Description
The Contra Costa Winegrowers Association was founded to promote grape growing and wine production throughout the county, firmly establishing Contra Costa County as a premium wine producing region.
Contra Costa County is an AVA directly east of San Francisco Bay in California's Central Coast AVA. Once a prolific wine-growing region, the county is home to some century-old plantings of Zinfandel, Mourvedre and Carignane that produce rustic, earthy and leathery styles of red wine. The county sits on the edge of the San Francisco and Suisun bays at the entrance to where the Sacramento Delta begins to weave its way inland towards Lodi.
The quality soils of Contra Costa County are the defining feature of its terroir. Gnarled old vines were planted 100 years ago on deep, sandy soils that have restricted yields, particularly as the vines have aged. Deep and free-draining, the sand offers little resistance to wandering root systems, and the lack of water in the ground means that the vines produce small, concentrated berries with thick skins. This in turn leads to wines with firm tannins and excellent structure. Most of the vineyards are in the eastern part of the county, surrounding the towns of Brentwood and Oakley.
Contra Costa County has a hot climate, although this is moderated by the bays that border the area's northern side. Cool afternoon breezes from San Francisco and Suisun bays mean that the temperature drops at night, leading to a significant diurnal temperature shift. This cooling-off period means that the growing season is extended and grapes have more time to develop rich, complex flavors that do not come at the expense of acidity.
Contra Costa Vintners compete in various competitions throughout the year, below are some of the results from the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition 2018:
Bloomfield Vineyards:
2016 Devils Daughter White - Silver
2016 Pinot Grigio - Bronze
2016 Chardonnay - Silver
Campos Family Vineyards:
2016 Contra Costa Rose' - Bronze
2015 Contra Costa Gigi's Blend - Silver
2015 Cabernet Franc - Silver
2015 Petite Sirah - Bronze
2015 Barbera - Silver
2015 Zinfandel - Silver
Cline Cellars:
2015 Ancient Vines Carignane - Silver
2016 Ancient Vine Mourvedre - Silver
2015 Live Oak Zinfandel - Silver
2015 Big Break Zinfandel - Silver
2016 Ancient Vines Mourvedre Rose' - Bronze
Viano Vineyards:
2013 Petite Sirah - Silver
2014 Vintage Zinfandel Port - Double Gold
The following wines are included (22 bottles):
Bloomfield Vineyards: 2017 Chardonnay, 2016 Devils Daughter White ? you?ll also have a private tasting for two with Becky Bloomfield
Campos Family Vineyards: 2016 Barbera, 2017 Rose? ? you?ll also receive a tasting for two
Cline Cellars: 2017 Cashmere White, 2016 Cashmere Red
Viano Vineyards: 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon, 2014 Vintage Zinfandel Port ? tasting for two
Favalora Vineyards Winery: 2017 Rose?, 2015 Carignane, 2015 Late Harvest Zinfandel
Hannah Nicole Vineyards: 2017 Rose?, 2016 Red Meritage ? complimentary tasting for two and, depending upon timing, two tickets to a performance of their Concert Series
Newberry Vineyard: 2013 and 2014 Mourvedre?
Petersen Vineyards: 2015 Diablo Sunset Red, 2015 Petite Sirah, 2015 Zinfandel ? tasting for two
Tamayo Family Vineyards: 2017 Rose?, 2010 Brooklyn?s Block Petite Sirah ? tasting for two
Wedl Wine Cellars: 2013 and 2014 Zinfandel
You and a guest will also spend two nights in a luxurious home overlooking the waters of Discovery Bay, California. Discovery Bay was established in the early 1970s as a mostly weekend and summer resort community. Today, Discovery Bay has evolved into a thriving year-round home for over 14,000 residents who enjoy small-town living against the backdrop of over 1,200 miles of Delta waterways.
Also included, is a culinary dinner for two. Two local Chefs will combine their skills and incorporate local products in a culinary feast.
You?ll also receive a $150 gift card to Zephyr Grill & Bar in Brentwood. Zephyr offers an extensive menu and enticing wine list.
And, you?ll pamper yourself at SAWA Spa Brentwood with a $150 gift card.
The wines and all gift certificates will be available to you at the time of your stay in Discovery Bay. The home is open to an availability of dates. Valid until October 1, 2019.