California winter is pretty mild by any measure. This winter has been especially full of cold and rain, so the arrival of spring was particularly welcome. We celebrated the arrival of good weather in the best way possible, with a wine club release party at Darcie Kent.
The sky was blue and the sun was beaming down on us as we found a parking spot at Darcie Kent Vineyards. Their club parties are very popular, so we were sure arrive early to get a good parking spot and access to the best people-watching spots once on the patio. The check-in process was painless and within moments we were sipping on their 2015 Pistachio Lane Chardonnay.
Darcie Kent club parties usually follow a formula: lots of staff to take care of the members, pouring stations everywhere, fun finger foods paired with each wine, and live music flowing over the entire event. This party featured a returning favorite handling the music: Musical Heartstrings. This unique group performs rock and pop tunes with classically-played cello and violin.
Another returning favorite was catering by Cabana Dave’s. This party featured a wide range of paired bites. We particularly enjoyed the polenta and chicken skewers and found that it paired well with 2014 Tesla Neighbors Petite Sirah AND the 2013 Madden Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon AND the 2014 Field Blend Zinfandel.
After touring all of the pouring and tasting stations, we walked behind the barrel barn to find a barrel tasting in progress. We tasted a young, but promising 2015 Field Blend Zinfandel. The winery was offering futures for sale. Wine futures offers the opportunity to buy wine at a reduced price for delivery later, once it has been released. In this case, the deal provided essentially six bottles for the price of four. A great deal on what should prove to be a great wine.
After enjoying the barrel tasting and spending some time admiring Roscoe the winery dog, we went into the barrel barn in search of wine specials and Darcie’s latest art. At the doorway, we were greeted by an amazing sight: heart-shaped brownies and Port! The triple chocolate brownies were incredible (Cabana Dave’s you did it again) and served as a perfect pairing with the Port.
We tasted some wine on sale, checked out Darcie’s latest vineyard paintings and collected our club packs. Spring may not have sprung, but the Darcie Kent staff certainly put is in the mood!
About the Author: John grills a mean steak and is always in the market for another wine fridge. Believes that if a winery has more than 10 employees, it's probably too big. Buys wine faster than he drinks it, but who cares?
