Blackstone Winery – Sonoma

Not too many moons ago, those wishing to try Blackstone Winery wines would have to consult their maps and head for the tiny hamlet of Graton in western Sonoma County. Wine tasting premises were shared with a couple of other wineries, and while the building was quaint and beautifully restored, there was no winery to tour, or winemaker to meet.


All of that changed when Pacific Wine Partners, owners of the winery, completed renovation of the tasting room at the original St. Francis Winery in Kenwood, which they had purchased in 2000, and opened its very own facility to the public. Tasting is free, and membership in the Black Magic Wine Club is encouraged, not only for the quarterly wine shipments, but also for the generous discounts and two great private parties. Those interested can find out about the club and fill out an application to join at the winery website: www.blackstonewinery.com

Winemaker Dennis Hill is ecstatic about his first reserve bottling – the 2000 Merlot Reserve – and is anticipating future Reserves and some limited releases of varieties new to the winery, such as Pinot Gris and Viognier. There are three rankings of Blackstone wines. At the top, selling in the $28 range are the Reserves. The Prestige Wines group, in the middle, is composed of north coast appellation wines, such as the Mendocino Syrah and Napa Valley Merlot, and the Winemaker Select Series in the $10 to $12 price category includes Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Zinfandel.

Tasting hours at the winery are 10:00 am till 4:30 pm, and visitors who are pacing themselves might want to be sure to make their first three sips the Reserve Merlot, the 2000 Syrah and the 2001 Malvasia Bianca which are only available at the winery.

Blackstone Winery is located at 8450 Highway 12, Kenwood in the Sonoma Valley. The number to call for information is 707-833-1999. There is also a Blackstone Winery tasting room in Monterey County at 800 South Alta Street, Gonzales. Open hours are 11:00 am till 4:00 pm. For information call 831-675-5341.

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