We jumped back in the van and headed to the next winery. We took a left on Highway 46E and passed a few other wineries including Meridian. Not much further down the road was Branch road, we turned right, traveled a little further and turned left into the Bianchi Winery. My first impression was what a great lay out. The two buildings on the property were both so nice, that if we had not had a tour guide we might have went to the wrong building. This was evident by 6 young ladies who got there at the same time as us. It seems they were already pretty happy with how their wine tasting was going that day and headed to the winery building. Our tour guide headed us in the right direction.....towards the tasting room.

As we crossed the parking lot and began getting closer to the front door of the tasting room we noticed a very nice Koi pond with an outdoor patio area leading into a side entrance of the tasting room. There were tables and chairs on the patio by the water for one to enjoy a bottle of wine with a lunch you had brought with you. Perfect for someone wanting a casual wine tasting experience full of ambiance. The building that housed their tasting room was beautiful.

We entered the tasting room and were greeted by a friendly staff member. Our pourer started us on our tasting and some information on the winery. When we had entered the tasting room we were the only couple in the room. Within minutes that went from us to about 10 people including the 6 snookered girls who had found there way to the right place. The tasting room came alive with laughter and loud stories as the room became more crowded. Our pourer was courteous, friendly, knowledgeable and attentive. He began running back and forth attempting to serve everyone, he was soon given some help by another staff member (Diane).

Diane took over pouring the rest of our tastings and explaining the different wines. Diane like the first gentleman was friendly, attentive and professional she listened to everything we had to say or answered any questions we had. The staff had many wines for us to sample, I think about eleven or twelve. KD and I would each try a different wine and then switch that way we did not get to snookered, before we had even left the second wine tasting room.

Our favorites of the day that went home with us were.

*Bianchi Signature Selection- Barbera '06- Cost $28.00

*Bianchi Heritage Selection- Zinfandel '06- Cost $26.00

From Bianchi-

"Starting with the foundation of premium fruit, winemaker Tom Lane adds high-quality French and American oak and meticulous wine making to create two exceptional collections of Bianchi wine.

Heritage Selection

Heritage Collection wines each bear the characteristics of the terroir of Bianchi's ranches. These estate-grown wines include Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, and Zinfandel. Each wine reveals layers of flavors and subtleties that come only with skilled wine making and attention to detail. Heritage Collection wines may be enjoyed upon release or cellared and aged. Elegantly balanced, the wines are easily paired with a variety of cuisines.

Signature Selection

The Bianchi Signature Collection is inspired by the unique complexities that come from an array of renowned vineyards throughout California's Central Coast. Special lots are carefully blended to create the ultimate flavor experience in keeping with the Bianchi mission to produce the finest wines possible. The Signature Selection is also home to many special, small lots, often using unusual varietals. The varietals in the Bianchi Signature Collection include Petite Sirah and Cabernet Franc from Paso Robles, Pinot Noir from York Mountain and Santa Maria Valley, Chardonnay from Edna Valley, and Pinot Grigio from Arroyo Grande."

We will describe the wines wine more in depth as we pair them with an entrée in the future.

I have added a link http://http://www.bianchiwine.com/

We rate the Wine (Good)

We rated our experience............ (Good)

Here are our Ratings: / Pass / Fair / OK / Good / Great / Fantastic

Disclaimer: Just because we like or dislike a wine does not mean that you will have the same experience. Of course it's always worth a try....tell us what you think...........in other words post a comment!!

Aloha,

Ron & KD

The Wine Space

http://www.thewinespace.com/