Second winery for this sunny Monday was Harney Lane Winery. 

Matt was our Tasting Room Associate.  He was a lot of fun.  We shared stories about San Diego, smokers (the ones for smoking meat—not tobacco), sous vides (if you haven’t heard of this, look it up!) and the truck.   Matt is currently working on his wine certifications.  He thought that our double challenges (wine tasting rooms and the truck) sounded like a lot fun. We have to agree.

The tasting room is very large and inviting.  It includes the bar, as well as a sitting area, and a couple of “shopping areas”.  And yes, I did find something to buy—3 small trays for serving appetizers.  I always enjoy tasting rooms that have different things to look at while you wander around with your wine. 

The tasting menu included 1 white and 4 reds.  The tasting fee is $10 per person.  They also have tasting plates with cheese, crackers, nuts, etc. available for purchase!  We had already eaten, or we definitely would have tried one.  Maybe next time.  We did buy a bottle of the old vine zin.

This tasting room, and specifically the Patriarch’s Promise wine, had been recommended to us by Sayde at Stama.  Unfortunately, they are sold out of that wine, so didn’t get a chance to try it. 

Matt told us a lot about their zinfandels.  Their old vine zinfandels come from vines that are 114 years old.  We also talked about food and wine pairings.  In one of his certification classes, Matt said they tried salt, chili flakes, lemon and chocolate with various types of wines to gain an understanding of how salty, spicy, citrusy and sweet foods pair with the wines—or not.  I think we may have to try this at home.     

Details:

• South of Lodi
• 9010 E. Harney Lane
• www.harneylane.com
• Open daily 11am – 5pm

Definitely want to come back and do a tasting with a tasting plate…