In Alexander Valley, you get a feeling quickly that you are surrounded by agriculture. The 90-degree turns outlining vineyards. The stop and the, “You’re getting close” signs. Then, right before one more perpendicular turn, there it was. Welcome to Trentadue.
Wait. Hold up. Where’s the winery? At Trentadue, you’re in the vineyards, which means you have to travel another few minutes down a relatively paved road flanked by vineyards. If you’ve got your GPS on, you can at least rest assured that you’re on the right path.
Parking is even between the vines, further letting you know that you’re at a winery. As I got out, I noticed a couple sitting outside, enjoying their wine while one of the staff poured for them, tableside. As I walked past them, the soft sound of a fountain bubbled, breaking the almost still, crisp sound of quietness. The tranquillity percolated, and I was ready to taste some wine.
Walking into the tasting room, you at first have to open one of two very large doors. After unconsciously realizing the size of said doors, you’re immediately at the tasting counter. Don’t worry about looking around; you can’t miss it.
After exchanging pleasantries with the staff, I was thirsty and ready to give their lineup a try. Just what the body needed to get started, sparkling—I mean California Champagne. Yes. You heard me right. Good old-fashioned grandfathered-in-before-2006 authentic California Champagne.
For all of those out there who think you can’t call Champagne, Champagne, you’re not wrong. Well, after 2006, that is (technically after September 15th, 2005, but I digress). The U.S. dodged a treaty back from 1891 whereby we were inherently exempt from the rule of prohibiting all sparkling wine outside of the Champagne region from labeling it as Champagne. Long story short, Trentadue’s got the grandfathered right to call their bubbly, California Champagne. And they do. And it’s good. A fantastic start to a lineup.
The tasting continued with a Chardonnay that runs as far away as possible from typical Chardonnay. More Chablis style. Great mouthfeel, pleasant, and for those who are anti-oak fans, you’re in luck. There’s a touch, but not enough to make you turn away.
The tasting then continued through the reds, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Sangiovese, and Malbec. All were well-rounded, approachable, and left me wanting more. But I was yearning for another name in the wine world with questionable naming rights. Oh hi there, Port. How you doing?
For the final wine on the tasting sheet, I was presented with a handful of Ports to choose from. Technically, in order to call a wine a Port (or as I say, Port Port), the grapes (and specific grapes at that) have to come from the Douro Valley of Portugal. That being said, there’s nothing against making wine in the Port style, which Trentadue does in a few different ways.
How does one choose from a delectable selection of dessert wines? I have no idea, but I had to choose. Internally, I wanted to say all of them. But I refrained and chose one—Zinfandel. Zin in a Port style is just harmonious. I’m sure there’s a reason behind that, but you can’t go wrong with a Zinfandel-based Port. And Trentadue’s doesn’t disappoint.
Earlier in the tasting, I was presented with a complimentary little charcuterie plate: cheese, meat, crackers, olives, and some chocolate nuggets. My advice: save the chocolate. It ended up being a joyous complement to the Port.
The other Ports offered were in the style of Viognier (pronounced vee-own-yay), Merlot, Petite Sirah, and chocolate. The latter one was tempting, to say the least. Chocolate and chocolate Port? That does sound heavenly.
I opted to stand at the tasting counter for my wine tasting, but there are plenty of comfy chairs and outside seating arrangements if you want to sit, relax, and take in all that Trentadue has to offer.
The road in is a welcoming reminder that you’re in wine country. Take in the scenery and enjoy the wines that could have been picked literally around the parking lot. Just don’t hit the vines on your way out. An unintentional PSA to drink responsibly.