Vineyard Devastation and a New Path Forward

Our vineyard, a labor of love for years, faced a heartbreaking setback this season. For nearly a month, deer relentlessly devoured the tender new growth of our vines. Despite our exhaustive efforts—hourly ATV patrols into the late hours, scattering deterrent scents and aromas, and even firing warning shots with a shotgun—the deer persisted. The result…

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How Terroir Affects Wine

When looking at wine regions, it is important to note that no two are exactly the same. There can be numerous differences even between vineyards in close proximity to one another. What makes every vineyard unique is its terroir, a French word meaning “sense of place.” Terroir is a term that identifies the environmental conditions,…

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Understanding Tannin in Wine

There are many components that join together to create the unique flavors in a glass of wine. Tannins are one of the chemical compounds that are present in wine. These molecules can also be found in tea, dark chocolate, and pomegranates. Knowing what tannins are and how they influence the way wine tastes can help…

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A Beginner’s Guide to Wine Terminology

When you’re first getting involved in the world of wine, it can be overwhelming to try to understand the different words used to describe wine and the process of making it. At our tasting rooms, we have a laid-back environment and we believe that the most important characteristic of wine is simply whether or not…

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Varietal Spotlight: Cabernet Franc

Although our winery specializes in Spanish wines, other varietals can also thrive in Sonoita’s complex terroir. These include French wines such as Cabernet Franc, which is sometimes simply called Cab Franc. This is one of the most popular red wines in the world and its herbaceous notes create an intriguing and enticing flavor. Wilhelm Family…

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The Basics of Wine Sweetness

Everyone has slightly different preferences when it comes to wine. There are five basic characteristics of wine: sweetness, acidity, tannins, alcohol, and body. Sweetness is one of the easiest to identify and many people have a strong preference for sweet vs dry wine. Understanding wine sweetness can help you more easily describe and find your…

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