Day Six: October 10th: Good-Bye Pelican Cove Inn, Arron Hill Vineyards, Ancient Peaks Winery and Vintners Harvest at Rancho Sisquoc
Good-bye Pelican Cove Resort----So Long Paso Robles!
Before we knew it, morning came and we were out in the misty fog that this area experiences and trying to take pictures. Greg and I took advantage of the buffet breakfast that the Pelican Cove Inn supplied and I also took a look at the wines that the Inn had in stock.
These wines that had the Pelican Cove label, were made by Castoro Cellars of Paso Robles. They have fine Chardonnays, Pinot Noir, Cabernet, Pinot Grigio, Cabernet and much more. We actually had a wine tasting just before dinner yesterday and the wines were quite inviting. But, all good things----! We had to leave. We were to meet Chris at the local Starbucks Coffe at the junction of Hwys 46 and 102 South to go to Ancient Peaks Winery. On our way, we made several stops.
Yah Never Know When You Gotta Shoot!
It wasn't long before we came to a very spectacular formation of fog/mist that seemed stratified just over the valley. Greg had to shoot this and I knew full well that these shots do not come all the time. After this shot, we continued on only to come up to another formation, this time right in front of us. We shot that. What Greg really wanted was a shot of the fog hovering over the vineyards. This we got just up the road from where we stopped yet again to take pictures. Our final shooting was came as we were travelling towards the meeting place and we saw pickers harvesting grapes. We stopped and this turned out to be a bonanza for us since we met the owner of Arron Hill Vineyard with a crew picking Zinfandel. We learned that the picking was being done very quickly since rain was well on the way. The vineyard had been hit by frost the night before but it had not done any true damage. We got a great deal of footage and then were off to meet Christopher for our trip to Ancient Peaks.
Ancient Peaks Winery
Located in the town of Santa Magarita and on the southernmost tip of Paso Robles was the unique winery of Ancient Peaks. The vineyard lay amid the Santa Lucia mountain range and just 14 miles from the Pacific Ocean. The land that the winery is on was planted with vines by the Franciscan Missionaries in 1774. It also had a deep history concerning Native Americans and Mexican Rancheros. Owner Doug Filipponi met us at the tasting room.
On the property was the remnants of a Franciscan Mission that has somehow evaded a over 200 years of earthquakes, fires and other destructive forces. Though just a shell of what it was, the mission still retained an air of elegance and pride. Who knows, someday, it may be restored to its former glory. The ranch itself was part of the original Mission Trail of Father Juniper Serra and the shell that remains was the submission now known as "Asistencia". The ranch is now owned by three wine making families who frequently bring guests from the tasting room to view their treasures.
Very close by, were the "hobby" trains of one of the winery owners. These, however, were not just model trains. They were full sized restored and "about to be restored" railway cars that once belonged to the Disney corporation in the 1950's and 60's. One definitely was not a Disney car but one that belonged to the President of a South American Country over 100 years ago. I guess in those days that was travelling in style. Seems that there were some Secret Service Agents who travelled similarly in a movie called "Wild Wild West!" The trains cost a staggering amount of money to restore but with almost two miles of rail road track layed down for use, I guess it would be worth it. Also on the property were old steam powered tractors and crop harvesters. The history is amazing. A cattle ranch is also one of the attractions on this property. It seems that Doug is overseen the cattle ranch operations of what is one of the oldest cattle ranches in California.
Everything is done on a natural basis. As a matter of fact, the ranch has earned an Environmental Quality Incentives Program designation for implementation of agricultural production and environmental quality as compatible national goals. Because of this, Oak trees are proliferating on the grounds as are native grasses making a comeback thus reestablishing themselves around the grounds. This can only be a good thing.
Another thing that caught my eye were the hawks, vultures and crows up overhead. They followed us very carefully. It was mentioned that the ground squirrels were sometimes culled to save the vines and the birds kept an eye on the humans below with the anticipation of a very easy meal.
Regardless, the birds are plentiful. Doug, spoke to me of a fight he saw between a Red Tailed hawk and an Golden eagle. The hawk kept on diving on the eagle but the eagle kept on going on its back trying to snatch the hawk. Doug never did say who won. I would put my bet on the eagle but you never know!!!
Rancho Santa Margarita Vineyard
The first thing noticed when one approached the vineyard were the peaks of the Santa Lucia Mountains that frame the SW border of the vineyard. The vineyard itself was just full of fossilized oyster shells which added tremendous amounts of nutrients and minerals to the soil. The sheltering mountains and the intermingling Pacific breezes gave a variety of terroirs to the vineyard allowing for a wide variety of grapes to be grown in various areas of the vineyard.
The vineyards themselves were well kept and even though the frost had hit some, most looked healthy. The pickers were rapidly picking grapes and both Greg and I were amazed at the speed of these people. The grapes looked exceedingly healthy and tasted so very good.
Wines At The Tasting Room
After our vineyard visit, we went to the tasting room for a taste of Ancient Peaks Wines. I was full of anticipation as to what the wines had in them!
Ancient Peaks Cabernet Sauvignon
Excellent nose with cassis, black currant/black fruit flavours and some vanilla spice. On the palate it has deep ripe blackberry/blackcherry flavours with some pepper spice and lovely lenghty finish.
Ancient Peaks Zinfandel
On the nose ripe red and black fruit with a bit of vanilla spice. On the palate: Much flavoured. Raspberry and black berry with a touch of plum. Black Cherry completes the picture. The finish is very long, with black pepper and a slight anise smell/taste.
Ancient Coast Oyster Ridge
I wonder why the name Oyster Ridge is used here. I am just being funny since the oyster name is very appropos. A big wine! A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Petite Sirah, Syrah and Zinfandel, this wine has a nose that is floral and fruity with black fruit all the way. There is a touch of smoke toastiness and cedar in the aromatic mix. On the palate, dark berries, chocolate and coffee with a lingering finish of anise spice. A truly great wine that will become ancient if one can resist its taste now.
All in all, it was a great day.We enjoyed our stay with Ancient Peaks Winery and of course Pelican Cove Inn.
Now it was time to make our way back to Santa Maria and Foxen Canyon Road to attend the Vintners Harvest at Rancho Sisquoc and the Vintners Harvest. Where we made aquaintances or saw the following wineries. Terravent, Fess Parker, Zaca Mesa, Andrew Murray, Demetria, Riverbench, Nadia, Gainey, Persidio, Sanford, Huber and Lafond. We also made too much of an acquaintance with many food distributors and wondered if all the food and wine matched with the wine was a bit too fine for us! We stayed and shot some film scenes and then before we knew it was time to go. The event was a big success and it was one of the that I had ever attended. What made it good were the people such as publicist Christopher Weir and his lovely wife. Chris and I go way back to when I first started filming in this area and his dedication, competence and knowledge kept me coming back. Thanks Chris!!
End of Day Six
posted by Chuck Byers - Wine Consultant | 4:41 AM
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