The new Yorkville Cellars
Our last visit to the Yorkville area had been in 2019. COVID struck and we missed going through this area the past two years. We were quite surprised to learn that one of our favorite hidden wineries has new owners. Yorkville Cellars began in the 1980’s and, apparently, the original owners decided it was time to live the retired life.
Not only did Yorkville Cellars get new owners, but also the tasting room has been completely refreshed. The structure has a new paint job, and the deck is newly decorated with comfortable seating. The tasting room is surrounded by Yorkville estate vineyards and stunning groves of Coastal Redwoods.
Also new in the tasting room are tasting fees. On our previous visit, there had been no fees. The tasting fee is now $20 a person, but the good news is that the fee is waived with a purchase of wine. We very much enjoyed the wines, so buying a few bottles worked for us. The entry level tasting fee includes two white wines and three red wines.
Yorkville Cellars was one of the first wineries in the area to go organic and sustainable. The new owners are intent on continuing this philosophy in their wine production. The wines are all excellent. Although the vineyards are estate, the winemaking is done in Redwood Valley at the Graziano facility.
Our wine tasting was low key and pleasant. The pace was slow and our host was friendly, informative, and mellow. It was a very enjoyable experience. We enjoyed all the wines, and we purchased the two white wines, Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon. We also purchased our favorite red of the tasting, the High Roller-Red which is a blend of 53% Zinfandel, 31% Malbec & 16% Petite Sirah. The Zin is not estate, but comes from the Redwood Valley where Zinfandel grapes thrive.
About ten minutes away to the west is the small town of Boonville, where the Anderson Valley begins. The Anderson Valley is Pinot Noir land, along with fantastic white Alsatian varieties. There are many wineries to visit in the Anderson Valley. But before you head off the Anderson Valley, there are two other wineries to consider in the Yorkville Highlands. We recommend Artevino/Maple Creek Winery and Meyers Family winery.
On our recent trip to this area we stayed in the town of Philo, lodging at The Madrones. We dined at the Wickson restaurant, which is adjacent to The Madrones. Happy travels!
