WineyWomen Wine Blog

The Castle Rock Colorado Wine Festival happened this past weekend on July 23rd.  This was the 2nd time I have attended this event.  The first time was probably about 3 or 4 years ago.  I remember it being tons of fun.  This year, it seemed something wasn't quite right. Not sure if it was the fact that it was in the 90's, or that all the wineries were on the outer edges...Not sure.. But, aside from the heat and that all the Volunteers really had no idea where the wine check was, it was a great time!

My wine buddy Cynthia went with me, you will most likely see her with me at all the festivals, and we tasted a few new wines.  There were a couple vineyards that hadn't been at any of the festivals.  One that was new was Allis Ranch Winery.  They are located in Sedalia, CO. David and Margaret Rhyne.  Super nice people.  David has a 1920's Sears Catalog Home that he does his tastings in.  I think we will have to get a group of people to head up and see David and Margaret for a tasting and some lunch.  Thanks for taking the time to chat with us about your offerings.

Got to meet Michelle Cleveland from Creekside Cellars.  If you remember me talking about Zerba Cellars and Mariah being the daughter in law of the owners.  I think it was Michelle's parents that were pouring at the festival.

There were many wineries there that attend most of the festivals.  As always, it is nice to see them.
One Wine Tasting vendor that was there that I know that I will take a lot of heat for is "Water 2 Wine".  None of their wines are made from Colorado Grapes, In fact they get them from 13 other countries.  Because they make the wine here is the reason they are allowed to be at a "Colorado" festival.. Just don't think that promotes the Colorado Wine industry.  Just my opinion and would love to hear yours on this.

Top places to eat at the Festival was the yummy Chicken, Rice and Banana Pudding from the Black Eyed Pea and the huge, I am talking HUGE, slice of yummy pizza from Grammy's Goodies!

Here are the wines I purchased, so watch for reviews coming up:

• BookCliff Vineyards 2009 Ensemble
• Ptarmigan 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon
• Colorado Cellars 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon
• Cottonwood Cellars 2010 White Pinot Noir
• Mesa Park Vineyards 2006 Cabernet Franc Reserve
• Bonacquisti 2008 Cabernet Franc
• Garfield Estates 2009 Cabernet Franc