Vina Castellano Winery (Back to Previous Page)

Appellation: Placer County Location: 4950 Bell Rd. Auburn, California 95602 Phone: (530)889-2855 Winemaker: Derek Irwin, Gabe Mendez, Teena Wilkins Tasting Room: Sat. tasting at Pavillon on the Water Days/Hours: May thru Harvest, Sat 12-4 & By Appointment Only Parking: Medium Picnic Facilities: N/A Red Wines: Tempranillo, Syrah, Cabernet Franc White Wines: Rose Production: N/A
Map

The Winery

The short trip from the wonderful Gold Rush town of Auburn to the beautiful gates of the Vina Castellano estate is well worth the drive. The vineyards and winery are set on 8 acres of rolling oak pastureland at about the 1300 foot elevation. Tasting is offered May through harvest at a Pavillion on the water Saturdays from 12 to 4 and by appointment. They also offer Cave Tours on request. The winery recently opened a tasting room with three other Placer County wineries called The Wine Rack, and located in downtown Auburn. They offer a unique wine club that celebrates their Spanish theme in the events they offer.

The Vineyards

The vineyards are planted in the Mediterranean type climate and soils of the central Foothills. The varietals chosen were those that did best in that environment and now include Tempranillo, Grenache, Mourvedre, Syrah, and Cabernet Franc vines.

The Wines

The winery has a true Spanish Mediterranean flare to it. They specialize in the three of the most common varietals used in Spanish red wines; Tempranillo, Monastrell (Mourvedre), and Grenache (Garnacha). The Tempranillo has nicely rounded tannins, spicy overtones, and enough acid to make it go great with food. They also make a very European style dry Rose with good fruit and a surprising amount of body for a light wine.

The Winemaker

The winemaker at Vina Castellano is Derek Irwin. Mr. Irwin has a degree in enology from the University of California at Davis, and has worked for such premium California wineries as Viansa and Bouchaine. He is considered a pioneer in California with Tempranillo, and feels it has a great home in the Sierra Nevada Foothills. 

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