Rustic Charm and Grapevines: Big Dog Vineyards' Quaint Farmhouse Escape
"Amidst the golden hues of autumn, the vineyard's embrace echoes the symphony of rustling leaves, where every sip of wine is a blend of the season's warmth and the vine's whispered tales." ~ Anonymous
When stepping into a winery, I seek the delight in unexpected details, savoring each moment as a new and unique experience. No visit to a winery is ordinary; every property possesses its distinct allure inviting you back each time. It's a perpetual journey of discovery and delight.
I received a gracious invitation from the owners of Big Dog Vineyards for a pre-Thanksgiving event, marking my first visit to this charming locale despite its close proximity to my home. Excitement bubbled within me as I anticipated exploring a new gem nearby.
Strolling along the pathway towards the entrance, I sensed they'd discovered a hidden treasure. Nestled away from the busy freeways of the Bay Area, the location boasted perfection. The picturesque landscape at the front of the property, offering a breathtaking vista of the Bay Area, hinted to me an epic sunset later that afternoon.
Towards the rear of the property, the festivities unfolded on their patio and outdoor tasting area. The ambiance was set as Kristen Foreman, a rising country music star, strummed her guitar, gracing us with the gift of her mesmerizing voice. Her melodies resonated, adding a harmonious layer to the already enchanting surroundings.
I selected my flight of wines for tasting, secured some exciting food offerings, and located my designated table, eager to settle in and savor the experience ahead.
The culinary delights came from Bear Bitez, a company nestled in Newark, CA, known for their innovative take on the classic hamburger. Their creations proved to be a delightful match for my red wine flight, exciting my taste buds with their deliciousness. Notably, the thyme potato chips stood out, adding an extra layer of fantastic flavor to the overall experience.
I received yet another gracious invitation to explore the interior of the property at my leisure, granting me the opportunity to wander through each room at my own pace. It felt like stepping into a wonderland made for photography enthusiasts. The seamless fusion of rustic and posh interior design elements presented me with a dream photoshoot. The natural light in each area was a spectacle in itself, a captivating feature worthy of appreciation and enjoyment.
Upon entering through the front door of the property, a cozy sitting area welcomed me on the left, while directly ahead stood a pool table and lounge area. Beyond the pool table, the space opened up to reveal a tasting bar accompanied by individual tasting tables, inviting guests to indulge in a delightful wine-tasting experience.
In this room, a window offers a breathtaking view of the Bay Area, allowing the sun's gentle rays to cascade into the space, enveloping it in a comforting warmth, an ideal embrace on this crisp autumn day.
This photo easily secures its spot among my top three captures from the property.
While utilizing this chance to capture content and spotlight my visit, I reminded myself of the importance to simply pause, relish the solitude, and bask in this moment of peace.
For many, 2023 has marked a significant return to embracing as much normalcy as possible in their lives.
For some, 2023 has posed challenges that surpass the difficulties experienced in the past three years combined.
I strive never to overlook the precious gift of life bestowed upon us, reminding myself constantly to pause, reflect, and express gratitude to God for this incredible blessing.
This picture will forever serve as a poignant reminder of that heartfelt and precious "thank you" I offered in gratitude.
As you walk to the other side of the house, a magnificent wooden staircase catches your eye, leading upstairs before you proceed across the room to reach the "Groom's Room".
The lighting in this room is undeniably stunning, but hold on until you see what awaits in the next room!
As I return to the staircase and ascend upstairs to the "Bride's Suite," my initial reaction was, "Can I have another wedding just to enjoy this room?".
Imagine yourself in your wedding dress, brimming with anticipation and joy, seated by this window, lost in daydreams about the beautiful future ahead.
Seated in this chair, I envisioned the room bustling with joyous laughter and perhaps a few tears, as the bridal party prepared for that extraordinary walk down the aisle, creating cherished memories before the big moment.
I imagined the picturesque wall served as a perfect backdrop for capturing stunning photographs of the dresses as they hung elegantly, each one adding to the charm of the scene.
I relished every moment in this room, savoring its blend of simple yet sophisticated beauty, creating a desire within me to linger and not rush my departure.
Heading downstairs, I made the choice to explore the front of the property, eager to soak in the refreshing ambiance of the crisp fall day.
The porch provides the perfect spot to unwind with a glass of wine while relishing the picturesque view.
I was advised not to miss witnessing the sunset on the property under any circumstance.
I'm thrilled that I opted to stay and immerse myself in the complete experience.
During this breathtaking sunset, I joyously witnessed a heartwarming scene: a family capturing pictures of their dog against the backdrop of the setting sun, soon attracting other dogs eager to join. Strangers became acquaintances as these dogs gathered, resulting in a spontaneous and memorable group photo of their furry companions with the stunning sunset as a backdrop.
This vineyard experience was truly exceptional and will hold a cherished place in my memories. Every aspect of the property exudes thoughtful design. It strikes a perfect balance, offering a welcoming ambiance that appeals to both the casual wine drinker with its simplicity and rustic charm, while also captivating the wine enthusiast with its touch of sophistication and elegance.
The Wine
Rest assured, I didn't overlook the most crucial aspect of the winery—the wine!
Opting for the Red Wine Flight since I attended the event solo, I typically order both flights when tasting with others, allowing us to share sips and explore a wider variety together. It's a great way to savor and experience all the offerings the winery has to offer.
Check out my spin on the tasting notes below:
2018 Santa Cruz Pinot Noir: This wine holds a special place as their favorite Thanksgiving selection, offering a sublime pairing with turkey and cranberry sauce. However, its charm transcends the holiday as we find ourselves indulging in its delightful flavors on sunny afternoons throughout the year!
2018 Montage (Red Blend): The Montage blend comprises 67% Merlot, 17% Malbec, and 16% Cabernet Franc, resulting in a wine with a subtle leathery note and a bright fruit aroma. Its palate offers a smooth experience, bursting with flavors of red cherry, mulberry, and comforting warm baking spices.While it shines beautifully when enjoyed by itself, it also pairs exceptionally well with dishes such as pizza and pastas featuring a red sauce base. For those seeking a touch of sweetness, try it alongside a warm cherry pie for a delightful dessert pairing!
2017 Santa Cruz Merlot: This wine exudes richness, boasting ripe cherry, raspberry, and blueberry flavors, culminating in a delightful chocolatey finish. It defies stereotypes with its subtle fruitiness, presenting a friendly texture that's approachable and absolutely delicious. For a more complex experience with smoky, layered notes of tobacco and earth, consider letting it age for a few more years to unveil its full potential.
2018 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon: This wine bursts with the flavors of black cherry and baked raspberry, exuding a subtle spicy aroma of clove complemented by a delightful chocolatey texture. Its ripe and bold tannins deliver a decadent mouthfeel, leading to a lingering finish. While they anticipate its peak around 2024, that doesn't dampen their enthusiasm for its current appeal, especially when paired perfectly!This robust wine deserves an equally robust meal. Consider pairing it with braised short ribs or beef tenderloin, particularly with a fruit-based reduction, for a lavish and deeply satisfying dining experience. If seeking simpler yet equally delightful options, meatballs, sharp cheddar, or aged Gouda make excellent companions to this exquisite wine.
It is my sincere hope that you will find yourself visiting the vineyard soon!
If you want to meet the amazing owners, just ask if Narges and Arash are around. You can tell them that Deborah sent you or you came because of Deborah's blog post!
I know they would love to welcome you to their property!
All my best to you and your family this Holiday season!
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I so love the writing, beautiful picture painted with your words.