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| The vineyard house |
We always have a great time at Milagro Farm in the Ramona Valley, but this weekend we were in for a special treat: a guided, golf-cart-propelled tour of the 110-acre property. Well tended rows of vines grow among rock formations, stands of olive trees, ponds, and some impressive man-made structures.
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| The house overlooks a healthy pond |
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| So many choices |
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We finally met a wild turkey. People tell us they're really not elusive.
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| Entrance to the cave |
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| Tony's incredible stonework |
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| The greenhouse |
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| Vintage 2012 in the making |
There's a rose bush at the end of every row of grapes because, as we learned from Kyle in the tasting room, roses and grapes are succeptible to the same diseases. At least sometimes the roses succumb first, warning the grape grower in time to apply a fungicide.
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| Master Guide Vicente |
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| Happy guests in the tasting room |
What's wonderful in the tasting room right now? The weather's warming up; a lot of guests were sipping slightly sweet Manzana de Milagro sparkling apple wine, crisp and grassy Sauvignon Blanc, or an exceptional dry Rosé of Cabernet Franc. But as usual we gravitated towards the reds, especially Sangiovese and Barbera. All of these estate-grown wines are vintage 2010. The Barbera won a gold medal at the 2012 Riverside International Wine Competition.
Milagro Farm Vineyards and Winery is open Fridays-Sundays 11-5. We don't promise you'll get a guided tour, but you will encounter some excellent wines and friendly people in a stunning setting.
