Taste the Magic of Enriquez Estate: Pinot Noir and Tempranillo Excellence

Embark on a serendipitous journey with the Enriquez family and explore the extraordinary story behind Enriquez Estate Wines, a charming destination nestled in Sonoma County’s Russian River Valley. What initially began as a quest to purchase a vacation home took an unexpected turn, ultimately leading them to the enchanting realm of winemaking. Instead of securing their dream getaway, they found themselves immersed in the breathtaking landscapes of Sonoma County where they decided to indulge in a wine-tasting adventure that would forever change their lives.

During their inaugural winery visit, Eduardo, a fervent admirer of Pinot Noir and Zinfandel, had a transformative experience. As fate would have it, he struck up a conversation with a vintner and, over a delightful dinner, learned about a magnificent vineyard property nestled in Petaluma. Boasting 26 acres of lush grapevines, a state-of-the-art 3000 bottle production facility, and bordering a scenic golf course, the property was Eduardo’s oenophilic and hobbyist paradise. However, his wife Ana wasn’t initially enthralled by the idea.

Undeterred, the Enriquez family returned to their home state of New Jersey, where Eduardo asked his ambitious 23-year-old daughter, Cecilia, to develop a business plan. Fuelled by determination and passion, they embarked on an incredible adventure, culminating in the acquisition of the extraordinary vineyard property. By 2011, Enriquez Estate Winery was up and running. As the winery evolved, it found its new home in the Russian River Valley. A smaller estate focused on high-quality Pinot Noir.

Great Wines in Russian River Valley

Amenities

Nestled near the confluence of the Russian River, Enriquez Estate’s 8.5-acre vineyard benefits from the distinctive characteristics of sandy loam and volcanic ash soils. This unique terroir imparts a captivating allure to the grapes, resulting in wines of unparalleled depth and flavor. To optimize yields, double spacing techniques are employed, ensuring exceptional fruit quality. Positioned at an elevation of 80 feet above sea level, the vines bask in warm summer days moderated by refreshing breezes. Unlike the dense fog found in Petaluma, the morning mist lingers until mid-morning, creating an ideal microclimate. The absence of water sources further concentrates the fruit, elevating the intensity of the wines produced.

Enriquez Estate Winery’s winemaking journey commences in the vineyard, where taste takes precedence over purely analytical chemistry. Operating at 20% capacity due to limited water resources, the focus lies in prioritizing the desired flavors within the grapes, allowing them to naturally manifest in the resulting wines. Cecilia’s preference for Pinot Noir leans towards the cooler climate expressions reminiscent of Petaluma, while emphasizing the influence of the vineyard’s unique terroir. The estate’s Russian River Pinot Noir exhibits a darker berry profile, a testament to the vines’ resilience and their ability to adapt to their environment.

Enriquez Estate Winery’s dedication to Tempranillo is characterized by a harmonious fusion of Spanish and California influences. Showcasing the grape’s inherent characteristics, Cecilia employs American oak while adhering to Spanish standards for reserves and grand reserves. This approach yields a remarkable wine that seamlessly merges California’s fruit-forward style with the traditional leather and tobacco notes for which Tempranillo is renowned in Spain. Sourcing their Tempranillo fruit from Clarksburg, a wine-growing region south of Sacramento with a warmer climate akin to Spain, further enhances the authenticity of their expression.

When visiting the winery, guests can expect a welcoming and intimate experience, designed to be both accessible and personal. Enriquez Estate Winery prides itself on ensuring that visitors leave with newfound knowledge and a sense of joy, without feeling overwhelmed. The facilities strike a perfect balance between rustic charm and natural beauty, mirroring the hands-on and down-to-earth nature of winemaking itself. Each tasting is thoughtfully conducted one at a time, providing a personalized and intimate interaction. At Enriquez Estate Winery, wine is celebrated in an inclusive and engaging manner, making it approachable, unpretentious, and, above all, fun.

Uncover the captivating world of wine at Enriquez Estate Winery and indulge in an unforgettable experience that marries passion, craftsmanship, and the sheer joy of wine.

Top Wineries in Russian River to Visit Now

All You Need to Know About Visiting Enriquez Estate Winery

Enriquez Estate Wines tasting room is located in the beautiful Russian River Valley about 10 min from Healdsburg and 5 min from Windsor. Their tasting room is surrounded by panoramic vineyard views and most importantly, award-winning wines. Members are invited to picnic vineyard-side with minimum bottle purchase.

• Who – Cecilia Enriquez
• Winemaker – Cecilia Enriquez
• What – Pinot Noir, Tempranillo, Muscat, Rose, Blend-White, Cabernet Franc, Port, and Tannat
• When – Open, daily by appointment from 10:00 AM until 4:00 PM
• Where – 5960 Eastside Rd, Forestville, CA 95436
• Reservations – Can be made online here
• Phone Number – 707.347.9719

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