Mt. Vernon; Auburn, CA: Packed, as usual, nothing new from the last visit.  The ‘father’ winemaker was un-inviting (everyone was referred to as `kids`), making it seem like he only cared about the ‘wine writer’, opening new bottles for him to try, while ‘wine club’ members got to drink the end of the opened bottles.  Tried to ask him what he thought about other regional wineries, but he was unfamiliar with atleast one (Solune, Nevada County).  Didn’t buy anything, just picked up our ‘wine club’ which consisted of three bottles.

Viña Castellano; Auburn, CA: Hadn’t been to this winery, but had seen some local advertising on 49@Bell Road about this winery.  Their tasting room is in the ‘Cave’, which also houses most (from what we saw) of their barrels.  They have netting over their grapes (assumed to keep the birds off).  We started off with Red’s, and Viña Castellano’s 2004 Tempranillo, a nice wine with a smooth finish.  We went through their offering of the day, and decided to become a ‘wine club’ member (which was free to join), then our glasses were ‘upgraded’, and we could ‘resample’ any of the wines, so we retried the ’04 Tempranillo and the ’05 Syrah ~ yummy stuff.  (bought 3 bottles, an ’04 and ’05 Tempranillo, and ’05 Syrah)

Sierra Knolls Winery; Grass Valley; The owners were there today, we’d met two of them at the Nevada County Fair yesterday.  Some very good wines, very friendly people, a nice propert and warm and wonderful setting.  Gathered up a case of Sangiovese for $99 (+tax) and 5 other bottles (3 of which were my favorite Barbera which I tried at the Fair).

Now I’m sitting here enjoying a bottle (with help) of the Sangiovese, and enjoying writing this review.

On a bitter note, the grain we picked up to feed our cattle from ‘Echo Valley Ranch’ has bugs.  We’ve cut back (thousands of dollars) on our feed from this retailer, obviously because of the bugs, but also because 15 minutes down the hill we can save HUNDREDS of dollars on price for BETTER quality feed.  Speaking of which I can hear them bah’ing and moo’ing for dinner, so until next time!  Peace.