While the number of cases being produced at Venteux Vineyards may be small, the results are anything but. Venteux (pronounced “vin-two” and meaning “windy” in French) is a fitting name for this boutique winery. Not only is it located in the gusty Templeton Gap, it also represents the passion and dedication of two families—Scott and Bobbi Stelzle, and Patricia and Adam Goldenberg. Together, they have realized their dream of creating rich, flavorful wines on an intimate scale.
The winery produces less than 3,000 cases of wine annually, and some vintages, such as the 2009 Pinot Noir, may yield only a single barrel a year. Such a limited production allows winemaker Scott to focus on quality over quantity. At Venteux, all estate vineyards are painstakingly dry-farmed and hand-harvested in the traditional Old World style. Wines are 100 percent natural and fermented using only wild, native yeasts. The careful attention given to the vines is also shown to visitors. Venteux’s tasting room offers visitors a warm and inviting place to sample the winery’s varietals and blends, and, with only a handful of employees, returning customers find that they are soon friends with the familiar faces behind the wine bar. In fact, guests feel so welcome, they often join the Cellar Club on the spot so they can enjoy its many discounts, perks, winemaker events, and famous Venteux parties.
For those who would like to stay for more than a tasting, Venteux boasts several delightful lodging options, all nestled among the estate vineyards. Guests staying in the Green Room are treated to a delicious spread each morning, customized to satisfy guests’ desires. The one-bedroom Red Barn apartment, the new two-bedroom Winery Loft, and the three- bedroom Guest House offer more private options. The accommodations’ open floor plans and farm-style furnishings create a true feeling of country elegance.
Whether stopping in for a quick sip or spending a long weekend among the vines, visitors to Venteux Vineyards will soon discover the big character in each small lot of wine.
For more information, please visit: venteuxvineyards.com