It's no problem to buy good wines in the Fort Wayne area. An excellent wine can be part of the art of living well. Around Fort Wayne, even grocery stores such as Meier's and Scott's sell large selections of wines from around the world. If you have your favorite spirit shop, try it as well.
Even if you don't drink alcohol, or don't really like wine, you might sometimes want to have it around to serve to guests. I like wines from all over - Malbecs from Argentina, Tempranillos from Spain, Champagne from France - go can never go wrong with a bottle of classic Moet & Chandon. There's also no need to buy a more expensive champagne - unless you're really into it.
My favorites, however, are from Paso Robles, California, along the beautiful central coastal area. "The pass through the oaks" is gorgeous hilly country, breathtaking with green ridges and ocean vistas. There are more than 70 wineries open in this area now, all starting with the original Mission San Miquel Archangel in 1797.
Foggy air, temperature extremes, and the land between the San Andreas fault and the Pacific Ocean make perfect growing conditions for the vines. Wines from here challenge the best from France and anywhere in the world - and are also as good as those from Napa Valley. Here are a few, easy to find around Fort Wayne.
J.LOHR Winery - I've driven down the twisty, oak-lined roads that pass this lovely spot in the Keyes Canyon range. I love their Cabernet Savignon, their Merlot - any thing from this winery is good. $20 or so.
Estancia - Delicious wines, all. Is this word Spanish for "Stacy?" I'll pretend it is and think of some fiery Mexican- Californian princess. Ok - so of course it means 'estate' - wine/cattle ranch. Cabernet Savignon or Zinfandel, can't be beat.
Meridian - A good, all purpose wine and you can probably find these to be less expensive than the ones listed above. The Syrah and Cabernet are my favorites. I have not been to their tasting room but it's right along the main highway to the coast, 46 East, seven miles west of 101.
These are also excellent if you can find them where you are:
York Mountain Winery - Est. 1n 1882, it's in a lovely location off Hwy. 46 on York Mountain Road. You can sit under shady sycamore trees and smell the breeze from the nearby ocean. They have good Pinot Noir, Zinfandel and Chardonnay. This one may be a little more expensive, but worth it.
Peachy Canyon Winery - My brother-in-law, who seriously collects wine, likes this winery a lot. They refer to themselves as a small, world class family specializing in Zinfandel, Cabernet Savignon and Merlot.
Justin Winery - they have a hip wine and cheese bar, and you can tour their extensive wine caves.
Some other central coast or Napa area wines that I like and are worth mentioning:
Clos Du Bois - this is a delicious, fragrant wine. I come back to the 'Clos' over and over.
Beringer - of the famous family, wine and otherwise. Also good for being on the less expensive end.
Gnarly Head - they have great old vine Zinfandel. Not expensive - maybe $10 or so? You're hippy friends will like it and dig the artsy label.
and finally - a good sparkling wine choice from Spain - you know you can't call it Champagne unless it comes from France.
Freixenet, cordon negro brut. Great chilled and straight up, or made as a cocktail. You, know, a mimosa made with orange juice, or mixed with a shot of Cointreau. These are delicious, but deceptively powerful. It would be easy to overdo, so pay attention, or you'll drink too much just because it's so tasty.
That's enough for now for you to stock your wine bar. Hey, it's about drinking what you like - if you enjoy it, then it's a good wine. Just no three-buck Chuck for me. (Come on, you guys, $3 Charles Shaw grog). Salut!
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