines.
Cheese is a lot like wine, they both have aromas, flavors and other
nuances that are very similar. Cheese is perfect either as a starter or a dessert course. Pick a wine like a Chardonnay, one that is a little herbal and slightly fruity like Reyes 2010 Chardonnay. This wine pairs well with a variety of cheeses such as goat cheese rolled in Lavender…
2014 Sunset Magazine International Wine Competition
SILVER MEDAL Syrah, Estate Grown, Sierra Pelona Valley 2011
2014 LA International Wine Comp
SILVER MEDAL Port, Agua Dulce Delight, Sierra Pelona Valley
SILVER MEDAL Syrah, Estate Grown, Sierra Pelona Valley 2011
BRONZE MEDAL Dry Red Blend, Julia’s Blend, California 2011
BRONZE MEDAL Dessert Wine, Sweet Serenity, Muscat Sierra Pelona Valley 2009
2014 OC Fair
GOLD MEDAL Dessert Wine, Agua Dulce Delight, Sierra Pelona Valley
BRONZE MEDAL Syrah, Estate Grown, Sierra Pelona Valley 2011
BRONZE MEDAL Proprietary Red, Robby’s Blend, California 2011
BRONZE…
Who will be joining me for “Paella Day at Reyes Winery”
Hosted by Le Chene and the Santa Clarita Wine Enthusiasts
May 17, 2014 at 1pm
$40 per person, purchase tickets at http://www.reyeswinery.com/events
It includes lunch, 2 glasses of wine, a tasting flight of 5 wines, and a tour of the vineyard.
Come and enjoy and afternoon and Reyes Winery enjoying Paella and listening to an amazing guitarist, The Latin Neon while sipping award winning wines.
Third Annual Sierra Pelona Valley Wine Festival
Mission Statement Our mission is to produce the best quality wines in Los Angeles County by having a high standard of care and focusing on every phase of production. This passion for perfection will ensure that once consumers taste our wines, they'll know the quality and craftsmanship that goes into every bottle of Reyes Wines. (Our collection of 100 medals and awards as of June 2017 is a testament to our mission to be the best)
10262 Sierra Hwy, Santa Clarita, CA 91390, USA
(661) 268 1865
