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Welcome!
We appreciate your patronage and hope to keep you up to date on the latest news from the vineyard and the tasting room (with an occasional bite from Alan's musical efforts).
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From Sandra's Desk
February 2025
Mid-Winter in the vineyard is the ultimate "rest period". Sure, there are lots of things to be done and I'm sure that Marshall is laughing as he reads this because the vineyard is never completely quiet. But it is the time that the plants themselves get a chance to rest and that brings a kind of peace all into itself. The vines have already undergone their first level of pruning and soon the entire vineyard will be alive with activity as the real pruning is underway. Then there will be prayers and fingers crossed that the early growth holds off as long as possible to avoid a frost. So…. the cycle of life for the vines begins again.
The same is true for us humans. Alan and I and our daughter moved to the Monterey Peninsula in 1989. We didn't know how Alan's business would react, but it proved to be a non-issue. Carmel is known everywhere as one of the most beautiful places on earth and as we all know…people LOVE to come here. He learned to fly planes and for many years this is how he commuted to work. We LOVED the ocean air, the wildness, and the sheer beauty of this magical place. We found out early that we needed to escape the summer fog and after a Sunday drive, we found that escape in Carmel Valley. After a few years, we started the vineyard. In the meantime, we made friends, had two more children, invited our family to join us and built our wine business. It has been a joyous life. All of this is to tell you that after 36 years we are selling our Highlands home and moving to the vineyard. It was a wonderful home for our growing family, but it is A LOT for two old people…lol. So, if you know anyone who is looking for a wonderful family compound on the coast, let them know about our house and have them call Carmel Realty. In the meantime, have a great month! I will be back in March!
Salute,
Sandra
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From the Winemaker
Happy almost spring!!
Hoping everyone is having a great start to the new year! It is very hard to believe it's 2025. This is the start of my 14th vintage making wine here and every year has had its own story to tell. This year, similarly, to 2014, started with barely any rain (only 6.5 inches so far) and really quite warm. 2014 it seemed we had no winter at all and in fact had a very early bud break (vines coming out of dormancy). I remember having bud break that year as early as Valentine's Day in some spots, normally bud break is late March to early April. This year started like that, as well, with many days in the mid-sixties to low seventies in January. Thank goodness February we are not only getting some rain, but it has also cooled down majorly with highs in the fifties and lows in the high twenties and low thirties. Will continually hope and pray for helpful weather as so much of this is out of our hands. On the wine front everything on the winery is looking great and I can't wait to bottle the 2023 vintage in August.
Cheers to a great year.
Frank
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Sip and Screen
Happy February, club members and loyal customers! We all know sharing is caring, and the best thing to share is a really good pairing! However, it doesn't always have to be with food- I love, love, love pairing wines with activities! Sometimes, the flavor of a wine reminds me of feelings I've had during different experiences- Just like how Alan's music informs us of feelings we should have during specific scenes! So, just for fun, I've paired some of our wines with the movie I think they vibe with the best…
Since it is February, and romance is in the air, the first movie I wanted to pair was 'Serendipity'- an absolute classic romance, and I love the optimism of it all. Plus, John Cusack & Kate Beckinsale? Incredible chemistry! Only one wine couple possibly resonate perfectly with it- the Bella Sandra Chardonnay. Rich and creamy, it evokes a cozy feeling for me that goes hand in hand with my favorite rom-com.
Now, if I'm in a bit more of an action mood, 'Predator' is my guilty pleasure. And for something that thrilling with a little extra bite, you've got to have a wine that goes toe-to-toe with it! The Red Ranger Syrah has that perfect balance of nuanced fruit notes and a spicy finish that creeps up on you before you hear the Yautja!
'Allied' is an intense WW2 drama, and the twists in that movie keeps me on my toes. For a subversive treat, I like to sip our 2021 Estate Rose along with it- made with 100% Grenache grapes, you would think it would have a nice, bold flavor, but it exudes a subtle elegance and racy acidity that slinks across the tongue. Shockingly refreshing!
And of course, in honor of the 'Back to the Future' musical coming to San Francisco this month, what wine could you possibly pair with time-traveling hijinks? Well, there is something for everyone in this score (and glass!). For the white wine fans, the Il Campione Pinot Blanc is that perfect balance of familiarity but a bright, exciting change from the norm. Pairing with red, the Eugenia red blend is a rich, bold, and balanced wine that feels comforting while also slipping in some fun complexity to keep you on your toes.
And of course, remember tasting is subjective! So, play with your pairings! Sometimes the best tasting experiences are the most unexpected. Grab a glass and try everything.
Cheers!
Andi
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From The Tasting Room:
Winter in Carmel brings a little bit of everything—beautiful sunny days and cozy drizzly ones. No matter the weather, wine tasting is always a perfect way to spend your time! This is the slower season, which means quieter streets, a relaxed pace, and the best time for locals to enjoy our tasting room without the usual crowds.
For our regulars and even those who visit just once a year, our wine club is a fantastic way to keep the Silvestri experience going all year long. Exclusive releases, special perks, and the joy of bringing a taste of Carmel home—it's the perfect way to stay connected.
Stop by, sip with us, and make the most of this beautiful season. We can't wait to see you!
If you are interested in being a part of our wonderful Wine Club, now is the perfect time. Members receive exclusive offers and benefits with our Signature Wine Club, including:
- 20% discount on regular priced wines and most on-sale wines
- Immediate access to benefits upon sign-up
- Convenient wine shipping to select destinations across the U.S.
Sign-up is simple through the tasting room or on our website. Our knowledgeable staff is here to assist you every step of the way, whether you prefer to order online or through our tasting room.
Thank you for your continued support, and we look forward to seeing you at the tasting room soon!
-The Tasting Room Staff
Daniella, Elian, Andi & Savannah
Daily Tasting Menu:
2021 Pinot Blanc, Il Campione, Estate
2021 Chardonnay, Bella Sandra, Estate
2021 Pinot Noir, Piave, Estate
2021 Barbera, Estate
2019 Red Blend, Eugenia, Estate
Available for Purchase (click or tap here to visit our online store):
2021 Grenache Rosé, Estate
2021 Pinot Gris, Ala, Estate
2021 Chardonnay, Tre Bambine, Estate
2021 Pinot Noir, Rising Tide, Estate
2021 Grenache 90% Syrah 10% Blend, Estate
2021 Syrah, Estate
2021 Syrah, Red Ranger, Estate
2019 Cabernet Sauvignon, I'Vendicatori, Estate
2019 Late Harvest Moscato, Estate
For Tasting Room information (hours, location, etc.) click or tap here to visit our website
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