California boasts 4,200 bonded wineries and produces more than 240 million cases of wine each year from more than 100 grape varieties. Of those varieties, the most important white grape is Chardonnay and the fourth-most popular red is now Pinot Noir; both grapes are the basis of all fine Burgundies.
This was not always so in California. When the state first began to broaden and upgrade the grape varieties planted, it looked to France’s Bordeaux region, and Cabernet Sauvignon became the state’s red grape of preference followed by Merlot, another Bordeaux grape. But a few winemakers, looking beyond warm Napa Valley, homed in on a number of cooler winegrowing areas in Sonoma County, Napa’s much larger neighbor to the west and closer to the ocean, where vineyards feature climates far more amenable to Burgundy-born varietals.
Steve MacRostie was one of those winemakers. “In the early years of my career, in the ’80s, I began to notice something special about Chardonnay and Pinot Noir made from grapes near the maritime influence of San Francisco Bay,” he said. After working in other California wineries for some years, he established MacRostie Winery and Vineyards, his own Sonoma winery, in 1987, and began making Chardonnay, adding Pinot Noir in 1992. His first wines were produced from grapes grown by Sonoma growers. A few years later, he bought a mountainside ranch in Sonoma, the Wildcat Mountain Vineyards, which became the basis of his winery’s grape program. It was not long before the name MacRostie became synonymous with some of California’s best Burgundy-style wines.
Tasting a few MacRostie wines shows why they deserve the reputation. His Russian River Valley Chardonnay 2018, for one, is a highly appealing, fragrant, vibrant wine with a hint of toastiness. His Pinot Noir 2017 offers lovely fruit flavors, a medium-full body and layers of pleasure. And his Russian River Valley Pinot Noir Rosé 2019 presents a deep pink color and rich fruit tones with a crisp finish and lingering flavors.
“When I started, my goal was to specialize in Chardonnay and Pinot from Sonoma’s chillier coastal sites,” he said. He felt they were the best regions for Burgundy-style wines.
Time has proven him right.
Read This Next
Introducing
FX Excursions
FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.
#globility
Insta FeedDaily
Jun 22, 20216 Reasons to Put Panama City, Panama, on Your Travel List
As the vaccine rolls out and travel begins to pick up, it’s time to start dreaming of your next trip. Here’s some destination inspiration for you. Take a visual journey through Panama City with us.
Daily
Jun 22, 2021Boca Raton Resort & Club Announces New Partnership
Boca Raton Resort & Club recently announced a new partnership with Major Food Groups, creating one of the best culinary destinations in the United States. Major Food Groups is the company behind some of the hottest restaurants, including Carbone, The Grill and Parm. This partnership will launch multiple dining concepts as part of the resort's $150 million transformation.
Daily
Jun 21, 2021The Franklin London Launches Afternoon Tea Inspired by Victoria & Albert Museum’s “Alice: Curiouser and Curiouser”
The Franklin London – Starhotels Collezione, located in the heart of Knightsbridge, launched a new afternoon tea inspired by the “Alice: Curiouser and Curiouser” exhibit at the nearby Victoria & Albert Museum. Diners booking the tea also have the option to book an offer including a pre-reserved ticket to the in-demand exhibition.
Sponsored Content
SPIA 2021 Winners Crowned at Gala Ceremony at W Hotel, Palm Jumeirah
The Sports Industry Awards returned with a bang last night as 200 guests packed the W Hotel Great Ball Room for the gala ceremony.
LGBTQ+
Jun 18, 2021Show Your Pride with Essentia Cocktails
Pride Month is in full swing and to celebrate the community, make a colorful cocktail everyone will enjoy. These colorful ingredients will get the party started during Pride or any time of the year. Start this recipe the night before to create the rainbow ice cubes.
Up Norway Sustainable Tour: The Discovery Route
Norway
Jun 17, 2021Marriott Dallas Uptown Review
eFlyer Reviews
Jun 16, 2021Tripadvisor Plus Officially Launches
eFlyer News
Jun 16, 2021Earn Up to Three Free Nights with Wyndham
eFlyer Deals
Jun 16, 2021eFlyer Deals
Jun 16, 2021Harmony at Hotel San Luis Obispo
Hotel San Luis Obispo partners with Harmony Cellars for the SLO in Harmony offer. The offer includes 15 percent off a two-night stay Sunday–Thursday, a complimentary wine tasting for two at Harmony Cellars, club member discounts at the winery for the day and the opportunity to explore the town of Harmony, California, population of 18 and located 30 miles from San Luis Obispo. Book online.
Sponsored Content
Sports Industry Awards returns to Dubai’s Palm Jumeirah for 8th Edition
The biggest names in the Middle East sporting community will gather for the Sports Industry Awards as the event returns for its eighth edition. SPIA recognizes the achievements of individuals, organizations, facilities and campaigns that contributed to the development of sport in the region.
eFlyer Deals
Jun 16, 2021Vitamin Sea, D & Me at Westin Resort & Spa Puerto Vallarta
Enjoy additional perks at Westin Resort & Spa Puerto Vallarta, on Mexico’s Pacific Coast, with the Vitamin Sea, D & Me offer. Rates begin at $130 per night, including complimentary breakfast daily, a healthy starter at Arrecifes Restaurant, one poke bowl and one drink at El Palmar Restaurant. The use of one beachside pergola per stay is also included. The offer is valid on stays through Dec. 21, and use code S5706 to book.
ShareThis