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THE BEST TASTING ROOMS
Jepson
Vineyards
10400 So. Highway 101
Ukiah, CA 95482, U.S.A.
(800) 516-7342 fax (707) 468-0362
Tucked in the rolling hills of Mendocino County, just north of
sleepy little Hopland, California, lies a rare gem of a winery.
Combining a fabulous tasting room with genuinely friendly service
and excellent wines, Jepson Vineyards provides Northern California
travelers and wine tasters a grand tasting experience.
This
family Estate winery is comfortably small, but has all the amenities
of a larger commercial winery, including a wide variety of award
winning wines, gourmet foods, and wine accessories for purchase.
They offer wines in a variety of styles from dry, buttery whites to
big, full reds, with several delightfully lighter wines, champagne,
and excellent dessert wines.
Jepson also has a little trick up its sleeve- Estate Brandy! Not
only can you taste their classically styled wines, but afterwards,
they offer several boutique-style brandies to fit your taste and
wallet.
Among
our favorites were:
1999 Chardonnay: A truly classic wine in all its aspects. Apples
and pear with hints of toast and spice blend seamlessly with a big,
buttery start. Perfectly balanced acidity and a long, supple finish
make this a rare treat.
Rating:
3+
2000 Syrah: This is one of the most complex red wines I have had
the joy to taste in a long while. A spicy cherry/blackberry aroma is
followed by dark cherry and jam flavors, with notes of coffee,
chocolate, and hints of cedar and smoked ham. These are carried on a
velvety tannin frame that is both intense and long finished.
Rating 3+
Estate Philosophy
Jepson's philosophy has been to produce wines and brandies grown
only in their estate vineyards. They believe their wines should
showcase the unique characteristics of the vineyards, while building
upon the classical interpretations of each varietal. Jepson is the
only remaining North American winery producing Estate-grown wines,
champagne and brandy.
Fred Bellows, Jepson's Chief Viticulturist has been with the Jepson
Estate since it's beginning. Each of Jepson's harvests are rich with
flavorful fruit components and mineral notes that express the unique
growing conditions found on the Jepson Estate Vineyards.
Jepson uses a "sustainable agriculture" approach to grape growing,
emphasizing ecologically balanced organic solutions to vineyard
management. They minimize the use of herbicides and pesticides to
increase the "natural balance" of the vineyards, resulting
consistently high quality.
Jepson's Head Winemaker Alison Schneider joined the winery in 2000
after a very successful career with De Loach Vineyards in Sonoma
County, California. Her experience with creating world-class white
and red wines has dramatically impacted the style and quality of
Jepson's wines, placing them in the top of their class in all the
wines they produce.
Ms. Schneider began her career at DeLoach in 1993 as a Production
Coordinator before being promoted to Assistant Winemaker in 1996
followed by a rapid promotion to Winemaker in 1998. Ms. Schneider's
distinguished career in winemaking began in 1990 at Chateau St.
Michelle in Seattle, Washington. Extensive experience working with
both red and white varietals makes her a tremendous asset and
welcome addition to Jepson's winemaking efforts.
Jepson's tasting room is open 10-5 daily.
Jepson Vineyards
10400 So. Highway 101
Ukiah, CA 95482, U.S.A.
(800) 516-7342 fax (707) 468-0362
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