Supporting small and local seems to be the way to go. From dealing with local farmers to artisanal producers to family businesses all around, it’s supporting the little guys that give us that feel-good sensation. What happens when it comes to wine? Are you immediately drawn towards the mass producer, who will oftentimes save you money, but may be of lower quality ? Or, do you lean towards small, boutique family-owned wineries who offer wonderful wines (and are oftentimes, undiscovered) and a family who is passionate about the entire process to go along with the wine.
If you prefer the latter, you’re going to want to take a look at The California Wine Club. The focus of the CWP is to support local — both vineyards and wineries and the families that produce them. Since The California Wine Club is a “club,” it’s a wonderful way to discover new vineyards on a monthly basis. There are 5 club levels ranging from the Premier Level, priced at $39.95 per month (plus shipping) to the Aged Cabernet Series , priced at $207.00 per month (plus shipping) — something for every price point. While perusing through the list, we found some familiar favorites like Stag’s Leap and Robledo and discovered others that were new to us (and are now on our radar) like Victor Vineyards and Ca’ Momi Winery.
It’s a bit challenging to learn about a winery without sampling a bottle or two, and we were lucky to receive a ‘sample’ shipment of wine from Victor Vineyards — with our favorite being the full-bodies Cabernet with hints of blackberry, currant and chocolate . Located in Victor, California, just east of Lodi, Victor Vineyards is owned by Robert Lawson — a 50-yr resident of the area, who had always dreamed about owning his own vineyards and winery. In 1993, he purchased 90 acres in the Mokelumne River (aka the Lawson Vineyard). He established himself by supplying grapes to some of the top wineries in the United States, and in 1999, he purchased the Victor Fruit Growers Company — where he carried on his dream of producing his owns wines — and Victor Vineyards came to life.
For more information on The California Wine Club, visit http://www.cawineclub.com/.
Disclaimer: We received a free sample shipment of 2 wines from Victor Vineyards, courtesy of The California Wine Club. The opinions expressed here are our own.