cambria

Winery

With the beginning of spring driving along Foxen Canyon Rd. in Santa Maria,CA you will enjoy the green pastures, with a sprinkle of wildflowers and wineries dotting the landscape with huge vineyards.

I wanted to give Cambria Winery a try first; it’s a little further out from the other wineries if you’re coming from the Los Angeles area.  I came upon Tepusquet Rd. which guided me to turn right to reach my destination. 

A few seconds later turning left and up the hill  I was immediately struck by the spectacular view over the vineyards.  Taking notice of the comfortable table and chairs just outside the tasting room.  My thoughts were what a wonderful way to enjoy wine tasting.  The sky was blue, the air clean and the vineyard with mountains in the background a time to relax after my long travel.  But that all changed once I entered the tasting room.

The tasting room at Cambria is just as inviting.  The lights were dimmed, without being too dark with a huge window behind the bar.  Over to the side was a fireplace with several leather chairs and a couch.  A wonderful look and feel which makes for a unique wine experience, more welcoming and less structured than the Napa wineries.

I was greeted warmly by the wine tasting associate; you could tell she thoroughly loved her job.   The tasting fee is $7.00 per person; does not include glass.  The tasting list that day was mostly Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.  There was an interesting Syrah-Tepusquet and Last Havest Viognier which I did not try.

 

 

cambria

Winery Cont.

First up, was the wine tasting associate’s favorite the 2007 Clone 95 Chardonnay, this Chardonnay has now become my favorite.  At $27.00 a bottle this wine has fantastic gentle aroma of fruity peach.   Pineapple and grapefruit came out during the tasting.  The fruits continued to linger in my palate.  This wine is a must have especially with spring here and summer just around the corner.

Next I enjoyed the 2006 Clone 20 Chardonnay, another lovely wine.  With the wonderful aromas of tangerine and pineapple which brought on anticipation for the palate.

Then went into the reds, all the while having a wonderful conversation with the associate discussing Cambria’s wines and winery.  The land was originally part of the Tepusquet Vineyard where vines were originally planted in 1970.  The current site for Cambria winery is currently owned by Barbara Banke.

I thoroughly enjoyed the flavors of their Pinot Noir ranging from cherries, strawberries, blueberries and even pomegranate.  The 2007 Barbara’s Pinot Noir was my favorite in the reds.  Full, rich texture with bountiful aromas of blueberry and mocha.

Each wine had incredible aromas which followed with pleasurable tastes on the palate. 

Cambria Winery is part of the California Central Coast Wine Region located at 5475 Chardonnay Lane, Santa Maria, CA; www.cambriawine.com